Taking the Family to Costa Rica this Spring

[Ronct110]

Ok last year started a thread and got some good responses to our PI trip; thanks: http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/threads/57366-Taking-the-Family-to-Laguna-Philippines-This-Summer

This year's family trip will be to Costa Rica; flying into San jose International Airport in Costa Rica; April time frame; 2 weeks; initial plans are to rent a vehicle w/GPS @ the airport, head to Manuel Antonio and visit in/around coastal areas and perhaps stay in lodges. Otherwise no formal plans or agenda.

Similar theme: looking to do a kid friendly adventure; immerse ourselves w/the locals; looking for activities and lodging suggestions; and hear your family fun experience/adventure in Costa Rica. Thanks!

http://www.mapcr.com/graphics/images/costa-rica-clickable-map.png

[Scott Brady]

You will love it. Costa Rica is beautiful and quite safe. The Lake Arenal area is also very nice, as are the little beach communities.

If you are feeling a little more adventurous, drive to the Rafiki Safari lodge along the Pacific Coast, up in the mountains. I had a wonderful time there and the owner is South African and loves overland travel.
http://www.rafikisafari.com

The water slide alone is worth the visit.
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[Ryanmb21]

We went just over a year ago. It's fab, can't beat it.

An account of our trip and many pictures can be found here:
http://followushere.wordpress.com/tag/costa-rica/

[Ronct110]

Thanks Scott!

I showed the link to the Rafiki Safari lodge to my two boys and got the thumbs-up; they are very excited; will most likely stay there for min 2 days, hit the water slide and rafting @ the Savegre River. Booked our airfare yesterday, reserved a compact SUV, and now planning our route and lodging. Thanks!

[Ronct110]

Great pictures Ryan!

My wife is excited about the food and drinks (and massage)! Now if we can only sneak a nanny in the luggage us so she can watch our two young boys while we enjoy the night life (wish).

Thanks.

[Detslider]

I did a similar trip with my wife a few years back where we flew into San Jose, rented a car and drove the country for 10 days.
Don't waste time in the city. You'll be much more satisfied with what you'll find in the rural areas.


For inland/mountain stops we had a great time in La Fortuna at the base of the volcano. We stayed at Los Lagos Hotel and Resort but there are lots of options in the area. I enjoyed (a bit too much) the swim up bar in the hot spring pool. You'll be able to watch your kids on the water slide from there. :)
http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g309226-d300231-Reviews-Los_Lagos_Hotel_Spa_Resort-La_Fortuna_de_San_Carlos_Arenal_Volcano_National_P ark_Province_of_Alajuela.html

For sand and surf most people tend to go to the gulf coast but we had a good time on the black sand beaches of Jaco.
http://www.tripadvisor.com/Tourism-g309271-Jaco_Province_of_Puntarenas-Vacations.html

[Ronct110]

Thanks Detslider. We are spending time away from San Jose and just got back from La Fortuna; now in Uvita. Here's a pic of our rental while up in Lake Arenal. Beautiful place. Need another 2 weeks (smile). Looking forward to the water slide and rafting @ Rafiki Safari Lodge perhaps tomorrow if not too tired; will make our reserv w/Ralene Boshoff from Rafiki. Kids are having a blast. Pura Vida!

[Fireman78]

Arenal Volcano is pretty sweet, as are the Tabacon hotsprings which are there also. Actually more like a Hot River melted by liqued hot magma. ;) I am hoping to go back next year. The street lights in San Jose have a "White Light" and I really had no idea what those meant. Don't go to Limon., not much there but a shipping port.

[peterjhon]

hey.. its such an awesome place ....i was there last year..had lot of fun..