drkathej

My husband and I want to go on a vacation in January or February. We have been tossing around the St. Martin idea but also want to consider Costa Rica. It seems a bit overwhelming to figure out where to go and what's doable in a week. I definitely want to spend a few days at a beach (where do we go at that time of year?). We would also be up for seeing a rainforest/volcano or anything else interesting for the other part of the time. We are pretty independent travelers, have been to Italy and France on our own as well as Cancun and some Caribbean islands. We also are in good shape and like to walk and be active.
Can anyone give me some suggestions or lead me to how I can find out?

volcanogirl

Arenal and Manuel Antonio is a very popular itinerary for first timers. It will give you both volcano and beach time, as well as access to wildlife and lots of hotel and restaurant choices. If you want something wilder and more off the grid, the Osa peninsula is amazing.

qwovadis

www.arenal.net

www.manuelantoniopark.com

tonnes of fun,

nice fly drives on www.gotmyfare.com

or www.spiritair.com www.servicecarrental.com

DIY what I usually do..have fun,

hsmithcr

Arenal and Manuel Antonio are two of the most popular places in Costa Rica. Check those two websites that Qwovadis wrote about - they are both excellent.

You can either rent a car or use a shuttle or fly between destinations. Probably the best way is a combination - catch a shuttle from the airport to Arenal, rent a car there so you can have the freedom and flexibility to move around and explore a little and then either drive or take another shuttle to Manuel Antonio and back to the airport.

For distances and driving times, check here: www.yourtravelmap.com

For domestic flights, Sansa or NatureAir

For shuttle - Grayline or Interbus (www.interbusonline.com)

shillmac

Absolutely agree with the itinerary recommended above. Both are fascinating and beautiful areas, and between them, they will offer anything in the world you might possibly want to do, including just chilling!

drkathej

Thanks! I am definitely going to plan a Costa Rica trip for January or February. I am wondering if we should stay at manuel antonio for the whole week or whether it's not too much of a hassle to get to Arsenal also. It looks like an exciting but relaxing vacation!
Also, does anyone have some moderately priced hotel recommendations for these two locations?

volcanogirl

I definitely wouldn't stay in Manuel Antonio for the entire week. That would be too much time for me. If you like to walk and be active, check out the Hanging Bridges in Arenal, do the waterfall hike and swim at the base, and maybe do a volcano hike. Lots to see and do in the area. It also has zipines, the Cano Negro tour to see wildlife, and beautiful natural hot springs. CR is so diverse that it I think it would be a shame to only spend your time in one area.

RAC

3 nights is enough at Manuel Antonio--I would spend the rest at Arenal.

We stayed at two moderately priced places in these locations--in Manuel Antonio La Posada Bungalows:

http://www.laposadajungle.com/

and in Arenal the Arenal Observatory Lodge:

http://www.arenalobservatorylodge.com/index.php

These two places happen to not only be moderately priced, but also amongst the most highly rated overall. The AOL is one of the more famous lodges in the entire country--it's literally less than 2 km from the volcano itself, and in the middle of the forest.

Both places offer incredible wildlife--monkeys, lizards, deer--we even saw a jaguarundi at the AOL.

Kinkazote

It depends on your age and interests, but longer stays at Manuel Antonio can be rewarding. We typically spend a week or more there, but we like just being there, watching and waiting for wildlife. We like sipping coffee in the morning with a camera by our side. If you want to be doing an adventure every moment, you will run out of things to do before the end of the week. But there are no hard and fast rules about how long is appropriate since people vary in their wants and needs.

volcanogirl

kath, when you're planning, remember that Manuel Antonio national park is closed on Mondays. Agree with RAC, we did 3 or 4 nights there, and it was about right for us. Another good budget option in Arenal that's popular is Silencio del Campo if you want to check it out. Tulemar Bungalows is popular in MA. The Mot Mot Villa gets good reviews.