I've heard plenty praise for Eco Termales and would love to go there but I'm unsure if it will be a hit with our 15 y/o son. We're trying to make sure everyone in the family enjoys all parts of the vacation and I don't know if Eco Termales would be "too slow" for a teenage boy. I'd appreciate your input. If we decide to forgo Eco Termales, is there any other evening activity you would recommend? We have three nights is Arenal and could use some suggestions for later-day plans. Thanks!

I don't know. I'd think it was pretty cool if I were 15. Is he into nature or just the techie stuff?

I think it might depend on the kid. Like hip said, is he into nature? Eco T is the most natural of the hot springs. They serve a great dinner and then the springs are almost like big hot tubs you can swim in. If he needs loud music, colored lights, water slide, etc. then you might take him to Tabacon. Our personal preference was Eco T, but my husband did say that if he were still in his 20s and on a guy's trip, they would have gone to Tabacon. Tabacon seemed overpriced and crowded to me though.

Eco T is family run, locally owned, and they limit entry to 100 people - all good points to me, but I'm not a teenage boy!

There's not a ton to do at night; usually you're up at 5:30 a.m. when the sun rises, so people usually eat dinner and hit the hot springs and that's about it. You could do an evening volcano hike and go watch the lava flow if the weather cooperates.

Your 15 year will love it! When I was there, there was a few teens and they were simply in awe. It's so cool, it's an eco, naturally volcanic heated pool. What's not to like Plus, he'll go home and tell all his buds about the eco, volcano experience he had!

Hope this helps,
Marina K. Villatoro
http://travelexperta.com

I have to admit, my son is more of a "techie". But that's not to say that he doesn't enjoy nature. We do lots of camping and are an outdoor kind-of family. But typically his outdoor activities involve action of some sort so I was concerned that it might be too laid back. I'd hate for the rest of to miss out though, and you all seem confident that he'll enjoy it, so the plan is to tire him out with plenty of tree top zipping and then he should be ready to relax for a while. You're right, Marina, being able to say that he swam in a volcano heated pool will give him good stories to share! So, how far in advance do we need to book this? We'll be in Arenal in 10 days - can we book at our hotel or will that be too late?