uconn

Hi- let me start off by saying this board is great & so informative!
I am thinking about a family trip to costa rica this summer and have a few questions..
1) we can only go for 8 days..would a good route for 1st timers be Arenal & Manuel Antonio?
2) any hotel suggestions?
thinking about Arenal Pariso and Tulemar
3) lastly any not too miss tours/activities - our kids are 5 & 8

thanks so much

shillmac

You already have the perfect trip planned. . .it's just a matter of making the arrangements, which is actually very easy to do! Thumbs up to everything you are thinking! The activities in both areas are ones that your entire family will enjoy and those can be arranged after you get there! I can't think of anything (in the way of tours)that isn't "kid friendly". . .Have fun!

Iza

I agree with shillmac, Arenal and Manuel Antonio are a good combination for a first trip to CR. I also think that you will be very happy with your hotel choices. Keep in mind that you will probably need to stay near San Jose for the first and last night so you should probably count on spending 2 nights at Arenal and 4 in Manuel Antonio.

At Arenal, do the hot springs at Tabacon. We went there twice and our daughter had a blast. In Manuel Antonio, get a guide to do the national park tour (you can hire a guide at the entrance, make sure he has a good telescope).

shillmac

Remember that Manuel Antonio is closed on Mondays!

Lovincostarica

Only because you have children, I might suggest Si Como No in Manuel Antonio, versus tulemar, they have water slides, and other activities for children, where as teh rest of the hotels are geared more to couples.

Iza

Si Como No would also be great for a family with kids your age - we stayed there when our daughter was 7 and she loved the water slide. Tulemar has the advantage of having its own beach.

uconn

Hi Everyone
Thanks so much for all the responses!!

Suzie2

The kids might actually enjoy Los Lagos in the Arenal area. Really kid friendly.

RufusTFirefly

We stayed at Arenal Paraiso in January--it was very nice with a perfect view of the lava flows.

rbrazill

I agree with Suzie2 about Los Lagos. I think it's also grown-up friendly. The thermal heated pool is wonderful after the drive to Arenal. And you might actually meet some real live Ticos who come to the hotel on weekends.