I worked out this itinerary for a first time in Costa Rica end of this year before reading these posts and haven't found anyone else doing the same tour. Is there something terribly wrong - like driving times? Any suggestions would be very welcome:
Day One fly into San Jose. Stay at Grano de Oro.
Day 2 visit La Paz waterfalls
Day 3 Fly to Drake bay stay at Paloma lodge
3 nights
Day 6 Fly back to San Jose, Rent car stop in punta Arenas on the way to
Day 7 Monteverde stay 3 nights..?
day 10 drive to Tortuguero stay 3 nights...?
Day 13 drive to Puerto Viejo to see friends
spend 3 nights
Day 17 fly back to Rome from SJ
We are a family with teens. Nature lovers. Good food lovers . Not resort types. Hate crowds. Any suggstions on places to stay would also be much appreciated.
We have just come back from Cuba in case anyone needs any help...

I too was wondering about the Tortuguero segment. You do realize that you will need to take a boat or fly there?

As a fellow nature lover and crowd hater, I like the veriety of your itinerary!

If you want a possibly more accesible alternative to the farther and more crowded Monteverde, you might wish to consider a mountain lodge in the cloudforest of Cerro de la Muerte. My husband and I absolutely loved Savegre Lodge. The birdwatching is excellent and the scenery amazing. Marino is a supberb guide. The area is about a 2 hour drive from San Jose. Savegre will provide transportation.

Thank-you very much for your replies. The reason we aren't so interested in Arenal is that we have plenty of volcanoes and spas in Italy, though I am sure it is not the same! It's just we can't do everything ad I've heard it's such a long drive from Monteverde.
I understand the problem about Tortuguero. What about if we skip Puntarena head straight for Monteverde and then go to Limon where we could leave the car and boat up to Tortuguero and then take the car again and drive down to Puerto Viejo. Would that make more sense?
Or should we skip Monteverde....??
In any case I will look into the lodges and places you have suggested first. Thanks again for the advice!

I second the remarks about Savegre Lodge.
A great location with lots of birds and much less 'touristy' than Monteverde.

Jerry

I like your itinerary very much - I put packages for Costa Rica together all the time, and the only part of your trip that doesnt work too well is when you're renting a car and driving to Puntarenas, then up to Monteverde (MTV). From San Jose to Puntarenas is like 2 1/2 hours, then Puntarenas to MTV is like 4 hours - That's a LONG day! San Jose to MTV is 4 hours. I would cut out Limon & Puerto Viejo from the trip completely! You cannot swim there; if you're looking for beach, head south to Manuel Antonio!

So after MTV, you should head back to San Jose for 1 Night - then up to Tortuguero for 2 Nights, back to San Jose for 1 Night & then end up at Manuel Antonio!

Great Trip - Need help booking it? Let me know!