Reading back through old posts, there seems like a absolute wealth of information with all of you Costa Rica experts.

My husband and I are starting to plan a first trip to CR. We have been given a recomendation to stay at a lovely little place in Playa Matapalo by a friend. She said they flew into San Jose, rented a car and did day trips from PM. They loved how secluded it was and it sounds right up our alley.

The cozy getaway is sort of our plan not the hustle bustle, but in reviewing everything there is to see, I am wondering if we shouldn't add a bit more hustle and bustle. It sounds like Arenal is not to be missed. I am also struggling to get a feel for both distances and time to get to places as I have heard the roads are generally abysmal.

How 'important' is it to go in dry season?

We always go in green season because the rates are better, and we love everything being green and lush. We have had rain, but it doesn't usually keep us from doing the things we want to do because it's usually rainy for only part of the day. Arenal is my favorite spot.

Arenal is a great location. How long do you have? If it is 7-8 days, you'd probably be happier with 2 locations. Arenal is about 2.5-3 hours from San Jose. From Arenal to Playa Matapalo, maybe 6.5 hours, not sure. It's a close estimate. Back to SJO from there would be about 5 hours.

The road between Dominical and Quepos is rough and slow going. The rest of the routes (to Arenal, then down to Quepos), are excellent. I think you'll be pleasantly surprised. Of course, that always depends on whether you are used to 8 land freeways or Texas Farm & Market roads.

The beach locations are SO hot during the dry season; we generally prefer the months of July and August. But we've been in March and had a good time then as well.

8 land freeways, translate 8 LANE freeways!

Arenal would be a nice contrast from the beach; different terrain, live volcano, hot springs, etc.

We did Arenal and Manuel Antonio on our first trip (for a week total) and enjoyed it immensely!

I think it sounds good especially if you're looking for a chill kind of place. You'll have Manuel Antonio nearby and Dominical/Uvita to your South, so plenty of options for exploring.

If you have time, I agree with Arenal, nice combo.

I go in the green season as well like vg as the rates are better and there's a great lushness to the land that makes you wonder how many shades of green there are.

Thanks for the info. We were thinking of December, but could also do October. I think we can be flexible on how long we are there, but I would think we could manage seven or eight days. So, maybe four days at PM and another four at Arenal? I am excited already!

That sounds like a good split. Take December over October - October can be very rainy.