Pacific Coast or Manuel Antonio with kids?
 

HI,
I would love itinerary suggestions. We are travelling with girls ages 8 & 9 who are pretty adventurous (don't need t.v. or A/C) but also love to lounge by the pool/beach. We have been planning to split 9 nights between Arenal, Manuel Antonio and Osa Peninsula. But I am rethinking whether we should skip one of the above and go to the Cahuita area? If so, lodging suggestions would be greatly appreciated! Thank you!

oops typo girls are 8 & 11

Puerto Viejo might be a better location for you than Cahuita. . south of there. Puerto Viejo and Manzanillo great little towns. . .Azania Bungalows I'd highly recommend!

Thank you so much!
i'd love to know if you (or others) have an opinion on whether this would be a better desitnation than one of the 3 we've got: (Arenal, MA, Osa) for kids etc. thanks

Not better, certainly. Just different--all are very worthy of your time, and all are different. You will have a fabulous experience any place you choose--of that you can be sure! :)

Thanks, I think that's just what I needed to hear to stop myself from going crazy :-)

I think your family will love either of those options...there's probably more tour type things to do in MA, but Puerto Viejo is great too and is a good compliment to Osa and Arenal. I took my 10 year old there earlier this year and she loved it. Can't compare it to MA as we haven't been there yet. (We went to PV, Arenal, Central Valley, Osa).

Puerto Viejo is where we had our beach time, Sloth Rescue center, Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge, and wandering around aimlessly more than the other areas we visited.

We are headed back to PV next Spring...we really enjoyed the people, food and the surroundings. Much less touristy than MA from all the reviews I've read (but we're also checking out MA next trip to see for ourselves). ;)

Annie, I think you're okay with the itinerary you've got. Manuel Antonio is really popular with families. I haven't been to the Caribbean side yet, so I can't speak to that, but I think the girls would really like MA for the pretty beach, great views, and the park full of wildlife. When people say MA is touristy, it's not at all junky or trashy, just that a lot of people go there. The reason it's so popular is that it's really easy to get around, has beautiful views, lots of activities, and loads of restaurants. Also, most everyone will speak English there - it's just an easy place. I'd recommend against it if you want an undeveloped area, but other than that, I think it will be a hit with your family.

For what it's worth, our kids/girls are 9 & 14 and after some research we've decided on Arenal & Manuel Antonio. Primary reasons are the various /many activities..young and old :-)...in these areas. Enjoy!

thank you everybody! we've settled on arenal, MV and Osa!

Well, I think that's great. Doesn't it feel good to get it set in stone? It's always so hard to decide!

Oh, I misread your post. Did you mean MV, or did you really mean MA? If your girls like the beach and pool, I'd go MA.

Thanks it's MA - and I was considering Carribean (not pacific, goofed on that one) coast. I think we're set but boy is it overwhelming! thanks for all of your help!

Oh good, looks like you're all set. I really think you'll love it.