a few ?'s about Arenal?
 

Can someone tell me how far a ride it is from Arenal Paraiso to Tabacon? also to the hanging bridges? What type of weather can we expect in mid March? temp and rain?

Thanks!

About 5 minutes to Tabacon from Arenal Paraiso. Not sure just how far the Hanging Bridges are--we've not done them. March being the dry season should mean LESS rain, but this is an area that gets its share--probably just in the form of very brief showers in the p.m.--if at all. Temps are about the same year round. It can be cool at night (60's) and upper 70's to low 80's in the daytime.

I don't recall how long it took, but not very long. It was very doable. Maybe 15-20 minutes. I remember that looking at the map, I thought it would be much longer to the Hanging Bridges. When you go, you will pass the Lost Iguana, it is worth a stop by to see, it is lovely. We also heard some howler monkeys while driving over the Arenal dam on the way to the bridges. We found a whole troop of them in a large tree on your right, just after the dam. It had been very cloudy the whole time in Arenal, then all of a sudden, it cleared a little, and a loud "thunder" roared and a huge plume of smoke blew out the volcano. Then it covered again! It was really great to finally see something! The monkeys were fun to watch, too.

Thank you so much it is only 12 days now till we return to Costa Rica and we cannot wait!!!! First time to the volcano!

Lucky!

Shillmac, or anybody who knows,

Do you know anything about Forester's Instituto in San Jose, or about Adventure Education Center in Arenal, Domincal, and Turrialba? Am considering as immersion schools for myself and my elementary-age daughter... would appreciate any feedback. Thanks! Lori

I'm not sure the name of it, but there is a school that has 2 campuses--one in Turrialba, the other in Dominical. Turrialba would be a great immersion place--very little English spoken! And, of course, Dominical for the beach. Not sure about Arenal.

I studied with Centro Panamericano de Idiomas--CPI--with 3 locations: San Joaquin de Flores (central valley), Monteverde, and Playa Flamingo. Would highly recommend it. I'm sure the others are good as well. Immersion is, of course, the key!

Just returned from CR and stayed at the Paraiso. They now have their own "hot springs", 7 smallish pools that eventually end up at the "swim-up" bar. Pool on top is hottest and they run downhill to coolest. They're not as large or spectacular as Tabacon, but are free.

I recall seeing a sign at the park entrance @16K to Sky Trek

Arbegold, can I get any tips you have regarding Paraiso as I head there in 4 weeks with my family, including three children ages 7,9 and 11. Did you enjoy there own hot springs? Any particular restaurants that stood out?
Thanks.