One night between San Jose and Punta Uva

We were going to stay in Orosi but then didn't. But check it out: volcano Irazu, Tapanti National Park, botanical gardens, hot springs...

No.

If you arrive at 730AM, but the time you clear Immigration and get a car its now 9AM. As above suggestion is not on the way, but a complete side detour from SJO to Cartago, which is no fun driving thru the capital.

You also will be missing out on spectacular scenery, which starts in 10 minutes outside the capital on RT 32, up into the mountains and rainforest, tunnels, waterfalls, huge rivers and towering cliffs with huge shear drops into valleys and up to the clouds.

If anything, head to up to Paos Volcano 45 minutes from airport and no traffic and a single road, in morning hike the park (best before 11AM) and then head to La Paz, and then the back way to Guapiles, or, to Pt Viejo Sarapiqui then to Guapiles. Spectacular scenery.

But since its about 5 hours drive from SJ to Punta Uva, I would stop in Playa Cahuita and have spice caribe afro cuisine, and maybe take a beach break in park, as Cahuita is about 4 hours from SJO. Then its just a tad more than a hour to Pt Viejo.

Keep in mind in rainy season there can be major delays on RT 32 due to landslides, heavy rains and accidents, near the capital, once to Guapiles, its a straight flat road all the way to Limon (best avoided).

mrmoto - thank you. Would you suggest staying the night around the Paos Volcano, or Sarpiqui or just take the day for a leisurely drive to the coast enjoying the scenery along the way and finding a place for the one night around Cauhuita? I messed up flight and accommodation so that we have a free night before checking in to our rental in Punta Uva.

I should say I have 3 kids who are not really hikers, except if its to a swimming hole. With all the rivers in Costa Rica are there swimming holes to stop at along the San Jose to Caribbean coast road? We will be at the beach for 8 days, and while I suppose you can never have too much beach I was just thinking of breaking up the drive before getting to Cahuita NP

No there are not rivers or swimming holes on the way. There is if you head to Pt Viejo Sarapiqui, depending on the recent rains and flow of the river, you could swim, but keep in mind there is a lot of dangerous snakes, caymans and currents, so only swim where locals swim.

You are not in Kansas anymore...

Yes of course you can stay up near the Poas volcano for one night. I stayed at the Poas Volcano Lodge there a few years ago, located on a dairy farm. You could visit the volcano in the morning, and go to the La Paz Waterfall Gardens in the afternoon, which should be nice for your kids.

Agree Paos Volcano Lodge is very nice. Britt owns it, they used to have a game room before the remodel, and he had a excellent wine list...and he is a chef. Cool and rainy at night up there, big fireplace and fun guest will make it a nice night for all.

Mstep and Mrmoto,

Thank you for your previous responses. We are going to head straight out to Puerto Veijo, stay the night at Playa Negra Guest house and then check in to our house in Punta Uva. Found some ziplining, stand up paddle, snorkeling, surfing, yoga. Very excited. We will be driving back to La Fortuna after 8 days for a 10 night stay there. Rafting, horseback riding, more zip lining, hiking, hot springs.

I have two remaining questions. We will be trying to prepare much of our food...what are the grocery resources in Punta Uva and La Fortuna? Are there anything like local farmers markets that it would fun to shop at ?

Also, I like to run as a way to connect with the world around me. I'd love to step out my door, lace up and take of for 5-8 miles. Are there things I should consider in those areas? Punta Uva, and I think its actually El Castillo south of La Fortuna? Running alone, would drivers be aware of me on roads, would wildlife steer clear of me on trails....mrmoto you mentioned snakes to my question on swimming holes :) that kinda got my attention. Realize I'm not in Kansas and I really don't want to go there. Thoughts?

Thanks in advance!!

Hi There is a newly renovated Chinese market in Cahuita. There is just about anything you might want in Puerto Viejo. Down the coast there are small convenience stores and some restaurants. For running (or biking) the coastal road is pretty mellow with many paths leading to great beaches. Best running might be Cahuita National Park on the trail through the jungle. Always a place to take a dip and cool off.