Melissa5

ANSWERS TO YOUR QUESTIONS:

bcteachers, the Sky Tram/Sky Trek zip-line takes a couple of hours. Enjoy.

Ahgee, ticos are friendly and polite. Young female ticos are actually more polite than USA teens, and display way less "attitude", if you know what I mean. Very refreshing!

Young male ticos are sometimes a little macho. They may be a little flirty. I found out the hard way it is best NOT to flirt back in a joking way. Customs in Costa Rica are different than in the USA. I was once alone without my hubby and one middle-aged male guide was acting a little flirty, but in the USA it would just be considered polite to flirt back since it was a small tour group I was standing with. But when I flirted back he went too far and next thing I knew he was getting a little physical...oops! So don't react to flirting (unless you REALLY mean it!) Best way to discourage them is either to ignore them, or if you must speak to them, tell them your husband is coming right back. That worked another time for me and my blonde daughter.

Ticos in general are very helpful if you need directions or any kind of help.

As far as driving, yes, the roads and driving conditions are rough. Are you comfortable driving on narrow mountain roads? Can you handle being on a narrow road in the middle of nowhere, bumping along this unpaved road, and meeting up with a big truck around the bend, on a road that barely seems wide enough for 2 chickens to pass each other?!

My hubby has done off-road driving for his job as a biologist so I knew he could handle the roads in Costa Rica.

If I were considering going to Costa Rica with only my daughter, I would get the name of a reliable driver and use him. Or else I'd join a tour group. (I don't really like tour groups though.)

Reliable hotels can probably help you arrange safe transportation. Good luck and I hope you and your daughter enjoy a fun, safe trip to costa Rica!

Ticos don't seem to wear shorts, so if your daughter wears short shorts (except on the beach or at the pool) she will stand out.

Melissa5

ARENAL (continued):

More on LOST IGUANA RESORT, Arenal:

A few more comments on the wonderful Lost Iguana resort at Arenal and then I'll move on:

Our luxury suite, room 11, was UNBELIEVABLE! Way above average in the way it's decorated...."jungle luxury", I'd call it. Very very clean, I gave the maid a big tip.

Very comfortable bed with volcano view. Big room! Lava rock shower, open air at the top with screen above, with jungle plants growing in the shower. 2 shower heads in this room! You can shower by moonlight.

Fan, frig with some drinks, air conditioning.

First floor room, you walk out onto an attractive little private patio with rocking chairs and a jacuzzi tub. Very clean jacuzzi tub. From this delightful patio, you can sit and rock and see the volcano framed by the jungle-type plants growing around you.

We heard 6 different frog calls, just sitting there on our private patio. We liked turning out the lights in the evening, opening the doors to the room, sitting listening to the frog chorus and looking at the volcano. One night we were also treated to lightning flashes and thunder rolls along with the lava flow!

A room in paradise! Rain song.

Birds and butterflies on property.

STAFF AT LOST IGUANA, Arenal:

The Lost Iguana is relatively new, and the only thing negative I can say is that the staff still needs some training and guidance. Sometimes they are just great, going way out of their way to handle everything. Other times individuals have their moments when they make mistakes.

As time goes on, I think the Lost Iguana is going to be the best resort in Arenal for sure. I would stay there again happily.

The check-in welcome could have been better. One guy brought us 2 nice fruit drinks on a tray. Really nice.

But I wanted to make our tour reservations right away, as I had already researched them and I didn't want them to fill up. But the guy checking us in told me to go up to my room, find the brochure, and call for myself! Huh?!

I did get him to make the calls for me. Good thing I did, because the phones went out the next day!

On the other hand, the staff was great about 2 other issues:

One, the phones were out for a day or two (maybe because of the storm). Hubby took the car and I didn't have any way to make dinner reservations. So one guy at the front desk drove 5 minutes down the road where he was able to access a phone or get cell phone reception to make the reservations for Ecotermales dinner for us!

Two, I asked if I could do laundry somewhere on the last day. A young woman at the front desk said they would do the laundry for me. I asked what it would cost. She said it was free! (What?! Free laundry? Is this heaven? They did it for free! Of course I tipped them. I don't know if it is always free, or if this was a special bonus because the phones were out?)

LOST IGUANA dinner menu:

Found our dinner menu. For $8.50 there was decent tilapia with a sweet red pepper sauce. Beef was okay for $14. Skip dessert unless they improve it...the desserts all tasted frozen and defrosted for $3.50. Atmosphere great at restaurant. Volcano view. Service just okay at restaurant. (It is typical for restaurant service to be slow in Costa Rica compared to the USA.)

