Three friends and I are planning on going to Costa Rica in mid-March on a moderate budget. We want to do volcanoes, surfing and canopy tours/zip lines etc. We are thinking of flying into San Jose and doing Arenal and Quepos/Manuel Antonio. Any suggestions for hotel/travel between cities/activities??

Any help would be appreciated...

Arenal is an excellent area--you need to get right on the booking. I've had reservations there since August and barely got my choice then. There are lots of hotels, so don't think you'll have a problem, but get with it!

Manuel Antonio also a great area--same deal. It's big draw is beautiful beaches and the national park right up against the water with lots of wildlife. For surfing, not so great, are you experienced surfers? If so, you'd better enjoy Malpais/Ste. Teresa area or up north (and closer to Arenal) around Tamarindo, Playa Negra, even Nosara. . .

You don't need a hotel between locations. Just be prepared to drive 4-6 hours--not the usual drive, the vistas are gorgeous!

stay at costa verde in manuel antonio:

http://costa.rica.typepad.com/photos...ica_1_011.html

best beaches are in the Park!
Theres a surf there.
In La Fortuna vist the waterfall, hot springs and Cano Negro Reserve:

http://costa.rica.typepad.com/la_for...ome/index.html

I have heard traveling between cities is unsafe (especially for four girls who have never been there before). ANy advice for transfers between cities and a guesstimate on price? Is it best to go with a travel agent?

also, my friend just read about flying in between arenal and quepos. any experience wiht this? cheap? safe? small planes?

It's safe to fly to Quepos. But probably not worth it. I would just get a driver to bring you. It's probably a 4-5 hour drive. Ask your hotel for prices to bring you to your destination. $150 for all of you? I forget what the prices are/should be.

The surfing is not good in Manuel Antonio. If you want to surf go somewhere in Guanacaste. Tamarindo is popular - although many think too touristy. But it's where tourists go if you want to do a little surfing. There are many nearby less crowded areas as well - Playa Grande, Negra...

Check Interbus (www.interbusonline.com) for transfers--should be about $30 or $35 each between Arenal and MA. How are you getting to Arenal and back to SJO from Manuel Antonio? Interbus can do all 3 for you, of course. You'd each end up paying a total of about $100-$120. That's not bad for the assurance of having safe travel! Particularly if you are a little nervous about it. . .