May 28May 28 On 4/16/2025 at 8:57 PM, kevwun said: Checked with my wife and we are going there on a large mammal tour. I went with a friend in 2014. We did I think a half-day trip into the park. We had caiman, crocodile, tamandua, 3-toed sloth, family groups of spider and squirrel monkey and most remarkably tapir. I wasn't a yet a birder when we went, but pretty sure we also had scarlet macaw and some trogon species without any effort. It's a very cool place.
May 28May 28 Since I'm here, any thoughts or recommendations on a family trip to CR with young kids? Im looking at a week in late January. Oldest kid is about to turn 3, the other is currently 8 months. I'd happily leave them with the grandparents for a week, but my wife isn't there yet. The youngest is very chill (for now), and the 3 year-old loves to be outdoors generally. I really want to go to Arenal area one day, but it seems like a place to save for when they are a little older and can do more of the active stuff. My wife's #1 priority for travel is probably food, mine is nature. Would Quepos/Manuel Antonio be the ideal location in our situation, or are there other places you would suggest? I figured we could find a hotel or rental with a pool and be on the edge of the jungle, while also having easy access to the beach and dining options.
May 28May 28 1 hour ago, hookem2010 said: Since I'm here, any thoughts or recommendations on a family trip to CR with young kids? Im looking at a week in late January. Oldest kid is about to turn 3, the other is currently 8 months. I'd happily leave them with the grandparents for a week, but my wife isn't there yet. The youngest is very chill (for now), and the 3 year-old loves to be outdoors generally. I really want to go to Arenal area one day, but it seems like a place to save for when they are a little older and can do more of the active stuff. My wife's #1 priority for travel is probably food, mine is nature. Would Quepos/Manuel Antonio be the ideal location in our situation, or are there other places you would suggest? I figured we could find a hotel or rental with a pool and be on the edge of the jungle, while also having easy access to the beach and dining options. Tulemar resort in Manuel Antonio is probably my first and only choice for your situation. A very distant 2nd choice would be Los Suenos but there isn’t nearly as much nature stuff there. I’m very hesitant to tell people with kids that young that CR is a good vacation choice. Edited May 28May 28 by justhookit
May 29May 29 17 hours ago, justhookit said: Tulemar resort in Manuel Antonio is probably my first and only choice for your situation Parador is just behind Tulemar and it's pretty kid friendly. Luckily they also have an adults only pool
May 29May 29 17 hours ago, justhookit said: Tulemar resort in Manuel Antonio is probably my first and only choice for your situation. A very distant 2nd choice would be Los Suenos but there isn’t nearly as much nature stuff there. I’m very hesitant to tell people with kids that young that CR is a good vacation choice. Due to the activities being geared toward non-toddlers? I certainly don't want to burn that bridge and struggle to convince the wife to go back for a more fulfilling experience.
May 29May 29 17 hours ago, justhookit said: Tulemar resort in Manuel Antonio is probably my first and only choice for your situation. A very distant 2nd choice would be Los Suenos but there isn’t nearly as much nature stuff there. I’m very hesitant to tell people with kids that young that CR is a good vacation choice. Here. We're repeat guests every November. Just a great property all around - beautiful and really well maintained, nice houses / villas, outstanding customer service including a dedicated concierge, private beach, 3 pools, lots of wildlife (monkeys, toucans, sloths, etc.), great location w/ grocery store / restaurants within walking distance, onsite cafe which is good. And on.
May 29May 29 2 hours ago, midtown said: Parador is just behind Tulemar and it's pretty kid friendly. Luckily they also have an adults only pool The problem with Parador is no beach access and it’s not on the main road so you have to take a taxi to anywhere you want to go. There are a ton of nice properties in Manuel Antonio and some are nicer than Tulemar. But because of Tulemar’s location it is really, really hard to beat. And it will be much easier with kids with 10 good restaurants within walking distance.
May 29May 29 2 hours ago, hookem2010 said: Due to the activities being geared toward non-toddlers? I certainly don't want to burn that bridge and struggle to convince the wife to go back for a more fulfilling experience. Exactly. Now, if you don’t mind just staying on property all day it’s fine. And at Tulemar you can walk to some really great restaurants. But you won’t be able to take either kid on any excursions.
May 29May 29 Looking at doing a trip somewhere in mid/late August, and CR is on the list. But is it too deathly hot in August? Wife and I and our two adult kids (21 & 19)
May 29May 29 20 hours ago, justhookit said: Tulemar resort in Manuel Antonio is probably my first and only choice for your situation. A very distant 2nd choice would be Los Suenos but there isn’t nearly as much nature stuff there. I’m very hesitant to tell people with kids that young that CR is a good vacation choice. The beach at Tulemar is amazing for younger kids. And there's so much wildlife on the property that you don't even need to go to the park. Just do a sloth tour on property.