We liked the food and atmosphere at the Lost Iguana restaurant well enough to eat dinner there twice.

Following are more comments on the Sky Tram/Sky Trek zip-line at Arenal.

Melissa5

ARENAL ACTIVITIES AND FOOD:

SKY TRAM/SKY TREK (continued):

More info on zip-lines and tram. www.arenalreserve.com www.skytram.net www.skytrek.com

We didn't do the trails here, just the sky tram and zip-lines (Sky Trek).

What was the scariest moment on the zip-lines? My son says it was "when you're going 40 mph and you see the pulley spinning..."

My 19-year-old daughter said the scariest moment was "on the tram when you look down at the huge chasm and you think about how you're going to be dangling by a string over that!"

My 18-year-old daughter said the scariest moment was "after the practice run and when you see the big massively long chord for the longest zip-line..." She said it was cooler than any theme park ride because of the surroundings.

My family said it wasn't as scary as it seems before you go. I asked if they would do it again. Answers: "Definitely." "Totally."
"Yeah, if you pay for it!"

Sky tram goes through both primary and secondary forest. We didn't actually understand that included in the price is the opportunity to do some trails. Not sure if you are allowed to do the trails without a guide here. Anyway we didn't do these trails.

These Sky Tram/Sky Trek and zip-lines are all new equipment in good condition.

Good instructions were given to the nervous participants! Guides had a sense of humor and our guide had a knowledge of flora.

I took the Sky Tram up with my family and watched them take off on the zip-lines. I heard birds, frogs, and the zinging sound of the equipment on the cable. Also saw butterflies.

Volcano view from platform which sky tram takes you up to. Beautiful black mountain peak wearing a crown of white cloud fluff and a green skirt...Embraced by forest all around.

FOOD IN ARENAL AREA:

We were so busy in Arenal we didn't spend time hunting up restaurants. Besides the Lost Iguana restaurant we tried these 2 restaurants:

RESTAURANT AT HOTEL LINDA VISTA DEL NORTE MOUNTAIN LODGE:

Location: La Fortuna de San Carlos, near Sky Tram/Sky trek

We ate lunch here just because it was near the Sky Tram/Sky Trek and we were hungry. Sat outdoors with volcano view and lake view. Table cloths were dirty but food was pretty good.... "Tipicos" plates with rice, beans, fried plantains or bananas, egg, and chicken or fish.

Location: La Fortuna de San Carlos, near Sky Tram/Sky Trek)

RESTAURANT AT ARENAL OBSERVATORY LODGE:

We drove up to the observatory lodge one evening for dinner and to observe the volcano and lava flow up closer. My family took a hike to a waterfall.

My hubby was disappointed to see that the observatory lodge had changed a lot since he was there some years before. Too much landscaping now. He didn't like the new look. It's getting too touristy for him, he says they "sold out" to tourism.

Dinner buffet is good at the Observatory Lodge. But the restaurant has glass walls so during dinner the reflections of lights obscure your volcano view. You can walk out on the narrow deck for a better view.

I did notice the front desk at the observatory lodge has very friendly staff, though we didn't stay here.

That's it for Arenal! More on Manuel Antonio, La Finca Que Ama, and Hotel Bougainvillea, Heredia to follow.

maryanne1

Melissa, I had been looking for your post about your trip to Costa Rica. How delighted I am to read it was much better than you thought it would be and nothing to be that worried about! I knew the rest of your family would enjoy it,but I knew how concerned you were in the beginning.
Just different from Italy,but every trip has its own appeal and adventure.
When you go to Ireland next year that will be another great experience.
Wish I had your post before my daughter and I took our trip in Sept. You are such a good researcher and write the adventures and info in such an entertaining way.
To the lady who will travel with her daughter. We did not drive either,but there are wonderful driving services from San Jose or Alejuela to Arenal and then to Manuel Antonio with a few people. I will try to find that website. Not as expensive as hiring a private driver,but only 6-8 people or less. Great drivers.
Melissa, wish you had not been in that storm going to Arenal as that is the most beautiful drive, but glad you made it safely.
From the reports you would not see Arenal from the Pariaso now,but guess we were lucky at the time we were there to see it every night.
Will look forward to the rest of your trip post.

phieaglefan

Melissa,

I was glad to see your trip report and thrilled you had a good time. I had read alot of your questions and replies before you left, so I was anxious to hear how your trip went.

