posted 05-20-2008 01:08 PM            

I fear that you are lacking a clear understanding of just what is in CR, and places to go, and things to do (which is not to say that this is in any way your fault).
...there is more than one volcano, and, the beaches where tourists go to see the nesting turtles are not within an easy day-trip distance of San Jose. Generally, the best ones would take one day to get to, a day to see the turtles, and another day to get back to San Jose. Finally, I would not recommend staying in San Jose for any length of time (to a tourist). Instead, look into booking a hotel near Liberia (flying into that airport, instead of San Jose), and that way you'll be close to many beaches. Even then, you would, however, need a full day to get to a volcano......maybe Tenorio.......but, probably not Arenal.....

posted 05-26-2008 08:47 AM            

Our family is flying into San Jose too, but we are only staying one night and, from what I researched, you want to go stay in other places.

We're heading to Tortuguero for 4 nights (where the turtles are) and staying in the small town. Why keep yourself in San Jose when you can go experience the culture, wildlife, and adventure of a new country?

In total we are staying at 4 different places in two weeks: Cahuita, Tortuguero, Ciudad Quesada, and Monteverde. I must say I am a traveler who likes to experience the culture and off the beaten path adventures- but I think you should consider traveling around a bit! And you don't have to rent a car- I arranged for all private transportation from place to place.