SweetMelissa

My fiancee and I are getting married in Manuel Antonio in May and plan to see two other areas we've never visited following the festivities -- Montezuma and Arenal. We'll have a total of six nights for both of those locations.

My question is this: Assuming we will fly to San Jose from Quepos (Manuel Antonio) to begin the next leg of our trip, would it make more sense logistically to see Arenal or Montezuma first?

Either way, it looks like we'll have to use San Jose as a base for flights and better car rental options.

Any help from knowledgable CR travelers would be greatly appreciated!!!

spin

Arenal Volcano is SHY. It is often shrouded in clouds and ground fog.
We stayed at Montana de Fuego for 3 days, and never saw the volcano during the day. We were lucky to see the lights in the souvenir shop across the street for most of the day. We could not see the volcano.
The best time to view the glowing lava flow is about 3-5 a.m. As the sun rises, the cherry glow turns gray, clouds float over the cone and stall, ground fog rises from the cloud forest at the base of the volcano at surprising speed, and like magic - it is gone. Arenal is on the caribbean slope, so its two seasons are wet and wetter.
I would go to Montezuma first, and keep an eye on the weather in LaFortuna. A transport option from MA to Montezuma is the Interbus vans (www.costaricapass.com). The journey in an adventure in itself. The ferry ride has great views. It beats sitting around an airport. You can also meet people from all over the world on these vans.
You can always do a day tour with Grayline (www.graylinecostarica.com) to Arenal and the hot springs from a San Jose area hotel if pressed for time. I'd stay at the Hotel Vista del Valle (www.vistadelvalle.com), and have them arrange the trip for me. An awesome place!

shillmac

Once back in San Jose, you can rent, drive to Arenal, spend 2 nights, then drive yourself to Montezuma for the rest of the time. Arenal has plenty to offer even if you don't get to glimpse the volcano. She is shy, but when you see her, it's terrific! You won't have a chance without one or two overnights. Tabacon Hot Springs well worth a visit. It's beautiful.

From Arenal to Montezuma will take you about 6 hours. Plan to spend 3 nights in Montezuma, then your last night in San Jose (unless you have already figured that in).

You can also arrange for transfers from MA-Montezuma-Arenal which I believe is the best order should you use transfers.

www.interbusonline.com
OR Costa Rica Transfers (not sure the website address)

SweetMelissa

Thanks to both of you for the great information!

I'm curious. If we decide to take Interbus from MA to Montezuma, do we take it to the ferry in Puntarenas and then hop a cab once on the Peninsula? Or is there a way that Interbus takes you all the way?

Thanks again.

spin

No, you won't have to take a taxi from the ferry. Interbus will take you all the way to Montezuma. It is a good service. I like it because it keeps the stress level low. Enjoy