I have one question about the Arenal area. We are leaving in 9 days. We'll be at Arenal for 2 nights. How much if any long sleeve/long pant type stuff should we take? I noticed your comment on the short shorts. I appreciate that since my 16 year old daughter wears primarily those in summer! Did it feel warm at night? How was the rain at Arenal?

Thanks again for your great information. You convinced me to go out and get a journal to write in for the trip!
H

blackbelt3

melissa,
thanks for you feedback on cr.as you indicated, tabacon is in a hot zone.

i am currently researching places to stay and activities. i found this website with a map that shows the hotels and relationship to the volcano. you can click on various hotels and activities for information. when you click on tabacon hot springs, it has the warning. the site====http://www.arenal.net/arenal-costa-rica-map.htm

thanks for sharing your trip memories. it is making my decision as to what to do and where to stay easier.

Melissa5

ANSWERS TO YOUR QUESTIONS:

MARYANNE1, thanks for the compliments! It's good to hear from you. We had quite a unique view of the beautiful drive to Arenal...a steemy jungle lit by lightning!

I agree with Maryanne's advice to the lady who will travel alone with her daughter. I saw those smaller vans for 6-8 people, and I'd hire one of those if I didn't have hubby to drive me!

PHIEAGLEFAN: Have a wonderful time when you leave in 9 days! The rainforest and cloud forest lingers in your memory and in your senses. Hubby says the rainforests are the lungs of the earth and killing them off is causing global warming.

What to wear: Arenal is warm, including at night. It does cool off a bit as the night gets later. I recommend zip-offs if you start out hiking in the early morning in case of mosquitoes and besides in the early early morning it was cool enough for zip-offs. Hubby is a biologist and out in the field a lot. He likes those long-sleeved ventilated shirts which protect against the sun and are still cool. They are in sporting goods stores or on-line. I don't own any of those shirts so I brought T-shirts, light-weight shirts, and light-weight wind-breakers. I only had one long-sleeved shirt. In the evening when you are going to dinner you might want a long-sleeved shirt or you can just put on a wind-breaker. Long sleeves would offer more protection against any mosquitoes in the early morning and evening. However there isn't much of a mosquito problem in Arenal. I only got one bite and that was at the Arenal Observatory lodge where we went for dinner. Family got a couple bites. We brought mosquito repellant with Deet but never used it. Lost Iguana resort did our laundry for free but I have no idea if this was a special favor or if they always offer this to guests!

I recommend you pack 3 pairs of zip-off pants. I had one pair of zip-offs with cotton and nylon mix; the other pair was all nylon. Actually the nylon was fairly cool as long as you buy them nice and loose. Also I had a pair of capri pants made from linen and cotton, nice and light materials, NOT heavy cottons, loose-fitting. Loose-fitting clothes are cooler in Costa Rica.

You won't be cold in Arenal. The main purpose of long sleeves is to keep you dry in the rain (wind-breaker or rain poncho), and to protect against bugs mornings/evenings. (Monteverde is a different story. It does feel cold all afternoon/evening/night in Monteverde! Only mornings were warm.

In Arenal it still rained in the afternoons and was clear and sunny in the mornings. The rain was fairly warm still in Arenal (but it was cold rain in Monteverde.) Best thing is to get up earlier and earlier each day to take advantage of the sunny hours. volcano viewing is still nice in the rain, don't worry about that, you can still see the lava!

Yes, yes, do get a journal and write in it! Also carry a pen and 2 pieces of paper with you on hikes. Then you can jot down what you saw/heard/smelled. When you get back to your room you can record things in your journal. Buy a light-weight journal. I have one for each trip.

BLACKBELT3: You are welcome, I'm delighted to share my trip memories. Good luck with your decisions!

HAPPY 4th of July everyone! I'm gonna celebrate now and work on the trip report later. (Manuel Antonio, La Finca Que Ama, and Hotel bougainvillea, Heredia to follow).

misha2

Melissa5,

Thanks for being so detailed. I look forward to reading more.

Did you drink tap water at all your locations? Also, are evenings pretty informal or did you need to dress up for dinner? Any chance that you saw a 2nd floor suite at LI?

Maryanne, I would love to find out info about the semi-private drivers.

Melissa5

ANSWER TO QUESTIONS:

Misha2, We didn't drink the tap water anyplace except at the Hotel Bougainvillea, Heredia, which has its own well 450-feet deep and so has its own water source and it gets regularly tested by a lab.

We bought bottled water, and tried our best to read the labels to figure out what kind of water we were buying, same as I do in the grocery store at home (except these were labels sometimes in Spanish!)

