My husband and I are planning a 7-night trip to the Guanacaste area of Costa Rica in January, 2012. We will spend 4 nights at Playa Hermosa. We need help with identifying a second location for 3-4 nights. We have already visited Monteverde, Arenal and Tortugera areas. We are older so enjoy cultural, spa, gentle river floats, educational tours, etc. Any suggestions for a second location?

ylangylangresort.com

playamontezuma.net

zumatours.net

my other fav there

Would you have any interest in going to the Osa? It has great hiking and amazing wildlife. Bosque del Cabo is a popular place to stay. Or maybe Manuel Antonio if you want something easier. Somewhere like Tulemar Bungalows.

Oh, sorry, I just realized that you want to stay in Guanacaste the entire time. My suggestions are only for if you want to explore another area. Happy travels.

http://www.guachipelin.com/rates.php

Try this place at Guachipelin-between San Jose and Guanacastle

We had fun at Buena Vista Lodge near Rincon de la Vieja N.P. They have mud baths, thermal pools, hanging bridges and hiking trails along with horseback riding, zip lines and a water tube that goes through the forest. This is dry tropical jungle so a bit different than other parts of the country. It was also a good 10-15 degrees cooler up here which we loved since Liberia was 106 - this was in March.

You might also check out Palo Verde for river floats. I haven't been but I think it is another OTS (Org. for Tropical Studies) station and wildlife/birding is supposed to be good.

We decided to keep trip simple and will stay at Borinquen Mountain Resort and Spa. Now we just need a good tour group. Any suggestions?

FYI Jet Blue just announced service to Liberia from JFK with flights four days a week.

Bookmarking

I'm with colibri, the Buena Vista Lodge would be a nice addition. I did a day pass and did the water tube, horse back ride, mud baths, and canopy tour. It is really beautiful up there.
www.happierthanabillionaire.com