If Arenal starts to really act up, Los Lagos is not in the flow path and AOL is. Plus Los Lagos is really heaven for kids. You won't need to book any hot springs because they are on the grounds.

The drive from arenal to ma is about 4 1/2 hours and lib to arenal about 3 1/2. Interbus is approx $35 per person so you could get a private driver for a family of 4 for about the same cost.

We have 6 in our family. I assume private drivers drive their own vehicle? I haven't checked private drivers yet. So I could hire a private driver to drive us from Liberia to arenal for only $35?! I suppose it would be more for our larger family.

TTraveler, thanks for your suggestion of La Posada. Has anyone tried La Posada?

I didn't really notice the groceries at the Pali in Quepos were anymore expensive than elsewhere. I don't think enough difference to buy groceries in Liberia and then drive 5 hours with them. I loved Costa Verde, did not have any issues staying there twice. I believe what hip was saying that $35 (interbus) x 6 would equal the amount of a private driver, not that a driver would cost $35. Re the Arenal alert, I would just book your stay aas normal, it's something that could happen in days or months, no one really knows, and I wouldn't let it change your plans or be a worry.

It definitely did not take us five hours to drive from Liberia to Arenal. I want to say three at the most. However, we did not go during rainy season so I would imagine that may make the trip longer.

There is a very good Italian restaurant in Quepos that served fantastic pizza. I think it was called La Lanterna. They fire up the oven in the afternoon using wood and boy oh boy was it good. We're pizza lovers and try to find the best offered wherever we travel to.

How long from Liberia to Manuel Antonio? Thinking of getting the longest driving done first. If my flight arrives at 11:40am, will I have time to make it to Manuel Antonio before dark?

We've been to Costa Rica eight times. I have never gotten sick eating any of the food. You can pretty much drink the water and eat the food just about every where. If concerned about the water.buy a purifier for about $100.00 at REI. I take mine even on trips in the good old US of A! I would buy the Lonely Planet books because they are right on. You will have issues with the police stopping you when you drive to and from San Jose. They are looking for a hand out. Just keep saying that you don't speak English and "rental car" and eventually they will let you go. Do not drive at night and NEVER leave anything in the car without someone in the car..even at a resort. On the beach don't take anything but a book....

as to food, if you stick to smaller places you should be able to afford it. But, once again..the locals case the cars so back it in and watch it! We have found the prices have increased dramatically in the last 8 years. Good luck! Obviously we love it. We typically go to Nosara/Playa Giones and stay at the Harbor Reef. Great surfing town!!!! In fact, our first trip we went San Jose to Arenal (stayed at Paridisio Arenal) and then drove to Tamarindo (like the Jersey shore but fun for kids) and then to Nosara/ Playa Giones. Now we just fly into Liberia and drive the dirt road straight to the Harbor Reef. Check out their website. It takes about 4-5 hours to drive back to SJO from Nosara.

Driving is hard. Roads not very good and people all over the roads. Be careful.

Kippy,
Did you consider staying at the casonas at AOL. We stayed there one year when we were a group of six traveling. I think there may be five or six bedrooms that share two bathrooms. We were the only ones there when we stayed and it was completely fine. The building overlooks the lake.
It sounds like you are planning a busy trip so you probably won't be in your rooms much anyway.
Enjoy

There are rooms available at both Los Lagos and AOL. Which would be better to see the lava flow 1st week of July?

AOL is the best for seeing lava. You kind of trade off being close to town for having a great lava view.

As far as places to stay in Manuel Antonio, I am looking at several options:

1. VRBO near Mariposa. He says he has high gates for security.

2. VRBO villa next to the Portasol community. It is 5 minutes from the new Quepos Marina

3. VRBO house half way between Quepos and MA. MA park is 5 min drive from the house.

4. Costa Verde - we can get 2 efficiency rooms. Might be a little over our budget. I haven't asked for a discount yet.

5. VRBO villa behind Hotel Mono Azul off main Hwy between Quepos and MA.

Any suggestions?

Thanks Volcano Girl! I'm waiting on replies once again with both AOL and LL. Maybe I should just call them...