ShellD

I'm still working out some of the kinks in our itinerary. Yet our trip is still so far away, I know I have time, but not too much time! We're going in July for 12 days, that much is for sure. I have our flights booked and we arrive in SJO at 10:55 am and we leave at 7:45 am to go home (yuck!). So we don't have to stay in San Jose the first night, but I plan on it our last night. However, we decided to work Tortuguero into the trip, which basically means leaving early morning out of San Jose....so here's what I've come up with so far: By the way the group travelling is myself and my husband (39 and 42 yrs old and our two kids 7 and 9 yrs old)

Day 1 arrive in San Jose - go to Don Carlos Hotel. Open afternoon - looking for suggestions to fill afternoon.

Day 2 - early morning pick up at Don Carlos by Fran and Modesto for Tortuguero tour - 3 days/2 nights at Laguna Lodge.

Day 3 - Laguna Lodge

Day 4 - early am Sansa flight back to San Jose arrival around 8:30 am. Now is where I'm iffy again. At this point would it make more sense to head to Arenal now? If so -

Day 5 - 7 Arenal. This gives us just about 3 full days in Arenal. I think we'll stay at Los Lagos. Leave around lunch time to head to Peace Lodge on day 7.

Day 8 and 9 - Peace Lodge. Leave after lunch to go to Marriott Los Suenos.

Day 9-11 - Relaxing, maybe day trip to Manuel Antonio - stay at Marriott Los Suenos (we have a really good friend and family rate there). I'm thinking to only go as far as the Marriott would save the time in the car to head all the way to Manuel Antonio and what we all probably would enjoy at that point is a really great pool and relaxing, which I know the Marriott has. We could potentially do some day trips if we wanted from there or we can just relax.

Day 11 - leave after lunch to head back to San Jose stay somewhere near airport for early am flight out next morning.

My other option is to flip flop Arenal and Peace Lodge around. If I did that, the advantage would be that we would get to Peace Lodge really early in the day, and therefore one night may be all we'd want to or need to stay. My husband and I have stayed there before, the kids would love it, but we plan on the Monarch Villa which is expensive and for 2 nights, it is very expensive! This would give us one extra night somewhere else. Either Arenal or Los Suenos or maybe we could fit another area in - but we're already looking at 5 - 6 hotels in 12 days so that is pushing it. The disadvantage is that I think that the drive from Arenal to the Mariott is longer than the drive from the Peace Lodge to the coast - I hope someone can clarify that for me! I just can't seem to figure that one out.

Of course it all depends on the availabilty at the Peace Lodge, which for some reason is not replying to my emails. I have to call them, but I wanted to be sure about the dates first.

Which makes the most sense, or does it really matter? I'm trying to minimize costs, travel time in the car and changing hotel rooms, given that we're travelling with the kids this time.

batson57

You will love the Don Carlos. I suggest a walk downtown to the Gold Museum (in the basement of the Bank of Costa Rica) and the Mercado Central. Also the Jade Museum which is almost across the street from the Don Carlos. The hotel has a very nice gift shop that is worth a look. The prices aren't exactly bargain basement, but they have some really nice things. Also, downtown, within walking distance, there is a sort of flea market of souvenirs called La Casona. It offers a complete mixture of everything from absolute junk to fine pottery. The people at the hotel desk are wonderfully helpful and will be able to suggest other things that you could do in an afternoon. They will also give you a card-size map of downtown and mark the route you should follow to the various places you want to see.

Have a great trip.

Carol

tully

If you have a full day at Peace Lodge, and especially as you've been there and the Monarch is pretty dear per night, I'd add a night to Arenal or to the Marriott. Along with a day trip to MA from the Marriott, you could do a day trip to Turubari Park (http://www.turubari.com/html/home.php) and then have 2 days to just chill.

shillmac

Shell, this isn't a commentary on your itinerary. I can't improve on any suggestions Tully makes. BUT I wanted to ask if you'd by chance seen the Fodor 2008 Costa Rica guide. It has a nice blurb regarding Modesto--refers to him and the Riverboat Francesca as THE guide for Tortuguero. I've not seen that before and it made me smile. I was trying to remember who on the board I'd been talking to about Modesto and Fran, so your post today reminded me! I am very anxious to hear what you think. I could go with Fran and Modesto every year and never get tired of it. Good luck with the rest of the planning!

BTW, all the things Batson mentioned we enjoy as well. Our very favorite thing, though, is looking at the Teatro Nacional (such a brand piece of history) and sitting outside el Gran Hotel Costa Rica (in front of the teatro) sipping a cappucino or coke.

shillmac

shell, another thing. I know I probably don't need to say this, but don't be out and about after dark. Use taxis.

ShellD

shillmac - we are definitely using Fran and Modesto, thanks to your recommendations! I'll have to check out the 2008 Fodors guide! I made some of our hotel reservations today. Since we arrive in San Jose before noon and are staying at Don Carlos the first night we'll get a transfer from them to the hotel. With two young kids I am not really sure what would interest them as their first experience in the country. They're going to be tired from a long travel day, but also ready to finally see something! I think we should be at the hotel by 1:00 pm.

I also decided to put Peace Lodge before Arenal, it just seems to make the most sense given how early we will get back from Tortuguero that morning. We should get to Peace Lodge by 10:00 am giving us almost a full day there to enjoy it and then we can have a relaxing morning before heading out to Arenal the next day. When I got my confirmation, they noted that as of January 2008 their rate no longer includes breakfast - just something for everyone to note! However they are only charging $9/adult and $5/child for their buffet breakfast. I was a bit surprised at this though.

Tully, thank you for the suggestion for Turubari Park. I hadn't heard of it before and it looks perfect for one of our days while at the Marriott!

I'm having a bit of trouble trying to figure out just what types of activites will be fitting for our kids. While they really want to be adventurous, I can't say they'd be all too comfortable yet with the zip lines or the Venando Caves. I know they want to, but I can see a major meltdown when it comes to it! I'm going to have them both look at websites and try to have them get a feel for things before we go so they're not totally caught off guard when we get there.

raderbarbarian

I think it would be a little faster to travel between Arenal and Los Suenos than between Peace Lodge and Los Suenos. From Arenal, you avoid the metropolitan area of San Jose. From Peace Lodge, that's darn near impossible and could slow you down quite dramatically, depending on the time of day.

MichelleY

We are going for an overnight with Fran & Modesto on Nov.16. We a meeting them in Moin. DH hopes to do a little fishing.

I will report back!!!

MY