I HAVE ONLY 5 NIGHTS IN CR. WHERE DO I GO???HELP
 

my husband and i (early thirties) will be travelling childless to CR in Oct 18-22. we have 5 nights. where would you suggest we go? arenal? MA? tamarindo? my goal in this trip is to enjoy food, relax with no kids, and do a little sight seeing. recommendations of hotels also appreciated. thanks for your time! MOLLY

A lot will depend on what time your flight arrives. If you have an afternoon flight you may have to stay in the central valley as you don't want to try and get somewhere in the dark. (It's dark at 6:00). Same for flight home. If you have an early flight, you have to stay somewhere closer to the airport. So now that you know that, how many night do you really have to get away from San Jose area?
As for Tamarindo, I would not go there if you're flying into San Jose, as it's a 5 hour drive. Of course you can fly there from San Jose, but again, depending on when your flight comes into San Jose, you may have to stay in the area and catch a flight to Tamarindo the next day. Now, if your flying into Liberia, Tamarindo would be convenient for you.
Personally, I like Manuel Antonio better than Tamarindo. It's prettier IMO.
If you don't care about beaches, there are several areas in the central valley to explore, besides the lovely La Fortuna area where Arenal Volcano is.

I recommend you stay in Arenal. You might need a night near the airport depending on what time your flight leaves and arrives, though. It's a 3-hour drive to Arenal.

We enjoyed the Lost Iguana resort in Arenal. Lots to do in Arenal. See recent trip reports on this web-site.

How's...

La paz (peacelodge..about 1-1.5 hour drive from sjo) for one night..

Arenal (lost iguana, tabacon, arenal paraiso, etc, about 3-3.5 hour drive from la paz) for two night...

Quepos/jaco/MA (many many hotels...about 5 hour drive from arenal) for two night and go back to sjo?

Seems little short on every location...but doable..and get both mountain/ocean..

Either way, you will have good time!! have fun!!

If you only have 5 days, I suggest Arenal area. Many of the tours leave from the hotels in that area.

If beach is the thing, MA is my pick. If not Arenal.
Cant miss either way!
Enjoy, try not to pak too much in!

I would also say M.A. first choice , then Arenal ......

thanks for all your input. i have booked a room at mango moon. (the queen upper balcony). now will come the fun part of hearing your suggestions of restaurants and drinks. will i be able to walk and take taxis throughout MA?

Food in Manuel Antonio is more expensive than in Quepos. In Manueal Antionio, I thought Karola was pretty good for seafood.