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Our basic itinerary--any thoughts, feedback, etc?

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Minneapolis, MN
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Our basic itinerary--any thoughts, feedback, etc?
Mar 12, 2013, 11:33 PM

Here's our basic itinerary and some activities we're considering. Please let me know if you have any suggestions or advice! We are only in Costa Rica for a short time, but we tend to pack a lot of fun in. We are not the "relaxing by the beach" types!

--Thursday: Arrive at San Jose Int'l Airport around 12pm. Pick up our rental car and head to La Fortuna de San Carlos.

(any suggestions on what we should do on the way to the hotel in La Fortuna? Any "must do" stops along the way?)

--Spend Friday and Saturday in La Fortuna and near Arenal National Park. We would like to do a good hike or two, go ziplining, visit a wildlife center/refuge. Any suggestions for a hike? I've heard good things about La Fortuna Waterfall. We'll use a tour guide or company if it's recommended (we don't want to do anything stupid), but we're also not opposed to exploring on our own.

--Sunday: Drive to Manuel Antonio National Park to our hotel (Again, any suggestions on where to stop along the way?)

--Monday and Tuesday are near Quepos...any suggestions on what to do here? We are open to ideas! Again, we like hikes, animals, etc. Good beaches?

--Wednesday: Leave early for San Jose, flight departs around 12:30pm

Thanks for any and all feedback!!

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6 replies to this topic
Houston, Texas
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for Arenal Volcano National Park, La Fortuna de San Carlos
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1. Re: Our basic itinerary--any thoughts, feedback, etc?
Mar 13, 2013, 5:27 AM

There are several good hikes in the area - the waterfall, the Hanging Bridges, and the volcano. Proyecto Asis is a great animal rescue center. We were able to feed a sloth, monkeys, and macaws when we were there. Sky Trek is great for ziplining. Between Arenal and MA, stop at the Rio Tarcoles bridge to see the big crocs down below; don't leave anything in your car unattended. In MA, take a guided tour of the park and do the Damas mangrove tour. The prettiest beach is inside the national park.

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Houston, Texas
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for Arenal Volcano National Park, La Fortuna de San Carlos
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2. Re: Our basic itinerary--any thoughts, feedback, etc?
Mar 13, 2013, 5:28 AM

And just a heads up, MA park is closed on Mondays so take that into account when you're scheduling and planning.

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La Fortuna de San...
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3. Re: Our basic itinerary--any thoughts, feedback, etc?
Mar 13, 2013, 9:09 AM

Here's my 2 cents:

--Thursday: You could stop at the Espiritu Santo Coffee Plantation in Naranjo-it's on the way, other than that, I would just go straight to Fortuna: http://www.espiritusantocoffeetour.com/

--Friday & Saturday: To make the most of your time go to SkyTrek for a guided nature hike on hanging bridges, gondola up the mountain and then zipline down-the best ziplines in the area. After that you'll have a whole other day to explore: La Fortuna Waterfall, Kayaking on the Lake, etc.

--Sunday: On your drive to Manuel Antonio National Park-stop at the Tarcoles River to see the crocodiles.

--Monday and Tuesday near Quepos: Go explore the area south of Manuel Antonio such as Uvita or check out the Manuel Antonio Nature Park which is across from Si Como No-there is also a night tour to choose from. Tuesday make sure to go early to the park and wear your swimsuit as the best beaches in that area are inside the park! For a great cultural tour, check out the Santa Juana rural tour-an amazing hike, swim in a waterfall, oxen and more: sicomono.com/content/santa-juana-canopy-safa…

ENJOY! :-)

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Tampa
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4. Re: Our basic itinerary--any thoughts, feedback, etc?
Mar 13, 2013, 2:53 PM

Google Pure Trek and repel down a waterfall. Just south of Jaco there is a great zip line called Chiclets, google it too, they are great. You could stop in Jaco for some shopping and food at Los Amigos.

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5. Re: Our basic itinerary--any thoughts, feedback, etc?
Mar 22, 2013, 12:51 PM

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6. Re: Our basic itinerary--any thoughts, feedback, etc?
Mar 22, 2013, 4:46 PM

Not to hijack the post but I will be travelling from Arenal to MA as well and want to see stop at the Rio Tarcoles bridge.

Off what road is it off of?

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