Ok, we have finally figured the final plan for our trip. We leave April 7, four single girls in late twenties, can't wait!!

Apr 7: layover in Dallas (yuck)
Apr 8-11th: Rip Jack Inn in Playa Grande
Apr 12-13th: Hotel Fonda Vela in Monteverde
Apr 14th: Vista de Valle hotel last night

So...now, any suggestions for good places to eat, must do tours, good laid back beach bars. We are happy to lounge on the beach all day but also up for any activity too, would like to go horseback riding, hiking, I'd like to do Skytrek.

We have transportation plans to and from places, but any thoughts on need to rent a car for four days while in Playa Grande? easy to get around without one? Not my first trip, is for the other three but all these areas are new to me too. Thanks!! Pura Vida!

Are you still flying to Tambor? or did you mean Tamarindo when you posted a while back? I only ask as I know Rip Jack Inn is on Playa Grande near Tamarindo and Tambor is a long way from there.

Actually we are flying to Tambor...that is the only travel part we haven't figured out (the only hotel I didn't book) The other hotels all said they could arrange transportation for us from each place to the new one (hopefully this will be legit). What's the best way to get from Tambor to Playa Grande, how far are we talking? Rent a car while we are there? Get hotel to pick us up maybe...?

Woops, I do mean Tamarindo, just had a minor panic attack and had to check my reservation!! I flew to Tambor last time I was in CR....ok well that makes more sense I hope but same questions apply...

Getting around while in Playa Grande without a car is a bit difficult. Some things we enjoyed were the rodeo in Brasilito (25 minutes away)& the pizza at the new place by the surf shop in Playa Grande. It was excellent! Place to avoid: Kike's. My son got sick after eating there. Have a great trip!

Dallas-yuck? I'm hurt!

Serously, how much time will you have? There are good restaurants and shopping near the airport if you have time. Let me know and I can recommend a few things.

sorry missypie! as far as dallas, will only be there from 11p-8am, just a long layover (that's why yuck!) thanks though!

are the beaches good in Playa Grande? If we are stuck with no option but going to beach, I'm fine with that! But, is it nesting time? Will the turtles be an issue as far as getting on the beach? How far is it into Tamarindo, I heard about a 30 min walk, I can handle that!

Will there be taxis available at the Tamarindo airport or do we need to arrange transportation from there to Playa Grande ahead of time? About how much should we expect to pay? Thanks!