VVN828

Hello-
I am seeking help with a 7 day itinerary for our first trip to Costa Rica!
We plan to arrive into San Jose in the AM then travel to our first destination. We currently plan to stay inland to explore waterfalls, forest, etc. then travel to the beach for some swim, sun, and relaxation time prior to leaving. The first question is where to stay in La Fortuna or Arenal area? We need accommodations that are clean and comfortable, luxury not required but always nice. We will probably not rent a car and will need to secure a reliable transportation company for 5 adults. Another question is which beach to visit? We are looking for a clean beach where the tide is not too rough.
A list of requested experiences includes:
Waterfalls
Volcano
Zip lining
Animal watching
Hanging bridges
Horseback riding
Coffee tour
Chocolate or Vanilla spice tour
We are open to suggestions as nothing is set in stone except for the dates; June 3-10, 2014.
I appreciate all your help since many of you have written about great experiences!
Thank you

DennisCR

Hello!, I just read your publication, great vacation choice! Costa Rica is a such wonderful place to go; about the beaches I'd recommend you MANUEL ANTONIO, beautiful sand inside the National Park with calm waters and in the area you can do Horseback riding and also arrange the Vanilla spice tour, you might also want to consider taking a Catamaran tour that includes snorkeling and sometimes you can watch dolphins. In La Fortuna you can do everything else that you said, Waterfall (La Fortuna waterfall), watch the Arenal Volcano, go zip-lining, and take a coffee or chocolate tour.

About the hotels in La Fortuna my advice would be: Magic Mountain o Arenal Observatory Lodge; this one has a big property with hiking trails and a waterfall as well.

For animal watching I recommend in La Fortuna the following: A full day tour to Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge (just keep in mind it’s about a 2-hour transfer each way), a half day Safari Float, or a guided hike at Ecocentro Danaus.

Tours in Manuel Antonio for wildlife: Manuel Antonio National Park Hike, Boat or kayaking tour on the mangroves.


Hoping this will be useful for you! enjoy your time in Costa Rica

volcanogirl

Silencio del Campo is very popular; you might check that one too. Arenal/La Fortuna combined with Manuel Antonio would give you just what you're looking for.

sunbum1944

We spent 1 night in San Jose, next day we went on a raft trip which was very fun. Then we flew to Manuel Antonio for , I think 3 nights, flew back to San Jose and then drove to Arenal for 1 or 2 nights, drove to Monteverde and spent a night-
This was several years ago and Arenal was rumbling- spent an evening at Tabacon Spa and while we were there we heard a loud boom, the ground shook and Arenal was erupting. Rather exciting. We had a driver for the San Jose, Arenal, Monteverde portion of trip which was fine with me as the roads are full of craters.

Great trip

VVN828

For the transportation to Manuel Antonio from the Arenal/La Fortuna is flying or driving recommended? What ground transportation is recommended for a trip with this itinerary? I realize my questions are basic but we want to make the most of this trip.
Thank you for your responses!

volcanogirl

Most people drive or book a private driver. We always reserve a driver through our hotels when we book them. Taxis are available in town if you don't have a car. We save flying to get to more difficult areas like the OSA or Tortuguero.

volcanogirl

There's also the Interbus shuttle, but you pay per person, so private driver would be about the same price.