For agroup of 4 people in some transfers could be cheaper to use private transfers

In your case tortuguero maybe can wait...if you are going to be around samara and or nosara try ostional bea h...incredible number of turtles all year long

You really do not need 4x4 but if you visit ostional is better to have one

Roadadvisor

MA vs Monteverde is not better, completely different kind of experience, but given the driving distances involved if you wanted to get out of Samara, I'd look at doing a night or two up in Monteverde and then heading down to San Jose. From that area, its going to be about a 4 hr drive or so up to Monteverde, but there's plenty to do for a couple of nights there. Its going to be about 2.5-3hrs to SJO (depending on traffic and where in SJO you're going)

OR you could do some day excursions from Samara up to the Rincon de la Vieja area - Guachipelina, Buena Vista adventure combos or even a day trip to Nicaragua

4X4 wouldn't be required to get up to Monteverde, but a lot of people prefer it.

I would do Monteverde after arenal and then Samara. It will save you time on the road

Yeah, I would either just add that time to Nosara/Samara/South Nicoya or just skip that area in favor of Tortuguero or Manuel Antonio. Your post-Arenal timeframe is really good for only one destination.

Appreciate the help guys! I guess I'll have to do Tortuguero and M.A. next time.

I'm required to go to Samara by my tour package - so I have to go. And I want to see Ostional with the nesting turtles anyway.

I think I'm going to follow the advice and head back to Monteverde after Samara, although I'm a little concerned there will not be that much to do in Monteverde that I haven't already done in Arenal. Monteverde seems like a "one day will do it" type of place.

Thanks again,

jaluit