Hi, we are traveling to Costa Rica for the first time. We are spending 7 days there.
1 day in San Jose
2-3 day in Arenal Area (Montana de fuego)
4-6 day in Manuel Antonio (La Mariposa)
Last day in San jose (Melia Cariari)
I was wondering if it will be cheaper getting private bus service from Interbus or service from the hotel?
Also, what tours are worthwile in San Jose? I have about a full day in San Jose and want to get as much sightseeing and touring as possible.
Are there any good tour companies in Costa Rica? Thanks!

I have been to costa rica several times, and you have a great trip planned. you will love the montana de fuego, we stayed there, and it overlooks the volcano, you can see the lava cascading down the side of arenal at night, it is pretty amaizing... i am sure someone has told you, but you have to go to the hot springs at the tabacon resort. there is also an amaizing waterfall nearby. how many people are you traveling with? that will make a difference on how to travel. there are several different bus agencies you can use, most are very good. However, if you are looking for an ac bus, they cost a bit more. you should really consider renting a car, even if only for you day in san jose. i was not impressed with many of the tours there, but the first hour of the drive from san jose to Puerto Limon on the carribean coast is completly amazing. you can even drive that route from san jose to arenal, it is the most beautiful drive in the country if you ask me. have a great time on your trip.

Your days end up more than 7 even if you stay the shorter amount of time in each place!
Regarding the tours. Most of the organized tours out of San Jose leave in the morning but you could still hire a taxi and visit the Basillica in Cartago or Lankester gardens or Irazu volcano if you are not in SJ for the early tour departures. The Melia will have a tour desk that can make other suggestions.
There are several private buses that are not terribly expensive unless you have a group going. They all leave San Jose early in the morning. For 1 or two people it isn't too bad. For more, I would just hire a private transport for just yourselves.
Interbus
Fantasy Bus (Grayline)
Monteverdeinfo.com also has transportation
Private [email protected]

For a 7 day itinerary, you'll find that traveling to Arenal and then to Manuel Antonio is pretty tiring. I just did it two weeks ago with some visiting friends. If you do, I'd suggest you spend depart super-early and then spend a day and just one or at most 2 nights in Arenal so you have a few nights to relax at the beach. You will lose two entire days on the road traveling to Arenal and from Arenal to Quepos.

OR if you can fly back from Quepos to San Jose the day of your flight, you'll cut one overnight in San Jose.

There's not much to see in San Jose, but the "Highlights Tour" will drag you over a good portion of the country in 11 hours and is a great value for the price. It's great for visitors with limited time.

My only suggestion would be to limit your time in San Jose if possible. If your flight home is after 12pm you can take an early flight from Quepos and be there in plenty of time.

Casey

Websites for getting around:
Interbus >>> www.interbusonline.com
Gray Line Tours >> www.graylinecostarica.com
(good for packaged day trips)

how is the melia cariari hotel?

i just got back from C.R. and had a similar iteniary. We traveled by Interbus and Grayline and thought it was great! They were new, comfortable,minivans with about 12 seats and less than 5 were full at most times! The cost was $25/pp from Manuel Antonio to Arenal. (which took almost 6 hrs) and $25/pp Arenal to San Jose (2 1/2 hrs). The roads were windy with many turns so i was glad we didnt drive ourselves.

If aliang9 is still around...how was your trip (I'm assuming you've already gone) and specifically, how was La Mariposa. I have reservations there in February with two kids, 10 and 14 and wondered if there were people with kids, although if you were there during the school year, I'm guesssing not. Just curious. Thanks.