fcfarmgirl

We are planning our 5th trip to Costa Rica at Christmas for 10-11 days with our twin 15 year olds. We've been to Arenal, Domincal, Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui, Punta Uva, Manuel Antonio, Tortuguero, and Rafiki Safari. Husband and I have also been to Drake Bay. We'd like to spend most of our time near the ocean, and a requirement is a place where the boys can boogie board and possibly surf. We also want to have some wildlife experiences as well. Can anyone comment on the area of Playa Zancudo...i.e. activities, restaurants, vibe, environment? I don't see many posts about this area. We were thinking of spending half our time there, at possibly Cabinas los Cocos, and the other half at Tiskita Jungle Lodge, because it would minimize our in-country travel time, provide a good Eco lodge experience and has great reviews. Other suggestions much appreciated as well. We have used this forum to plan all of our trips.

PuraAventura

I'm no surfing expert I'm afraid! But I can tell you that Playa Zancudo is a nice place, right down in the south of the country near the Osa Peninsula. Another great area is up on the north west Pacific coast - Nosara is a laid back little town with some great surfing, and is logistically easier to get to than the far south.

If it's your 5th time to CR, I also recommend you to try discover Nicaragua. Combining the wildlife and comforts of Costa Rica with the wonderful landscapes, culture and history of Nicaragua.

Nicaragua is at a great stage in its development whereby there are lovely lodges and boutique hotels and yet few tourists have discovered its many charms!

fcfarmgirl

Thank you. Glad to know Playa Zancudo is a nice place. Both Nosara and Nicaragua are interesting ideas. I had tossed around Nicaragua, too. Hmmmm...I will take a look at the forums on that.

PuraAventura

You're very welcome. Please feel free to ask me about Nicaragua, I know it well and can suggest you on great activities to do over there

Cheers!

Eliot_Greenspan

Playa Zancudo is a great little beach destination, and Andrew and Susan at Los Cocos area great hosts. The waves tend to be small right in front of Los Cocos, but are definitely rideable as you head south (towards Panama). Of course, just a little bit down a rough, dusty road is Pavones (pretty close to Tiskita actually), which is one of Costa Rica's top surf destinations...

Tiskita is also great, and if Peter Aspinall (the owner) is in the house you're in for a treat. He's a wealth of information on tropical flora

costaricalover

I just returned from a 2 day stay at Los Cocos in Zancudo.
The beach is STUNNING. Cabinas Los Cocos was fabulous-very reasonable prices and steps from one
of the best swimming beaches in CR. I almost hesitate
to talk about this place because it is so special. Pura Vida!!!

fcfarmgirl

Thank you, Eliot and costaricalover. That's just what I was hoping to hear. If you have any other suggestions or tips about the area, such as restaurants and must-do activities, please share.