Hi-I've been reading postings and loving the helpful advice and info! Thanks everyone. I am planning a trip for my family for Feb of 2006. Two kids, 6 and 9, and would love advice regarding what we should do. We fly into SJ and will clear customs around 3 pm. I don't want to spend too much time driving so I figure on two or three places of a few nights each. I have done lots of research but I am not going to even post my ideas yet because I want to see what you guys think first!

We are there for nine nights with a 10 am flight out at the end.

Thanks for any help you can give me!

My suggestion would be 2-3 nights Arenal, 3 nights Manuel Antonio, and 2-3 nights at the end of your trip in the Central Valley where your children could enjoy Butterfly Gardens, Waterfalls, Serpentariums, mild rafting, volcano craters, etc.

Shillmac:

Thanks for your response! that's basically my line of thought but I am concerned that the drive from SJ to Arenal might be too long after a long day of travel. Also, isn't it five hours from Arenal to MA? Then another 3.5 back to La Paz? Do you think it would be too much driving?

Blewbyou

SJO to Arenal is about 2.5 hours. You wouldn't want to do it unless you arrive early enough in the day (before 2:00 or so) to get up there before dark. Not sure what your little ones will tolerate. There are some nice places near the airport where you guys could relax and unwind (and even do a kid friendly activity) before getting a fresh start the next a.m. That subtracts a night from your total, but keeping your little ones comfortable is a priority for everyone's maximum enjoyment! It's a great drive, and for older children would be quite interesting. Your 9 year old will probably tolerate it just fine.

Thanks Shillmac. I am thinking now that maybe the first two nights at Peace Lodge,
second two at Lost Iguana, drive to MA and stay four nights with a last night at Finca Que Ama. I posted again about this because I can't decide if Arenal is really worth it after being at Peace Lodge. Is four nights enough time in MA? Are the long drives unbelievably gorgeous? After reading all the info in these forums and doing all this research I don't think I can wait until next Feb. I haven't seen the place and I am ready to pick up and move there!

We consider parts of the drive gorgeous and parts just interesting! Haven't done the driving with young ones, however! IMO, 4 nights Manuel Antonio is about right. For me, any more than 4 would be too much!