1st Time Costa Rica w/Kids - 9 Days - Arenal & Osa?
Dec 31st, 2013, 06:21 AM
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1st Time Costa Rica w/Kids - 9 Days - Arenal & Osa?
This is my first time posting on the forum ... and going to Costa Rica! I've read so much of what has been posted already - incredible! Just curious about your thoughts - we are going to Costa Rica for the first time in April - husband, two boys (7 and 9) and me. We love the outdoors, animals, but also want to get a sense of the place (I know 9 days isn't enough)! Curious if people have thoughts about a. good airport hotel that isn't too pricey, b. is Arenal a good choice if the rest of the trip is in Osa, and is it too out of the way given this possible itinerary (below) - should we go somewhere else, instead, to get a slightly broader picture of CR? And, is c. Is 2 nights enough in Arenal or could we get away with 1 (possibly ideal), allowing us to then spend more time in Osa?
1 – Fly in
2 – Drive to / Overnight Arenal
3 – Overnight Arenal
4 – Drive back to San Jose / Fly to Osa
5 – Osa
6 – Osa
7 – Osa
8 - Fly back to San Jose / SPA night (Xandari?)
9 - Fly out
THANK YOU!!!!
1 – Fly in
2 – Drive to / Overnight Arenal
3 – Overnight Arenal
4 – Drive back to San Jose / Fly to Osa
5 – Osa
6 – Osa
7 – Osa
8 - Fly back to San Jose / SPA night (Xandari?)
9 - Fly out
THANK YOU!!!!
Dec 31st, 2013, 12:46 PM
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You really need three nights-two full days--at Arenal, so you may have to save that for another trip. Have you thought about where to stay in the Osa? Puerto Jimenez is a good town to start get a sense of place.
Lots of places in Alajuela by the airport. Since you like animals, consider Toucan Rescue Ranch for one end of your trip.
Lots of places in Alajuela by the airport. Since you like animals, consider Toucan Rescue Ranch for one end of your trip.
Dec 31st, 2013, 01:53 PM
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Thank you so much. So helpful! If we get to Arenal at 11a on Monday and leave 11a on Wednesday ... it sounds like it'll be tight but we'll be "okay?" Would love if you have another "detour" pre-Osa to recommend! Again, thank you! And I will look into Toucan Rescue Ranch now!
Dec 31st, 2013, 04:43 PM
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We are in Costa Rica as I write. We are a family of four - mom, dad, 10 year old daughter and a 7 year old son. dates of travel 12/26 - 1/4 San Francisco- San Jose round trip.
We decdided on Aerenal and Sarapiqui. We are staying at the most wonderful place - Costa Rica´s best hidden secret - Albergue El Socorro.
this accomodation is owned by and hosted by Jose Miranda mejia and his family. they host two families at a time. We are literally up in the rain forest on a farm that is dearly and loveingly owned by this family. its amazing. DOn Jose takes us on off the beaten track hikes to swim in a pool, view the grandest waterfall in CR, my kids milk the cows every morning, they lay with a 3 day old calf in the field. You couldnt buy this experience!! The wife and daughter cook all day and provide your meals - excellent healthy cooking. we are in our ellement and i havent seen my husband relax like this in sooooooo long!!!
Contact information
506-8927-0764
www.albergueelsocorro.com
look into it!!!
We decdided on Aerenal and Sarapiqui. We are staying at the most wonderful place - Costa Rica´s best hidden secret - Albergue El Socorro.
this accomodation is owned by and hosted by Jose Miranda mejia and his family. they host two families at a time. We are literally up in the rain forest on a farm that is dearly and loveingly owned by this family. its amazing. DOn Jose takes us on off the beaten track hikes to swim in a pool, view the grandest waterfall in CR, my kids milk the cows every morning, they lay with a 3 day old calf in the field. You couldnt buy this experience!! The wife and daughter cook all day and provide your meals - excellent healthy cooking. we are in our ellement and i havent seen my husband relax like this in sooooooo long!!!
Contact information
506-8927-0764
www.albergueelsocorro.com
look into it!!!
Dec 31st, 2013, 06:32 PM
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We love the Arenal area. We usually stay about four nights when we go. We've been several times and still haven't done it all. Lots of fun adventure activities and also the Penas Blancas river float, Cano Negro tour to see wildlife (all day), the natural hot springs like Tabacon and Eco Termales, tubing at the Springs Resort and Spa, hiking at the waterfall, volcano, and Hanging Bridges, and visiting the Proyecto Asis animal rescue center. They also have great ziplines at Sky Trek, but kids need to be eight years old I believe. The Osa has great hiking and wildlife viewing; there's also a nice animal sanctuary you can visit. We did a boat trip and saw dolphins when we did it. With kids that age, I'd personally go to Manuel Antonio and stay at Tulemar Bungalows - they have their own beach and really easy access to wildlife. Tons of great restaurants you can walk to, but the Osa is great if you're looking for more off the grid.