The reason we didn't drink the tap water is that I used to drink the tap water on vacations and I would always get sick. (I have a sensitive digestive system.) I also used to eat the salad too. Hubby, a biologist, told me that you shouldn't drink tap water on vacation because the locals are accustomed to the flora and fauna of their region, but we as visitors are not. Therefore we can get sick from things that don't affect the locals.

Some people will tell you they drank the tap water and didn't get sick. They are lucky! They aren't as sensitive as some of us are.

We avoided lettuce, tap water, and unpealed fruits. We did eat fruits like mango or banana which had been pealed. We also avoided raw seafood including sushi and ceviche. We are a family of 5 and none of us got sick.

The roads gave us motion sickness though! Dramamine helps. The humid weather and the bumpty roads are enough of a change for your body. Hopefully you won't eat or drink something that makes you sick on top of everything else! good luck.

Hubby has travelled to some places including Mexico where everyone else got sick except for him. That's because he's careful what he eats and drinks when he travels. He said eat things which are thoroughly cooked. Also make sure there is proper refrigeration.

Evenings were informal wherever we went in Manuel Antonio, Arenal, and Monteverde. Don't wear shorts to dinner, though. The only place I saw people dressing up for dinner was at the restaurant at the Hotel Bougainvillea. (A great hotel, I will get to that soon in the trip report!)

I didn't see a second floor suite at the Lost Iguana. However, I was very happy with the deluxe suite on the first floor because when we walked out on our private patio, we were surrounded by jungle-type plants, so it felt like walking into nature. We could sit and see the volcano erupting framed by the plants growing around our patio. Also we could hear 6 different kinds of frogs.

Melissa5

EMBARASSING ERROR:

OOps! I reported the wrong kind of bats at the hummingbird feeders outside the Monteverde cloud forest preserve. They were NOT fruit bats. Apparently fruit bats are big. They were nectar-eating bats, which are small. They drink the nectar like hummingbirds do.

Sorry! I check my biology facts with hubby but I misunderstood this one.

maryanne1

To Misha2:
The website for Interbus(more like a van) is
www.costaricapass
It is your niece rather than your daughter with you as I reread.We went from San Jose-met them beside the Hampton Air near the airport all the way to Arenal. They took us right to the Paraiso where we stayed. Sure they would drop off people at other locations.
Time and price listed on site $25.00 each way.
We went back to same location(Hampton Inn) and then from there to Manuel Antonio for same price. We flew back by Sansa to the airport from Manuel Antonio which I would suggest as the land is so beautiful from the air and you have been over the road once which is not bad,but a different prespective.
They made 1 stop at a store along each route for about 15 minutes which was nice.
You will see on the website times and prices.
This was perfect for us as we did not want to drive. Less expensive than a driver and ejoyable with a few other travelers.

maryanne1

Misa2
If you will type in my screen name maryanne1 under Mother and Daughter trip to Costa Rica you will find our trip report. Not nearly so interestinly written as Melissa's post,but maybe there will be something in there that will help you. There was much that we missed,but for the time we had I felt we saw and experienced alot. Beautiful country and wonderful people.
Enjoy!

Melissa5

HOTEL LA FINCA QUE AMA:

We had an UNFORGETTABLE 1-night stay at La Finca Que Ama! Highly recommended for those fortunate ones who feel the call to stay here.

La Finca Que Ama is in San Pablo de Turrubares, about a 1 1/2 hour drive from the airport. Located in the Central Valley highlands. www.costaricafinca.com

It is in a refreshingly non-touristy area, near a little town. (If you need something touristy to do you can go to the new Turubari Tropical Park nearby, about a 15- or 20-minute drive. We didn't visit it.)

This was a unique experience, unlike any other place we have ever visited. Neta and Arbel welcomed us as if we were friends or family.

After all the help Neta gave me by e-mail, I was looking forward to meeting her! We got to know each other a little bit by e-mail.

La Finca Que Ama appealed to us because it was an opportunity to explore a non-touristy location. I wish we had 2 nights there, would have been perfect!

I also liked the fact that a stay at La Finca Que Ama breaks up the drive between Manuel Antonio and Monteverde.

On the drive to La Finca Que Ama, I started to wonder if Neta wasn't real and only existed in internet legends. However, she is very real, we found when we arrived! She is a unique and generous person, an inspiration, though I'm 20 years older than she is!

Neta and Arbel introduced us to Jorge, one of their dedicated employees. Jorge took care of our luggage in the rain. Muchas gracias, Jorge!