May 29May 29 Parador is a tad cheaper so just throwing it out as a nice option. It has the public beach right at the bottom of the hill. Its literally one cove over from Tulemar beach right? Be warned ifyou stumble goign down youre going to the bottom fast and the walk up is a workout. And yes that road to parador is not to be done under the influence at all. Wasnt sure if OP was renting a car or not> Walking is preferable but if you want to get into town to hit a soda, go to the marina, MA Park, or shoot down to Uvita you;ll want to rent a car anyway. @justhookit is the pro though. just throwing a few other options. What did they ever do with Buena Vista down the hill? google satallite tells me they built something next to it but it says closed. That is prime real estate. Edited May 29May 29 by midtown
May 29May 29 Leaving in the morning, trying not to stab anyone at work because people keep dropping last minute shit on me.
May 30May 30 6 hours ago, Sbbruin said: Looking at doing a trip somewhere in mid/late August, and CR is on the list. But is it too deathly hot in August? Wife and I and our two adult kids (21 & 19) August is height of rain season in CR. Heat is not too bad but be prepared to spend afternoon somewhere dry. I think Oct Nov is earliest and Dec Jan is best. Also heavy tourist seasons then also.
May 30May 30 Leaving in the morning, trying not to stab anyone at work because people keep dropping last minute shit on me.I say stab them and then fight the extradition from the beach sipping on imperials
May 30May 30 23 hours ago, Sbbruin said: Looking at doing a trip somewhere in mid/late August, and CR is on the list. But is it too deathly hot in August? Wife and I and our two adult kids (21 & 19) August is one of the “cooler” months because it is rainy season but it is always hot in CR. Around 90 degrees and humid year round unless you are in the mountains. If you do end up in Manuel Antonio let me know, I’ll be there and will take y’all fishing one day if you want. 22 hours ago, midtown said: Parador is a tad cheaper so just throwing it out as a nice option. It has the public beach right at the bottom of the hill. Its literally one cove over from Tulemar beach right? Be warned ifyou stumble goign down youre going to the bottom fast and the walk up is a workout. And yes that road to parador is not to be done under the influence at all. Wasnt sure if OP was renting a car or not> Walking is preferable but if you want to get into town to hit a soda, go to the marina, MA Park, or shoot down to Uvita you;ll want to rent a car anyway. @justhookit is the pro though. just throwing a few other options. What did they ever do with Buena Vista down the hill? google satallite tells me they built something next to it but it says closed. That is prime real estate. I only went down to the main beach once while we were their last trip. Didn’t notice anything going on around Buena Vista. They are starting to see a pretty big decline in tourism numbers - it’s very noticeable. Doubt we will see much new development anytime soon. 16 hours ago, Shaddie said: August is height of rain season in CR. Heat is not too bad but be prepared to spend afternoon somewhere dry. I think Oct Nov is earliest and Dec Jan is best. Also heavy tourist seasons then also. Yup. August through October is generally the worst of rainy season. Sometimes November too. That said it’s pretty rare to lose a whole day or trip due to rain. I was there for almost 3 months last year from July until the end of September and never had a problem. This year April was much more rainy than usual and it’s been raining a ton in late May. January, February, and March it is sunny every day.
May 31May 31 Don't not go because it's rainy season or green season. Most of the time its sunny until about 4 and then it pours for the rest of the night. Go do something like fish or raft and by the time you get back and get showered grab a bevarge and sit under a patio/balcony and watch it pour. there is nothing more relaxing. Of course sometimes the weather just sucks. Its also cheaper and less crowds
June 1Jun 1 9 hours ago, midtown said: Don't not go because it's rainy season or green season. Most of the time its sunny until about 4 and then it pours for the rest of the night. Go do something like fish or raft and by the time you get back and get showered grab a bevarge and sit under a patio/balcony and watch it pour. there is nothing more relaxing. Of course sometimes the weather just sucks. Its also cheaper and less crowds Seconded. I think I went in May. It rained most every night, but was sunny all day. By then, we had either scuba'd, hiked, ziplined, kayaked, whatever we wanted to do. Then we just chilled with a few Imperial and hung out with the other people at our camping/glamping site on Osa. I loved that trip. Why I want to return so badly with my family.
