We are heading for CR 8 days at Christmas.
We want to do some hiking but nothing too strenuous.
Right now we are thinking of not going to Monteverde (it seems too much at high season) but are we missing 'a must' by not going to Arenal?
We have a place for 4 days in Manuel Antonio-. Question is should we head further south to Dominical?

I would say to split your time between MA and Arenal. Yes you will be missing a must.

Thank you, we are looking into it, any recomendations?

Yes, Arenal is a great place to visit. At Christmas time the weather should be mostly clear. I've been to this place:
http://www.costaricabeauty.com/viewp...ue-Las-Colinas

It's not a 4 star hotel, but it's simple and inexpensive. It's located inside the town of la fortuna, and has an amazing view of the volcano. When you wake up, you walk to the patio and see the view shown in the above link. Also, you should check Baldi hot springs if you want to enjoy an amazing volcano view and natural hot springs.
http://www.costaricabeauty.com/viewp...di-Hot-Springs
It's amazing. last time I was there I saw a plume of smoke come out of the volcano.

Here is the link to our trip report from several years ago:

http://www.fodors.com/community/mexi...rip-report.cfm

If you have a car, Arenal Observatory Lodge, (AOL) is great and pretty reasonable in price. Search reports here for other recs. Our stay would have been perfect in Arenal if not for the weather.

Good luck,

MY

I agree that Arenal is a must. Check out Silencio del Campo, the Lost Iguana, and Arenal Observatory Lodge. If you want to go hiking, do a volcano hike, check out the Hanging Bridges, and do the waterfall hike. You can swim at the base if you want to, and it's beautiful.

Also, for a thermal experience, try Eco-Termales. Relaxing, beautiful pools and reasonable price.

Yes, we love Eco Termales too, and their yummy chicken dinner.

Thank you all so much!

We are thinking actually extending our vist and go across the border to Panama. How far? and how hard is to do somthing like that?

We decided to stay just on the Costa Rica side, both countries, Costa Rica and Panama deserve separate trips!

Costa Rica was fantastic, the people friendly and the wildlife amazing.
We are thinking about buying a home either is Panama or Costa Rica.
Any recommendations?

momScanlon...Where did you finally decide to go and where did you end up staying on your 8-day trip?