If you are going to the Pacific Coast after the Caribbean (west bound), this is the order you want to organize your trip, for best time/money value and top logistical efficiency:
San José —› Río Pacuare —› Caribe Sur —› Tortuguero —› Arenal Volcano
Minimum time: 5 days Recommended Time: 8 days
If you are going to the Caribbean Coast from the Pacific (east bound) and on to San José
Arenal Volcano —› Río Pacuare —› Caribe Sur —› Tortuguero —› San José