Pauline

We are planning a trip to Costa Rica in February.Will one week give us enough time to see the highlights-Arenal Volcano, canopy tour, Poas Volcano and cloud forest, or should we wait until we could stay for 10 days for 2 weeks. We will be staying in San Jose and taking guided tours from there. Any other suggestions for things to see.

Iza

I think you can easily see the places you mentioned in one week. I wouldn't stay in San Jose for the whole week though. The city is rather unattractive, unlike the rest of Costa Rica. <BR>With one week I would probably spend a couple of nights in the Arenal area and then a few nights on the Pacific coast (Tamarindo or Manuel Antonio). If you decide to drive or hire a car and driver to go to Arenal you can easily see Poas Volcano on your way there. You could also go back to San Jose a day early before you fly back home and take a guided tour from there (the Highlights Tour was very good when we took it 2 years ago).<BR>Canopy tours are now offered all over CR. We took a good one that was a part of a day trip from Tamarindo to Rincon de la Vieja. I know you can also take them from Manuel Antonio or Arenal.

phyllis

I am travelling with 2 boys,ages 11 and 14 andmy husband. Would you recommend tamarindo, Manuel Antonio or Tambor as a good beachtown for boogie boarding and general good time after 4 days of sightseeing. Thanks, phyllis

Iza

I would pick Tamarindo over Manuel Antonio as a good beachtown. Most hotels in Manuel Antonio sit high on the hills, not within walking distance to the beach. In Tamarindo you'll have very easy beach access from any hotel. If you are looking for beautiful views and opportunity to visit the Manuel Antonio National Park then pick Manuel Antonio. For pure beach fun I would pick Tamarindo.

Marty

Definately do not stay the whole week in SJ. It's very polluted, and unattractive. We did not go to Tamarindo, but did spend 3 nights in Manuel Antonio. It's wonderful. The beach is great, although a bit of a walk from hotels. We rented jet ski's there, and the dolphins were racing us and jumping out of the water all around us!<BR><BR>Also, Jaco is a hip little Pacific coast town, as another alternative.

Connie N.

How I envy you your trip! We took group via charter into Guanacaste province.<BR>Stayed on Hermosa Beach(not great beach) but Sol Playa Hermosa very comfortable, good pools,food,restaurants nearby. DO take<BR>time to go to Tabacon Falls to soak in the pools! From there you may see Mt.Arenal do its thing. Lake Arenal is<BR>so beautiful! Lucky you if you can windsurf--good place to do it.<BR>The preserve boat rides south of Arenal<BR>are great for seeing birds & alligators and sugar cane cultivation. Kayak tours<BR>also done in this area could be great.<BR>If you drink coffee, be sure to bring home some of their premium. if you like<BR>tequila try their Cacique Quaro.<BR>My husb and I did site tour to Blue Bay<BR>Hotel, looked at Melia & Flamingo Beach Hotel. Hermosa was fine for our needs---also have villas there that are great.

Phyllis

Thanks for your info. Is Capitan Suizo a good choice for boogie boarding, good food and nice beach in tamarindo?? I was also considering Tango Mar in Tambor but don't know if it's worth the trip for 3 days and with kids???(11 and 14) Is there anything else to do in Tamarindo, any nice streets to wander on, restaurants?/ Thanks

Iza

Phyllis,<BR>Capitan Suizo is great, very family friendly, located right on the beach. It is located on probably the nicest part of Tamarindo beach, great for boogie boarding (surfing is on the other end of the beach). The food is excellent, their service is great. Capitan Suizo is our family's favorite place in Costa Rica - we stayed there twice. <BR>Tamarindo is a small village and rather rustic with unpaved roads etc. But it has a number of restaurants and gift shops along the main "street" where you can walk around. I would also recommend that you visit some surrounding towns (Brasilito is a typical Costa Rican beach town, non-touristy; Playa Conchal is a beautiful beach that is nearby and is not to be missed; Playa Flamingo is also nice). If you have a car it is an easy drive from Tamarindo; if you don't have a car you can easily get a cab to take you there.<BR>

Phyllis

Hi, Thanks for your reply. Have you ever been to tango Mar?? It sounds so nice but is it too quiet for kids (11 and 14) They like tennis, golf, boogie boarding, and pool. Is Capitan Suizo a better bet?? Thanks, Phyllis

Iza

Can't help you with Tango Mar as we have never been there. We considered it for our trips but decided against it - we were afraid it would be too isolated and the reviews were mixed.<BR>I don't know if there is any tennis in Tamarindo or the surrounding areas but there are great golfcourses nearby (there is one at Playa Grande and one at Melia Playa Conchal - both supposedly very good). Also, if your sons like horses they have to try horseback riding on the beach in Tamarindo. Our daughter absolutely loved it.<BR>