We are in the final stages in the planning of our first trip to CR in February. It is my husband and I an our 11 year old son. Here's how it goes so far:

Friday - Fly Newark to SJO - land 12:30 p.m.
private driver to Arenal - Lost Iguana Lodge

Saturday - Tuesday -Explore Arenal area

Wednesday - Private driver to MA - Buena Vista Villas.

Thurs - Sat. - Explore MA area

Sunday - Fly home SJO to Newark - Leave SJO 1:20.

My major question is about our last day. I was looking at a flight from Quepos to San Jose (Pava). How far is it from the Pava airport to SJO? Also, if we choose to drive this route, what time should we leave in the morning to be on time for our flight.

Thanks in advance for any suggestions/comments you may have.

Pavas is about 30 minutes from SJO. However Sansa is right next door, you can walk to SJO. If you're driving, suggest you be there 3 hours before flight so that would mean you'd have to leave realllly early.

Have a great trip!

Thank you. I did check Sansa and they have flights that work out as well. The only thing I'm worried about with them is their baggage limitations. I guess I'll have to pack light!

Yes, it's doable and most hotels do offer laundry so you can pack light. The "weekender convertible" bag at Ebags is a nice lightweight bag/backpack that we like and comes in cool colors so each person can have a different one. I also have one rolling carry-on that is made of lighter weight material that I found a couple of years ago at Ross so you can find something if you need too.

Thanks, I will look for those bags.

To go along with hip's bag suggestion, we ordered (as per Tully's advice) the zip up mesh clothing organizers (set of 3). We both really liked having our clothing organized in those weekender convertible bags. I have since recommended them to someone else who is equally sold on them. Nice to have. I think they were about 3/$20.

We did nearly the same itinerary in June (3 nts at Lost Iguana & 6 nts at BVV). We (kids 9 & 14) loved both places. You're going to have a great time!

My recommendation would be to spend one less night in Arenal and leave MA Sat. pm and have a driver bring you back to San Jose, stay near the airport (we've stayed at the Orquedias Inn, it's very nice.

You could also stop at the La Paz Waterfalls on the way back if you'd like to see them. That way you have less worries about your flight. Between the traffic and the weather, I'd rather not have to spend my last day travelling and worrying....

Here's another vote for the ebags.com weekender convertible bag; we love ours!

Thank you all for your help/suggestions.

I considered spending the night near SJO on Saturday, but my husband doesn't want to switch hotels again. I'll give him that!

I have quotes from three different drivers Carlos Bogarin, Leo Rodriguez and Wilson Rojas. All seem to be in the same ballpark and all get rave reviews here and elsewhere.

All I have to do is book our excursions. I will probably have Lost Iguana book most of them in Arenal. We really want to do Skytrek, Eco Thermales, Cano Negro, Hanging Bridges, maybe the waterfall and a night hike tour.

In MA I think we'll tour the park one day and keep it simple the rest of the time. That is, of course, if anyone has any suggestions!

In MA, horseback riding with Finca Valmy and the Damas mangrove tour are popular. We went snorkeling, and it was kind of a bust due to all the sediment.