My Costa Rica itinerary - suggestions? Anything I’m missing?

[FrugalSaver]

1 - ARRIVE TRAVEL TO MANUEL ANTONIO
CHECK INTO HOTEL, EAT AT LA AVION
2 - MORNING—MANUEL ANTOINIO PARK—PARK IS OPEN UNTIL 4.
AFTERNOON—CATAMARAN TOUR—TIMES ARE 8 AM AND 1 PM.
3 - TRAVEL TO MONTEVERDE IN THE MORNING—3.5 HRS--  ARRIVE IN THE AFTERNOON TO EXPLORE THE CLOUD FOREST—REGULAR TICKET $22
EVENING—NIGHT TOUR BEGINS AT 5:45.  2 HRS--$20
4 - TRAVEL TO LA FORTUNA IN THE MORNING—3 HOURS.
ARENAL NATIONAL PARK.   OPEN 8-4
HOT SPRINGS IN THE EVENING.  MOST ARE OPEN UNTIL 10 OR 11.
5 - DAY TRIP TO TENORIA VOLCANO NATIONAL PARK/CELESTE WATER FALL.  LEAVES 7:30, BACK AROUND 4.  OR CAN GET ROUND TRIP TRANSFER FOR $50.
6 - TRAVEL TO GUANACASTE--3.5 HRS
EXPLORE BEACHES OF GUANACASTE-
THERE IS MOSTLY DOWNHILL MOUNTAIN BIKING IN LAS CATALINAS!! :0
7 - DAY TRIP TO RINCON DE VIAJE
8 - BEACH AND FLIGHT HOME.  FLIGHT LEAVES LIBERIA AT 3:45

[diffusate]

Just got back from 3 weeks in Costa Rica a month ago. Went far fewer places than you have planned, and it still felt rushed. A major warning that 3.5 hours on roads there feels like a serious journey - getting jostled and bumped around while accelerating and slowing down does not make for a relaxing drive. Some of your itinerary will be on major roads, but a significant amount will be on bumpy gravel.

I would spend three days in Monteverde and three days in the Guanacaste region.

Hope you have a great trip regardless!

[FrugalSaver]

Just got back from 3 weeks in Costa Rica a month ago. Went far fewer places than you have planned, and it still felt rushed. A major warning that 3.5 hours on roads there feels like a serious journey - getting jostled and bumped around while accelerating and slowing down does not make for a relaxing drive. Some of your itinerary will be on major roads, but a significant amount will be on bumpy gravel.

I would spend three days in Monteverde and three days in the Guanacaste region.

Hope you have a great trip regardless!

Thanks for the feedback. You or anyone have suggestions on hotels near Monteverde?

[the_fixer]

As someone that has been to the locations you are planning to go I also think you are trying to pack too much into a short period of time.



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[FrugalSaver]

As someone that has been to the locations you are planning to go I also think you are trying to pack too much into a short period of time.



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WHat would you recommend I cut?  Knowing that’s a personal decision but welcome an outsiders perspective

[the_fixer]

They are all great locations it just comes down to what you are most interested in but I think I would try for two locations for example one beach location and one jungle type location.

You can hang out at the beach / take surf lessons in both Manuel Antonio and Gaunacaste. MA is typically a little more laid back and feels remote and you get the nature park but you will not have as fancy of restaurants and shopping compared to the beaches of Gaunacaste.

If you decide to go to Arenal I would add hiking down to arenal falls, hanging out at some of the hot springs. We stayed at Tabacon and being in the springs after dark when everyone goes home was awesome we had the place to ourselves.

Avion the food was ok it is more about the coolness of the restaurant.



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[Roland of Gilead]

If the volcano is currently active, ARENAL NATIONAL PARK is going to likely be the best part of your trip.

We were there sitting in the hot springs sipping a drink while watching car size red hot rocks explode out of the volcano against the night sky and roll down the side.  Scary but one of the best times I remember.

[Suit]

I also think that you're trying to cram in a bit much. In Monteverde we stayed at the Camino Verde B&B Hostel and we really liked it there. The little soda close by that's in the blue building was our favorite place to eat there. Don't eat at the touristy places, they aren't great.

[turketron]

I want to see where this thread goes- It looks like I'm going to be traveling to Costa Rica for work in a couple months. Although I don't have firm info yet on how long I'll be there, it's looking like at least a couple weeks, and I'm looking at taking PTO to stay for a bit afterwards. I'm open to suggestions on what to do while I'm there, especially in and around San Jose!

[MaaS]

It appears you're already planning on it, but definitely pay a little extra for small group or personal guided tours at parks.  I would have missed so much at Manuel Antonio without the guide there to point things out and set the telescope. It's definitely NOT the place to try and save a buck. 

[FrugalSaver]

Thanks for all the thoughts and suggestions. Keep em coming!