What to do on the road fron Tamarindo to Arenal/Monteverde area?

Question

We will be making the trip in November. I'd like to stop and see some of the waterfalls on the way. Any suggestions?

Answer 1

enjoy the view!!!

Answer 2

The adventure begins when you are met at the lobby of your hotel for your transfer to KOKOdrilo Creek. After a restroom stop and check in for this Combo Tour, hop on the specially designed safari pick up truck that will take you to the river for the first part of the adventure: a floating trip along the Tempisque River. The safety talk will instruct everyone on the best way to enjoy the ride.

Once the adventure begins, you will be on the lookout for different animal species that might be seen along the shores of this magnificent river, such as the Mantled Howler Monkey, the American Crocodile and several species of birds.

On the river take out, you will hop on your horse and ride along the shores of the Tempisque, under the shade of towering trees and vegetation, and alongside sugar cane and maize plantations for some 45 minutes until you reach the base of the first platform to zip through the forest

This canopy offers 8 platforms and 6 cables, some of the cables close to the ground, and others offering a bird's eye view of the canopy of the forest, as you speed through the lines. After all the action, you deserve a special typical treat at La Plazuela Hotel, where you will be staying over for lunch, before getting ready for your trip back to your hotel.

Includes: professional guides, all equipment needed for all the activities, river float down the Tempisque, horseback ride, canopy tour and meal. Recommendations: hat, sun block, insect repellent, long pants, camera, binoculars

The tour operates in the morning and in the afternoon.

Answer 3

There might not be a lot of things to do but there is plenty to see. Just look out the window and enjoy the view! I also recommend stopping along the road and checking out the small vendors selling fruits and vegetables, try something different. Also there is quite a bit of distance between Arenal and Monteverde. I know there is a restaurant in Monteverde that has great ice cream (trying to remember...last time I was there was 2006) Anyways you'll enjoy it just allow plenty of time.. travel is slow in Costa Rica...with one way bridges AHHH so take your time and just watch out for tractors, trucks and little old ladies!!

Answer 4

Although Arenal and Monteverde are close together on the map,  they are 3-4 hours apart by road-- they are not really the same area.  How many days are you allowing for the trip?  If you are trying to do it in one day (each way) you will not have a lot of time for side excursions.  

There really aren't any exceptional waterfalls on the way either (there are some smaller ones).  Near Monteverde there are the San Luis Falls but they are located a bit out of the way and require a 30-40 minute hike over slippery terrain each way.   Your best bet for a waterfall is the La Fortuna Falls which is essentially at Arenal.  

Quite frankly there aren't alot of things to see (except fantastic scenery) along the road.  There is canyoning and geysers near Liberia at Rincon de Viejo but you would have to go a little out of your way.