hello,
This forum has been very helpful in planning our upcoming honeymoon from July 23 - Aug. 6th. I'd like some suggestions on our tentative itinerary as follows.
= ? our concerned areas....
july 23- arrive SJO 8pm any suggestions where to stay to rent a car in morning??? or should we drive that evening?
july 24- rent a car to drive to Monteverde/Santa Elena- Stay at Arco Iris Lodge
July 25- area activities.... cloudforest hike, canopy walk again at Arco Iris Lodge
july 26- go to Arenal, or stay in Monteverde region and forget Arenal? we are thinking about Chachagua Rainforest Hotel ??
July 27-
July 28- make our way to Montezuma- check in to Amor de Mar
July 29 - tidepools, waterfalls, eat
July 30
July 31
August 1- Check out Amor,,,,, drive to Malpais/ St. theresa- check in Casa Azul
August 2 relax, surf, eat
August 3 surf, eat, relax, hike
August 4 relax
August 5 check out Casa Azul- ***** to San Jose or somewhere in between to leave the next morning? any suggestions)
August 6 fly out SJO to seattle 10am
Thank you for your help
Hi Cashthedog,
You certainly don't want to drive the first night. Road conditions are bad, there are few road signs and it is easy to get lost. Get a hotel near the airport and an early start the next morning.
In terms of saving driving time, there is more sense in doing first Arenal, then Monteverde and THEN go to Monetzuma / Malpais.
You are planning to stay a lot of days in Montezuma AND Malpais. Both of them are close to each other and there is no big difference. Option: Just do "either or" (if you have a car, you get to Malpais in about 30 minutes from Montezuma) and see something else. I.e. Quepos and the Manuel Antonio National Park (and return to San Jose from there).
If your flight is at 10:00 am, you should stay in San Jose/near the airport, in order not take any chances in missing your flight.
There should be enough rental cars available en of July, so there is no need to reserve one. All the big rental agencies hace offices at the airport or on Paseo Colon in San Jose.
If you are looking for an economic car, we rent Daihatsu Terios, which is a small to midsized SUV (4x4), that should get you anywhere you want to go. Rate for 2 weeks $540 (cash $520) including EVERYTHING, that is insurance, free miles, extra driver.......no extra costs.
If you need hotel recommendation for your first night, let me know your budget and I am pleased to give you tips.
Have to respectfully disagree with WildRider about Montezuma and Mal Pais being the same. Montezuma is a bit more for the bohemian hang out crowd. Surfing less accessible due to rocks. Reminds me of the mediterranean a bit more. Mal Pais/Santa Teresa straight surf-scene, for the most part. Even though only abut 30 min apart by car, I feel completely different at each place. Plus, if you don't like the scene or have enough of Montezuma, you can always head over to MP early! Say hi to Richard at Casa Azul for me. Beautiful spot, you won't be disappointed.--Steve
First things first, if you check the tide charts for July and August on CRSurf.com will might want to change your itinerary around so you can take advantage of high tides at prime time. Don't forget the sunblock! I was out boogie boarding for two hours on Saturday morning and fried because I got distracted and forgot.
You need to plan to spend the first and last nights in the greater San Jose area (GSJA) because of your arrival and departure times. Your choices above indicates a budget, so look at the Hotel Mango in Alajuela. It is about 1 Km from the airport and near most of the rental car agencies. They will help you with the rental from the hotel.
I'm not keen on the Terios - a underpowered beer can with windows. You might have a problem driving up to Monteverde in it if they've had a lot of rain (quite possible during your timeframe).
Try to plan to be at the airport at 7:00 am for a 10:00 am flight, and don't forget to save $26 exit fee for each of you. I'd turn the car in the day before, so I won't be rushed too much on my last morning.
I would have a Plan B and Plan C depending on the rainfall while you are visiting. Too much rain in the Monteverde and Arenal area can turn a nice adventure into a serious misstep. You might consider P1's suggestion to look at MA or explore more of the Nicoya Peninsula and Guanacaste Province. You could also head back to the GSJA, turn in the rental, and do day or multi-day tours (check for ideas) that appeal to you both. These are just some of the sightseeing and adventure options offered through most hotels and tour agencies. Enjoy your honeymoon.
Thanks for all of your help.
-We've decided to stay at Los Volcanes in Alajuela for the first and last night, easy access from/to the airport.
-I've left a couple of days open in Monteverde/ Arenal, in case we decide to stay a couple more nights or head out.
-We are still undecided about the rental car thing. We really like to take it easy and explore fewer places more in depth rather than driving all over in a hurry. Thanks for the surf tide info.
-has anyone seen the new rental house at Casa Azul? I asked Richard for some photos, but thought I'd ask if anyone had been yet?
Cheers
trusted partner
