Last Minute Costa Rica

What are your plans for arrival time, first night, and departure time?

I think you will find La Fortuna to be the best to spend three days in. Its the Lake Arenal and Arenal Volcano area and has plenty of day trips you can make in that area.

We arrive in San Jose Oct 5th early in the morning, from there were were going straight to La Fortuna, Monteverde, then Manuel Antonio, back to San Jose the night of Oct 11th. Oct 12th we are going to Tortuguero for a couple days.

well scratch that whole post, i am a total idiot and miscounted the days. we will actually be spending two days at each spot. so i guess my dilemma ( if it can be called that) is solved. thanks for the help though!

take a look here: [www.yourtravelmap.com] for distances and travel times.

i think you are trying to cram too much in too little time. i would pick either manuel antonio or tortuguero but not both. manuel antonio is the most visited national park in the country and tortuguero is a remote place with no cars. your choice.

if you are willing and able to fly to/from these places, that would put a different light on it.

What can be gained by only two days, in each spot? When do you just relax and enjoy.?
Could these places really be nthat different?

What is there to understand, if you don't go to museums in SJ first?
Its a unique world down there. Why be afraid of the unknown?

As I recall the bus leaves Coka Cola bus station about 6 or 8 am. So stay at Pangea II hostel and go the next morning.

Also consider that it is the rainy season so if you are going to see the volcano, it is inactive and covered in clouds. I would head straight to a nice town along the coast and enjoy your time and sight see/ shop outside of the Central Valley.

even without the lava flow and even if the volcano is covered in clouds, la fortuna is still a good place to go. lots and lots of things to do in the area and a number of good day trips.