We were welcomed into their delightful main house, built with an open-air deck with a wonderful mountain view. Neta asked if we would rather go to our casitas (rooms) right away or stay and talk and have a drink.

All 5 of us chose to stay and talk and have a drink. Drinks ended up being included in the room price, even though Neta should have charged us for my hubby's one beer. She is very generous. The coffee and tea are included.

We also met Aria (spelling?), Arbel's charming father, who was visiting.

My hubby and I, my 23-year-old son, and my 2 teen daughters all told me they found Neta and Arbel to be very interesting people and they enjoyed the conversation.

Neta and Arbel sat with us for about an hour and we had a great conversation before dinner and got to know one another! Everyone was included in the conversation.

Then we went to our casitas to freshen up and rest for dinner.

Dinner was an unforgettable experience! Wonderful food and a big variety of it. Great company. Fascinating conversation, even my 18-year-old youngest daughter joined in. She told me this was her favorite hotel so far.

We discussed politics, Costa Rica, humor, jobs, everything. We felt like we made new friends.

Arbel and Neta had this wonderful place built for them, hiring local contractors.

Dinner was served on an open-air deck, with the misty clouds stealing in and dressing the mountain view in mystery. Lightning and a bit of rain added a dash of atmosphere.

After eating the rather bland food of Costa Rica, dinner at La Finca Que Ama was a real treat. Neta had asked about our dietary needs in advance. We were served Neta's grandmother's chicken recipe, tomato and avocado salad (no lettuce) with a splash of lime or lemon and other flavors, mashed veggie similar to sweet potato, flavorful green beans, vegetable soup (home-made), rice, and a light dessert. Coffee and tea and wine.

Wonderful dinner! Be sure to reserve in advance if you want dinner and the extra charge will be added to your bill when you check out. (You DO WANT dinner!)

We were introduced to the kitchen staff by name. Everyone is important at La Finca Que Ama. It is like family.

The unique main house at La Finca has the reception area, office, public bathrooms, cozy sitting area with view, dining area and deck with view, and talented Arbel's humorous art.

Each casita (room) is snuggled into nature. Our 2 casitas were cozy and comfortable with private bathrooms, and had special touches like fragrant hand-made soap wrapped in banana leaves.

Private bathroom in your casita with hot water in shower. Very comfty Queen bed. Attractive and homey with sitting area and DVD player. (Neta has DVD library with 200 movies available, included in room price.) Fans and screened windows.

Your casita is like a small cottage...inside it feels about the size of a hotel room with sitting area and bathroom. But cozier.

Attractive mid-sized pool, very clean. Didn't have time for pool though!

Nice breakfast included at the time you like.

Even though I planned my own itinerary and didn't buy any package, and I booked my own hotels, Neta was still able to pass on some hotel and car rental discounts to me. Much appreciated!

I fit in La Finca Que Ama as a 1-night stop between Manuel Antonio and Monteverde. From La Finca Que Ama it took us 4 hours to drive to Monteverde.

Took the long way between Manuel Antonio and La Finca Que Ama...took us about 3 or 3 1/2 hours of driving, plus a stop for lunch. I think there's a shortcut, ask Neta.

A note about Costa Rica in general. It's all about nature. If you like your hotels all sprayed with pesticides, and want all the natural vegetation chopped away from your room, Costa is NOT your kind of place! Seriously, try Maui in that case.

In ALL the hotels we stayed at in Costa Rica, insects sooner or later will follow you into your room. Hubby showed them the way out for me, and we let the polite ones stay.

La Finca Que Ama is snuggled right into nature. That's part of the appeal. You will see butterflies, lovely fat toads, and if you're lucky you can see toucans.

I learned at the Butterfly garden in Manuel Antonio that the use of pesticides on plants kills the butterflies! Pesticides aren't used at La Finca Que Ama.

La Finca Que Ama and Neta and Arbel have made a great impression on us, and have a special place in my heart. I hope to visit them again on a return trip to Costa Rica. This is a true B&B experience as it was meant to be!

Ally

I'm so glad to see another glowing report on FincaQue Ama and Neta and Arbel. I don't think there has been anyone to go their that didn't enjoy the experience....myself included. It's a wonderful place, in part, maybe even mostly, because of Neta and Arbel. Very special people!

Melissa5

Ally, I agree! The interesting thing was that La Finca Que Ama appealed to both my husband and I, and my young adult son and daughters as well...2 different generations.

I feel so privileged to have shared so many different unique experiences with my whole family in Costa Rica.

I want to finish up this trip report with Manuel Antonio and Hotel Bougainvillea, Heredia.

