I am wondering if anyone is just back from Costa Rica and Arenal. I'm having a tough time getting up to date weather info. Weather.com does not list the area. Is it still rainy? Is it very hot? medium? muggy? Are jeans a dumb idea for evenings? I have to start thinking about packing and buy what we may still need.

Also wanted to get recs for a rafting company and zip line company that will accommodate and skinny 8 year old

I would not bring jeans, personally, too heavy & hot. The temp will almost always be in the 70-80's. Just bring t-shirts, shorts, maybe some capris on convertible pants. Bring a light rain jacket or poncho, rain is always a chance.

Agree with tully - no jeans; I bring shorts, capris, and one long pair of lightweight pants, t-shirts, tanks, one long-sleeved top, and a rain poncho. You'll want to wear something long if you zipline so you don't have shorts riding up on you. Rios Tropicales and Sky Trek are popular; you'd have to check with them on age restrictions.

Arenal has a mild climate, in general, because of the elevation. Warm/hot during the day and cool at night. In Costa Rica, there is about 12 hours of daylight/night all year round so it can be cool at night - except at the beach.

You might check www.arenal.net -- they may have a weather forecast but -- good luck with that because we have had a crazy weather year so it's tough to predict anything.

I totally agree -- no blue jeans. Bring lightweight clothes that dry easily. volcanogirl gave an excellent list.

I took my very small 9 year old son (50 pounds) rafting in Arenal. We used Wave Expeditions and went on the Balsa River - level II-III rapids. He loved it! They often offer a discounted rate on their website.

http://www.waveexpeditions.com/pages/3-costa-rica

If you like adventure, my son also did canyoning with Pure Trek Canyoning. These two excursions were his absolute favorites!

http://puretrekcostarica.com/index.shtml

Perkel -
I read a few bad reviews on TA for Wave Expeditions concerning safety and kids. Did you feel that they didnt take his safety into account?
What else did you do up there with the kids?

Miami:

We had a very positive experience with Wave and an awesome guide (Yuda). They went over the safety information on the way to the put-in site and again in the boat before we set out. Alex was not able to paddle in the first section, level III, so he got to sit and enjoy the ride. The whole time you are rafting, there are 2 safety guides paddling in kayaks. My son is also a very, very small 9 year old.

In Arenal we went hiking (Sunset Tours), Tabacon Hot Springs, Canyoning (Pure Trek), and ATV (Fourtrax). Your child must have no fear as there is no turning back on these things! I have to admit my son was a little afraid getting ready for his first 192 foot decent through the waterfalls. The guides were awesome and all the people on our tour were encouraging and cheering him on. Alex did 2 canopy tours - one in a canyon (Rincon de la Vieja) and one in Monteverde at Salvatura Park. Because of his weight and depending on the length of the zip line he had to ride with a guide. He also did white water tubing and horseback riding at Rincon de la Vieja, kayaking, snorkeling and parasailing (double) in Manuel Antonio. All I can say is he never wants to go back to Disney World! I don't know what I'm going to plan next that will top this adventure!

Perkel, your son sounds awesome!

Perkel - thanks for the info. Sounds like your son had the time of his life!! My kids rafted in Jackson Hole and Peru (Sacred Valley area) and loved it!! We promised them zip-lining in Panama last year and it didn't work out so I need to come through on that one! So glad that he never wants to go back to Disney and wants to experience the "real" world instead

Im thinking Wave on the Rio Balsa for rafting. Eco Glide for zipline. My kids are adventurous but not fearless and I hear its great for beginners an those who are nervous.

Deciding between Eco thermales and Tabacon for hot springs. We went to Tabacon years ago - probably 14 years, pre kiddos.

I also think we are going to go to Hanging Bridges - not sure if we will do guided or alone. Thoughts?

Also gonna check out the La Fortuna Waterfall and Swimming hole on our own.

Thinking about Cano Negro - want to do some heavy wildlife - but not sure the best place - my kids saw a lot of crocs, monkeys, and sloths in Panama and I think they would like to see them again.

Wondering if I should book ahead or wait till we get down there. I think eco-glide is just a walk in kinda thing right?

I'd get a guide at the Hanging Bridges; we didn't, and all we saw there were ants - lol. It was a nice hike and pretty, but other people with guides have seen some wildlife, and I think a guide will up your chances for that.

For the waterfall, be sure to check out the little set of steps off to the left. They go down to a tiny "beach" and crystal clear water that's away from the force of the waterfall. We would have missed it if someone didn't tell us. The water was so clear that we could see fish swimming around on the bottom.

We love Cano Negro - fun boat trip, and we've seen monkeys, sloths, and lots of caimans and water birds. Jesus Christ lizards too. I'd recommend bringing your own binoculars.

Volcanogirl - which outfitter do you use for Cano Negro?

Also book ahead or wait till we arrive?

We use Sunset Tours and usually just book once we get to our hotel. Desafio is a good company too.

I went back through my notes and came across an email address for one of the co-owners at Wave. Her name is Vanessa Willing - [email protected]. Perhaps you can chat with her directly about the appropriateness of this activity for your child.

One more -
Safe to drink the water? ice? Not safe in Panama - so checking.
Also - electronics - no converters or adapters needed right?

No converters needed, and we've always eaten and drunk everything we've wanted and have never been sick. I've been sick multiple times in Mexico, so I wouldn't do it if I didn't consider it safe.

We are here!! Any Restaurants we shouldn't miss??
Had a wonderful lunch off the side of the road outside of town on the drive up. 4 people $30 bucks, can't beat that!!