Need help with family itinerary
 

2 adults / 3 kids (9,11,14)
I'm deciding between 2 itineraries - any suggestions.

4/16 arrive SJO 1pm - Poas Volcano Lodge and
maybe Lapaz waterfalls if we have time
or hit it the next morning on the way
to
4/17 Sarapiqui for 1 or 2 nts (whitewater
or raft, hike)
4/18 Arenal for 2 or 3 nts
4/21 head to Manuel Antonio for 2 nts
(doing the Los Angeles Cloud Forest
zip line on the way) and stopping
for lunch
4/23 back to SJO via Carara park
4/24 home
5 hotels - but understand they are neat ones

OR

4/16 - head right to Arenal for 3 nts
4/19 - to MA for 3 nts (LA Cloud Forest
zip)
4/22 - back to SJO for 2 nights (maybe
Bougainvillea)
4/23 - 4 in 1 tour or highlight tour or
rent a driver (Including
Poas/Lapaz/Sarapiqui float)

Thank you - Doreen

I know the country very well. no problem.
Here is the recommendation:
1.SJO (1 night)

2.SJO to Arenal (2 nights) – You will pass the “La Paz” waterfall in the way if you take the Poas route to Arenal.

3. Arenal to Manuel Antonio (3 nights) – This will be a long drive but will give you the change to see lost of Costa Rica (towns, roads, places, etc) on the way stop by Jaco and see some of the biggest crocodiles of the world. You will arrive at Manuel Antonio on time for dinner.

4. Manuel Antonio to SJO – Long drive again, so leave early to get to carara not too tired. Here (Carara) you could see Scarlet Macows, Monkeys, many birds, crocodiles, etc.
5. Home

Here are a couple more ideas: http://home.austin.rr.com/ticopage/plan1.htm

Have fun.

Your second itinerary sounds less rushed. The Highlight Tour is excellent. Have fun!

Are you saying don't bother going to Los Angeles Cloud Forest zip line. I was triing to replace the feel for Monteverde and brake up the trip. I think it is a 4 1/2 drive from San Jose - MA direct and 3 1/2 hrs back to San Jose. I was almost thinking of eliminating MA because of the drive and the hot/humid.

There are 2 highlight tours - 8hr and 11hr - and opinion
with 3 kids?

I did the 11 hour Highlight Tour. I can't imagine the kids being bored. It was fantastic. Small group, great guide.

Thanks - thats what I wanted to hear!
Doreen - Can't wait!