Hello Costa Rica fans, I'm reading so much on this board that my head is swimming! You are all so very helpful!

Warning: this is a long post!

We (family of four, including two teenage daughters) are flying into San Jose on 7/14, arriving at noon, and leaving 7/21 at 1 pm. We'll plan to spend our last night in San Jose, but I am hoping we can head to Arenal on the day we arrive. Is that reasonable in the rainy season? We're planning to use a driver or Interbus.

My daughters are up for adventure and wildlife. I'm trying to decide what to do in each location, which will then determine how we split our time. I need to know that before I book hotels. We want to do a zipline, hanging bridge (I'll have to overcome my fear of heights for these but I've read about many of you that did the same), nature hikes, hot springs in Arenal, spend some time in park and on beach in MA, one of my daughters wants to try surfing but I don't know if MA is really the place for that, see one of the waterfalls we've read about. We like rafting but we're not far from good rafting here in the States--if it ever rains again. There might be other beach-related activities that we would enjoy, but we want to get the most out of the unique evironment of Costa Rica and do things there that we can't do other places (like Caribbean). Can we do it all? Maybe not...the week is starting to look pretty short!

My impressions so far are that there might be a little more to do in Arenal than in MA. It seems that everyone likes the Skytrek zipline tour and the hanging bridges near The Lost Iguana. Is it better to do these activities in Arenal than MA? I've read so many good things about the Cano Negro tour that I want to check that out, but it's a whole day, right, so do we have time for it?

Can we swim at the beaches in MA? I've read that some beaches are unsafe for swimming.

Hotels in Arenal: I love the looks and what I've read (mostly) about The Lost Iguana. Based on the photos I've seen, I love its lush surroundings. Other hotels in the area seem to be out in the middle of more barren-looking surroundings, or perhaps the photos have been misleading. I've checked availability at Lost Iguana and they tell me that a family of four really needs to stay in Las Casitas, which they currently have available anytime that week. I wouldn't mind spending less on a room, but we would rather pay a little more and really enjoy our surroundings. Good choice or other suggestions?

MA: A friend suggested La Mariposa, but someone posted on Tripadvisor that they were still under construction in May and two pools were drained. The construction might be finished by our arrival in July, but these people were told it would be finished before their stay in May. This person also spent some time at Parador and enjoyed it, but is that too isolated for a family with two teenagers (13 and 15)? Another option that many people like here is Costa Verde (I realize Luis disagrees with this choice). Is it easier to get around from there? I'm a little reluctant to go there based on reviews at Tripadvisor (thin walls, poor service, extra charges). Do those of you who have stayed there disagree with the reviews? I gather that most hotels involve at least a hike to the beach, right? If so, a nice pool for my daughters is a must. What about the Buena Vista Villas? Good reviews on Tripadvisor and shares a private beach with Tulemar Bungalows. I'm kind of liking that idea--has anyone stayed there or seen them?

Thanks so much for any feedback you can offer!

Buena Vista at Tulemar HAS gotten some very good reviews, but I've not stayed there. We took friends with us last year and stayed at Costa Verde. We were very pleased, and I'll have to say I've read far more positive than negative. We tend to not pay a lot of attention to reviews, because we have stayed at a few places that it would just be impossible to find fault with, yet some people do! Ask for the studio plus rooms--they are not fancy, but the views are just excellent. Si Como No is a nice place (Luis gave it a nod, I noticed), but it is now in the mid $200's and I think way overpriced. Do go there and try their restaurant or lunch grill--very good.

I would agree that there is more to do at Arenal. I'd stay there an extra night, I think. Do the ziplines there, for sure. Do Cano Negro, do some hiking, La Fortuna Falls, perhaps Venado Caves--or take a trip over to Volcan Tenorio and Rio Celeste, a brilliant blue river you'll come across while hiking Tenorio. Your hotel will have info on all of these.

