Itinerary -10 days in Costa Rica

Old Mar 18th, 2010, 10:07 AM
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Itinerary -10 days in Costa Rica

Hi All! I have been trying to get to Costa Rica for 3 years and it is finally happening this year! I have been following this board for a while and have a good idea of what this trip will be but I would appreciate input on this itinerary-Keeping in mind that my dh is not really a nature guy so I don't want to bombard him with too much hiking or hard work! After planning this..I seem to have a left over night and would like advise on where to spend it-either Arenol or MA? Here it goes:
Day 1-land in SJ and renting a car-driving leisurely to Arenol (would appreciate advise if we should stop somewhere along the way) we land at 11:45am so we have all day to get to Arenal. (staying at the Observatory Lodge)
Day 2-Arenol activities/spa either Echo Term or Tabacon
Day 3-1/2 day to do more in Arenol then drive to Monteverde (I understand about 4 hr drive..)
Day 4-Monteverde hike (probably all my husband will be in for)
Day 5-1/2 day in Monteverde then drive to MA
Day 6/7/8-MA (staying at Arenas del Mar)
Day 10-flying into SJ -one night there (our flight out leaves SJ at 7am the next day)

so...I have skipped day 9-this is the day I need advise about-I know this is an ambitious itinerary-but we like to move around and love driving in foreign countries so it's not daunting to us-also-if it doesn't involve a motorcycle dh gets quickly bored so moving around is ok..I have a few more questions but will hold them for the next posting! Thank you all for any advise! This is a great board-
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Old Mar 18th, 2010, 02:18 PM
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for day 9 www.hotelvillacaletas.com makes a nice stop

on the coast a little over an hour from SJ...

think your itineraty is fine have done it in 10 days

www.servicecarrental.com or www.wild-rider.com

even cycle rentals if desired...
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Old Mar 18th, 2010, 07:08 PM
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Thank you qwoavadis..I will check them out!
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Old Mar 19th, 2010, 05:38 AM
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We had a similar itinerary and had 9 full days. We started with 3 nights in Fortuna, then 1 in Monteverde, 3 in Manuel Antonio, and 1 in Atenas. That last night could have been added to either Monteverde or Manuel Antonio. If you want to read the trip report, it's posted at www.hitherandthither.net in the column on the right. Have fun!
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Old Mar 19th, 2010, 05:40 AM
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Oops! And I guess my answer to your question would be that I would have wanted another day at Manuel Antonio for the beach...
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Old Mar 19th, 2010, 08:28 AM
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I would add the extra night to Arenal; it looks like you're only staying there two nights; people usually stay 3, and we like to stay 4. There's tons to see and do there, plus you want to maximize your chances of seeing the volcano.
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Old Mar 19th, 2010, 12:16 PM
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I would also add a night in Arenal, giving you two full days there. Tons to do in that area.
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Old Mar 19th, 2010, 04:01 PM
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Thank you alovesa, that is always my dilema...I am a beach loving girl!I think this time I am going to give up a day at the beach for a day with the volcano! How cool is that?
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Old Mar 19th, 2010, 04:05 PM
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volcanogirl & hipvirgo chick..I have been hopefully waiting for you guys to respond-You are both so knowledgable about CR, I think you guys represent what is awesome about Fodor's boards. I am going to do 3 days in Arenol...Thanks!
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Old Mar 19th, 2010, 07:37 PM
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Oh, good choice, dory - I think you'll be happy with it. Do Cano Negro and the hot springs, zipline, do the waterfall, and the Hanging Bridges - you won't run out of things to do, and it will be a nice balance with the rest of your trip. hip and I usually vote the same way.
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Old Mar 19th, 2010, 09:26 PM
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I think you'll have really great experiences and hey, maybe dh might even become more of a nature lover after this...there have been a lot of converts! . This forum has always been a great resource on my trip planning too so I'm happy to help if I can.
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Old Mar 20th, 2010, 09:22 AM
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My dh is a "type A professional" in real life..but on vacation..he turns into a beer-sloth! the only way to convert him would be if he had to hike for beer!
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Old Mar 20th, 2010, 01:16 PM
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You could stash Imperials along the trail!
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