Hello,

I have a rough plan but have lots of questions. We are going to language school for 2 weeks in the central valley. Then we have a week to travel.

We would like to raft and maybe kayak on the weekend between school weeks. Not sure if we should do a day trip or overnight. With a 12 yr old would you recommend the Pacuare or Sarapiqui?

After the second week of school we are going to take the Tica Bus to Granada Nicaragua for 3 nights. (Plan to spend a day at Laguna de Apoya, go to the Masaya Market, maybe volcano and canopy tour)

Ticabus back to Liberia. Pick up a rental car and drive to Samara for 4 nights. I think Samara is the best beach for us. Some surf but also swimmable. Not sure where to stay. I want something midrange, with A/C, would prefer Costa Rican owned. Any suggestions?

Thanks in advance for any help.
Colleen

Thanks for the info. We are planning to go to Rancho de Espanol in La Guacima. I liked their childrens program and it seemed like a good fit for a family trip.

July,August, September, October, November...excellent chances to have high waters at almost any river in Costa Rica. I have no idea what good kayakers you are??...but during those months you better becarefull ...mostly with your 12 year old...for a nice kayakink experience "sit on tap" kayaks...try Cano Negro...and Sarapiqui river is good enough...and if the waters are not to high...Pacuare...overnight I do not know...to me the prices they charge at those river lodges are just way overpriced...you can get in touch with a small outfitter that can organize a overnight tour...for a fraction of what those "big" river lodges charge.

Yes...yes.. Samara is a good alternative!!

R.A

Thanks for the advice RA. Any suggestions on ways to find some of the smaller operators?

I have been in touch with a small hostel/lodge that specializes in kayaking. We could raft with Aguas Bravas from there. (La Virgen)

The kayaking we are looking for is not white water. We want calm slow moving water, enjoying the jungle hoping to see wildlife. The only kayaking we have done was on sit on tops.

Let me check my phone book and see if I can find a small outiffter, but in the mean time...Cano Negro is the place for Kayaking...Sarapiqui can be nice but you see alot more wildlife in Cano Negro...is another half day tour in a river near La Fortuna is a floating trip...nice and easy..

R.A