Hi everybody,<BR>Our family of 4, kids are 11 and 7, will be in Costa Rica in August for 12 nights. Recognizing that 2 nights will be in San Jose on the ends of the trip, how would you recommend spending the other 10 nights? We were thinking about Arenal/Tabacon for 3 nights and Quepos/Mariposa for 4 nights leaving 3 nights for something else? All suggestions and ideas are welcome. Thanks in advance.

Hi Lee,<BR>First, I'd like to say that personally I think 2 nights at Arenal is plenty! <BR>Anyway for your additional nights, how about a quick trip to the Osa Penisula? Cabo Matapalo is beautiful, quiet and you'll see lots of Scarlet Macaws which you won't see in the other areas. You can take a quick flight from Quepos. Lapa Rios Hotel is beautiful if it's in your budget!<BR>Enjoy your trip!

My kids (10 and 7) loved Monteverde - nature walks, poison frogs, insects, butterflies etc. We spent 5 days there and could have spent more.

I agree with the above about Arenal; don't miss it but 2 nites are plenty. The waterfall at nearby Fortuna is a &quot;must-see&quot;. I personally have more fun at the beach so prefer Quepos or Jaco/Playa Hermosa or Tamarindo for more days. Good luck, you'll have fun no matter where you go!

Lee:<BR><BR>We went this past August with our two sons (10 &amp; 12 years)for twelve nights as well. Did Osa, Manuel Antonio, and Arenal. We stayed at Tabacon two nights which as others stated is plenty. It was nice, but limited in activity for the kids. As Ally suggested, so will I, go to Osa if you can afford it and don't mind the heat. For something a bit less expensive try Bosque del Cabo. Next door to Lapa Rios, has its own huge beach (albeit down a hill and not great for swimming), Scarlet Macaws, monkeys and toucans everywhere, great guides, and very kid friendly. Ask about renting the house, it was wonderful. Our kids loved it. Again, if it fits you budget, try Xandari for maybe your last two nights and visit Paos, coffee plantations, and surrounding villages (like Sarchi). Super relaxing way to end an active trip. We went, but personally would not return to Quepos/Manuel Antonio especially after seeing Osa. Can't comment on other places, but next time down plan to visit Tortagura (sp) and return to Osa.

thanks--what house are you referring to to rent?