Hello. We've planned several trips to CR and Panama through this forum and once again need some advice. We are going to Turrialba to study spanish and live with a family for a week with our 2 kids (10 and 13). We arrive in SJO at 5am on Saturday morning and need to be in Turrialba by 5pm on Sunday. We know we are all going to be tired so we are looking for a place we can relax....beach would be great but I think it's too far. So, a pool is our next choice. We are ok driving up to 2 1/2 hours from SJO and then 2 1/2 hours to Turrialba on Sunday. We looked into Peace Lodge but it's full. Also looked into Villa Florencia in Turrialba and that's full, too. We'd love suggestions. Thanks!

Rancho Naturalista--2.5 hours from SJO, 30min other side of turrialba. No pool nice hiking trails good food.

Casa Turire--same area pool beautiful place

Hacienda Tayutic--haven't stayed but looks great--same area

Check out Orosi Valley, town of Orosi--awesome! Pool available.

Building near Turrialba--we love that area--very special lots of ways!

Shillmac, thanks so much for your response. It's been many years but you gave me great advice on our last trip to CR! Glad you love Turrialba. We are really looking forward to our week there.

www.hotelvillacaletas.com

just over 1 hour from SJO an amazing place on the coast

my fav. or closer nice where you will be

www.hotelcasaturire.com have stayed personally in both

very nice but prefer Villa Caletas.

rioperlasspaandresort.com

another possibility pretty older has seen better days

significant food theft risk pretty though...

check reviews carefully believe the baddies...

rcmk, please post a trip report when you return. Would love to hear more about the school.

Of course I'll post a trip reply. I've talked to several people who have been to the school and they gave it great reviews.

Shillmac, how long of a drive is SJO to Orosi and then Orosi to Turrialba?

Has anyone been to the thermal pools in Orosi? I read that there is one in town and another one that is harder to get to and quiter but can't find much info on it.

We haven't been to the pool in Orosi, but have been to Orosi many times. Pool we will have to take the time to do one of these days! We love Ujarras and the old church ruins there. One of my favorite spots in the country.

SJO to Orosi. . .depends on what part of town you leave from!!

From the airport--1.5 - 2 hours.

From SJO center--1.5

From SJO east side--1 hour, few minutes


Orosi to Turrialba. . . a little less than 1.5 hour.

Where exactly is the school and what is it called? There used to be a school in Turri that had a sister campus in Dominical.

I've noticed signs for a school near Tuis as well. . that is a smaller town outside Turrialba.

Thanks Shillmac,
The school is Adventure Spanish School (AEC) http://www.adventurespanishschool.com/. It does have a campus in Dominical, too. There is another school in Turrialba called Spanish by the River http://www.spanishatlocations.com/sp...ns/costa-rica/. They also have a location in Panama but AEC seems better for kids. AEC is located at CATIE. I think there is also a catholic? school in the area. If you don't need lodging, prices are really reasonable ($150/week) and I've done immersion before and it's amazing what you learn in a few weeks.

Have you done any rafting trips? We are thinking about the Pejiballe River which is supposed to be good for families but wanted to get another opinion.

Thanks for all of your help!

Spanish by the River is the one near Tuis, outside of Turrialba. I see signs for it on the road and have thought I might spend a little time there once we are living part-time in that area.

I think you've made a good choice with AEC. Turrialba is an area, as you know, where you will not hear a word of English spoken. Have a great trip and learning experience!

Thanks for everyone's help with this. We decided to stay in Orosi at the Orosi Lodge in their chalet. We are looking forward to exploring Orosi.

http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserR...ECK_RATES_CONT

I'll post a trip report when we return. If anyone has any suggestions of restaurants or things to do in Orosi, please let me know.

Thanks!

We've gone to the Orosi Valley a couple times with Tico friends - have gone hiking in Tapanti N.P., shopping at Casa del Sonador for great wooden walking sticks and unusual gifts and enjoyed a buffet lunch at La Casona del Cafetal on Cachi Lake. There were masqueraders there entertaining the children, great place for local families to come. Still haven't visited the church at Ujarras - next time!