natsmd

Hi All! I have found very useful info on this board - thanks to all.

We're heading to CR for 15 days this August. Hoping the rain is limited to a few hours each afternoon. Kids 12, 9 and 5. We're staying at FInca Rosa Blanca for 2 days at the beginning (and 1 at the end), and at Bosque del Cabo for 5 nights after FRB. That leaves 7 more nights that aren't planned yet -- what do you all think of this-

Arenal 3 nights
Montezuma 4 nights (Ylang Ylang)

Thinking we might rent a car for the arenal part & turn it in in puntarenas & take the ferry. is this possible?

Also have toyed with the idea of Tortuguero (Tortuga Lodge) for the turtles.

We want to limit to 2 places during the 7 days. We could even do just 1 if we could do day trips, but I was hoping to see 3 distinct areas (rainforest in osa, mountains/volcano at arenal, and relax at the beach for a few days before going home).

Happy to hear any suggestions/ideas!

McTica

Hi..I'm doing CR in August as well. We are spending two days in Arenal (it's worth staying over night to see the volcano and the hot springs) and then heading to Manuel Antonio National Park for the beaches and rain forest.

natsmd

Thanks for the replies! I looked at the rainfall chart today and was thinking that guanacaste may be our best bet for sun. I'm hoping to find a nice hotel in a scenic section (not too built up) -- any suggestions? I was thinking maybe Playa Flamingo or Sugar Beach

Enchanting_girl

Yes, I recommend you Flamingo beach, is very beautiful, and you can find nice hotels in the area

volcanogirl

Arenal is wonderful; I think three nights there is great. Tortuguero is very cool if you're interested in the canal environment. We saw a lot of wildlife there and seeing the turtles was pretty amazing.

ShellD

My kids have been to Arenal twice and had a blast both times. First time they were 7 and 9. Second time 9 and 11 yrs old. Volcanogirl is right, three nights there is great. There is plenty to do there. Big hits with the kids are zip lining, horseback riding, the Hanging Bridges (definitely get a guide!) The hot springs and just the area in general! We liked Los Lagos and loved Arenal Observatory Lodge.

We went to Tortuguero on our first trip, and while they enjoyed it, all the canal trips did get old for them after awhile. They loved seeing the turtle laying her eggs. Amazing! We didn't see near the wildlife we saw at Bosque del Cabo.

We were at Bosque del Cabo last year and it was fantastic for my son (he had just turned 11). He loved everything about it.

I'd love to get back and stay at Ylang Ylang! It's on our list!