Dec 31st, 2013, 06:34 PM
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Also wanted to mention that Xandari is a fantastic hotel - beautiful views and and a good outdoor restaurant, some small waterfalls on the property. The Marriott is a nice hotel if you're looking to be closer to the airport - very nice grounds, good restaurants, great pool area - does not feel Americanized there, has a nice colonial feeling to it, very pretty. We stayed because we had points, but we ended up really liking it. They also have a spa and golf course.
Jan 1st, 2014, 08:40 AM
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Volcano Girl - I hoped you'd reply! And Travelmeade - thank you!
Okay, we are booked in Osa and we're happy to be off the grid there. We booked the Xandari for our last night - plan to get there early and stay the full next day. But if I have TWO nights - should we just stay in Heredia outside San Jose and go to POAS to get a different experience (the Toucan Rescue Ranch has openings as does Hotel Bouganvilla) OR, should we try for Arsenal? Our kids are too little for the adventure stuff like ziplining, so we would probably just want to get in good day hikes - which Poas seems good for (plus closer, since we need to get back to San Jose to fly to Osa). THANK YOU. Any responses are fabulously appreciated! Happy New Year!
Beth
Okay, we are booked in Osa and we're happy to be off the grid there. We booked the Xandari for our last night - plan to get there early and stay the full next day. But if I have TWO nights - should we just stay in Heredia outside San Jose and go to POAS to get a different experience (the Toucan Rescue Ranch has openings as does Hotel Bouganvilla) OR, should we try for Arsenal? Our kids are too little for the adventure stuff like ziplining, so we would probably just want to get in good day hikes - which Poas seems good for (plus closer, since we need to get back to San Jose to fly to Osa). THANK YOU. Any responses are fabulously appreciated! Happy New Year!
Beth
Jan 1st, 2014, 10:32 AM
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We have nearly booked at the lookout inn ... but I do notice that this site is big fans of Bosque del Cabo ... so ... now I'm thinking (hard). So much to choose from and hard to decide.
Jan 1st, 2014, 11:23 AM
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We loved Bosque del Cabo - saw tons of wildlife there. There aren't a lot of kids that stay there though. I think people with little ones sometimes like to be closer to the beach. BdC is up on the cliffs with great views.
We stayed at the Peace Lodge when we did the Poas area; kids would love it - nice waterfall hike with five beautiful waterfalls, a pool where you can fish for trout, a big aviary, ranarium with nocturnal frog tour, butterfly house. Even if you don't stay there, it's worth touring the La Paz Waterfall Gardens. There are also smaller, more affordable places to stay in that area.
We stayed at the Peace Lodge when we did the Poas area; kids would love it - nice waterfall hike with five beautiful waterfalls, a pool where you can fish for trout, a big aviary, ranarium with nocturnal frog tour, butterfly house. Even if you don't stay there, it's worth touring the La Paz Waterfall Gardens. There are also smaller, more affordable places to stay in that area.
Jan 1st, 2014, 11:33 AM
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One thing to consider about Bosque del Cabo (which I love), is that the hike down to the beach is steep and not great for young kids. The ocean is also very rough. The hikes there are incredible and I do love the place. We stayed at the Toucan Ranch with our young son and it was awesome. She has slothes living in her home that you can hang out with. Lots of other animals too. My only complaint is that it was noisy at night from all the animals. Another alternative is Casa Bella Rita- a very special place.
Jan 4th, 2014, 07:15 AM
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What time does your flight arrive on the first day that you are spending the night in San Jose? Could you drive to Arenal that first day? It's not too long of a drive and it would give you a full day there that 2nd day instead of arriving at 11 on Wednesday.
We have been to CR twice with our kids, when they were 7 and 9, and again 9 and 11. I have a boy (the older one, and a girl). You can click on my name for my trip reports if you want the details of what we did and where we went.
First, I don't think they're too young for zip lining - they may not be able to do Sky Trek, or may not want to because it really is fast and high! But there are lines at Los Lagos that I believe they let kids as young as 5 yrs old do. We did those on our first trip and my kids LOVED them! You don't have to stay on their property to do their zip lining. But it's a great property for a family to stay at -they have great pools with slides and their own hot springs right on site.
As you have planned, you really only have 1 day in Arenal, that's not much time for an area with so much to see and do.
