Countdown to Costa Rica! II

46 more days.....and counting.
I am getting really excited about my upcoming trip to Costa Rica! It is going to be more of a "roughing it" trip than I usually prefer. But I feel that as long as I go into it prepped both physically and mentally, I will be able to enjoy it for what it is. I am not talking about backpacking, camping, and cooking outdoors kind of of roughing it. I am talking about how this trip will be more of an eco-adventure than my typical preferred vacation of sipping fruity drinks on a beach and only taking a break from the sun to do a little shopping...that's how I normally prefer to get some local "culture." Don't get me wrong, I have definitely saved some time to hit the beach and do some shopping!

After long hours reading the reviews on Trip Advisor I finally finished booking our 3 hotels, which has helped as I finalize our itinerary of 3 distinct areas of Costa Rica.

We will fly into San Jose, but immediately drive ~3 hours to La Fortuna/Arenal area. In this area we will rappel down waterfalls, hike around an active volcano and into the rainforest, and zip line on the fastest and highest lines in Costa Rica.
First 2 Nights Hotel: Arenal Observatory Lodge this hotel is known for being the closest to the active Volcan Arenal, and having the best views of both the Volcano and the Lake below...especially at night. The beds in the rooms face the huge picture windows so you can fall asleep while watching the hot lava flow.

Next we will drive ~5 hours to the Quepos/Manuel Antonio area on the Pacific Ocean. I don't have any set plans for us in this area, but it sounds like there will be plenty to choose from. We will visit the famous Manuel Antonio National Park (rainforest). Here we will also do more hiking and canopy tours, and possibly an ATV tour and horseback riding.
This is also where I will get my beach time :-) This area of Costa Rica is known to be one of the most beautiful. That is probably why 2 couples we know chose this tropical paradise for the most important day of their lives - their weddings.
Second 2 Nights Hotel: Hotel Costa Verde this hotel is close proximity to both the beach and the national park. We will be staying in the adults-only area of the hotel...to enjoy the quiet while we still can.

After a couple of days in the Manuel Antonio area, we will drive ~3 hours to our final destination - the Heredia/San Jose area. I don't have anything planned for us in this area because I am doubtful that we will even leave the hotel.....would you???
Last 3 Nights Hotel: The Peace Lodge - this hotel is amazing, and surprisingly not ridiculous expensive. The crazy thing is it is the hotel's policy to limit the number of nights visitors stay to a maximum of 4. That is so visitors will go explore other areas of Costa Rica. Amazing.

That's what I have so far. I am already starting to think about what I am going to pack!
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