Jeri Lande

We are a family of 4 (2 kids 8 & 12) planning to go to Costa Rica this summer in either late July or August. We want to see a variety of things, especially wildlife and would also like a little beach time. <BR> <BR> A tentative itinerary would include 2-3 days at Tortuguero to see the turtles and <BR>swamp area, 1 nite at Arenal, 2 nites in Monteverde and 3 nites at either Manuel Antonio or Tamarindo plus a nite in San Jose at either end. Has anyone been to these locations in July or August? Is rain a problem at Manuel Antonio? It sounds like there is more to see there, but also more rain. Is it just an hour or two a day or an all-day thing? Is Arenal worth seeing? I don't want to spend too much time traveling. <BR> <BR> Any other advice or comments would also be appreciated. We are thinking of <BR>using Costa Rica Expeditions to arrange our trip including drivers. If you've used <BR>them, let us know that also. <BR> <BR> Thanks in advance.

lorena aguilar

I am a Costa Rican , I would not spend more than two days in Tortuguero, Arenal is just great, you should go to the hot springs, and there are some wonderfull butterfly farms your kids will enjoy, there is also a great fall "catarata" it is a good walk, ut if you are in good shape it will be OK. <BR> <BR>Rain, we it has een pretty heavy this days, bring a poncho. At the beach it will go away faster than in other places (monteverde), ut the fact is, that if it is not for the rain we would not had such a green country. <BR>Hve a nice trip

Jeri Lande

Thanks for the input. Would you or anyone else recommend a different beach than Tamarindo or Manuel Antonio?

lorena aguilar

There are some many wonderfull beaches , the best thing to do is to rent a car and drive from Tamarindo to beaches such as Sugar Beach, Conchal and thousands of other little beaches around the Bay, Papaayo is also beatiful, but skeap El Coco to crowded and the beach is awful. <BR> <BR>Enjoy your trip

Ally

Jeri, <BR>I'm not a native Costa Rican, but I've been there 5 times in the past 7 years. It's a fabulous country. <BR>Tamarindo will be dryer than Manuel Antonio, therefore, Manuel Antonio is greener. Even in the 'rainy' season, it does not rain all day, everyday. It's typical to rain a LITTLE everyday, but not enough to spoil anyones vacation! <BR>Since Manuel Antonio is located next to a National Park, there's alot more wildlife, and alot more to do. Just my opinion. <BR>In ANY case, you'll have a great vacation!