If you did a plan like VG suggests and went to Manual Antonio and stayed at Tulemar you wouldn't lose the time flying to Osa, and you and your kids would love the wildlife and beach right on their property. Believe me - you'll still feel like you're in the jungle! We stayed in the upper floor of the Mot Mot villa and had monkeys on our deck every day!
We love the Osa peninsula, and I hope to get back there soon, but the travel time there and back is costing you a lot of time that you could be spending enjoying other things. You're losing a day getting there and a day getting back.
As other's have said - Bosque del Cabo is great. My husband and I went there by ourselves the first trip and I fell in love with it - but my first thoughts were that there was no way I'd take my kids there. 500 ft drops from the front door of our cabina down to the Pacific! No way could I trust myself or my kids to be safe! However, a few years later, when they were 9 and 11 we brought them back, along with my parents. We rented one of the Casas and we all loved every moment there. Now, the Casa didn't have that steep drop right now front, so I felt a bit more comfort with the kids there. But as mad mentions, there is no easy beach access. We had the staff drive us to the beach (for a cost) and pick us up. It's a great beach for boogie boarding, but it's not a lie on the white sand type of protected beach. You're there alone and it's rough. My son especially loved hiking the trails, he did the tree rapel, we saw so much wildlife. It was amazing. But do know what you're getting into! I think my mom was a bit shocked that there was no "protection" between her and the wildlife on the casa - we even had a scorpion in my daughters room one night!
We stayed at Xandari our last night, and yes, it's a beautiful hotel! I wouldn't say they cater to kids much, as far as their atmosphere or restaurant, but my kids loved it there. We've also stayed at the Marriott Los Suenos that VG mentioned and we really like it there too. It's got a fantastic pool and good restaurants.
It's been a few years since our last trip, but if you have any questions about traveling with the kids, let me know since ours were about the same age as yours are when we last went.
We have been to CR twice with our kids, when they were 7 and 9, and again 9 and 11. I have a boy (the older one, and a girl). You can click on my name for my trip reports if you want the details of what we did and where we went.
First, I don't think they're too young for zip lining - they may not be able to do Sky Trek, or may not want to because it really is fast and high! But there are lines at Los Lagos that I believe they let kids as young as 5 yrs old do. We did those on our first trip and my kids LOVED them! You don't have to stay on their property to do their zip lining. But it's a great property for a family to stay at -they have great pools with slides and their own hot springs right on site.
As you have planned, you really only have 1 day in Arenal, that's not much time for an area with so much to see and do.
If you did a plan like VG suggests and went to Manual Antonio and stayed at Tulemar you wouldn't lose the time flying to Osa, and you and your kids would love the wildlife and beach right on their property. Believe me - you'll still feel like you're in the jungle! We stayed in the upper floor of the Mot Mot villa and had monkeys on our deck every day!
We love the Osa peninsula, and I hope to get back there soon, but the travel time there and back is costing you a lot of time that you could be spending enjoying other things. You're losing a day getting there and a day getting back.
As other's have said - Bosque del Cabo is great. My husband and I went there by ourselves the first trip and I fell in love with it - but my first thoughts were that there was no way I'd take my kids there. 500 ft drops from the front door of our cabina down to the Pacific! No way could I trust myself or my kids to be safe! However, a few years later, when they were 9 and 11 we brought them back, along with my parents. We rented one of the Casas and we all loved every moment there. Now, the Casa didn't have that steep drop right now front, so I felt a bit more comfort with the kids there. But as mad mentions, there is no easy beach access. We had the staff drive us to the beach (for a cost) and pick us up. It's a great beach for boogie boarding, but it's not a lie on the white sand type of protected beach. You're there alone and it's rough. My son especially loved hiking the trails, he did the tree rapel, we saw so much wildlife. It was amazing. But do know what you're getting into! I think my mom was a bit shocked that there was no "protection" between her and the wildlife on the casa - we even had a scorpion in my daughters room one night!
We stayed at Xandari our last night, and yes, it's a beautiful hotel! I wouldn't say they cater to kids much, as far as their atmosphere or restaurant, but my kids loved it there. We've also stayed at the Marriott Los Suenos that VG mentioned and we really like it there too. It's got a fantastic pool and good restaurants.
It's been a few years since our last trip, but if you have any questions about traveling with the kids, let me know since ours were about the same age as yours are when we last went.
Jan 4th, 2014, 08:23 AM
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I agree with ShellD that for a first trip give more time to Arenal. I haven't been to Los Lagos but it sounds great for kids. But.. are you going spring break? There is an availability question that can affect all your plans.
