We are an older couple, still active, contemplating a 10-12 day trip to CR next January. We like beaches, rain forest, and waterfalls. Is it possible to do justice to all in that time frame. Are the best beaches (most swimable) on the Attlantic or Pacific side? Any help appreciated.

There are probably more swimmable beaches on the Pacific side. A few that come to mind:

2nd beach inside Manuel Antonio park (for some reason can NEVER remember its name!)

Playa Hermosa
Playa Panama
Playa Flamingo
Playa Conchal
Playa Samara

to name a few. . . .

Arenal Volcano area is a must-do--fabulous up there, lots of activities to choose from including volcano viewing (with a little bit of luck). She's right there, up close and personal, when the clouds cooperate.

One of our favorite areas in down on the Osa Peninsula at Bosque del Cabo EcoLodge. It sits up high, overlooking the ocean, but is an amazing experience with TONS of wildlife if that is something you would enjoy. Horseback riding, walking through the miles of trails with an excellent guide or alone as much as you could possibly want, hiking down to the Pacific side and a fabulous get-under-it-and-scream waterfall, and so much more. Great cabinas, wonderful food, many of us who frequently post call it our "happy place"! It makes a visit to Costa Rica complete!

With 10-12 days, you have time to enjoy 3 locations easily. There are a couple of places not far from the airport with beautiful properties that are super-fun for a couple of nights when you arrive or just before you leave. LOTS to do within a 30-50 mile radius of the airport. I think it is usually a good idea to schedule a couple of nights in that area at Peace Lodge, Xandari, Finca Rosa Blanca, or any number of less expensive, yet great, hotels.

Have fun planning! Wonderful destination.

OK Shillmac,
Less than a week before our departure and I'm trying to make final plans. I haven't spent a lot of time on BDC plans since it is what it is and I don't have quite as many decisions to make there. I figure we should spend our time on the BDC property during our visit since we only have 3 nights and meals are included.

That being said...what trails are the most recommended? I hope to do both the Sunset Tour and the Early Morning Birding and Monkey tour, so I don't want to duplicate those trails when we are out exploring on our own. Trail advice would be appreciated. It's just hubby and me!

Deb - the trails to the Tropical garden and Titi trail are easy and great for meandering and wildlife. Golfo Dulce and Pacific are must do's if you can (IMO) and there's a welcome book with accurate descrips of the other trails so take a look and see what you can fit in. But, yes, with 3 nights I think you'll want to stay on the grounds.

Thank you for the recommendations. Have checked them out on the web and all look attractive. The three places do seem rather far from each other. What would be the most convenient way to get from one to the other?

We drove to 3 different locations. It took some time but we rather enjoyed it. We loved sugar beach. or playa de azucar. its secluded and we stayed at hotel sugar beach. they included a wonderful breakfast and it was a great place to relax since they had their own beach with a lot of wildlife around the hotel. If you are looking to relax and explore I would do Arenal and then a beach to split up time and really see everyting. There was also a large waterfall in la fortuna that was exciting but it took a lot of steps to get there. also in Arenal do the hot springs. we did the Eco-t hot springs and it was great!