Don’t hold hard to any ideas of saving driving time in the Costa Rica Mountains. It probably doesn’t matter too much to save what Google claims is an hour difference. The views are extremely beautiful, AND very narrow, potholed, windy and steep, and you may well find yourself behind a slow truck. If you can get a 4 wheel-drive vehicle, do! (Wild Rider in San Jose is a good alternative if the DIY recommended one has no vehicles; quite possible if you’re not booking many months in advance. BTW, They laughed at us when we asked if we would want cruise control, you won’t be using it, even on the few divided highways.) It also depends if you stay near La Fortuna or El Castillo near Arenal. El Castillo is much quieter, we loved it, but did not have zip line type activities one might be seeking if traveling with teenagers, for example, but instead lovely (steep) walks, great birds, kayaks to and a wonderful butterfly conservatory. There are kayaks to rent down on the lake. You may want to think about temperature in your decision; we were there last February, and the coast is HOT. (We stayed farther south near Parque Corcovado, but it was equally hot driving north up the coast, the only flat roads we encountered. Monteverde and the Arenal area were much cooler, especially the cloud forest, so it might be nice to put your beach time in the middle. Enjoy! Hope that’s helpful.