June 1Jun 1 One of the best investment you will make as a traveler is a good rain jacket. Just take it everywhere. If it rains, put it on and continue about your trip Edited June 1Jun 1 by midtown
June 1Jun 1 I’d like to do a family trip next summer to Costa Rica. Our youngest will be 10 by then so it seems like we’re finally at a decent spot to enjoy most of what it has to offer. I was thinking about ~10 nights split between La Fortuna, Monteverde and Manuel Antonio area, but after reading this thread I’m second guessing the hops. A few specific concerns/questions: Driving: I liked the idea of having a rental, but there’s no way I can fit everyone in one car (I think). We will have 6 people - 3 adults - and I only really trust myself to navigate tricky roads so don’t want to get 2 cars. How feasible is it to get around when you stay at places like Tulemar or a vacation rental around La Fortuna? Tulemar: After learning about it on this thread and checking out their properties, it seems like a winner. It seems like it’s 1 week rentals only though - would I miss out on a lot for a first time trip staying there for a week?
June 1Jun 1 Pretty sure Interbus will take you pretty much everywhere you want to go. I have done both interbus and car rental. I prefer car rental just for flexibility. Its not terrbily hard to drive in CR. https://www.interbusonline.com/
June 1Jun 1 27 minutes ago, midtown said: Pretty sure Interbus will take you pretty much everywhere you want to go. I have done both interbus and car rental. I prefer car rental just for flexibility. Its not terrbily hard to drive in CR. https://www.interbusonline.com/ I’m more concerned about needing 2 vehicles - no large 4x4 options.
June 1Jun 1 Looks like I read bad internet info - shouldn’t be an issue finding a large enough vehicle. I guess that just leaves me at is 3 - 4 days enough around arenal (or other region) and is 7 too much at tulemar?
June 1Jun 1 2 hours ago, bigcigar said: Looks like I read bad internet info - shouldn’t be an issue finding a large enough vehicle. I guess that just leaves me at is 3 - 4 days enough around arenal (or other region) and is 7 too much at tulemar? Just get a driver to get you to Arenal, Manuel Antonio and the airport and save yourself the hassle of driving there. I’m not sure why you are seeing that Tulemar is week long rentals only. But a week there is about perfect.
June 2Jun 2 2 hours ago, justhookit said: Just get a driver to get you to Arenal, Manuel Antonio and the airport and save yourself the hassle of driving there. I’m not sure why you are seeing that Tulemar is week long rentals only. But a week there is about perfect. Maybe it’s just the ones I’m looking at. I’d prefer 4 bedrooms and they all look like Saturday check-ins
June 2Jun 2 12 hours ago, bigcigar said: Maybe it’s just the ones I’m looking at. I’d prefer 4 bedrooms and they all look like Saturday check-ins I didn’t realize they did that on the villas. Good to know.
June 2Jun 2 1 minute ago, justhookit said: @immamacmay have a post for this thread. Or maybe it should go in IPIHB. Lol I may not be able to post anything.
June 3Jun 3 11 hours ago, justhookit said: I didn’t realize they did that on the villas. Good to know. I think the villas (4 - 6 occupants) are rented for < a week. Least that's been our experience and was so last November. The houses, like he is looking at, are typically week rentals.
June 3Jun 3 On 6/1/2025 at 10:22 AM, bigcigar said: I’d like to do a family trip next summer to Costa Rica. Our youngest will be 10 by then so it seems like we’re finally at a decent spot to enjoy most of what it has to offer. I was thinking about ~10 nights split between La Fortuna, Monteverde and Manuel Antonio area, but after reading this thread I’m second guessing the hops. A few specific concerns/questions: Driving: I liked the idea of having a rental, but there’s no way I can fit everyone in one car (I think). We will have 6 people - 3 adults - and I only really trust myself to navigate tricky roads so don’t want to get 2 cars. How feasible is it to get around when you stay at places like Tulemar or a vacation rental around La Fortuna? Tulemar: After learning about it on this thread and checking out their properties, it seems like a winner. It seems like it’s 1 week rentals only though - would I miss out on a lot for a first time trip staying there for a week? As hook said, don't mess with driving around. There's plenty to do in a week at Tulemar / Quepos / Manuel Antonio. The private beach itself could occupy a lot of your time. Offsite, outside of fishing with hook, of many things I highly recommend the zip lining. Not really for the faint of heart - the highest platform is 15 stories up which gets you eye level with the clouds in the rain forest. But is's a helluva time. We saw 8 and 10-year olds doing it when were there last November and you could tell they were having the time of their lives.
