We are getting married in CR in May and will be spending 6 of our 14 days on the beach in Tamarindo. From there we are having a tough time trying to figure out how to see as much as we can and still have a relaxing time. Is it worth it to try to get to the Caribbean side at all? We definitely will be spending at least 2 days in Arenal, from there we are confused. Any help would be appreciated. Also, if anyone knows of a good map for navigating the roads that would be great. Thanks!

Oh my, if you don't have a delightful problem!

First of all, get yourself a Berndston & Berndston map at Barnes and Noble. They can order for you if not in stock.

Tamarindo is a place where you can explore a lot in the 6 days you are there. Get out and about! Drive north to Playa Flamingo/Potrero/Sugar Beach area one day. Another day go a little further up the coast (about an hour more) to Playa Hermosa and Coco Beach. Spend a little time at Monkey Park near Huacas. Have dinner in Brasilito (between Tam and Playa Flam) at Camaron Dorado on the beach--great atmosphere and very romantic! Drive down to Santa Cruz, then through the country to Guayitil and watch them make pottery. You can pick up a very nice small piece for a great souvenir--or more for gifts.

Stay at Arenal 3 days instead of 2! Use one of your days to take the Cano Negro tour up north toward Nicaragua. It gets rave reviews and is certainly on my list!

Drive to Peace Lodge (La Paz Waterfall Gardens) and spend a night in luxury. From there, if it's a lot of beach time you'd enjoy, then drive on over to Limon, then south to Puerto/Manzanillo area. Check out availability at "The Tree House" or The Beach House--or stay in the glorified tents at Almonds & Corals. Or Shawanda Lodge. You can ride bicycles up and down the road, or look up Abel Bustamante in Manzanillo (the local folks will tell you where he lives or you can look his phone number up on a google search--it's there!) for a guided tour. He will show you tons of wildlife and birds, is fun, informative, speaks great English--you'd have a good time with him.

Check out nearby Cahuita Parque Nacional for wildlife along the beach in Cahuita (north of Puerto Viejo).

Congratulations--have a great time!

And if you should decide on any number of other locations, rest assured they are all fascinating and wonderful--you can't make a mistake here!

Abel Bustamante
(506)759-9043

Abel's home is located 50 metros este del Restaurante Manzanillo. There is actually a little road that is across from the police station (policia). Go up that road a short distance, his house is on the right. He can take you birding or hiking or whatever you would like to see and/or do. I hired him for birding and it was $25 for as much time as I wanted. Unfortunately, I only had a couple of hours.

Thank you SO much Shillmac. This has been immenseley helpful. You must have been to CR many times...

Alas, not enough. . .
Glad it helped. There are so many wonderful things to see, you'll just be amazed!