safaricheri

I am planning to take my 11 year old nephew with me to CR the first week in July. I would like to find somewhere that is all inclusive, or fully escorted because I don't want to drive or take public transport. Anyone have suggestions? I am mostly into wildlife- reptiles in particular.

Suzie2

What kind of budget? A place like Bosque del Cabo might be okay. You wouldn't have to leave the property but could still see plenty of wildlife of all sorts. Food is included unless you are in one of the houses but you could still buy a food plan. This is probably one of the best places in all of CR to see most anything.

Paradisus Playa Conchal is all inclusive but you would have to pay for a tour to get off the property and see things.

Si Como No in Manuel Antonio might not be a bad idea or Tulemar Bungalows. Vista Verde also. You would have to take a taxi or tour to get out and about but you wouldn't have to take public transportation.

You would need to make arrangements to travel to these places from the airport. If you arrive late in the day you would need to stay in a hotel near the airport and then travel the next day. There is a company called Interbus that has shuttles to and from many of the more popular places. They pick up and drop off at some hotels in the San Jose/airport area. If you stay at one of their pick up hotels at either end (like Manuel Antonio) you would be fine.

If decide to go to the Paradisus you could fly into Liberia and take a taxi or private driver to the hotel.

Bosque del Cabo would be best traveled to by local air and then BdC would pick you up at the airport and bring you to the lodge.

rickandpat

Suzie2's suggestion of Bosque del Cabo is a good one. I believe Thomson Family Vacations has a Costa Rica tour, so there would be other kids for your nephew. Or you can work with a tour company in CR to come up with an itinerary which would include transportation.

MarthaT

Check out www.Caravantours.com. They are inexpensive and you get to see alot of the country and many animals.
Yes, there is alot of riding on the bus but that is necessary to get from place to place. I think he would enjoy it. I would make sure you get a trip with other children on it.

safaricheri

Thank you for the replies. I will not be able to take him now. His father feels it is too dangerous. Oh well, I'll take him when he turns 18!

Melissa5

safaricheri, well, I'm not surprised, as I know you were planning to feed your nephew to some of those dangerous reptiles. I am totally kidding! My husband likes reptiles too. We took our kids to Costa Rica in 2005 and they loved it...they were all young adults over 18.

I confess I was a bit nervous when planning our first family trip to Costa Rica. But I researched a lot, and loved it in the end. In fact when I returned home I realized where I live is probably more dangerous than the places I visited in Costa Rica!

shillmac

Central America in general sends up alarms for lots of people. Too bad as Costa Rica is probably safer than most cities in the good ole U.S.!

As you say, perhaps one day. Just can't help thinking what a fabulous trip for an 11 year old boy who would absolutely love the wildlife and adventure. At 18, he might be more interested in women! Hopefully he'll retain some of his boyish nature!