KRNS

Spent last winter in MA with a side trip to Arenal when younger son and husband came to visit, then to Bosque del Cabo when older son's girlfriend came to visit. Older son coming this year for the first time, I am again staying in MA. He can do some snorkeling while here, I know it's not the best, but he also would like hiking in the rainforest. I was thinking of the Osa again as husband didn't get to go last year. When they go back home , I'll be taking an 8 day trip to carribbean, Cahuita, Tortugero and Puerta Viejo de Talamanca. I do not want to go back to Arenal. Son would like any activity, ziplining, whitewater rafting, loves wildlife, etc. He is, gulp, 41, so no age restrictions. Where best to go? Maybe Selva Verde Lodge? I was there 7 years ago and liked it. What do you think? Thanking you in advance.

Karen

shillmac

Good thinking. I'd head straight back to the Osa, no question. They'll both love you for it! Of course, I'd return to Arenal any old time as well. Selva Verde area always a good choice, I think. Monteverde? Good zipline opportunities. Also, staying a couple of nights in or near San Jose and doing white water on the Pacuare would be an excellent choice, maybe just before he goes home?

Deb15July

I think you should definitely look into Monteverde. We loved it and would have no qualms about returning. Wish we'd had more time in that location as there were several things we didn't get to do. We did a night hike, ziplinig at Selvatura and a morning hike in Santa Elena.

Check out Rustic Lodge...extremely reasonable, outside of town, but within walking distance and wonderful hospitality!

volcanogirl

I was going to suggest Monteverde too. We haven't had a huge desire to go back, but I'm glad we saw it. The hiking is great, and we saw quite a bit of wildlife including quetzals. We also did ziplining there and did a night hike at Hidden Valley which was great. Fonda Vela is a nice place to stay. For everything your son wants to do, I'd personally go to Arenal but know that's not what you're looking to do.

I think it's great your family travels together.

KRNS

I come to Costa Rica for the winter as I cannot tolerate the cold, grey, snowy days of winter at home. My arthritic joints are tolerable here, and my mood is much elevated, as I am self diagnosed with SAD (seasonal affective disorder) so I am hesitant about Monteverde due to likely rainy, cold weather. Last year at Bosque del Cabo saw 2 macaws, scorpion in bathroom, though I've had that twice here in MA, doesn't bother me. Not much as far as activities there also, trails to ocean where we couldn't swim, I never made it as far as the waterfall, though son's girlfriend did and thought it amazing. Husband really loved seeing the Arenal volcano but the whole area didn't do much for me, possibly because I rented a house that was too isolated for me without a car, no internet, and I was by myself. Had to come back to MA 3 weeks early and lost the whole rental fee. If I wasn't going to the carribbean coast when they go home, that's what I'd choose. Just have to spend more time thinking. I did love all the monkeys that slept in that big tree in Bosque del Cabo.
I've always had trouble making decisions, but thank you all for your recommendations.

Karen

volcanogirl

Monteverde was cold and rainy for us too. Our hotel had the fireplace going. I think that's one of the reasons I haven't felt a huge pull to go back. I really love Arenal - there's the ziplining that he wants, great hiking at the Hanging Bridges, waterfall, and volcano, and the Cano Negro tour to see wildlife which is fun, rafting with Rios Tropicales. It pretty much fits the bill for what he's interested in. Plus the volcano is pretty cool. Did you do the natural hot springs at all? That would probably be great for someone with arthritis. Good restaurants too. It might be different for you if you stay somewhere less isolated. Just a thought.. Good luck finding your spot.

TiltedFlipCurves

Reads to me like you should consider a location in the Osa, but down on the Golfo Dulce rather than up on the bluff (as BdC is) so you'll be closer to activities and warmer water. There are many such options; browse soldeosa.com . It includes most of the available rental homes, which for a larger group like yours is worth considering.

Casa Bambu is the best-known, kind of a hybrid of a lodge and a rental home, but there are quite a few others.

tully

I think returning to Selva Verde would be nice, I really love that area and the lodge is nice. I know most people like the rooms by the river but I really loved the bungalows, so nice and quiet. Plus lots of activities to do in the area. If you do go, definitely book a tour over at La Selva OTS.

Andrea_loves_travel

Have you thought if heading over to the Nicoya Peninsula? Very relaxing, nice and sunny. We stayed in Malpais but I've also heard great things about Montezuma. There is Cabo Blanco to explore, and waterfalls in Montezuma. We did some surfing lessons in the waves at Playa Carmen, not sure if your 40-yr-old son would be interested (We're late 20's early 30's). From MA you could take a bus to Jaco and take the jet boat over to Tambor. How long is your son visiting?

I also definitely recommend rafting. I read about Selva Verde but have never been.