My husband and I arrive into SJ on Sunday, 12/4 at night and fly out in the AM on Tuesday, 12/13. As of now we are hoping to go to Poas/La Paz, Arenal, Monteverde, and Manuel Antonio.

Do you think we have enough time to do all that?

Also, I'd like to fly for one portion, can you fly from Monteverde to Manuel Antonio (I'd like to take a horseback from arenal to monetverde and then would head to manuel antonio afterwards) Does this make sense?

I have a good sense of our hotels in arenal (montana de fuego or lost iguana) and Manuel antonio (hotel mariposa or mango moon) but am open looking for monteverde suggestions.

I know these are a lot of questions, but I need help!! Thanks!!

As for flying from Monteverde - No - you cannot. You would have to drive back to SJ to get a flight to Quepos for your MA portion of this trip.

You have 9 nights, and unfortunately I believe you are being a bit over ambitious.

A few more questions, if you do not mind, in order to give you better advice.

Do you have a plan for your first night? Are you going directly to a lodge/hotel near Poas/La Paz? And how are you traveling these first few days?

Basically you are looking at 2 nights near SJ or Poas, 2 nights Arenal, 2 nights Monteverde and 1 night back in or near SJ for your early flight home. This only leaves you 2 nights for MA. Doable but alot of road time.

Thanks for yoru reply. To answer your questions:

We are going to stay in SJ the first night since we arrive late (4:00 pm flight leaving from NYC), we will stay somewhere near the airport. Recommendations are welcome, since we won't really be there long we don't need anythign so fancy just safe, clean, and convenient.

We haven't figured out how we're traveling. I think with a driver, unless I decide I am ok with driving (I am typically the driver when my husband and I go away). What do you suggest? Which parts do you recommend we drive or have a driver vs which parts to fly?How much cheaper is it to drive yourself than to get a driver?

Any recommendations on drivers/transportation are welcome too.

I should also mention that we are two 30 year-olds so are definitely up for adventure, but nothing too crazy. Not sure if you needed to know that or not.

Well lots of options - the drive from SJ up to Poas, over to La Paz and onto Arenal is a relatively easy drive. Although, my husband does the driving not me - I am the navigator!!

This year we spent our first night and last 2 nights at Orquideas Inn in Alajuela, and much enjoyed our stay. It is approx 15 mins from the airport. We opted for the $70-$80? garden room. Typical hotel style. Great bar, delicious food, wonderful breakfast, great conversations. Lots of good reviews for this one here on this forum. http://www.orquideasinn.com/index.html

You could have a car delivered here the next morning or hire a driver through Wady Tours on site. We used a couple of their drivers this year for airport transfers and a day tour. Luis and Carlos were excellent.

Gotta go - lots of trick 0 treators. Will continue!!!

Ok I'm back!

If you opt for a rental, you will have to either drive the whole time of see if you can turn in the vehicle before leaving Arenal - this often can be done, but at an additional cost.

So if you opt for a driver, this would make a nice day to stop by Poas and La Paz and drive you onto Arenal (you may even want to stop by Doka Coffee Plantation). Which would have you utilizing a driver for just this day.

Using taxis and tour companies for your Arenal excursions.

Then do the horse/jeep thing over to Monteverde. Again using tours and taxis while in Monteverde.

Arrange for your driver to pick you up in Monteverde and transport you to MA. Or use Interbus. Or if you have the rental...

From MA/Quepos - fly back to SJ.

I think you have to run the numbers - a driver a couple of days vs. car rental for 10 days.

Many times it seems even when we are driving, we end up booking a tour where transportation is included. Therefore the cost of the vehicle is not necessary.

We always tend to mix up our mode of transportation - it just seems to make better sense.

Am I making sense!?!?!

Totally making sense. Thanks so much for your comments.

How long is the drive from Monteverde to Manuel Antonio?

Also, any suggestions on drivers or car rental companies?

And lastly - this may be a stupid question, but are there taxis at the airport to get us to our hotel the first night? Is this the best way? We get in at nighttime so will go straight to the hotel that night.

ricster - once you pass the glass wall into the outside of the terminal, you will be tripping over them, lol . Go to the booth, tell them where you need to go, they will set you up with price & driver, so no confusion.

I'm thinking of doing a similar trip, but replacing Monteverde with Sarapiquis. Family with 3 kids 9,11,14.
Does anyone have an opinion, good or bad idea. We love wildlife!