Yep, you don't want to personally drive at night just because things aren't well marked, and you can encounter fog and rain. I wouldn't hesitate to go with a professional driver though - especially to avoid staying in San Jose on a short time frame.

Good to know. Any thoughts about visiting Sarapiqui vs. Monteverde?

Different ecosystems--lowland rainforest at Sarapiqui vs mid elevation cloud forest at Monteverde. Monteverde has better food and ziplines, with more upscale lodging. Sarapiqui is much more easy to get to and has jungle lodges.

How big of a deal would it be for you to see a quetzal? If it's no big deal, I'd go with Sarapiqui. That said, seeing a quetzal is a truly awesome experience.

Also, if you're doing Arenal and Tortuguero, Sarapiqui would have the advantage of convenience and location but Monteverde would have the advantage of showing you something you didn't see in the other two places.

If you want to see the cloud forest environment, Montverde is a good choice. We liked Fonda Vela if you're looking for a place to stay. We used the Jeep Boat Jeep through Desafio to go from Arenal to Monteverde, about $25 per person, and it saves you about an hour since you cut across the lake. We did a cool night hike at Hidden Valley and ziplined. I wasn't implying that you should get rid of Monteverde, just that if I had to choose between Tortuguero and MV, I'd pick Tortuguero.


Have not had the chance to stay at Sarapiqui yet, but we rafted the river from Arenal. RAC is right that it's a much different climate. Our hotel in Monteverde had their fireplace going.

We've been gong back and forth, but think we may opt for more convenience/less traveling (hopefully somewhat lower cost) this trip and stay more centrally located (Monteverde/Arenal/Sarapiqui).

In terms of tours, how much do we need to book in advance vs. waiting until we are there? Are there specific things that we musthave advance reservations for?

If you are interested in Eco-Termales at Arenal, you definitely need to book in advance since it's limited to 100 people per session and can sell out.

If you are planning to include a guided hike at La Selva during your Sarapiqui visit, you should pre-book it.

For Monteverde, I would have your hotel reserve a guide for you for MV Reserve and/or Santa Elena Reserve. I don't think you have to set up ziplining in advance, can do that upon arrival.

Thanks again.

It seems we keep cutting thigs back. Vgirl originally suggested going to 2 places during our visit and I am thinking that may be good advice to prevent too much driving and switching hotels. Assuming we do in fact stay around San Jose the first and last night, is there enought to do in Monteverde and Arenal to keep us entertained for the 7 days (understanding that the first and last days will require drives to/from San Jose?). Interested most in looking at wildlife (I know the Osa would be better), hiking and general sightseeing - maybe a horseback ride. We honestly don't care much about zip lining, hanging out by the pool/hot springs, etc.

Sorry for the never ending questions :-).

I think there's enough to keep you entertained, but when I think of wildlife, I don't necessarily think of those two areas. It's definitely there, just not as easily spotted as in some of the other areas like the Osa, Tortuguero, and MA. In Arenal, you can do all the hikes I mentioned above - volcano hike, horseback to waterfall, Hanging Bridges, and do the Cano Negro tour. There's also the Venado Caves. In Monteverde, you can hike the Santa Elena and Monteverde Reserves and do the night hike at Hidden Valley. Definitely hire guides to increase your wildlife spottings. Check out Sunset Tours and Desafio to see everything they offer and what interests you.

Hopefully this is the last time around this issue. I keep going around and around, but from reading posts, it seems I'm not the only one who has had difficulty planning their first visit. These are the three options as they stand. Any votes from all of you wonderful forum members? Reasons appreciated -- see first post for personal preferences.

1. Arenal 3 nights, Manuel Antonio 3 nts.

2. Monteverde 3 nts, Arenal 3 nts

3 Tortuguero 2 nts, Arenal 4 nts.

All would include a stay in San Jose vicinity for 1 night on each end of the trip.

Thanks for continuing to humor me :-).

3, 3, 3. :-) Beautiful unique areas...the canals of Tortuguero are so beautiful and so much to do around Arenal.

However, if you do want some beach time and more restaurant choices then choose 1. MA beaches are gorgeous.

Not much help, am I?

Well, you eliminated #2, I see. :-) We're actually not really beach people. On the other hand, Tortuguero concerns me a bit because of the potential for really bad weather (I'm going in April, so perhaps a bit less of a concern?). Also, this will be our first trip in this type of environment so there is a bit of apprehension (I've been to rainforests in Hawaii and Puerto Rico with all of the bugs and humidity, but always was spoiled having a nice comfortable air conditioned room to go back to :-)).

One other question ... If I do go to Tortuguero, is the Cano Negro tour in Arenal still worthwhile or is it similar?

Please keep voting :-)

Manatus in Tortuguero has A/C.

Ooh, I'm going with #3 too - Love Tortuguero and Arenal both. April isn't a big rainy month for Tortuguero, more so in July and December. We went in July and got rain but still loved it. I love air conditioning too, but was okay in Tortuguero - it was humid, but we had screened windows to let the breeze in and also had a big ceiling fan. I think Cano Negro and Tortuguero are similar. I did both just because I love that kind of stuff.