My husband and I will be visiting Costa Rica for our first time in mid-May 2013 and I would really appreciate feedback on my itinerary.
1) We booked a Groupon that includes a 4-night stay at Casa Luna Hotel and Spa in La Fortuna. We extended this to 6 nights. The Groupon includes zip-lining, white water rafting, horseback riding and transportation to/from the airport in San Jose.
2) I thought then that we would get a rental car in San Jose and drive down to Manuel Antonio for an additional 5 nights so as to enjoy the park, some beach time, the Villa Vanilla Spice tour, and the Amigos Del Rio 10-in-1 Tour.
3) After that, two nights near the airport so that we can spend a day visiting a coffee plantation and the Poa Volcano and maybe the waterfalls.
Does this sound like a doable plan? Also, is it possible for me to rent a car in La Fortuna and return it to the airport in San Jose as that would definitely shave off some of the driving time. I am vacillating on the car, but it seems like renting a car would be about the same price as hiring a driver to get us to the various points in the country and give us a bit more flexibility in MA as our hotel is not located right in town....your opinion here is helpful.
Thanks much!
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I think your itinerary sounds great! If you extend your trip in La Fortuna you should check out the Baldi hotsprings and the Cano Island boat tour. In Manuel Antonio, the Amigos Del Rio ADR Adventure Park is probably one of the most beautiful tours you could over go one! It is in the mountains, surrounded by waterfalls and is really an unforgettable experience. The company and the land is family owned and they do an excellent job. If you're still looking for a place to stay in Manuel Antonio I recommend Tulemar Vacation Homes.. they have small bungalows as well as large private houses, great views, great location and they have accesss to a private beach. Keep in mind that the National Park in Manuel Antonio is closed on Mondays. The Villa Vanilla spice tour is a lot of fun, interesting, and if you like cooking you'll really enjoy it. The Poas volcano is best to see early in the morning so you have the best chance of clear skies and the La Paz Waterfalls are nice as well. I would recommend looking into the Peace Lodge in this area.
Yes, you should be able to book a rental car in La Fortuna and leave it in San Jose, just make sure you use a company that has facilities in both places (most do). Generally Alamo and Adobe are good options. Enjoy your vacation!
Thanks for the advice! We decided to just rent the car at the airport in San Jose as we've got another couple that has decided to do the La Fortuna part of the trip with us. We'll just take the (included) ride back to the airport with them and pick up our rental.
We were able to get another Groupon for MA at the Parador so all we have left is a couple of nights near San Jose. We are definitely doing the spice tour (I LOVE to cook - I sell Pampered Chef products so it is a good thing!) as well as the ADR based on what I've read and your further recommendations.
While in the San Jose area I know that we want to visit Poas - my husband has never been anywhere near a volcano and I think this will be phenomenal! I also thought we would do a coffee tour while there, even though it's not harvesting time.
Is there anything else we should do while in that area?
I love Peace Lodge, as well, but it's very pricey. If it's out of yr budget, you could try: http://www.poasvolcanolodge.com
The Doka Estate Coffee Tour is great, as is the coffee tour at Finca Rosa Blanca.
In addition to Poas, your husband will also be getting a big volcano hit at Arenal. While not active, it's an impressive site, and still provides several excellent hot springs.
On that front, I'd advise against Baldi, and towards either Eco Termales, or Tabacon (very elaborate, very beautiful and very expensive).