Hi all -
Has anyone out there stayed at Leaves and Lizards (outside of Arenal)? I have it booked but I'm starting to lean towards cancelling there and booking at Los Lagos. Any comments???

We haven't stayed there, but I've read some postive reviews on it. Have you checked out www.tripadvisor.com? It would probably give you a good idea of what to expect. Los Lagos is really popular for people with children. What kind of place are you looking for?

Hi Vgirl! I've read many of your CR posts and they are extremely helpful in planning my trip - thank you! I have two kids - ages 11 and 17. We will be in MA for the first part of our trip, then heading to Arenal. I think they may prefer Los Lagos b/c of the pools, slides, etc. Leaves & Lizards looks very nice but knowing my kids, they'd like Los Lagos more. Thanks for the tripadvisor recommendation! I use the site all the time and I love it! Being the Type A person I am, I check it about 10x daily! haha - Hopefully, I'll be able to easily transition to the slow, calm CR pace! If you have any suggestions for first timers, please fill me in - as I said, the information you and the other CR "junkies" have provided has been wonderful! Thanks! Jenn

Hi, Jenn - I'm a tripadvisor junkie too! I'd definitely recommend you take in the Cano Negro tour with Sunset Tours and take your kids to Tabacon for the hot springs. El Novillo has good steaks, and we also like La Choza de Laurel - they're known for their rotisserie chicken. If you like a nice hike, the Hanging Bridges makes a good one. Hope you guys have a wonderful trip!

Thanks vgirl - you've commented on several of my posts here and the info you and all the other CR gurus have given is awesome. We leave on 6/16 - can't wait. Is the hanging bridges something I need to book a tour for or do you go on your own? we'll have a car? Thanks! Jenn

You can do it on your own like we did, or you can hire a guide at the entrance where you pay the entrance fee. People who hired guides have sometimes had wildlife sightings like howlers and snakes. All we saw were ants! If you're just looking for a nice hike, you can easily go it alone; a guide would help you spot things and give you info. about the area.

Hi jwell,

We went to the Hanging Bridges with a guide who gave us some great information about the ecosystem there. I always really enjoy learning about the flora and fauna so tend to take the guided tours, but VG is right; you can have a very pleasant hike on your own if you prefer to do-it-yourself. I think the guides run about 20-25$ pp for a couple of hours.

Your trip is very close now. Enjoy! CR is wonderful.