617amyc

Hi Costa Rica travelers!

I was feeling pretty good about the itinerary I came up with for our trip to Costa Rica for 8 nights the last week in May -- until a friend who had stayed in Arenal (at La Tabacon) told us we had too many nights planned there. I'd love feedback on what I came up with -- or suggestions for a completely different trip. Flights are booked for San Juan airport.

We're two adults and our son will be 2.5. I'd like to minimize the driving as much as realistic, though we're ok with several hours in the car -- I just don't want to be driving 3-4 hours every other day. Here's what I was thinking:

First night we arrive, stay in Alajuela, have a rental car dropped off the next morning.

Then, drive to Arenal. Stay there 4 nights (I like Tabacon but it is expensive unless they have a promotion). The concern here, according to a friend, is there's not that much to do and we will be bored after two nights. I thought La Fortuna was a cute town and we would have fun there. Comments on this?

Drive to Peace Lodge/Waterfall gardens. Spend 3 nights. I like ending with this as it's an easy drive to the airport the next day. My concern is that this might be boring for our son (I know there's really nothing else nearby) -- or that it might be too similar to the time we spend in Arenal. Thoughts?

My better half thinks we need to add a beach in there somewhere. Maybe Manuel Antonio? Or we could go completely different and spend all our time on Puerto Viejo?

Thanks so much for your wise advice!

volcanogirl

We always stay about four nights in Arenal and have been many times and still haven't done it all. I can't imagine how someone could get bored there with the natural hot springs, lake tours, ziplines, rafting, waterfall, volcano hike, Hanging Bridges, Penas Blancas float, Proyecto Asis and Cultural Tour, caving, canyoning - there's pretty much something for everyone. You're limited in what adventure activities you can do having a child that young though. I'd take a look at everything you want to do and plan accordingly. That definitely wouldn't be too long for us, but it depends on what you guys what to do. La Fortuna itself doesn't have much to it - just basically one main road that cuts through town with restaurants, a few shops, hotels, a church, a park, and one disco scattered along it. It's really more about the nature and adventure activities.

To me personally three nights is too long at the Peace Lodge; two nights is about right there, enough to hike the falls and explore the aviary, do the nocturnal frog tour, and feed the hummingbirds. There's not a lot to do in the area. You could go visit Poas though and do the Doka Coffee tour if those interest you. One trip we only stayed there one night, and I was still glad we did it, but we arrived late and had to rush through things.

I definitely think Manuel Antonio would be good for you guys - very easy to get around there, nice beach inside the park, and very easy access to wildlife, but the wildlife is kind of tame. Lots of hotel and restaurant choices. Check out Tulemar Bungalows or Si Como No - those are pretty popular.

volcanogirl

Make that want to do - sorry!

qwovadis

Agree with VG manuelantoniopark.com have a look at
the airplane room atcostaverde.com kids love it.
waterfallgardens.com a night or 2 at the most
sort of disneyesque and touristy with plastic caged animals.
xandari.com might be a better choice or hotelvillacaletas.com
costarica.bookit.com deals on Tabacon.com others.
tripadvisor.com/members/natureguide best guide kids love him
will help you spot LOTS more cool animals.

Have fun!

qwovadis

Hotel Costa Verde is ... big-rig trucks to the jungles of Manuel Antonio where they have been resurrected into a unique jumbo hotel suite. Our classic airplane, ...

www.costaverde.com/727.html

volcanogirl

If your son likes animals, he'll like the Peace Lodge. You can walk through their big aviary, see butterflies hatch and fly all around you, do the nocturnal frog tour, feed hummingbirds, hike the waterfalls - kids love it there.

mad

We traveled with our then 2.5 year old son last year. it was our third time in CR and we decided to keep it relatively easy since it was the first time there with our son. The trip worked out well for us. We spent the first day in San Jose and took a day trip to La Paz falls, which was more than enough for us. It was rainy and chilly there (not sure if that's typical). We were able to walk with my husband carrying our son to see the falls, but it was not an easy walk and I'm not sure most people would do it if it's wet out. it was fun for him to feed the toucans and see the animals. Not sure I'd want to spend more time with him there, unless the weather is ok. We then drove to Manuel Antonio and stayed at Villa Mot Mot at Tulemar. It was a perfect combo of rainforest/animals/beach. The water there is calm and warm and there are sand toys and a small beach restaurant. It certainly wasn't our most adventurous trip in CR, but like I said it was perfect for traveling with our son. I have been to Arenal in the past and can't see a toddler doing most of the activities there- zipline, hot springs, horseback riding (that's what we did there at least).
We're headed to Puerto Viejo and Bocas del Toro with our now almost 4 year old next month. I'll let you know how that goes!

volcanogirl

San Jose, La Paz, and Arenal can all get chilly if it's rainy and the sun isn't out. I'd pack a jacket if you go to any of those spots.

617amyc

Thanks everyone! Really helpful, particularly the info about La Paz. Mad, I'll be interested in how you fund Puerto Viejo as we were really considering that instead.