COSTA RICA
 

Family of 4 from Texas (including a 20 and 17 year old) staying in a condo in Tamarindo for one week Dec 21 to Dec 28..First time to Costa Rica ..We are really here for fun and relaxation and want to make the trip as stress free as possible.Here are some questions we still have:
1. Do we need to purchase a cell phone in Costa Rica? do the US phones not work?
2. Does anyone recommend a tour company for a one day tour to Arenal..? we don't mind leaving early in the morning and getting back late at night..looking for a tour that would take us there and back..Is the cost of the transportation included in the tour?We Don't want to drive and don't want to horseback
3. What about a tour to Rincon de la Vieja or Volvan Miravalles? Picking us up and returning us to condo? Is it better to get a driver for this one day trip?
4. Any authentic or just great restaurants or bars that we have to go to in Tamarindo?
5. Any specific surf shop to use for instructions to teach our kids how to surf?
6. Any hot springs in or near Tamarindo?
7. Any great night spots to hit in Tamarindo?
8. Best place in Tamarindo to see wildlife? Tour..self tour?
9. Since we will be there on Christmas Day, will businesses including restaurants be closed?
10. Is the drive from the Liberia airport to Tamarindo pretty straight forward? Better to get a car instead of driver from airport to Tamarindo?
Any suggestions or thoughts would be appreciated!

My husband's phone works in CR, but he has an international calling plan for business. You need to check with your carrier.

Is there any chance you could stay in Arenal for part of your trip? Most people spend about three nights there; there's loads to see and do - great adventure activities, ziplines, natural hot springs, the active volcano, a beautiful waterfall, and the Cano Negro tour to see wildlife. The volcano is often enshrouded in fog, and if you only go for a day, it's unlikely you'll even see it.

All of the above are true, and I agree; however, if you are locked into a one week condo rental, I can see your willingness to do a long day up to Arenal. If you don't see the volcano, you'll still have the opportunity to enjoy the hot springs (Tabacon or Eco Termales), maybe do a zipline tour, or go to the Hanging Bridges. The drive to and from is interesting, and not considered a waste of time, at least by me. You'll probably snooze on the way back. Be prepared for 4 hours each way.

One week is a long time for the Tamarindo proper area, so like you, I'd be anxious to spend a couple of days away. Definitely I'd recommend a full day tour of Rincon de la Vieja. Look into the Mega Combo tour. It always scores a hit.

Also, check out Vargas Tours. They used to get rave reviews, but I haven't heard anything about them in awhile.

Definitely rent a car and drive yourselves to Tamarindo. Yes, the drive is fairly straight forward, simple. The roads have been improved in recent years. You'll want to take the time to explore nearby areas: Playa Grande (nesting leatherbacks in December?), Playa Flamingo, Playa Portrero, Playas Brasilito and Conchal (very cool shell beach, access by car on the beach from Playa Brasilito), etc. all to the north. Good restaurants include:

Playa Flamingo: Marie's; Mar y Sol (French)
Playa Brasilito: Happy Snapper, Outback Jack's
Playa Portrero: El Castillo (breakfast or lunch)
Playa Grande: Rip Jack's (hope I got the name right-- remember it being really good)

Hope this helps a bit. . .Enjoy!

http://www.sunsettourcr.com/index.ph...=combinat#ftop might be a fun tour for you in Arenal.

wonderful information thanks~