July 16Jul 16 On 6/1/2025 at 1:17 PM, bigcigar said: I’m more concerned about needing 2 vehicles - no large 4x4 options. I did not need a 4x4 anywhere, including Drake Bay. Just slow down and navigate around the potholes and screw everybody trying to race. I did get a midsize with good clearance. Edited July 16Jul 16 by Mdhorn
July 16Jul 16 In Dominical , a good restaurant is La Parcela. They have a mean chicken parm and great mixed drinks. These are the views from the restaurant (both sides face the ocean) and trail by the restaurant: Third from the top in tree nearest the horizon are a bunch of pelicans which may have nests in the trees. Edited July 16Jul 16 by Mdhorn
July 16Jul 16 18 hours ago, Mdhorn said: In Dominical , a good restaurant is La Parcela. They have a mean chicken parm and great mixed drinks. These are the views from the restaurant (both sides face the ocean) and trail by the restaurant: Third from the top in tree nearest the horizon are a bunch of pelicans which may have nests in the trees. We pretty much always stop there for drinks when we are passing by. Always enjoy the monkey show. That whole area south of Dominical to Uvita and especially Ojochal has a bunch of great restaurants. The best ones require reservations days and sometimes weeks in advance but it’s worth it if you can plan ahead.
July 16Jul 16 A good cafe we stopped at in Quepos was Emilio’s cafe. Great views and food and drinks. Most of our recommendations came from a local surfer running one of the places we stayed at. View from Emilio’s: Edited July 17Jul 17 by Mdhorn
July 16Jul 16 3 hours ago, justhookit said: We pretty much always stop there for drinks when we are passing by. Always enjoy the monkey show. That whole area south of Dominical to Uvita and especially Ojochal has a bunch of great restaurants. The best ones require reservations days and sometimes weeks in advance but it’s worth it if you can plan ahead. I’m insanely jealous of you and midtown’s costa rica/latin American excursions. I sincerely dig this place. The locals no matter how awful they may look, are super friendly and the towns seem to know everybody around within a several town vicinity. edit: I didn’t understand it because I hadn’t been. I could see myself living here. Edited July 16Jul 16 by Mdhorn
July 17Jul 17 16 hours ago, Mdhorn said: A good cafe we stopped at in Quepos was Emilio’s cafe. Great views and food and drinks. Most of our recommendations came from a local surfer running one of the places we stayed at. View from Emilio’s: Yep, we liked this place as well.
July 17Jul 17 16 hours ago, Mdhorn said: I’m insanely jealous of you and midtown’s costa rica/latin American excursions. I sincerely dig this place. The locals no matter how awful they may look, are super friendly and the towns seem to know everybody around within a several town vicinity. edit: I didn’t understand it because I hadn’t been. I could see myself living here. The people are especially friendly and there's so much to see and do. We started going every November and don't see that changing. People I know / family ask about tropical vacation ideas and their focus will lean toward Hawaii, Mexico or the Caribbean (USVI, BVI, wherever). I've been to those places but I'd still opt for Costa.
July 17Jul 17 16 hours ago, Mdhorn said: A good cafe we stopped at in Quepos was Emilio’s cafe. Great views and food and drinks. Most of our recommendations came from a local surfer running one of the places we stayed at. View from Emilio’s: That little stretch of Manuel Antonio has a lot of really good places to eat. Agua Azul around the corner is probably our favorite and also has a great view. Cafe Milagro across the street has no view but great coffee and food. Just down the road Victoria’s is good and a half mile further back towards Quepos are Mangata and Quepoa. In fact we are headed to Mangata today and it’s our current favorite place to eat. Peruvian food with a Tico twist. We are spending about 6 months a year down here and starting next year it will be around 8 months a year. If it wasn’t for football season and family in Texas and the heavy rains in the fall here we would probably live here year round.
July 17Jul 17 2 minutes ago, justhookit said: That little stretch of Manuel Antonio has a lot of really good places to eat. Agua Azul around the corner is probably our favorite and also has a great view. Cafe Milagro across the street has no view but great coffee and food. Just down the road Victoria’s is good and a half mile further back towards Quepos are Mangata and Quepoa. In fact we are headed to Mangata today and it’s our current favorite place to eat. Peruvian food with a Tico twist. We are spending about 6 months a year down here and starting next year it will be around 8 months a year. If it wasn’t for football season and family in Texas and the heavy rains in the fall here we would probably live here year round. Your recommendations never fail. We ate at Agua Azul twice on our last trip. Have to get there early in the evening to secure a table for the views / by the windows but it's well worth it. