cmckay711

I have been to CR several times on business and am encouraging friends to join me for a trip in May. We are in our 50's and early 60's so surfing is out but we are young at heart and are game for about anything else. We have only one week therefore I have considered Aernal then Tamarindo, Nicoya or MA. I was told Nicoya is to far to drive from Aernal. True? Should we skip the volcano and do MA then the nothern beach as it is in May, the beginning of raining season and the clouds may inhibit the volcano eruptions. I would like to see waterfalls as well. I try to tell them Hawaii has nothing over CR. Also hotel suggestions are welcome. We are looking for very nice but with CR flare. No Los Suenos (to American) and I have already been to the Villa Caletas. Thanks much CM

shillmac

Arenal to Manuel Antonio takes about 6 hours. Arenal to the Nicoya Peninsula, about 4 hours. The northern beaches of the Nicoya are great places to visit. (You mention Nicoya as if you are speaking of the town itself which isn't anyplace you'd want to spend time). Anywhere from Tamarindo all the way north to Playa Hermosa and the Papagayo Peninsula where several all-inclusives are located is a great area. This northen Pacific area is the closest beach area to Arenal.

That said, you could certainly combine Arenal and Manuel Antonio for one week as well. It's all good!

hopabout

I vote for this itinerary:

1. A visit to Tortugero National Park including all transportation, bilingual guides, all meals and lodging in a package deal. You want to see the tropics.... Tortugero should not be missed.

2. Then, choose one:

A. Manuel Antonio National park is my favorite. Mainly because there is so much to do there compared to other beaches. Some may want to lay by the pool and veg out. Others, might want to go shopping in the village of Quepos. And, others may be explorers who comb the mountains many trails, zip through the trees like tarzan or go horseback. My oldest client was 72 and zipped quite well!

OR

B. A trip out to the hot springs and Arenal, now there are cable cars and more zip lines, If you want a beach, and want to skip the Tortugero trip, Caño Negro tour is very nice, one day tour with lots of animals from La Fortuna/Arenal.

Note: Clouds inhibit volcano erruptions daily.... you never know near the volcanos...one day it is clear as a bell...the next day it rains constantly and is under the clouds. Such is Costa Rica....
Early May is still quite sunny, usually.

Note: There is a great Central Valley mountain tour to Poas Volcano and past the La Paz waterfall on to the rainforest and Sarapiqui River. This tour is designed more for the young at heart than the 20 year olds and is very nice.

Hopabout
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shillmac

Hopabout, are you referring to the Highlights of Costa Rica tour? I believe this to be one of the better values in Costa Rica! It provides a VERY good day experience and covers so much of Costa Rica. Ecoscape Tours does an excellent job with this one. . .

Also, I've noticed you are so very helpful to the posters on this board. You give some very sound information and it is so good to be hearing from someone who is there. Thanks for all of your comments. You've been helpful to me as well as I think of future trips to Costa Rica!

spin

I encourage all my friends and family who are visiting to take the Highlight Tour (www.ecoscapetours.com). Last May, my daughter and her friend took the overnight option at the Selva Verde Lodge to white water raft. She said it was AWESOME.

She flew Sansa (www.flysansa.com) to Tamarindo (www.tamarindobeach.net) and did several day tours. She loved the Santa Rosa National Park, and still comments about the huge iguana. They also went to Granada, Nicaragua for "shopping" in Masaya.

They flew back and then did the Arenal and Tabacon Hot Springs tour offered by Grayline (www.graylinecostarica.com).

The Hotel Pura Vida (www.puravidahotel.com) is in Alajuela and is a nice place with tico flavor. Nhi is a great cook, so opt for the dinner if you get a chance.

shillmac

Spin, I didn't know there was an overnight option at the lodge. Thanks for that info. Still haven't been to Santa Rosa--on our list! So much still to do and see, thank goodness! Lots of reason to return. . .

Hotel Pura Vida sounds like a very nice place to stay. Are you also familiar with Hotel Villa Bonita? Do you know Humberto and Carmen? It is so easy to get to from the airport (being just a couple of blocks from the McDonald's intersection).