Melissa5

MANUEL ANTONIO:

HOTEL SI COMO NO:

We had great fun at Hotel Si Como No, a beautiful place to feel spoiled in Manuel Antonio!

I chose this hotel for its ocean and jungle views, services, and also because it is one of the "Green Hotels of Costa Rica".

Instead of bull-dozing down the forest, they preserved the natural environment when they built the hotel. Si Como No continues to have an ecological vision.

Plus it's really fun!

They have a complimentary ride to the beach and the Manuel Antonio forest reserve. They have an adult and a family pool, and jacuzzis. A swim-up bar. Even a small movie theatre!

2 computers are available for a small charge at the Cafe Tico Net at the hotel. My daughters were in heaven.

Great staff at Si Como No! Everyone is exceptionally friendly and helpful.

It's expensive, but nobody's twisting your arm to stay here. I chose Hotel Si Como No as our splurge hotel.

We had deluxe rooms (deluxe suites, I think), rooms 50 and 51, second floor. Quiet rooms, beautiful view over treetops to ocean. Balcony. You can also see the view from the room.

I had heard you might see monkeys from your room, but we couldn't see monkeys from the room. Too high above the treetops from our room. Great ocean view though, and looking down on forest.

It was fun just walking around...a series of separate buildings are connected with little bridges and walkways. Pleasant atmosphere with jungle-style plants growing beside the walkways and near the buildings. Nature sounds, which I grew to love all over Costa Rica.

Rooms were quite nice in a casual way. The main reason to stay here is the whole atmosphere and services, the way the hotel is built in harmony with the natural environment, the great staff.

At Hotel Si Como No you feel like you are tantalizingly close to a jungle but you can't quite reach out and touch it from the hotel. It's a nice atmosphere!

Can hear birds from room. Some other buildings are closer to the tree-tops, our floor is above the tree-tops.

In room 51 we had a King bed that was comfortable, a little on the hard side, but still a high-quality bed, and we slept well.

Plenty of casual furniture for holding all your stuff. Expensive mini-bar (we didn't buy anything), coffeemaker, iron. Umbrellas (to borrow), room safe.

Bathroom had large shower with 2 plants in shower and an environmentally-friendly water-saver spout. This means not enough water pressure, but a second spout lower down, similar to a bathtub spout, is helpful to get an extra rinse.

Dispenser in shower with liquid bath gel, shampoo, conditioner. Preferred my own shampoo as it rinsed off easier.

1 sink with generous counter space in bathroom. 2 small stained glass windows in bathroom plus a screened window that opens.

Phone, alarm clock, 2 fans, very affective air conditioner that smells nice and clean, with digital controls.

Sliding glass doors, balconies with lounge chairs, beautiful ocean view.

Staff is always polite and friendly. Everyone smiles here.

Well, is the room worth the money we paid? Here's my view of it. You will see a lot of criticism of the rooms because anybody who pays around $200 for a room is going to be pickier and expect a lot.

I knew the rooms would be comfortable but NOT super luxurious. I knew I was paying for the whole atmosphere at Hotel Si Como No. It was worth it for that!

I recommend Si Como No for families with teens or kids; singles; seniors who get around well; and for couples who want an up-beat fun atmosphere.

I would stay here again if I returned to Manuel Antonio. (However, I think once is enough to see Manuel Antonio Park reserve. So we might try a new beach destination next time anyway!)

We give Hotel Si Como No 5 thumbs up (the whole family votes!)

HOTEL SI COMO NO RESTAURANT:

We tried a variety of restaurants in Manuel Antonio/Quepos, and our favorite was the restaurant at Hotel Si Como No! It has good food, fun atmosphere, great staff, and the bill has no surprise as the tax is already built into the prices.

We liked the restaurant at Si Como No where they serve you the great breakfast buffet, included in our room prices. Lunch and dinner are good here too.

After dinner order the banana flambee! I won't spoil the surprise but for $6 you get a good dessert and a memorable entertainment!

This hotel is well-established and there are some exceptional staff members here.

They sure have safe parking here. We accidentally left the door to our car unlocked and my son's camera wasn't even stolen from the parking lot in front! Maybe they have security watching the cars.

There are a couple of other restaurants within walking distance. Butterfly Gardens within walking distance. (Though we liked Si Como No's restaurant the best.)

Coming up Next:
Other restaurants: Manuel Antonio and Quepos;
Butterfly Botanical Gardens, Manuel Antonio;
Manuel Antonio Park Reserve;
Hotel Bougainvillea, Heredia

crarmy

Wow!! Melissa what a wonderful trip report. I will have to read a couple of times and take notes. Thank you, can't wait to hear the rest.

