I would like to to to Mal Pais for a few days to surf and relax. I would also like to get to the Osa (Cabo matapalo area) as well. Does it make sense to drive to Osa stopping in Manuel Antonio a night or two, and Dominical for a night? Or is it just too far and exhausting to drive all the way to P. Jiminez? Would I be bettter off just going back to San Jose and flying to Puerto Jiminez? I plan to be in CR for 12 days.

haven't yet been to CR, but looking into similar areas I know you can also get short flights from MA to PJ (Nature Air Quepos-Puerto Jiménez for $99 one way), so you could drive to MA from Mal Pais and then fly to the Osa.

For just a 12 day trip, driving to the Osa would take up an awful lot of time.

Dominical is not that far from Manuel Antonio so staying at both places wouldn't really accomplish much other than you getting to see them. They are different types of places and well worth visiting instead of the Osa. You could spend a few days in each place.

Naplo999,
Driving from San Jose to Pto Jimenez takes around 7 hours. The surroundings are beautiful and you problably forget the long way when you see the nature, the ocean and others.
There is a car rental company in Puerto Jimenez: www.solidcarrental.com and they know very well the area so, could be a good tip catching a flight to Pto Jimenez and then get the car just in front of the airstrip. Also, you need a 4x4 because the road conditions.

Take care and good surf!

Sorsha

Day 1--arrive
Day 2--get to Malpais
Day 3--surf Malpais
Day 4--surf Malpais
Day 5--drive to MA
Day 6--MA
Day 7--drive to Puerto Jimenez/Matapalo
Day 8--Cabo Matapalo
Day 9--Cabo Matapalo
Day 10--Cabo Matapalo
Day 11--return to San Jose
Day 12--departure flight

How does that work for you?

Keep your time short in MA--the main thing there is the park. I assume you'll want to spend the majority of your days at surfing spots. . .

You'll lose 4 days of vacation driving; but you can enjoy those days if you don't mind the driving. As sorsha mentioned, there is a lot to see along the way. We always like the driving part. Be prepared for extreme rough between MA and Dominical (2 hours)--no need to stay at Dominical.

I know it's a surf spot, but you don't have time if you want to make it to Cabo Matapalo. More stopping and starting will eat up more time! It's (Dominical) a good lunch stop between Manuel Antonio and Puerto Jimenez. Early lunch stop. . .10:30 or 11:00.

If you want to do more chilling, then cut Cabo Matapalo, and just surf Malpais and Dominical. . .you can play with the above itinerary and see what works best for you. Just don't plan on too much activity on your drive days. . .and have a great time!

you could just fly back and forth if you've got the money. www.flysansa.com for the schedule and prices. tambor is closest to mal pais