We visited Costa Rica last year. We arrived in San Jose late at night. A taxi driver took us to a hotel that friends of us had recommended. Grand Hotel de Costa Rica, located downtown. It was an old building but very nicely decorated.
The day after, we took a package to Tortuguero National Park with Mawamba Lodge. Mawamba Lodge operated everything, even the transportation. We booked the package the day before with a tour counter desk right next to the front desk.
The package included everything, from meals, taxes, lodging, guide and local tours. We loved it. After three days, we went to La Fortuna. We got there in the afternoon and stayed at Arenal Springs resort. The view was amazing, the rooms were very nice, the staff was amazing and super friendly, the restaurant had moderate prices and was very good. The view however, had no compare.
While in the Arenal area, we enjoyed the Tabacon Hot Water Springs, the local tours, ( we booked the Safari by Canoe and the real Caño Negro Tour , both amazing, We booked them through Canoe Adventure Tour Operator ) .

After La Fortuna, we went to Monteverde. We stayed at Claro de Luna Hotel, a small but very cozy hotel outside of the town. We booked some tours including Selvatura, Sky trek and the night tour.
We also enjoyed the food. La Pizzeria de Johnny was one of our favorites.
After two days, we went to Manuel Antonio, Quepos. The area is amazing. The beaches are small, with white sand and rainforest that comes right down to the sand. The wildlife was also amazing. We stayed at hotel California. It was a nice option. Secluded, with great views and friendly service.

After Manuel Antonio, we wanted to visit Rincon de la Vieja but went to Corcovado National Park instead. ( We sure want to visit Rincon de la Vieja next time we are in Costa Rica ). Corcovado is not less than it is described as. Rainforest, giant trees, amazing and unique wildlife, both terrestrial and marine, beautiful jungle lodges with amazing locations.

We stayed in Drake Bay. We had a tour to Cano Island and Corcovado included in the package. However, we were told that the other areas near the park are also amazing, including Puerto Jimenez and La Leona, Carate and also the sector situated in the middle of the park, Rincon and Los Patos park entrance.

Our trip ended after 15 days. We highly recommend this route to any visitor planning on visiting this small but extremely beautiful country. - Thomas Richard and family ( Visited Costa Rica in March 2008 )

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