I'm planning a trip to Costa Rica and only have 8 days. I've read through hundreds of posts on various sites and have learned much about places to stay and sights to see - THANK YOU!!!

So, I was thinking of going straight to Arenal for 3 nights (hot springs, then going on one day trip down Rio Pacuare and then getting dropped off at Puerto Viejo near Cocles Beach for 4 nights then back to San Jose for early morning flight.

Now I'm having those pre-booking jitters where I start to worry if I'm making any grave mistakes. Am I missing out big time by not visiting Monteverde's cloud forest? Are the forests with hanging bridges near Arenal similar or is Monteverde something amazingly different?

Thanks again all for letting me mooch off of all your great info!

Most people seem to think that Monteverde is easy to skip. I haven't been back to Costa Rica for several years, but when I think back on my two trips, it's Monteverde that comes to mind. I think that's mostly because I consider myself a 'plant' person. To me, the cloud forest was magical, just so many incredible shades of green. Every inch of every surface was alive.

However, your trip is short. I'd leave it as is, and catch Monteverde (or another cloud forest)on a different trip.

Don't fret. The trip you have planned sounds good.
The Monteverde forest has more huge tropical oaks often in the clouds because of elevation and weather.

The jungle like forest around Arenal is also beautiful in it's own way.

When on the Caribe don't miss Punta Uva beach a few kms south of Cocles. The walk to the north of there along the beach is very scenic and Punta Uva by the punta (point) is one of the best for a swim. Rent a bike to get there.

Have a wonderful journey!

you dont have time in 8 days to visit Monteverde!
Playa Cocles is lovely. If youre in that area you should visit Gandoca/ Manzanillo Reserve:

http://www.moon.com/planner/costa_ri...e/gandoca.html

Also Cahuita National Park has some of the best beaches on the Caribbean coast:

http://costa.rica.typepad.com/cahuit...ark/index.html

I, too, think you have an excellent itinerary. LOVE the Caribbean side. GM reserve definitely a must see--Abel Bustamante is a fantastic (and reasonably priced) local guide. He can show you all kinds of things in 3-4 hours!

[email protected]

. . .just in case you're interested.

As for Monteverde, I'd like to go back and spend more time. It is unique. Definitely not a place to rush in and out of. When we were there for 2 nights (not quite enough), there was something about it that bothered me. I can't put my finger on it--something about the tourists there, I don't know. It's weird. Some sort of vibe. . Haven't felt that way anywhere else in Costa Rica and have been all over. I'm thinking of spend a week there this summer studying Spanish--just can't decide whether I REALLY want to commit THAT much time!

kuriouskat, I am a fan of Monteverde, which inspired my daughter and I to write poetry in the cloud forest...however I too agree you should skip it on this trip.

My family trip was also with my husband the biologist. Therefore we had to see both Arenal and Monteverde...for him. Having seen both on one trip, I loved them both, but I really think for most people, including me, seeing one or the other is best...You don't need to see them both in one trip.

3 nights in Arenal is a great amount of time, that's what we had.

In my opinion you cannot appreciate Monteverde with fewer than 3 nights.

Enjoy a gorgeous country!

Do the hanging bridges hike in Arenal area, but go very slowly, stopping often, or you will whip right by everything. It's gorgeous.

Yes, Monteverde is different, if you have your biologist husband along with you, like I did...But I myself am more of a poet/writer than a biologist...and when I return to Costa Rica, I would do either Monteverde OR Arenal, and then do a new place I haven't seen...

Enjoy! Once you see Costa Rica "forest" will never mean the same thing to you again. You will be spoiled forever.