I've been to Bosque del Cabo and loved it too, but I would save it for much later, maybe even a solo trip or when the children are late teens. We had to wait a long time, but when we finally got there with a grown son he appreciated it as much as we did.
I've been to Bosque del Cabo and loved it too, but I would save it for much later, maybe even a solo trip or when the children are late teens. We had to wait a long time, but when we finally got there with a grown son he appreciated it as much as we did.
Jan 4th, 2014, 09:56 AM
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ShellD, Emmajm
Thank you so much - your notes are SO HELPFUL. Update:
We don't get in until 9:30p, so we're probably going to overnight at Bouganvillea. Waiting for my confirmation.
THEN, based on all your suggestions, 3 nights at Arenal. I was really torn between Poas and Arenal, but Arenal just seems like it's got more going on and my husband is really excited for that (yes, we're going at spring break time). I am waiting to hear from Los Lagos which I will book if they have room; otherwise, I'm deciding between El Silencio and Lost Iguana! But Los Lagos sounds really good - thanks for the recommendations here, and your input has pushed me in the Los Lagos AND the 3-night direction.
Then, I think we're still doing Osa. We tend to be fairly adventurous and are most interested in Lookout Inn just outside of Corcovado (4 nights). I hear all the amazing stuff about BdC, but somehow ... everyone's feedback is pushing me from it. And it really is expensive. We're the kind of travelers willing to exchange "luxury" for "authenticity" as that's what our budget typically allows!
But, I hear you Emmajm and VG about losing that day to travel. I'll look more into MA. I admit I haven't much, as Corcovado is so alluring and my initial draw to Costa Rica was Osa. But, I will. Luckily, our flight back to NYC doesn't leave until 3p, so we can actually leave Osa the same day ... get a 9:30a flight out of Porto Jimenez (which means, we're nixing Xendari)!
Your feedback has been amazing. It's a tough place to figure out because there are SO MANY choices (and so little time). Lest I repeat myself! Emmajm I'll read your trip reports, too (so excited that my kids could zipline!)
Thank you so much - your notes are SO HELPFUL. Update:
We don't get in until 9:30p, so we're probably going to overnight at Bouganvillea. Waiting for my confirmation.
THEN, based on all your suggestions, 3 nights at Arenal. I was really torn between Poas and Arenal, but Arenal just seems like it's got more going on and my husband is really excited for that (yes, we're going at spring break time). I am waiting to hear from Los Lagos which I will book if they have room; otherwise, I'm deciding between El Silencio and Lost Iguana! But Los Lagos sounds really good - thanks for the recommendations here, and your input has pushed me in the Los Lagos AND the 3-night direction.
Then, I think we're still doing Osa. We tend to be fairly adventurous and are most interested in Lookout Inn just outside of Corcovado (4 nights). I hear all the amazing stuff about BdC, but somehow ... everyone's feedback is pushing me from it. And it really is expensive. We're the kind of travelers willing to exchange "luxury" for "authenticity" as that's what our budget typically allows!
But, I hear you Emmajm and VG about losing that day to travel. I'll look more into MA. I admit I haven't much, as Corcovado is so alluring and my initial draw to Costa Rica was Osa. But, I will. Luckily, our flight back to NYC doesn't leave until 3p, so we can actually leave Osa the same day ... get a 9:30a flight out of Porto Jimenez (which means, we're nixing Xendari)!
Your feedback has been amazing. It's a tough place to figure out because there are SO MANY choices (and so little time). Lest I repeat myself! Emmajm I'll read your trip reports, too (so excited that my kids could zipline!)
Jan 5th, 2014, 08:32 AM
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DowtownMama - one thing you'll find about Costa Rica is that more than likely, you'll go back! 
so, don't worry about trying to fit it all in on one trip. My husband and I went just the two of us on our first trip. Less than half way into that trip, we knew we'd be back, with our kids. A year later, we made that trip. The following year, we went back again, this time not only with the kids, but we also took my parents!
Yes, there are so many choices, but you really can't go wrong with any of them.
I've been blogging about our most recent visit, and there's some older blog entries from older trips, feel free to check it out!
http://tripspicsandtales.blogspot.com/
so, don't worry about trying to fit it all in on one trip. My husband and I went just the two of us on our first trip. Less than half way into that trip, we knew we'd be back, with our kids. A year later, we made that trip. The following year, we went back again, this time not only with the kids, but we also took my parents! Yes, there are so many choices, but you really can't go wrong with any of them.
I've been blogging about our most recent visit, and there's some older blog entries from older trips, feel free to check it out!
http://tripspicsandtales.blogspot.com/