I have a couple of questions. How did you work your itinerary in Arenal? Wondering about SkyTram/SkyTrek, Hanging Bridges and PURETREK CANYONING WATERFALL RAPELLING. Also how long did you have to wait for the rest of the family to get done with the ziplines and was there a good place to wait, maybe sit and have a coke or something? Do you think we can do the hanging Bridges with the 3 and 2 year olds on backpacks??

I can't wait to go to La Finca que Ama and meet Neta.

So the teenage girls will stick out like a sore thumb if they are wearing shorts?? What about the teenage boys?? Do they wear those big baggy shorts down to their hips??

Do you recommend the dramamine for which road trip?? San Jose to Arenal?? Arenal to Manuel Antonio?? We are not going to Monteverde, thought it might be too much for the toddlers.

Thanks again for the great trip report and in advance for answering my many questions.

Anita_

Hi!
You are so informative! We are leaving in 1 week for CR. I have only reservations at Lost Iguana so far. I've been in touch w/ El Establo in Monteverde. I'm alittle nervous about making reservations. What if we can't get there? We rented a 4X4. How were the roads from Arenal to Monteverde? This will be our third trip, but 1st time to Monteverde. Thanks!

Melissa5

ANSWERS TO YOUR QUESTIONS:

CRARMY: Thanks for the compliments. I found it useful when I planned my trip to print out the portions of other trip reports which were useful, and use a highlighter. Write the name/author of the trip report on your print-out in case you want to refer to it later.

I put these in folders, and took some with me.

I had a folder for each destination, and I also had a folder for "Costa Rica Sports", "Tame Fun", and "Best Food". If you don't organize them from the beginning, at the last minute you'll have a huge unmanageable pile!

You asked how did we work our itinerary in Arenal? As soon as we checked into the hotel I asked them to book our activities. Puretrek Canyoning Waterfall Rapelling, Arenal was already booked up for both our mornings. But they had the 12:00 available for 2 mornings later, so we had them book that one.

Sky Tram/Sky Trek, Arenal was available for a variety of times for the next day, so we booked that for the next morning after breakfast.

Yes, there is a place you can wait if your family does the zip-lines. First, the sky tram takes you all up to an upper platform where you can see a nice view. The zip-lines start from there. There on the platform I waited a few minutes for another guide to be ready to take his group down the tram. (Some groups come up just for nature walks and then they take the tram down.)

There are no facilities on the upper platform, but there are facilities at the bottom where the tram starts and ends after its round trip. There are some chairs, a small gift shop, a place to buy drinks, and bathrooms.

I didn't have to wait too long for them to finish the zip-lines. I had a pen and some paper and wrote some notes. bought a drink. Used the bathroom. didn't time my wait but it was okay.

I wouldn't recommend carrying children on some parts of the trails in Costa Rica. Costa Rica gets a lot of rain and that's why it's green. (We went in the rainy season. We loved it.) But parts of the trails will be slippery or muddy and you have to be careful of your footing. If you slipped carrying a child you could both be hurt.

Don't step on any tree roots in the trail! They look like they would anchor your feet, but actually they are slippery. If there is mud, step in the mud, between the tree roots, and you can step on any rocks that look dry on top.

Nobody in our family fell, but you do have to watch your footing in places. In a lot of the trail at Hanging Bridges there's a nice safe trail which is attractive but has been made from a type of brick or maybe dyed cement, with holes for water drainage and good foot traction. An adult can walk on that part easily, but a small child might put his little foot right into the hole, which would make his footing maybe a little more challenging. You would be walking ever so slowly with a small child.

I think there were a few parts of the trail which didn't have any of those bricks...those were the parts where the roots are slippery.

If you try to hold onto the trees, you are putting your hands in an insect zone, and you might get ants or a spider on you. I used the trees only by gingerly reaching out 2 fingertips for balance now and then!

Maybe if you carried a sturdy walking stick, and you had good balance, and had on hiking boots with good traction on the bottom, maybe then you could safely carry the child. It would be challenging.

If you got to a challenging part of the trail, you could always turn around and walk back.

I saw a family walking up at the Monteverde cloud forest reserve trails. Their daughter, around age 3, was walking and they were holding her hand.

The 2-year-old will be the most challenging as they like to touch everything. You can reach out and touch the rainforest but it's not recommended unless you're a biologist or naturalist! You don't want her grabbing some fire-biting ants or something.

