What is the best way to get around CR, & does our itinerary make sense? (Oct-Arenal, Monteverde, Puerto Viejo)

Question

My bf & I are taking our 1st trip to Costa Rica in mid-October (I know, I know, rainy season, but that is when we can go). I've heard that the southeastern Carrib beaches are nicer that time of year, pretty dry. Is this true? With that in mind, we've revised our itinerary (8 days) to Arenal-2 nights, possible Monteverde-1night, rest on Carrib coast, prob Puerto Viejo, last night near airport in San Jose. What would be the best way to get from place to place, and how long it will take us to get from La Fortuna area to Puerto Viejo? Is there anywhere in between that we should incorporate into our trip? I hate the idea of driving 'past' everything & not checking out what is in between. We are mid-30's, athletic, and looking for more of an 'adventure vacation' vs. luxury, btw; budget is somewhat of a concern. (But comfort & safety are factors, as well) Thanks!

Answer 1

With your limited time in Costa Rica I'd skip Monteverde as its a hassle to get there. It 's a full day travel to get there from La Fortuna. From La Fortuna you can take Interbus to Puerto Viejo for $30/person. It's about a 5-6 hour drive.

I spent 2 weeks in Puerto Viejo last year in October and the weather was great with only occasional rain in the late afternoons

If you are interested you can check out my Costa Rica travel blogs at www.katclare.com/costa_rica

Answer 2

Travel by bus is realitively cheap and comfortable.

Answer 3

Don't worry too much about it being rainy. On the coasts, its a lot drier anyway, and it's not a rain that generally gets in the way of plans. Just bring an umbrella (or sturdy jacket for the rainforest) and you'll be all right.

Your itinerary sounds pretty standard, so you should be fine there.  You'll get a nice sampler of the country. Just be aware that the road conditions will mean everything takes longer than you expect. Ain't no 75 mph interstates there. :-)

Puerto Viejo is a nice place. If you're tired by that time, check out Cahuita - it's just down the road, and it's a little more mellow. P.V. has the better nightlife and shopping.

As far as getting around, you have a few options. One would be to rent a car. I don't recommend it. I lived five months in the country and would NEVER rent a car there. If you have nerves of steel and are used to VERY aggressive driving on bad roads, you may feel good enough to give it a try. I'd take the bus.

For the bus, you pretty much will have to go back through San Jose from La Fortuna to P.V.  It's probably 3-4 hours for each leg of that. It's a solid day of travel, but it's not like there's nothing to see on the ride - plus you're getting a distinct cultural experience.

If you have more time, more sense of adventure, a good command of Spanish, and less money (or any combination thereof), take the public bus system. Just ask locals or your guide book where the bus station is to get to your destination, get there by cab, and buy your tickets. Definitely want to do some calling ahead and planning on this path - get your hotel to help you. But it's dirt cheap - you can get halfway across the country for less than $5.

For more money (still not bad by US standards), take the luxury of a private van / bus. Again, ask your hotel for some names, but there are some fixed routes that private companies run. They're smaller and air-conditioned, which can definitely be nice at the beach.

Don't feel like you have to splurge on a hotel at the beach. You're in the tropics, so hot water is a luxury you probably don't need. Just look for someplace clean - clean sheets and clean towels and you're pretty much good.

Good luck with your trip - I'm jealous!

Answer 4

October is a nice time to visit Costa Rica. It is not the tourist high season, so you will find very good prices in accomodation.

Yes, it is the rainy season, but it doesn't rain the whole time, mostly in the afternoon and depends on what part of the country you are.

The Caribbean beaches are nice the whole time, it rain more than the usual and it is hot and humit, but the breeze from the ocean helps a lot.

Gray Line offers daily bus service from San Jose to each of the places you mention. Also, they offer private transportation from La Fortuna to Puerto Viejo.