My husband and I are planning to go to Costa Rica for 8 days in the first week of this September.
We are thinking to fly into San Jose, rent a 4wd car, drive first to La Fortuna (2 nights), then on to Monteverde (2 nights) and finally end up on the coast of the Nicoya Peninsula (possibly Playa Samara for 2 more nights), then drive back to San Jose to fly home.
Is this too much driving? We are concerned because we hear that the weather may be rainy and the roads will be difficult to drive.
Can you offer some advice for our travel plan? Are we crazy to try to drive to these places during the rainy season?
Your help would be greatly appreciated!
Thanks very much.
mertang
1
costaklaus
Normally you will not have much problem on the road. The badest part is between La Fortuna and Monteverde, sometimes you can do it 3,5 hour, sometimes 6 hours and somtimes the road is closed.
Good luck and much fun
costaklaus
2
cleaver
September is the driest month on the southern caribbean side...which i highly recommend....Punta Uva and areas around it have the calmest seas and historically the lowest rainfall that month
3
wildrider
Driving is o.k. besides the stretch between Tilaran and Monteverde......
Weather.........even in the rainy season, the weather in Samara is usually good. That means bright and sunny mornings and occasional afternoon showers/thunderstorms (short but heavy).
Arenal/Monteverde weather can be good (2 days sun), but must not (1-2 days rain). Sort of unpredictable. Depends on high/low pressure systems coming in from the Caribbean.
I would try and NOT reserve hotels in advance, and then do the tour according to weather forecast. September is low season, so you will be o.k. acommodation-wise.
5
harmoniaproject
The drive to La Fortuna is no problem do to...wet or dry but it is to Monteverde where you may have the challenge. What time do you fly into San Jose? I would recommend doing the drive to La Fortuna during the day and the area can get pretty foggy at night! For your first night and even your last night in CR, you may want to try staying in Grecia...there is a little B&B you can check out...www.bandbgrecia.com.<BR><BR>Enjoy your holidays and Pura Vida!
6
spin
You have a great itinerary for January through March, but not so good in September.
The best weather in Costa Rica during September will be in the Caribbean side of the country. There is plenty to do in this area for 8 days.
I'd stay south of Puerto Viejo de Talamanca and take a tour to Tortuguero (the amazon of Central America). Enjoy
7
mertang
Thanks all for replies.
We feel a little bit better in terms driving in CR this September.
So far it sounds like we'll stick to our plan but didn't decide how to get to Montverde from La Fortuna yet.
Also we may choose another beach rather than Samara. Looking into it.
We're still open to any ideas from this board though.
Thanks again,
Mert & Angela
8
healthyjim
If you have not rented a vehicle yet, consider:
Costa Rican Trails
They have a flexi-drive option which I took November 2006 and had a wonderful time. They give excellent advice and have some great places to stay.
Pro tip
Lonely Planet
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