gups

We have 5 days after returning to Costa Rica from Nicaragua and would like to spend 2 days at the Peace Lodge (La Paz). What would you recommend for the other 3 days: Arenal or Monteverde or can we do both?

sandyc

I would pick one since you only have 3 days and will need to get back to the airport. It's really up to you -- both are nice places. I think I'd choose Arenal since it's easier to get to and the volcano is really awesome. There's a whole lot to keep you busy.

Sandy

Millie64

I have not been to Monteverde but I picked Arenal because it seemed less touristy and crowded and I'm glad I did. There is so much to do in the area but rarely see people except when you're at a attraction. And at least when we were there the 'attractions like the ziplines or hanging bridges were not at all busy. My impression of Monteverde is its much more crowded and it really takes a committment to go there because of the long drive. If you want to see what types of things you can do in arenal look for my trip report

m90m90m90m90

I agree with them when they say Arenal. We stayed there and had a blast there is so much to do there. If you want to see Monteverde you still can we stayed at Palo Verde Resort and from there they booked us on a trip across the lake and to Monteverde where we spent 1/2 a day there and were back at our resort in time for dinner. I highly recomend them like I said there is so much to do there from: hot springs, horse backing, hiking, A.T.V. tours, Zip-lines, hanging bridges, waterfall repelling, fishing, boating, volcano boat tours, bird watching, kayak tours, white water rafting, butterfly farms, crocodile farms, caves, and lots more. All of which Palo Verde Resort can book right from their reception, and you'll get picked up right at your room. Not to mention their rooms are way under priced. Their web site is PaloVerdeResort.com their email is [email protected] and their phone # is (506) 460-9791

Melissa5

We spent 3 nights at ARenal and 3 nights at Monteverde. ARenal was wonderful but I preferred Monteverde. Everyone has different perceptions, I would say that ARenal seemed more touristy to me than Monteverde. However neither place seemed overly touristy to me, I think they have a pretty nice balance of nature and facilities for people.

Anyplace you want to hike, I advise shifting your schedule so that you arrive at the cloud forest or rainforest early in the morning, as soon as it opens. This is the best time for hiking. If there were any tourist crowds, we didn't run into them at Monteverde cloud forest preserve, I think we even went in ahead of most buses. Plus we started at the end of the trail instead of the beginning where most groups start.

I think both Arenal and Monteverde are great choices. Spend at least 3 nights in either one.

dariow

Given your schedule, I would pick Arenal area. It is easy to drive out there from San Jose. the roads to and near Monteverde are poor, and since you have only 3 days, a visit to Monteverde does not seem practical.

I loved Monteverde. If you can add on a few more days, I strongly suggest getting out there as it is beautiful.

RufusTFirefly

We spend 3 days in both. Both were very interesting, but we preferred Monteverde--we thought it was less touristy than Arenal. Guess it depends on your particular experiences in a place.

Anyway, Volcan Arenal is awesome and puts on an unforgettable show, IF it isn't cloudy the nights you are there. We really enjoyed the the Cloud Forest in the Monteverde area. But to each his own.

gswearin

Melissa5 and Rufus,
What's the best way to get between Monteverde and Arenal? How long does it take? I've read about a boat ride, but can't figure that out from the maps of the area. Thanks.

gswearin

Nevermind, the "How to get from Arenal Observatory Lodge to Monteverde?" covers it all.