OK.... after going back and forth on a 10 day itinerary, it's finally a done deal and I would like to hear what the experts think. To recap, Me, wife, now 3 other adults and kids (10, 15 and 16) will be making the trip. Sched is as follows.

2/11 - 520AM TACA Air flight non-stop. arrive about 930. Pick up rental car then off to Arenal Observatory Lodge. (I know it's a lot of travel for one day but not crazy about overnight in SJ).

2/12 - Skytrek then Eco Thermales

2/13 - Cano Negro Tour

2/14 - Drive to SJ for Nature Air flight to Puerto Jiminez for a 6 night stay at Casa Bambu.

2/15 - 20th - Would like to hike Corcovado, definitely do the wildlife refuge and perhaps a day of fishing.

2/20 - Depart on Nature Air. Catch late Taca flight (730pm)non-stop to JFK.

Hope this meets the experts approval, as the lodging is already booked and I'm going to give it a couple of weeks to see if flight prices go down.

Please let me know if I'm trying to fit too much travel in a day.... best time to book Nature Air (how the heck do I get those loco rates?), advice on tours, good fishing charters out of Matapalo, and whatever other advice could be offered. After all the "back and forth", I had to bite the bullet and decide on Osa and Casa Bambu over MA. Hope this suits us and the kids. Thanks for the help in advance, friends.

I think it looks great. The Nature Air loco rates are always the first to go, if you have your dates I would book that part now as they can sell out fast. You may want to also check Sansa's rates as well as they usually have more flights per day to choose from.

Thumbs up - looks like a wonderful trip!

We had a wonderful day of fishing during our visit to the Osa. Caught several Marlin, Sailfish and Dorado. We booked our trip with Captain Mike Hennessy, while at Bosque del Cabo. Here is the link to the company we went with. Could not have asked for a better experience and fun day.

www.cabo-matapalo.com

Excellent! You have an amazing trip to look forward to. As for Corcovado, arranging that from Bosque del Cabo isn't, my opinion, the best option. But, as you say, you are locked in with the lodging.

We want to do Corcovado as well (although doubt we'll see as much wildlife as we do at BdC). This past July we met a couple who lead overnight hikes into Corcovado, from Carate, down the road from BdC. So next year, we are going to arrange that BEFORE we check in at BdC. Love it too much (and pay too much) there to be gone for any length of time! And we liked the idea of overnight in Corcovado.

Just a thought. . .

Thanks for the input, friends. Dfarmer... I've read about Capt Mike and it looks like a great trip. Would you know off hand what his rates are for 1/2 day?

Shill... thanks again for the help. Actually, the Corcovado hike will be guided by the Casa Bambu caretaker. He and the Casa get raves on tripadvisor. The other tours can be booked thru the Casa owner as well so we'll go that route. It seems like an awesome place and from what i gather, it's a stone toss from BDC if I'm not mistaken.

Sorry Hans I don't recall the price. We did a full day a couple years back. If my husband remembers, I will get back to you.

Oh sure, hans, now I'm on board with you! I know about Casa Bambu, I was thinking, though, of the cabina called "Bambu" at Bosque del Cabo. It all makes more sense now. Perhaps I was still sleeping! LOL!

It really is a nice itinerary, though.

One thing we did, which was helpful to us, was stay in Puerto Jimenez (or nearby) at Iguana Lodge a couple of nights in order to visit the Animal Sanctuary while we were already so close to the dock. It is located across the gulf.

We changed up our accomodations in order to do that. I'm not sure how many people think of it, but when the flights arrive early in Puerto Jimenez, which many do, those persons who are traveling on up to BdC could just drop their bags off at the BdC office in Puerto Jimenez, go do the Animal Sanctuary trip, then be picked up about noon for transport up to the lodge. And for those arriving later in the a.m. or early p.m., I think it is worth it to stay even a night at Iguana or elsewhere in PJ to do the Animal Sanc. tour.

Anyway. . .WHEN is your trip??! And don't worry about your choices, the kids and everyone else will love it!

This is sort of off the subject, of course. I just thought I'd mention it because so many people make that daytrip from Bosque del Cabo, Lapa Rios, and that general area, and have to pay for transportation to and from PJ, not to mention losing valuable time at the lodges.

Just rearrange the last couple of paragraphs. . . LOL

Hi Shill...

We'll be arriving at Casa Bambu on 2/14 if that's what you mean. As far as the wildlife refuge goes? Not sure... maybe 16th. Thanks again all for your insight. Keep it coming

Sounds like you have it all under control. Enjoy the anticipation; it is for sure part of the fun!

Hi again friends...

I will be booking flights in the next 2 weeks and am open for opinions and advice... In comparing TACA Air with COPA, which is preferred? I have a choice of flying TACA nonstop(520am from JFK/ARR 930AM at SJO) or COPA with 1 stop and arriving at 1130am... non-stop is real appealing with less of a chance of baggage getting lost, etc. but would it be worth saving 90.00 a seat with COPA? Am travelling with 7 other people so that's some significant cash saved with COPA.... ALSO. If I do take an early a.m. flight, I'm thinking I'll be pretty beat to drive to AOL and wondering if hiring a driver would be wise.... he can drop us at AOL and perhaps renting a vehicle the next day if possible???

With that being said, can I rent a vehicle from anywhere near AOL and any driver recommendaions are appreciated. Pls let me know if this is a good idea... You've all been great... Thanks