4 Weeks in Nicaragua and Costa Rica

This is my first trip traveling by myself since Guatemala. I am paying a bit more money on lodging, avoiding dorm-style hostels wherever I can because I don't feel comfortable as an old lady in a mixed dorm rooms anymore! Also, there are a few places where I am paying way more than I would prefer because of the location and lodging reviews.

Here is my Central America itinerary.

July 3rd:
Location: LAX to MGA (Managua, Nicaragua)

July 4th- 11th: 

Location: San Juan de la Concepion, Nicaragua

Lodging: Homestay, arranged by La Mariposa Spanish School and Eco-Hotel. http://www.mariposaspanishschool.com/

Cost: 225$/ week (meals and Spanish classes included)

Activities: Volunteer on an organic farm, take Spanish classes, teach English classes, visit local villages (miss my Dad's birthday on the 10th)

July 11th-13th:
Location: Granada, Nicaragua 

Lodging: Hostal El Momento. http://www.hostelgranadanicaragua.com/

Cost: 12$ (room with a private bathroom and kitchen available for use)

Activities: Mombacho volcano, Masaya volcano, colonial churches

July 13th- 15th:
Location: Isla Ometepe (in Moyogalpa), Nicaragua 

Lodging: Hospedaje Soma. http://www.hospedajesoma.com/

Cost: 22$/ night (room with a shared bathroom and breakfast)

Activities: Hike volcanoes, visit a coffee farm, wildlife, waterfalls

July 15th- 17th: 
Location: Leon, Nicaragua 

Lodging: Hostel Sonati. http://www.sonati.org/en/

Cost: 15$/ night (room with a private bathroom and a kitchen available for use)

Activities: Colonial churches, museums 
RETROSPECT: Skip Leon unless you want to do volcano tours, and don't stay with Sonati.

July 17th-19th: 
Location: San Juan Del Sur, Nicaragua 

Lodging: Yajure Surf Hostel. http://www.yajuresurfhostel.com/

Cost: 10$/ night (dorm room with shared bathroom and breakfast)

Activities: Beach, Sea Turtles

July 19th: 
Location: Rivas, Nicaragua (last large town on the way to Costa Rica)

Lodging: Hotel Dalinky. http://hoteldalinky.com/en/

Cost: 25$/ night (room with private bathroom)

Activities: Meander

July 20th- 22nd:
Location: La Fortuna, Costa Rica

Lodging: Arenal Observatory Lodge. http://www.arenalobservatorylodge.com/

Cost: 74$/ night (room with shared bathroom and breakfast, some free tours)

Activities: Volcano watch, hiking, waterfalls, night walks, wildlife (miss Raya's birthday on the 20th)

July 22nd- 24th:
Location: Santa Elena, Costa Rica 

Lodging: Cabinas Eddy. http://www.cabinas-eddy.com/

Cost: 25$/ night (room with private bathroom and breakfast)

Activities: Monterverde Cloud Forest, wildlife, waterfalls
RETROSPECT:  You cannot get to Osa Peninsula in one day.  You have to stay in San Jose and take the 5 am TRACOPA bus to Palmar Norte.  I ended up only staying one night here (great hotel).

July 24th-27th:
Location: Osa Peninsula (Drake Bay), Costa Rica 

Lodging: Cabinas Manolo. http://www.cabinasmanolo.com/home_en.htm

Cost: 15$/ night (room with shared bathroom)

Activities: Hike Corcovado National Park, beach, wildlife (miss Marla's birthday on the 25th)

July 27th- 30th:
Location: Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica 

Lodging: Natural Pacific Suites. http://www.naturalpacificsuites.com/

Cost: 60$/ night (suite with kitchen)

Activities: Hike Manuel Antonio National Park, beach, wildlife

July 30th:
Location: San Jose, Costa Rica 

Lodging: Hostel Casa del Parque. http://www.hostelcasadelparque.com/hostel/

Cost: 42$/ night (room with private bathroom)

Activities: Meander

July 31st: 
Location: SJO (San Jose) to LAX, picked up by my hubby

Lodging: Our house

Cost: 1,000$/ month

Activities: Mind your own business