We (active and in our late 50s/early 60s with our 25 yr old daughter) are traveling to Costa Rica in mid-August 2024. (That’s in three weeks time, so I know it's a bit of a last minute trip!) Am looking for suggestions for our itinerary, please.
Our plans so far:
We fly into Liberia and will then pick up our rental vehicle (AWD SUV) and will drive to the Arenal Volcano National Park & La Fortuna area, where we will be spending 2 full days and 3 nights. We will then drive to Monte Verde/Montverde Cloud Forest Preserve area and also spend 2 full days and 3 nights there. We are avid hikers and also enjoy birdwatching. We are also interested in a rafting trip and hanging bridges hike/excursion. Looking for suggestions for our itinerary while in each area, so am posting this question in both related forums. Specific burning questions are: 1) Whether we should do a guided hiking tour while in Arenal Park and/or Montverde or both? Any input on night-time hiking tours, in addition to a day-time tour, would be great, specifically what value does it add that a day-time hike would lack? 2) Which area is better known for its rafting experiences, keeping in mind we are looking for Class II/III rapids (milder end of rapids).
Would also appreciate dining suggestions for La Fortuna and Monte Verde areas. While both hotels we are staying at have one or more restaurants, since we have a vehicle we would like to take the opportunity to explore the nearby towns, too. We are open to try local cuisine and are interested in casual as well as bit more upscale restaurants. Also, we love a good adult beverage, so anyplace with a bar or standalone cocktail bar recommendations would be much appreciated. If there is a particular tour company/guide, this information would be most welcome, also. Many thanks in advance!!
