We are planning a 19-night holiday to Costa Rica/Panama next Easter - myself, DH and our 14 yo DTs. This will be our first long-haul family holiday and, apart from DH who travelled through Central America in the 90s, this is the first time we've really been to this part of the world. I've been reading up on the area and tbh I want to do it all, and I'm really struggling to come up with a reasonable itinerary.
We're flying in and out of San Jose, and want to end in Bocas del Toro for 5 or 6 nights. DH is really keen to not hire a car, but I've been reading mixed advice on this - would we miss out if we haven't got our own wheels? We're keen to squeeze in some diving/snorkelling, as well as wildlife/nature walks.
At the moment, I'm thinking...
Day 1: Arrive/stay near the airport overnight
Day 2-6: La Fortuna/Monteverde (4 nights)
Day 6-11: Home Exchange on Pacific Coast (5 nights) - near Manuel Antonio national park
Day 11-14: Travel to Caribbean coast (stay in Cahuita?) (3 nights)
Day 14-19: Bocas del Toros (5 nights)
Day 20: Travel back to San Jose for flight home
I'd love to hear your thoughts, particularly if you have visited CR relatively recently. In particular, I'm wondering;
a) is 4 nights enough in La Fortuna/Monteverde? Would it be better to do one or the other - although the jeep-boat-jeep is a big pull factor here
b) is there anything we'd be mad to miss? e.g. Tortuguero?
c) do you think a car would be necessary for any of the legs?
d) Any advice about good travel options for the longer journeys.
Thank you !