M_creek

We're planning a trip in the summer with 5 & 8 year old boys. Flying into San Jose and would prefer to be in one or two places in the country for a total of 7 days. Would like quiet town, small cabins (don't want big or all inclusive) two bedrooms, with a pool. The Caribbean side (Cahuita) looks interesting (is the Caribbean side "safe")? . I also like Osa, Arenal or Dominical. What would give us the best diversity from the Caribbean side and the best view of the country? Suggestions welcomed!
Thanks.

volcanogirl

Bosque del Cabo on the Osa is really nice. They have cabins that have a king-sized bed downstairs and a loft upstairs that has two beds that would work for you. Tucan is a good cabin with a bathtub. Tons of wildlife and great hiking there, and you can take trips to an animal sanctuary, see dolphins etc. Once you get to SJO, you can fly to Puerto Jimenez on Sansa or Nature Air. Sansa is close to the SJO terminal.

Los Lagos is popular with young families in Arenal. If you want more upscale, Arenal Nayara. If you did decide that you wanted to go to Manuel Antonio, Tulemar Bungalows/Buena Vista Villas are popular with young families.

mad

Yes, Bosque del Cabo is an amazing place, but maybe not the easiest place to be with two young kids. the ocean is very rough there and the beach is hard to get to down a steep hill.
We've been to CR a few times and went to Manuel Antonio with our young son last year. We stayed at Villa Mot Mot at Tulemar bungalows (you can find it on vrbo.com). It was perfect for us. it's quiet, has several pools and an almost private beach with boogie boards, kayaks and sand toys. There's a decent restaurant on the beach so it's easy with kids. You're also in the jungle so we saw lots of wildlife, including monkeys and toucans right outside our door. Not a touristy place and the best of all worlds.
Arenal might also be fun for a couple of days if you want to do two locations.
We're going to the caribbean side this year. We're staying in Puerto Viejo at El Nido Cabinas, which might also meet your needs if you want a more undeveloped area to see. We're taking a few day side trip to Bocas del Toro in Panama which also looks amazing. It just depends on how easy you want the trip to be. Manuel Antonio is very easy and manageable with kids.

M_creek

Thanks to both of you for your replies. When I was in Costa Rica 10 years ago I decided to skip Manuel Antonio because it was a little more developed than I would like however, the Villa Mot Mot at Tulemar looks great! I thought Dominical might be a good area, but can't find a 'place' there. I still like the Osa and Bosque del Cabo looks amazing. If we spent our "beach time" in Cahuita, then we could spend the Osa time in the jungle (avoid the surf).

Trying to get the most out of the trip, I wonder if we should spend ~4 days on the Caribbean side (Cariblue Bungalows seem to be good?) and then 3 days either in Arenal or Dominical. Is Cahuita similar to the Osa or is it just a little beach town? I thought to stay on the east coast, might be able to spend some time in La Amistad and have looked at the Selva Bananito Lodge as a possibility to get a few days in the mountains.

So - lot's of fun planning and appreciate your input!

(we spent 4 glorious days at Al Natural in Bocas a few years ago - some of the best snorkeling I've ever done - great food and wonderful people-Enjoy!)

volcanogirl

Have you checked out Shelter from the Storm? We haven't stayed there, but it gets consistently rave reviews. Based on what you've said, I'm not sure Manuel Antonio is your kind of place. I threw that suggestion out there just in case, but Shelter from the Storm sounds like it would give you that smaller feeling that you're looking for.

Deb15July

VG...we agree again on one point!

I tried to post this the other day, but somehow my session kicked me out.

I'm not sure I would go to BDC with two young boys due to the cost. Unless maybe one of the houses with a kitchen would work...not sure about those prices.

But I'd love to stay at SFTS (Shelter from the Storm) in Dominical since I've heard great things from a personal friend and it gets great reviews. I was told that a car would be highly advisable if staying there! I'm pretty sure they can also arrange for a chef to prepare your dinner if that is desired for a night or two.

sylvia3

SFTS is up the hillside, a bit of a steep drive. You would need a car, preferably 4WD. They have a nice smallish pool, and great accommodations to choose from.
You might really like this location, right on the beach, Coconut Grove house and cottages:
http://www.duptronicssolutions.com/c...dexhouses.html

Rio Mar is an idea, too, a mile or so up the road along the river, a very nice setting: http://knowaboutcostarica.com/Villas...Dominical.html

MichelleY

One thing to keep in mind is travel time between places. If you go to Cahuita or Puerto Viejo, then Dominical, it will be a very long travel day - probably over 10 hours. I would try to plan things so the travel day is no more than 5 to 6 hours. I you do go to the Carribean side, have you thought about Tortuguero for a few days. Could work out well if the turtles are nesting.

M_creek

thanks again for the suggestions - I need to know (I've never done this before) - am I allowed to keep replying and asking more questions? ... if not, someone please tell me!

All the places in Domincal look fantastic - especially the SFTS (a little pricy, but maybe ok for a few nights). Also - very good point about travel time (I forget how long it takes to drive in CR).

So, I'm wondering if, to get a good feel for the country, if we wouldn't be better off with 4 nights on the Caribbean and 3 nights in Arenal. What do you think?

Deb15July

M...u r fine to keep posting questions. If you violate the rules, the moderator will remove your post, but not for continuing to seek out further info!

MichelleY

Dear M creek: IMO, 4 days Carribean and 3 Arenal would be a great trip. Plus the travel time would be cut down. You are right, travel times are slower than what we are used to. We always added another couple of hours to the time given from point A to B.

Keep asking away!

Deb15July

And don't even think of just looking at a map to decide! You will be led totally astray!

Arenalbotanical

A word of warning. You're not going to find many air conditioners here. The OSA is hot and super humid in that time of year. La Fortuna (what people on this board call Arenal) is a tad more temperate as is Cahuita.
Nuevo Arenal and Tilaran have a climate where a/c isn't needed.
Use youtube and punch in all of these places and watch some videos.

AmyNYC

Hi - you might try Hacienda Baru near Dominical. It's perfect for kids. The older cabins all have 2 bedrooms, a kitchen and bath and living room. They have a nice pool now, their own hiking trails and zip lines, a beautiful beach. There is tons for kids to do there. Drawback is the restaurant - it's pretty bad, though it's possible it has improved since our visit two years ago. Of course you're not far from Dominical for other dining options. Also, there is a new highway between Dominical and MA, and I have to wonder if that has affected the lovely remote feeling that Hacienda Baru used to have, since it's a lot easier to get to now. From Baru traveling south on the intercoastal you have lots of choices for excursions. If I were you I'd also look on VRBO for houses. Often the nightly rates are very competitive with hotels, but you get a lot more space, a private pool, etc. There are lots of fun looking "tree house" style homes in the Osa. Our boys are too little but yours are probably just the right age. I'm sure you'll find something perfect! Costa Rica is heaven and I can't imagine a more fun place to take two young boys.