Need help w/mother/daughter 3 day side excursion
 

My daughter and I were planning to go to Costa Rica for a few days before her wedding guests arrived, but I didn't realize the driving, roads, safety, etc. may be more than I want to tackle for the few free days that we have before the festivities. Can anyone give me suggestions to what side trip we could plan without our own car? Her wedding is in Guanacaste. We are not looking for a resort or group tour type of thing, either an affordable local for something private or something we could do on our own if you think the rental car is a good idea? I have read a lot about taking a jumper flight so that would also be an option.

La Fortuna (volcan Arenal) is about a 3 hour drive away (~95 miles, Route 1 to 142), and would be a wonderful place for a few-day getaway. Hot springs, ziplines, tram tours, hanging bridges, waterfalls, and you can even schedule other short excursions from there. The roads would be fine, and I don't know of any safety issues (unless you are heading off into the wilds for adventures).
You could pick up a car at the airport (LIR); the drive through the country side is gorgeous, and the drive around Lake Arenal to the view of Arenal is stunning. La Fortuna has so much to do, it's almost an adult playground.

Thanks so much for the info. I have been reviewing all the posts and so many of them say not to be driving on our own but that sounds like a fairly simple expedition. I had wanted to fly into San Jose and go to Tortoguero but it seems like it will be too much to accomplish with only a few extra days.

I'm old, and I drove all over the place, with and without my (even older senior) husband. I never had a bit of a problem (except once when we pulled over and got our back wheels stuck in a drainage drain because we were gawking at something; and then two guys in a pick up truck pulled over, popped out, lifted the car back onto the pavement, grinned, and took off).
I'd agree with keeping it simple, just be back in plenty of time for the festivities. (The scenery around Arenal is also much greener and more rain-foresty. A nice option.)

I really like the Arenal area too. There's plenty to do there to keep you busy and lots of natural beauty. You could get in some spa time, go to Tabacon natural hot springs, and hike at the waterfall, volcano, and Hanging Bridges like Sylvia mentioned. Since the Guanacaste area is drier and more arid, it would be nice for you to see another area. I wouldn't drive between areas at night or leave anything in the car unattended, but driving during the day should be fine.

Any suggestions for car rental and where to stay as we would not be staying at the villa we rented until guest arrival?

We've stayed at Nayara, the Lost Iguana, and the Springs Resort and Spa and enjoyed all of them, but some of them are a little pricey. Silencio del Campo is popular too and Tabacon if you want the elaborate hot springs. Not sure of your budget.

Love Lost Iguana (close to Hanging Bridges, lovely grounds, near the lake close to where you first enter the area from the road).
Also enjoyed the pool, grounds, and "Smithsonian" rooms at the Arenal Observatory Lodge (http://www.arenalobservatorylodge.com/index.php); they're a bit of a drive up the mountain, but very close to the SkyTrek/SkyTram facilities. Cheaper, too.
Lots of lodging for all budgets in the La Fortuna area.
Car rental from Liberia is pretty easy: check out this forum:http://www.fodors.com/community/mexi...ia-airport.cfm

I got so many wonderful suggestions on my last visit to CR wondering if anyone could give me suggestions for accommodations near Rincon de Vieja Park. I will be at Playa Ocotal prior to that with a group and then heading to the park for a couple of days of exploring. I will be travelling with someone much less fit and adventurous than I so need a nice place for her to stay while I join a guide for some hiking. I would have gladly stayed in one of the more authentic places, but need at least a pool for her to sit by. Also looking for suggestions on the best park loops as many of them sound great and I only have 2 days.

Still looking for any input people can offer me regarding accommodations in the vicinity of Rincon de Vieja Park. Would also love any suggestions regarding the various hiking trails in the park.