So I've decided I definitely wanted to do the Osa in mid May. I will have 8 nights and I'm trying to figure out out to best split up my time. Option 1. first and last night near the airport in San Jose, 3 nights in Osa (Bosque del Cabo or La Paloma) and 3 nights in Arenal(Arenal Nayara). Option 2. first night and last 2 nights in Central Valley (FInca rosa Blanca) and 5 nights Osa. I'm wondering if I will feel too rushed with option 1. As always any adivise is appreciated.

I will waste time and space to say that I could not even answer your question if it were about myself. You need to figure out what you are most interested in, weight your stay accordingly and make a vacation out of it. By the time you work through that, you will have found your own answers. Yes, you will feel too rushed with option one but also with option two. You have to make a choice and make it work. Given a paucity of facts and conditions to work with, people can only advise you with their personal preferences.

If you ask for advice on which hotels to choose, for instance, there will be much advice based on someone else's interests, budget, required minimum standards, physical condition, number in party, relative age, idiosyncratic preferences and biases.

Perhaps telling more about what you want to accomplish, physical limitations (no clinical details please), budget, passions, etc., someone could advise with more helpful advice than I have dumped on you.

We are an active couple in our mid 30s, no kids. Budget for the entire trip about $4000-$5000 but not set in stone. We definitely want hiking and wildlife, other things we'd like to do (kayaking,white water rafting, zip line,scuba- not trying to cram all of these in though), husband is a coffee fanatic hence the interest in FRB. I guess my main question is whether I would be short changing myself with 3 nights in the Osa.

If you have any interest in hiking into Corcovado National Park, 3 days on the Osa will not be enough. If you only plan to stay at the lodge, hike around the lodge and do little other exploring, 3 days will be perfect. It really depends on what you want to enjoy on the Osa. Below are two examples:

Day 1: arrive, settle in.
Day 2: head into Corcovado to Sirena Biological Station (hike or fly)
Day 3: enjoy the trails and wildlife around Sirena
Day 4: hike or fly out of Corcovado
Day 5: enjoy the area around your lodge
Day 6: depart

Day 1: arrive, settle in
Day 2: enjoy the trails around your lodge
Day 3: perhaps a day trip someplace else
Day 4: depart

Pura Vida,
Ballardo Diaz, Jungle Guide

We have decided on 3 nights at La Paloma(splurge) in Drake Bay and 3 nights at Lost Iguana in Arenal (they have a green season special of 3 nights for the price of 2) and staying near the airport first and last day. I've traveled throughout the US, Europe and the Middle East and this will be our first foray into Central America. I'm super excited for my first taste of Costa Rica!

Great choices Brmsimmons. Enjoy the magic of the Osa Peninsula.

Pura vida,
Ballardo

The Osa and Arenal are two of our favorite spots. We've stayed at the Lost Iguana several times and love it - good choice. Xandari is a nice spot near the airport if you're looking for a place. Grano de Oro is nice for a city hotel.