wander007

Hi,

We are leaving Arenal- Montverde heading back to SJO for departure, we can either stay in SJ- area- Alajuela, for two nights, or stop off along the way from MonteVerde to SJO.

We will be not be driving- but taking public/private transportation. Thoughts on somewhere along the cost that makes sense, or what to do in Alajuela/SJ?

thanks!

volcanogirl

I'd consider doing the Doka coffee estate, the La Paz Waterfall Gardens, and Poas volcano. It's not really convenient to go to the coast.

If you need a way to go between Arenal and Monteverde, we like Desafio's Jeep Boat Jeep service; it costs about $30 per person and cuts time off of your journey. There are some beautiful views along the lake.

wander007

Thank you Volcanogirl!

You responded to an earlier post, I was wondering what you thought about this itinerary:

1- sjo
2- Tortugga
3- Torgugga
4- Arenal- The Original Grand Gallery¨, horse back riding, thermal baths, hiking
5- Arenal
6- Monteverde- coffee plantation, cloud forrest, horse back riding
7- Monteverde
8- free day?-
9- san jose
10- fly home


thanks!

volcanogirl

wander, I think it looks pretty good. I would add an extra day in the Arenal area though. To me, two nights there is not enough. Some things we like in the area are the Cano Negro tour to see wildlife, the Penas Blancas river float, the Proyecto Asis animal rescue center, hiking at the Hanging Bridges, waterfall, and volcano, and the Eco Termales natural hot springs. Also lots of adventure activities, but I think you mentioned that you're traveling with your elderly mom. What is the original grand gallery? I've never heard of that one.

wander007

Thank you,

I think that is what we will do, I like the looks of the Arenal Lodge- any thoughts? Also I heard that the Original Grand Gallery- is in LA Fortuna and an excellent place for browsing some woodcrafts/ masks etc.

Hotel(s) in MonteVerde?

w

RAC

I agree about adding a day to Arenal, especially since it's a long day traveling from Tortuguero to Arenal, involving both boat and car.

I too have never heard of the Original Grand Gallery, though to be frank we spent as little time in La Fortuna as possible (we stayed adjacent to the national park at the Arenal Observatory Lodge).

We really liked Arco Iris in Monteverde--great value.

volcanogirl

wander, I agree with RAC. I love La Fortuna/Arenal, but not for the town itself. It's pretty small with a main road that runs through town with restaurants and hotels scattered along each side. There's a park in the main square and a church, but the real beauty of the area lies in the natural beauty and activities, not the town. The best woodcrafts we've seen are at hotel gift shops and the airport. If you do the Cano Negro tour, they stop at the Las Iguanas, and they have a lot of neat carvings there.

In Monteverde, we really liked Fonda Vela. The newer junior suites are pretty nice, and there are great grounds. We saw toucans there. There's a good restaurant on site and a pool. We chose it because it's one of the hotels closest to the reserve. Our room had two big beds, a frig, and a bathtub. A lot of Monteverde tends to be fairly rustic. It was really comfortable.

Have not heard much about Arenal Lodge, but Silencio del Campo is really popular if you want to explore that one. Hopefully someone else can give you feedback on Arenal Lodge.

colibri

Agree w/ RAC on Arco Iris in Santa Elena (Monteverde). It's a large property right at the edge of town which will make it convenient to restaurants and shops. With its lush landscaping it doesn't feel like you are in the town. We stayed in a cabina and were really happy with it. Tours (to the reserve) will pick you up at the hotel - great breakfast buffet, too.

La Fortuna is a tourist center, some nice little shops and sodas, but I would not want to stay there. The lodges are all on the road that winds around the volcano - loads of choices. I would check out the reviews for Arenal Lodge on TripAdvisor since you aren't getting much feedback here.

Also, I would not do the Cano Negro boat trip if you are going to Tortuguero. It would be too similar and is a full day.

volcanogirl

I agree that Cano Negro and Tortuguero are very similar, but I remember the OP specifically asking for boat tours. I really love both of them. We like to pair it with an evening at the hot springs.