Do you have any recommendations for a 10 day itinerary for March 2007 (day 1 and day 10 will be travel days) for Costa Rica? We have twin 8 year old boys who are pretty adventurous. We are thinking 3-4 days at the beach...heard Punta Uva on Carribbean side was great, but I'm not sure where to stay while there...Tree House is a little pricey. There are very few posts about this area, so I would love to hear more about it.

We also plan to spend a few days in Arenal.

If we do 3 days in Punta Uva, and 2-3 days at Arenal, we have 3 days left, assuming this is enough time.

What about Monteverde? Or perhaps MA? Manuel Antonio looks good, but we are afraid of the crowds. Hubby and I spent our last CR trip in the Osa, and at Bosque de Paz, and Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui.

Also, if you have any lodging or tour recommendations for any of these areas, please share.

I accompanied 2 7 yo boys who loved Monteverde, bugs, frogs, etc. They loved a boat trip on the Palo Verde River - Cano Negro is probably similar. They liked Volcan Poas with its interpretive centre.

When I went back with a 10 yo boy, he loved the Vendado Caves near Arenal but wasn't as thrilled with Arenal itself. We stayed at Los Lagos which had pools, slides, crocs - lots of fun.

He liked the hiking near Osa. He liked MA but beware the riptides.

I think there's more adventure for the boys inland. You will really need to watch them in those currents at the beach -- there have been several recent drownings. Water is much calmer around Playa Panama. Most kids love Arenal -- there's so much to do: hiking, zip-lines, horseback riding, hanging bridges, seeing wildlife at Cano Negro or Penas Blancas, hot springs, waterfalls, caves, butterfly hourses, etc. Lots of fun to be had at Monteverde too, and other inland areas. There are lots of monkeys at the beach at Manuel Antonio, but again you need to watch them in the water there.

Sandy

My 10 year old loved both Arenal and Manuel Antonio. We stayed at Los Lagos in Arenal, went rafting and to the waterfall. We could have spent much more time in this area, I would plan at least 3 if not 4 days in Arenal. There was so much to do. I recommend Jacamar Tours for rafting with children.

From MA we went kayaking with Iguana Tours and on Canopy Safari ziplines. We enjoyed the beach there, but one adult was in the water with him at all times due to the reports of riptides. (we had no trouble, but I could never fully relax)

My son still talks about the waiter at Los Lagos, and Jose the driver and waiter from Hotel Buena Vista near the airport where we spent our first night. Costa Rica is a wonderful place for families to travel with children. Enjoy your trip.

Colleen

Thanks for sharing! I think we'll do 4 days in Arenal and 4 days in Punta Uva.

A question for those who stayed at Los Lagos...

It looks great from the website. But our guidebook mentioned something about the hotel lying in a valley that might be covered by deadly gaseous or volcanic flows. Is this a reasonable concern?

Take a look at Casa Viva's website www.puntauva.net for their 2 bedroom home rentals beachside in beautiful tropical gardens with birds and monkeys. Very economical and blissful.
We'll be there in March for our third time.

fccolorado: Me, my wife, 4.5 year old son and 2 year old daughter leave in 8 days for almost your identical trip. We are doing 4 days in Arenal and the last 4 just south of Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, near Punta Uva. We are booked for Los Lagos and I found that although the hotel is probably one of the closest to the volcano, it is one of the safest. I will have alot to post in a couple of weeks and will gladly answer any questions you may have. My only recomendation, which has always worked well for me, is to do the inland part first, the beach last. The main reason is that I have never had a bad beach day and it seems to always be a little more relaxing, so that when I get home, I don't feel like I need another vacation to unwind. Just a thought. Please ask any questions, and we are staying at Villas del Caribe in PV.

When we stayed at los lagos (3/06) it was outside the highest danger zone. At that time Tabacon was considered at risk. Arenal.net had a map showing past and present lava flows and risk zones. I do not think they still post it. I remember reading that the observatory lodge was in the safest place, possibly due to a valley between the volcano and the lodge.

You've made a wise decision to spend more time at Arenal and PV, rather than adding another location. Your boys would LOVE the Cano Negro tour, hanging bridges, ziplines, etc.

In Puerto Viejo, we enjoyed Azania Bungalows (just a couple of weeks ago). I think they stay pretty booked, so check early. The room had a queen, a twin, and a loft with another twin. How would that work for you? Less than $100. . gorgeous property and great pool. Right across from Playa Cocles (pretty, but not good for swimming) and just a few km south of Puerto Viejo.

Last year we stayed at Aguas Claras (on the beach side), Playa Chiquita, further south. Just a few steps from a nice beach, there are 5-6 very colorful little gingerbread bungalows of various sizes. The owners, Flore and Mario, are very kind, and have a fairly new restaurant called Miss Holly's with wonderful breakfasts and lunches (and pastries and cappacinos!)

You might also enjoy Almonds & Corals Deluxe Tent Camping further south of Aguas Claras (and south of Playa Uva). It is just a couple of km north of Manzanillo. Stayed there with my daughter a couple of years ago, and it was a cool experience. . right in the middle of the forest (or feels like it). The tents were up on platforms and very convenient with a couple of double beds, nice bath, indoor hammock, table and chairs. . .not too primitive!

Just a couple of suggestions. . .

We've not stayed in a place with AC on the Caribbean, and it would be nice. Cariblue MIGHT have it (next door to Azania Bungalows), not sure. Shawanda Lodge looks good as well.

Have fun!