ken13

This forum was very informative during our planning process, and I'd like to give back as much info as I can. I'll post the highlights, and if anyone has more specific questions, I'd be happy to respond with more detail.

Day 1: Arrive at San Jose and stay at Don Carlos. Walked around the city and ate at a small local joint called "The Spoon".

Day 2: Flew Nature Air from Pavas to La Fortuna/Arenal. Checked in at Arenal Paraiso and ate dinner at La Choza de Laurel.

Day 3: Arenal Paraiso canopy tour, hiking in Arenal National Park and dinner at the Volcano Lodge.

Day 4: Cano Negro tour, souvenir shopping in La Fortuna, and dinner at some local soda in town.

Day 5: Make the horrific drive to Manuel Antonio via Interbus. Check into Mango Moon and have dinner at The Marlin.

Day 6: Explore MA Park. Jeff, owner of Mango Moon was gracious enough to grill all of his Mahi-Mahi and Tuna that was left behind by previous guests who went fishing. So, we stayed there and ate along with the other guests. (MM does not normally serve dinner).

Day 7: Finca Valmy horseback tour. Dinner at Barba Roja.

Day 8: Whitewater rafting on the Naranjo River. Dinner at Mar Luna.

Day 9: Offshore fishing out of Quepos. Dinner at The Sunspot (Mikanda).

Day 10: Fly Sansa back to San Jose to connect with international flight home.

Ken

kaudrey

Um...did you like it? Any emotions? Thoughts?

ken13

Sorry for the lack of emotion. I just wanted to keep it simple and await specific inquiries.

We had an absolute blast and almost everything we did was well worth it. The two blemishes on the tour were the 7.5 hour drive to Manuel Antonio from Arenal, and the offshore fishing trip. The Interbus ride consisted of crappy mountain roads, huge potholes, a fallen tree blocking the road, a tractor-trailer losing its trailer on the road, and road construction on a one-lane bridge. Although, stopping at the bridge to see the crocs was pretty cool. The fishing was a big disappointment. We went out for sailfish, but the captain and the mate did all the work and would simply hand you a fish to real in after trolling for hours (not really fishing in my book). I would have suggested something different, but the guy I shared the chareter with was determined to land a sailfish. When he finally boated a sailfish after 5 hours on the water, the captain was professional enough to celebrate by sharing a joint. It's nice to know that the captain that just drove you 30 miles offshore is now getting high.

Other than than, every tour was well worth it, especialy the Finca Valmy horseback tour. The hotels were all great, especially Mango Moon. It's very intimate, has a great view, and is a fun place to watch the sunsets over the Pacific with the other guests, and sometimes the owners. Our favorite restaurant in Arenal was La Choza De Laurel in Areanal, and The Marlin and The Sunspot in Manueal Antonio. Barba Roja was good, but Mar Luna seemed to be overhyped.

If anyone needs anymore info, I will be happy to help.

Ken

kaudrey

Thanks! We ate at La Choza del Laurel too and really liked it.

I can understand the long trip - we had a car and it took 6 hours to get from Tamarindo to San Jose - just following slow trucks up and down winding roads. It was awful.

But, we too, loved the trip.

Oh- and congrats on the new marriage!

karen

claveygirl

Hi Ken. How was your raft trip out of Manuel Antonio? What class rapids and would you recommend it? Who was your tour company. Thanks.

shillmac

Wow. . it sounds like your drive to MA had all the rotten luck possible! Makes a great story, though, huh?

As for the fishing. . .LOL! What a hoot. . .thanks for sharing. . .glad you guys had a great time. . .and congratulations from me as well!