2 week itinerary

££

Day Itinerary

• After landing, head into San Jose and overnight there.
• The San Pedro district has a number of good affordable options for a quick stop over.
• By all accounts, the highlights of Costa Rica probably aren't found in San Jose so, in our opinion there isn't much point in staying very long in the city.

Accommodation 

• Rincon de San Jose - mainly because it is a short distance from the bus station you'll need the next day

Day itinerary 

• Unfortunately, it's an early start. Due to connecting transportation issues, you will need to get a bus from Sarapiqui bus station (10 blocks from Hotel Rincon) shortly after 6am - check the bus timetable. You will need to get the bus heading towards Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui. Watch out for pick pockets and baggage thieves around the bus station. 
• Tickets for the bus are sold just before departure.
• For Rara Avis - you will need to get off at the "Bar el Mapache" - we advise that you tell the driver that's where you're going so he can tell you which stop to get off at.
• Rara Avis eco lodge is accessed by a tractor pulled "charabanc" from the small village of Las Horquetas de Sarapiqui. The tractor departs at 9am almost every day from Rara Avis' Las Horquetas office. The journey takes 3.5 hours.  You need to be at the office by 8.30am to check in and get rubber boots for the journey. 
• After the journey you will probably want a quite afternoon but be sure to plan how you want to spend the next few days with the team.
• Equipment you need for Rara Avis:
• • Rubber boots or other mud proof footwear
  • A water bottle
  • A flashlight or head torch (essential) per person
  • Several changes of calf high socks
  • Insect repellent
  • Rain gear, hat and sun screen

Accommodation

• Rara Avis Eco Lodge

Day itinerary

• The team at Rara Avis can tell you more about the services they provide when you get there, but we recommend going on at least a couple of jungle safaris.
• The bird life is particularly amazing, so remember to bring binoculars and a camera with a good zoom lens. 
• Look out for howler monkeys, ant eaters, dart frogs and most famously the armoured rat (more like a giant guinea pig than a rat) which seems to enjoy inhabiting the sleeping cabins. 
• Given the location, the food can be quite basic. Although they are tasty, be sure not to go overboard on the pinto beans - you could live to regret it!

Accommodation

• Rara Avis Eco Lodge

Day itinerary

• Make your way back down the hill (it's probably easier to walk down than get the tractor)
• Getting to Arenal from Horquetas isn't totally straightforward. You will need to get a bus to Ciudad Quesada which takes about three hours and then pick up a taxi to Arenal.
• The Arenal volcano is active but don't expect to see lava or eruptions. The area itself is still worth a visit, there is lots of hiking and other activities to do but if you're primary objective is to see lava flows, you will be disappointed.

Accommodation

• The Arenal observatory is a good place to stay for views of the volcanoes (provided there isn't mist) but it is quite expensive for what it is - so you might consider cheaper alternatives in the Fortuna area and do a day trip to the volcano. 

Day itinerary

• From Arenal, head to Santa Elena which is the commercial and transport centre for the Monteverde region.
• There are two reserves Monteverde and Santa Elena. 
• Santa Elena is a 3 square kilometre reserve and has steeper more challenging trails. You can get to that reserve by bus. 
• Monteverde reserve is a bit bigger and more popular. There are 9 trials through 13k of cloud forest. The trails themselves are fantastic and are made all the more exciting by the prospect of seeing the elusive quetzal - not that we saw it.
• If you like zip lining over leafy canopies, you have come to the right place - but make sure you pick a tried and trusted operator. 

Accommodation

• Sleepers Sleep Cheaper is affordable and comfortable

Day itinerary

Accommodation

• Casa Zen