TAMARINDO BEACH MARATHON, HALF MARATHON, 30K and 10K, COSTA RICA

September 15-22, 2011

Run with your feet, plan with your head. If you are a runner looking for a smart way to make your plans for the 2011 Tamarindo Beach Marathon, Saturday, September 17,  let’s look at some options. I had a question from New York, how do the numbers work out with four people traveling together to the Tamarindo Marathon? First, you can fly directly into Liberia International Airport, and in 48 minutes you will be at The Oaks, only 10 minutes outside Tamarindo, close to everything, yet away from the noise and “spring break” atmosphere in town. (Of course, if you are looking for that “spring break” atmosphere, you can always drive into Tamarindo or take a short hop in a local taxi.)

Plan A. Flights on www.kayak.com for September 15 from NYC to Liberia, return September 22, cost from $877 round trip per person.  For four people, $3,508. Two of you can each share a hotel room in an “all inclusive” hotel in Tamarindo for $580 per person, or $1,160 per room, total $2,320 for four nights. Total cost $5,828. Tours and $26 per person exit fee extra. If you have never been to Tamarindo, or if you want to experience the “town” atmosphere, this could be a great choice. For sure you will love Costa Rica.

Plan B. Let’s say that you know (or can find) your way around. In that case, you can fly from DFW to San Jose, Costa Rica for only $429 round trip per person, for a total of $1,716 for four people. You just saved $1,792. Now rent a car for $500 or less for a week, plus $80 for gas, using a larger car like a RAV4, and you are still ahead $1,212. With the new highway, it will take you 3 ½ hours to get to Tamarindo, and…you have a car!

Instead of sharing two hotel rooms for $2,320, relax in a two bedroom, two bath condominium at The Oaks, containing almost 900 square feet of living area, with three 42 inch plasma TVs, free high speed internet,  24 hour security, ample protected parking and three gorgeous pools, for  only $995 for a full week, a 25% discount off our normal rates.  Now you are ahead by another $215, plus $1,212, for a total savings of $1,427. And we will include a “full refrigerator”  for four on arrival, a $125 value, with fresh fruit, water, juice, wine or beer, and makings for a snack, breakfast and lunch. You email your selections ahead of time.  

You also have a free washer and dryer in your unit, so you can pack fresh clothes in your suitcase when you leave.

Because you have your own car, you can go on your own tours at a fraction of the cost of a packaged tour. Or, tour operators will come to your door, if that is what you like, just like a hotel. All arranged at The Oaks office.

For some first timers and partiers looking for their other half, Plan A is the way. But for others, coming with your partner, Plan B offers you more of “the real Costa Rica” while giving you more value for less money. If you don’t have a week, shorter stays are available, with four nights from only $175 per person (based on four persons). And if you don’t want to rent a car, we can help with economical buses, taxis and vans. You can reach us at www.theoaksrentals.com or by calling 506-2653-6331 or calling Skype name Robert.irvin. Run with your feet, plan with your head.