My family (2 adults and 2 daughters ages 8 and 12)is planning a trip to Costa Rica, probably in mid June. We haven't decided whether to purchase a package or go it on our own. We are tentatively using the following itinerary:
Day 1--land in San Jose and rent a car and drive to Arenal (3hours)--stay at Tabacon Resort
Days 2-3--Arenal
Day 4--drive to Monteverde (4 hours) and stay at Monteverde lodge
Day 5--Monteverde
Day 6--drive to Tamarindo (4 hours)--stay at Captain Suizo
Days 7 and 8--Tamarindo
Day 9--drive to Quepos (how far?)--stay at Tulemar Bungalows
Days 10-11--Quepos
Day 12--drive to San Jose (how far?)--stay where
Day 13--fly home
Is this something we should get a package for or should we do it on our own? Also, is it a realistic itinerary or are we trying to do too much or driving too much? If too much driving, I would be inclined to cut out Tamarindo b/c we want to see Manuel Anotonio. Your thoughts? Much appreciated.

It's easy enough to do it on your own and you'll save money by doing so.
The drive from Tamarindo to MA will take most of the day, about 6 hours I would think.
I don't know where to tell you to stay in San Jose, I always stay at the Orquideas Inn in Alajuela, but I'm not positive they take kids under 12 or so, but it's a fantastic place with beautiful gardens, a small pool and the BEST breakfast buffet included, so it might be worth an email to ask them.
Personally, I don't think it's too much driving as it's the best way to see the country. As for so much moving around, that's a good question. You may get tired of all the moving around, but I love Capitan Suizo and the kids will too. The area is dryer and will have less rain that you may get in Manuel Antonio in June, so I would probably go ahead and go to Tamarindo. Personally, I'd skip Monteverde, unless you're really wanted to see some special birds, and if so, make sure you hire a guide. Without one, you'll likely see nothing, and in any case, you'll see plenty of wildlife in Manuel Antionio. Much more so than in Monteverde. I just don't think the 4 hours drive is worth it.
As for the drive from Manuel Antonio to San Jose, I'd say about 3 1/2 hours...maybe 4 depedning on the day and time.

Keef

The kids will love MA....lots to do. River rafting, canopy tours, beaches, the national park, horses, etc..

We took our teens last summer and stayed at Si Como No for five nights (they have a green season special). Great place for kids and adults both....fun architecture, in-house first run movies in their theater, great pool with waterslide, swim up bar, iguanas running around everywhere, terrific views, etc.

We drove out to San Jose and flew home on an early afternoon flight the same day.

Jim

I really agree with Ally on this one. You are moving around so much you won't have time to relax and enjoy yourself. Monteverde is a place you can skip, especially that time of year. Have you looked at Los Lagos in the Arenal area? Not as fancy as Tabacon but more for the kids to do. I just read a trip report from someone who had just stayed there and they really enjoyed it. You can still just drive down to the Hot springs. As you probably know, it will cost about $19pp to get in if you don't stay in their Lodge.

What's wrong with Monteverde why it could be skipped?

With so many other things going on and the fact that it could be quite rainy up there at that time is why I suggested they could skip it. There will still be some sunshine but not as much as some of the other places. They can get a feel for the cloud forest by taking a walk on the hanging bridges in Fortuna. They will be seeing plenty of rainforest down around Manuel Antonio. There won't be as many of the neat migratory birds up in Monteverde at that time either. Monteverde is one of my favorite places but I don't think I would care to go in June or October and I don't mind hiking in the rain down in Costa Rica. The rain with the cooler temps is what I don't care for.

Thanks Suzie2. I hope you don't start charging for your advice. You would be rich, but the rest of us would be poor from paying you!

I am staying a couple of nights in Monteverde, but its in January so hopefully it won't be as rainy. This my first time so I want to got to all the major spots.

Sounds like Arenal and Manuel Antonio are really the best spots though. These are my last two stops so if my body is not too tired from my extremely active itinerary I might extend my stay at these two locations.

I've only been to Costa Rica twice, so I'm no expert, but when I think back on the trips one of my first thoughts is the cloud forest in Monteverde. I've never seen any place quite like it. Green everywhere. Every inch of every surface covered with some sort of plant life. We did hire a guide and got to see a quetzel, but the best part was going to the less traveled trails after our guided tour was over. I guess whethere to skip Monteverde or not depends some on your daughters' interests. I would have been fascinated there as a child, but my kids would have been bored.

We ended up hiking in the Osa with a couple of young adolescent girls, it wasn't the most pleasant hike we've ever experienced.

With all of the above being said, I might have far different memories if it had poured rain the entire time we were in Monteverde, and if we would have driven the road from La Fortuna to Monteverde when it was muddy.

Jean

Hi Kee,
For what its worth we are also planning a trip to CR w/ our two daughters. (9&12).
I really enjoyed Monteverde when I was first there 15 years ago. But with the kids, were giving it a miss.
Don't get me wrong; it is fantastic but the kids would be viewing it as "the long march".
We're renting a car and will try to work it so we will not even spend a night in San Jose.
Have fun, should be great.
Wendy