A great place for your 2 and 3 year old is something like the butterfly garden across from Hotel Si Como No in Manuel Antonio. We had a great guide there named Brian who was great with 2 little girls who were in our tour group. Loved the butterfly garden and it's safe for all ages.

Ticos seem to wear jeans in town. They don't seem to wear shorts. Yes, shorts stick out, unless you are somewhere with mostly tourists. Tourists do wear shorts and capris. But the Ticos we met were polite and friendly.

The young male Ticos might make comments about your teen daughters in Spanish, but they don't say anything if her father and big brother is around. Only when women are alone. And it was only a few who said anything, most were polite and respectful. Everyone working at hotels and restaurants was very polite while working.

Didn't see any tico males with big baggy shorts down to their hips. Tell your son anyplace his clothing is loose a mosquito will slip in there in the early morning and evening. Ask him where he wants the mosquito to slip in!
(Of course the looser clothing is cooler in the humid weather, so maybe your son has it right!)

The biggest thing to make Americans from USA stand out in costa Rica is NOT their clothing, it's our tendency to be a bit loud and rude! We didn't see any loud ticos and in comparison we felt quite loud, even though we tried not to be!

I recommend the dramamine for all of the longer road trips, which are longer than 2 hours. Airport area to Arenal, yes, take dramamine before you leave. Manuel Antonio to La Finca Que Ama, yes, take dramamine. La Finca Que Ama to Monteverde, yes, take Dramamine. Monteverde to Manuel Antonio, yes, take dramamine!

We had 5 people and 3 of us needed dramamine. We ended up liking the 24-hour dramamine, the less drowsy formula, because you don't have to worry about it for a while, even works for part of the next day. Take it before the ride begins. You might notice yourself feeling a little sleepy during parts of the day but not all day. Maybe not good for the driver to take.

Monteverde is cooler than Arenal and Manuel Antonio. We actually got cold in the rainy afternoon/evening/night. Mornings were nice and warm and sunny. If you change your mind and go to Monteverde, get a heated room, don't get a cabin with a fireplace (they are really smoky and I had allergy problems there.)

I wouldn't take a toddler to Monteverde. Wait til they are at least 5 to 7 years old, then take them to Monteverde.

With all those kids you will want to buy some "AFTER-BITE", The Itch Eraser. It has 3.5% Ammonia and really works...as soon as you get a bite you rub it on and let it dry. You'll have to hold the little one's hands so they don't dip their fingers in it and rub their eyes before it dries. It takes the itch away! Sometimes a repeat application is necessary. Found it in a sporting goods store in the section with mosquito repellant.

We did the Hanging Bridges, Aenal on our first morning, and the Puretrek Canyoning Waterfall Rapelling at noon the same day. This made for a busy, active day for the family. (I didn't do the canyoning.) Puretrek fed the family lunch first, which was a good thing because they were hungry and tired after the Hanging Bridges!

If you have more time, it would have been better to have the Hanging Bridges and the Canyoning on separate days, as it was a little tiring doing it all in one day, but the family still enjoyed it.

The Sky Tram/Sky Trek is not strenuous at all, my daughter says. There's one hill to hike up near the end. It mostly takes some guts and listening to instructions.

Have fun!

Melissa5

Anita, Monteverde is beautiful! Of course you can get there. Just ask your hotel in Monteverde about the road conditions. (I assume this road doesn't close.)

We didn't take the road between Arenal and Monteverde because we had this itinerary: Alajuela to Arenal; Arenal to Manuel Antonio; manuel Antonio to La Finca Que Ama; La Finca Que Ama to Monteverde; Monteverde to Heredia, near airport.

If you have already been to Costa Rica 3 times, I am pretty sure you will find the road from Arenal to Monteverde not as bad as you fear. Like I said I haven't taken it, but I would say the road to Monteverde was bad, but not as bad as I feared based on people's stories and my own imagination!

Neta at La finca Que Ama is great about answering questions.

You have already seen how the roads in Costa Rica tend to be bumpty, either dirt with rocks, or else paved with potholes. Also driving up into the mountains there are some hairy curves with no guard rails, but most people are driving carefully, just watch out for people passing on the wrong side of the road. Trucks were very thoughtful drivers usually we found, pulling over when they could to let you pass. If a truck puts on its left signal and it's not turning, it seems to be telling you it's safe to pass it.

Go and enjoy! The only other thing you could do is use our itinerary, which avoids the road between Arenal and Monteverde, and still includes both Arenal and Monteverde as destinations. But then you don't get to drive around the lake.