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Just Returned from Costa Rica

My family of three just returned from an 11-day trip to Costa Rica 2 days ago. We recommend these hotels when traveling with a small child: Hampton Inn & Suites, Alajuela (near airport); Canciones del Mar Condos, on Jaco Beach; and Courtyard by Marriott, Escazu. We had wonderful buffet breakfasts at each of these hotels! We rented a Toyota Yaris (like a Toyota Echo) and traveled everywhere it in with no problems. We got great gas mileage. I don't think there wasn't a place we didn't go, except Limon. Please don't forget about the $1,000 deposit to rent a car, waivable if you have a platinum credit card (thank God we did!). We took $500 (changed to colones at the airport) and came back with money. We primarily ate at "sodas" (mom and pop places). San Jose is a narrow, old town that's very congested with people and traffic. If you aren't used to major traffic jams, don't drive in San Jose. Finally, Costa Ricans are very friendly and peaceful. Please do not disrespect them, become impatient or demanding. It will get you know where. We watch many Americans do this and the Costa Ricans simply walked away. Also, please attempt to speak Spanish. Costa Ricans are not very fluent in English. The farther away you get from San Jose, the less English is spoken. Finalyy, GO AS SOON AS POSSIBLE! We are already making plans for a return trip soon.

I am thinking about making Costa Rica my next trip. Can you give us some more details of highlights of the trip for you - or any tips you may have about planning? Thanks, and I'm glad you had a good time. Karen

Our trip to Costa Rica was mainly spent exploring areas of the country we want our toddler son to attend school and for my husband and I to retire to in the next 5 years. So, our itinerary may not be what you’re looking for, but I am happy to share our experience with you. We spent a few days at the Canciones del Mar Condos on Jaco Beach. It’s about a 1.5 -2 hour scenic uphill, windy road drive from Alajuela. The beach is rocky with black sand and a surfer’s paradise. Highlight: a beautiful sunset. We drove from Jaco Beach to Manuel Antonio Beach and the National Park in a couple of hours. The beach and area is much nicer and upscale than Jaco. It cost US $7 to enter the park. Highlight: We got to see monkeys, birds and iguanas and that was about it. We took an alternate scenic drive through the beautiful towns of San Ramon and Palmareas. From Jaco, we drove about 1.5 hours to Puntarenas. No highlights. The town has no activities happening due to the train service being discontinued. We only saw a handful of people at the beach and a cruise ship. We used the popular areas around San Jose of Escazu and Alajuela as our base for driving to visit other towns like Santa Anna, Cuidad Colon, Heredia, Cartago (an artisan town). We also drove to the Poas Volcano right before the clouds settled over the volcano. We almost made it to Limon, but, because we took an alternative route over the mountains, the trip took longer than expected. We didn’t want to get stuck on the highway during dark, so we instead drove through the Parque Nacional Braulio Carillo. Highlight: Beautiful rainforest! You get to drive through Costa Rica’s only tunnel.

Hi, I was in CR about 15 years ago and believe it or not there were very few tourists. We had to go find a rental car, and when we finally found one---that was it! There was only one car! Anyway, we're thinking of introducing our girls (12&9)to CR. What do you think? Any recommendations? Hotel w/ a cool pool? Thanks, Pete

I'll be staying at the Courtyard by Marriott for one night with my mom, aunt and 13-year old cousin. It's so new, I haven't been able to find any feedback on the hotel. Is there much to do within walking distance (i.e. shopping, restaurants, etc.)? I've stayed at the Hampton Inn, so I'm familiar with its layout.

Pete, a great hotel for kids is Si Como No in Manual Antonio. Nice pool area with a slide. Lovely rooms with great views. Definitely family friendly. The park at Manual Antonio is relatively small and easy to hike, also beautiful beaches.

Thanks, mrsdran! Manuel Antonio National Park is definitely on my list - not sure where else I will go yet, but I love reading all about the country! Karen

We are planning our second trip and will be staying for one night near the airport at Hampton Inn & Suites as our flight arrives around 10 pm. Can you tell me about the shuttle to this hotel? Did you have to call Hampton Inn and they came to pick you up or did you just go to some specified area and waited for them? Thanks

Thanks for the tip Jean! I hiked there once but there were no hotels at the time. Cheers, Pete

We stayed at Hampton Inn last year during our first night in Costa Rica. Just follow the signs to ground transportation, and the Hampton Inn van will probably be there. At least it was when we stayed there. You could always e-mail them and ask them to be there. It's really close, less than a five minute drive.

mrsdan (or anyone else)- What company did you rent your car with? Any advice on car rental? I've heard so many horror stories, but really would like to drive while I'm in CR. Any advice would be appreciated! Thanks!