Hi there,
I am going to Costa Rica in four days and have lately started worrying about my hectic itinerary. I don't get much vacation here in the US (will never get used to that - I am European) and only have a week.
Everything is pretty much booked, but as nobody asked for a credit card at the hotel in Monteverde, I guess I can still change that part of my trip.
What I am looking for is to see gorgeous scenery, interesting animals, alternating relaxation/sunbathing with adventure and finishing with a spa day at Tabacon. I am by myself and just need to get away from typical LA life.
Here is my itinerary:
Saturday: arrive in San Jose
Sunday: drive to Almonds and Corals in Manzanillo (there is supposed to be a beautiful beach and I think I need a bit relaxation as I have a stressful job)
Monday: beach (will one beach day be enough?)
Tuesday: drive to Monteverde
Wednesday: visit Cloud Forest (Should I book a tour? I tried to contact the Monteverde Reserve a week ago but they have not gotten back. Not too sure about tours because I am not too keen on the crowds. Is a night tour through the Cloud Forest worthwile?)
Thursday: drive to Tabacon, leave luggage at hotel, drive to the Hanging Bridges (Do I have to take a tour or can I go there myself?) Evening tour to Arenal to see the lava flow. Which tour is best?
Friday: caves in the morning, relaxing in the afternoon at the hot springs and hot stone massage
Saturday: drive to the airport (flight is at 5:25pm)
What is not really worth doing? How about staying longer in Manzanillo? Is the rainforest gorgeous in Manzanillo? What is your opinion of Almonds and Corals?
What is the weather like in Monteverde? I heard it is about 18 degrees celsius/ 68 fahrenheit and cloudy.
What is the weather like in Arenal?
Thank you so much for your feedback, it is very much appreciated.
Hi Konstanze,
your itenerary sounds like your job, you'll spend a long time of your vactions on the road. I recommend, go to Manzanillo , if you like it stay and relax, if not do your hard travel to Monteverde and La Fortuna
saludos
costaklaus
It takes between 8 - 9 hours to drive from Manzanillo to Monteverde, I would say it's too long to drive it in one day!
You are off to a poor start if this is a vacation-
a- Put adventure first, beaches and RR last
b- Manzanillo to Monteverde is major drive....6- 8 hours depending on ferry....
with only a week i would just go to manzanilo and chill . best not to have a plan anyway just roll withthe flow enjoy don
I'd agree that you're trying to do a bit too much, but if it's what you want to do I'd recommend minimally rearranging a little. Start at Monteverde, then Arenal and finally Manzanillo. That makes it a relatively clean loop ending with relaxation on the beach (you can get spa treatments anywhere and they'll mostly be more relaxed that waiting in line at Tabacon)...
ticotim, what are you talking about "depending on ferry.... "??? There's no ferry between the Caribbean and Monteverde???
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