9 night itinerary with a visit to friends

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nycsilk
nycsilk

Hi, I'm looking for advice on 9 nights in Guanacaste, arriving January 27 - and returning Feb 6.

Currently, I'm starting with a visit to friends who live by Flamingo Beach, and was thinking 4 nights there, with day trips (have booked at Paradise Flamingo there).

We're in our 60s, in reasonable shape, not fabulous, and enjoy nature and beaches. I've looked at sample itineraries, and it seems that 4 nights in Flamingo followed by 3 at Arenal Volcano and 2 at Tenerio National Park with day trips might make sense. But I admit I'm not the best at figuring out the best, and I get a lot of help from these forums for trip-planning. (I did try a travel agent, but she sent a $4000 itinerary, which didn't match our needs at all)

I'd like to stay in nice hotels that don't break the bank. So any suggestions for hotels that might be underpriced for any reason would be welcome. Ideally, I'd spa/eco lodge the entire thing, but my wallet doesn't permit the tops of luxury.

Ideally, I'd have had us end up at Flamingo, to veg out after touring, starting at the beach works best for our friends.

How does this sound? Have I chosen the best places to place ourselves for day excursions?

I've got the air, a hotel the first 4 nights, and that's it.

Suggestions very much welcome.

Liza Jane

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mrmoto
mrmoto

That plan you have sounds fine. I assume you will rent a car? You can do that in Liberia at LIR airport(main road in front of airport is where all the agencies are).

Its about 4 hour drive from Flamingo to Arenal, a little less from LIR. Its a very pretty drive too. Head down the CA1 to Canas and then head to Tileran, from here you drive around Lake Arenal which is one of the prettiest drives in the country, a small rural 2 lane road with little traffic. Stop in Nuevo Arenal area for some organic food/coffee and enjoy the scenery. There are some small Swiss style inns around there as it was settled a long time ago, and there is lot of cows in the hillside, which produces excellent grass fed beef at the steak houses in Arenal area and Guanacaste.

Though Arenal is not active (yet) there is a lot to do in the area. If you check Expedia, you will see all the hotels and lodges, even small resorts and spas dot the countryside. $100 night should not be an issue. I like the Montana del Fuego as it has a pool, spa and cafe, and is close to everything, all cabins have views of the looming volcano. More old school is family run lodge, Campo Verde.

At Tenerio, which you can take the back way as well, I like La Carolina Inn, a working farm and great family runs it, nice cabins or the rustic farm house, guides/horses and meals in a community table open air kitchen on the back of the house...they will take you to Tenerio w/guide for a hike to Celeste Waterfalls and the river etc. From here its a easy drive back to Liberia, and LIR.

Have fun...

Adventure Travel to Colombia, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Honduras, Guatemala, Mexico, Thailand, Burma, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam, China, South Africa, Morocco, Turkey, EU, USA National Parks, enjoying culture, cuisine, motorcycling, scuba diving, surfing, sailing, rafting, hiking, fishing, camping, nature, wildlife. Get a Guidebook, and get lost!
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nycsilk
nycsilk
In response to #1

Thank you. The only room left in La Carolina Inn is beyond rustic--it's spare beyond expectations. It's rather a dorm room for a family with a lot of kids. Several single sized beds and one queen, no furniture: no bedside tables, etc. I did want to stay there, but I'd prefer a nice room. However, I'm unable to locate another hotel in the area. Any recommendations? The two I found, Celeste Mountain Inn and Tenorio Lodge have no vacancies. Any suggestions besides Carolina? I'm tentatively reserving the room, but there is zero in it. No charm.

Thank you anybody with ideas.
Liza Jane

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