visiting Arenal -how far?
Aug 12th, 2009, 05:52 PM
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visiting Arenal -how far?
I want to incorporate a a two or three day visit to arenal. I am wondering how long of a drive it is from San Jose - the airport. Also , can anyone tell me a great 'boutique' hotel in that area with some great hiking and views.?
Aug 12th, 2009, 07:57 PM
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We love the Lost Iguana - great views, wonderful balconies on the lava side of the volcano, and lush grounds with lots of trails. We've seen toucans on the property. They have a nice open air restaurant with volcano view, and small pool and a heated swim-up bar. It's a neat spot. Agree with tully - a little under 3 hours to get there. If you get the luxury suite, they have a jacuzzi tub on the balcony - candle, bath salts - life is good. 
Aug 13th, 2009, 07:00 AM
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As tully wrote it is about 2.5 hours. I want to add it is so worth going too! I loved Arenal/La Fortuna more than I thought I would. There is so much adventure there and things to do, check out desafiocostarica.com to see the list of activities etc.
We stayed at Arenal Parasio and I loved it. It is rustic with great scenery and not a hotel feel type place at all. PLUS they have hot springs on site which was a perk. At night we would head to them and just relax. While their I heard that Arenal Observatory Lodge is booked up now bc that is one of the only hotels you can see the lava at night time.
We stayed at Arenal Parasio and I loved it. It is rustic with great scenery and not a hotel feel type place at all. PLUS they have hot springs on site which was a perk. At night we would head to them and just relax. While their I heard that Arenal Observatory Lodge is booked up now bc that is one of the only hotels you can see the lava at night time.
Aug 13th, 2009, 08:49 AM
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I love Silencio del Campo. I guess you could consider it "boutique-rustic". LOL! The individual cabinas are wonderful and spacious, the owners are a super sweet local family, hot springs on site, and the grounds are beautiful. Plus, it is a smaller place (I think only about 13 cabinas) which I love.
Aug 13th, 2009, 09:23 AM
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Sunset Tours is another good group. We've used them a few times. Here's their website if you want to check them out:
http://www.sunsettourcr.com/
http://www.sunsettourcr.com/