I've not stayed at LI, but think it sounds very nice and it has gotten mostly good marks from those who have stayed. (I tend to trust Fodor reviews a little more than TripAdvisor reviews). A less expensive place, and one we always enjoy, is Arenal Paraiso. Nice hot springs on the grounds, a little spa, etc. Decent restaurant and excellent central location--right across from the volcano. By the way, while at Arenal, do take advantage of either Tabacon hot springs or Eco Thermales. It's a fun way to while away some time.

Manuel Antonio, I'd recommend the Finca Valmy horseback tour to the waterfall. Also perhaps the Damas Mangrove tour. The two areas you have chosen will give you a great overview of the country.

Remember, at MA, the national park is closed on Mondays. Go early and you can hire a guide at the entrance. He'll be able to show you lots of wildlife inside the park. The second beach is beautiful and excellent for swimming. No worries.

Certainly, with a noon arrival you can easily get to Arenal that first day. The road is very decent, new in places. If you use Interbus, they may have only a.m. departures. Have you looked at the schedule? www.interbusonline.com

One other thing: Cano Negro will get you back into town (La Fortuna) about 3:00 p.m. Still time to do the hot springs that night--or hike to La Fortuna falls just outside of town. After sitting in the boat all day, a little walking might be just the thing!

Have a great time. You are going to see and do plenty! Enjoy!

Thanks so much, shillmac, for all the helpful info. I'll look into all of it. Have not checked Interbus schedules so that might not work for us with our arrival time.

Hi Freshman...thank you for sharing with us ...your ideas about our country and your plans to be with us!!

Manuel Antonio...is a safe place as far as your comun sense goes!! You can swimm but please respect that there area some strong currents around!! A few small surf schools...just feel the instructors...and have the 7 sense we parents have in situations like that!!

Hotel Buena Vista and casas..is in my opinion one of the best places in Costa Rica...if you can get a casa let me tell you is a dream come true...I spended 3 nights there not long ago...me my wife and our two little ones..no words to describe the place...the service...the views...the beach...tulemar.net...Another good choice is Si Como No...

A lot of activities from Manuel Antonio...but for nature tours...Arenal...zip lines, canopy, hiking, kayaking, bungee jump...everything is there..

And of course if you can get a room at the Lost Iguana...you just love it...we stayed at the Owners Suite..the view is incredible...at night..is so dark...and that great volcano just in front of you!! Lava...of course!! if Arenal wants to give a show...just get ready..is spectacular!!

R.A Luis

Just buckle up and enjoy the ride in paradise!

100% costarican and proud of it!!

Hi, freshman - my husband and I stayed at the Lost Iguana, and we loved it. I can probably answer any questions that you may have regarding it.

We stayed in one of the Deluxe upstairs rooms that had the jacuzzi on the deck. LI has a great view of the volcano, beautiful grounds, an open air restaurant (although we preferred the breakfast and lunch to the dinners), a nice pool area and is right next to the Hanging Bridges; they sell discounted tickets at the front desk. We loved it there - cannot say enough good things about it. I'd call it rustic luxury. All the furniture looks like hand-carved wood, and the balcony has 2 rocking chairs so you can take in the view. They have a free shuttle that runs into town around dinnertime, and it's easy to get a taxi back if you don't feel like driving. We didn't stay in Las Casitas, but I would think they would be quite nice.

We headed right to Arenal on our first day since we got in early enough and had a private driver arranged through LI. The drive didn't seem bad at all once outside San Jose, but we liked sitting back and enjoying the scenery. It's a pretty drive.

We also loved Cano Negro - definitely do it, and we did just what Shillmac suggested: Cano Negro during the day and then went to the hot springs in the evening. We liked Tabacon but were shocked at the price; next time we're going to try Ecotermales.

In MA, we stayed at Mango Moon, and a good friend of ours just stayed at Makanda for her honeymoon and loved it. Mango Moon has its own beach down below, but it's about a 20 minute hike to get down there, at least during the green season. I don't believe MM allows children, but I may be wrong about that.

We liked Arenal a lot more than MA, but I know other people might disagree. MA seemed very Americanized to us, but we did enjoy seeing the park and going sailing - would not recommend snorkeling due to the low visibility. We thought the prettiest beach was the one inside the park, so do take your swimsuit if you want to take a dip. Have a wonderful trip!