Need help even getting started
 

We are planning a trip either to a Caribbean island or to Costa Rica. It will only be a week so we know we won't see much of Costa Rica if we choose it. Can anyone help me even get started? This is what we like

Beautiful, relaxing beach with crystal clear water, not super touristy areas, rather a place where we can rent a small house or cottage but still have places to go eat, etc. An opportunity to either take a few days and visit the rainforest, hiking, waterfalls, kayaking, etc. and then spend four nights by a beach, or find a beautiful beach area where the more advenurous stuff if close by. We are not into large resorts, etc. We need a place that isn't very expensive. More like $50-$75/night.

We'll be going mid to end of May. We'll fly into San Jose, unless FF miles tickets open up for Liberia. I just have no idea on distances so can't even begin to figure it all out.

Thanks so much for the help. I know it's pretty broad. I'm just looking for a place to start.

Your mention of nice water and rainforest makes Manuel Antonio an obvious choice in Costa Rica. CR isn't known for its beaches and crystal clear water (more for its rainforest and variety of adventure!), but Manuel Antonio has some standout beaches. I'm not sure what you mean by a week--6 night, 7 nights or 8? Makes a difference! Particularly when your arrival and departure times may dictate you staying the first and last nights right there by the airport. . .so I'm not sure how many ACTUAL nights you have to locations.

A week generally works well for 2 locations. I'd suggest you spend 3-4 nights at Arenal (active volcano, lots to do there), then transfer or drive to Manuel Antonio for 3-4 nights. These are the 2 areas that give a really nice beginner's intro to what CR has to offer. Both are touristy areas (but not CROWDED touristy areas). You'll have horseback, ziplines, hiking, waterfalls, kayaking, and much more.

You should be able to find some good bargains in hotels at the end of May. Check into Arenal Paraiso at Arenal or Costa Verde Studio Plus (a very good value) in Manuel Antonio. Villas Nicolas a good choice as well. Recently, Didi's Bed and Breakfast has gotten some good reviews in Manuel Antonio. Good luck!

Thanks so much Shillmac. That's exactyly what I'm looking for. I was getting overwhelmed with all the options and trying to look at a map back and forth was confusing. This give me a great place to start! I appreciate the help.

Punta Uva south of Puerto Viejo,Caribe coast, is much less crowded than Manuel Antonio which is one of CR's top tourist destinations. It is a beautiful area but the M A Nat Park can be very crowed as well as the public beach.
Casa Viva on Punta Uva and other cabin rentals in the area sound more what I think you are looking for.
I have pictures of both areas in my albums here http://rvincent3.photosite.com

Have a wonderful journey!

My Manuel Antonio photos don't show the crowds as I usually avoid those shots or don't post them.