In June, my wife and I plan to take our 12yr old daughter to Costa Rica. We'd like to keep the trip heavy on adventure - but not too extreme. My daughter quickly informed me that she's had enough sight-seeing trips and historic tours during the past two years. Please help me develop an itinerary that's full of activities. We want to do at least one zip-line but which place is the best for this activitiy? Any advice would be appreciated.

How much time do you have? What time of year will you be traveling? What's your budget and accommodation type preference? This will help people respond better. I have taken my daughter the past 2 years (when she was 10 and 11) and will be happy to tell you some of her favorites!

We plan to take an 8 day trip in June. We'd prefer to stay in charming lodges or small hotels, and not in traditional hotels such as Marriott or Hilton.

A lot of people like to do a Manual Antonio/Arenal combo their first trip and that's a good trip for 8 days especially since depending on your flights, you may need to spend 1st and last (or both in my case) nights near the airport.

There is a ton of stuff to do in both areas. Suggest getting at least one good guidebook to give you a decent overview.

In Arenal I really like El Silencio del Campo and it fits your style of charming, also locally owned, hotel with individual cabinas and hot springs. Another great choice for families, though much larger and not as charming, is Los Lagos. In Manual Antonio there are also a number of choices. La Posada Bungalows, Si Como No, Tulemar Bungalows (expensive but offer the private beach, which is nice) lower unit of Mot-Mot seems to be the most economical on those grounds.

A must do in MA is the park, plan on spending a day here, and in Arenal the Cano Negro tour. Other than that both areas offer ziplining, hiking, horseback, waterfalls, kayaking, things like that. Eco-Thermales hot springs is also great.

I agree with hip. I'd go with Arenal and Manuel Antonio. We love the Lost Iguana, but like hip said Los Lagos is great for kids. Check them all out on tripadvisor.com and see what your preference is. In MA, Buena Vista Villas is very popular, but it's a little pricey. Si Como No is also hugely popular with families. Arenal has an active volcano which your daughter would love. You can also hike the Hanging Bridges, go to the waterfall, zipline at SkyTrek, and do the hot springs. We loved Eco Termales, and you can have a wonderful dinner there. You might also check out Tabacon - louder and with a water slide since you have a 12-year old. Our favorite thing is the Cano Negro tour that hip mentioned. We use Sunset Tours, and they are wonderful. In MA, definitely go to the park and bring your bathing suit because the beach is nice. Finca Valmy horseback riding and the Damas mangrove tour are popular.

Hmmm. Since I live in the land of the LSU Tigers, I am not even sure I should be helping a "bamafan"! But in the true spirit of Southern Hospitality, I will take a shot.

I agree with Hip and Volcanogirl. Especially about Manuel Antonio. We had an office there, and sold local tours. There is an awful lot to do there, and enough to keep a 12 year old interested. I agree about Buena Vista Villas too. We send lots of guests there, and visited ourselves a couple of months ago. If BVV is too pricey for you, Tulemar Bungalows shares the same 33 acre parcel and private beach. It is a good value.

But since your daughter is so high on a canopy tour, you may also want to consider Monteverde. This is where they were invented, and the best ones are still there. Big long runs.

These tours are everywhere in Costa Rica now, as they are cash cows. But the topography of the Monteverde area really lends itself to this activity. In addition, the night tours into the reserve are very interesting. There are several exhibit type things to do as well. There is a Serpentarium, an Insectarium, a Bat Exhibit, and the Rainaro (Frog exhibit). These are mostly indoor activities, and you are going to be there during a rainy time. It is nice to have an indoor option.

We traveled with our girls there a lot when they were young teens. It is a challenging age. My wife and I enjoy secluded beaches. We would seek these spots out, and we would be like "Look honey, not a soul in sight". Our daughters would be "Oh great. Another empty beach. Not a soul in sight". To get the full effect, you have to add a measure of teen angst to the last statement.

We took the Original Canopy tour when it was a brand new activity, and the only game in town. They only had four platforms! Who knew it was going to grow into such a big deal?

Now our youngest is living in Florida Gator land. The world just doesn't make sense any more!

Hope this helps! Let me know if I can offer any more advice.

Warm Regards,
Pat Hewitt
Travel Professional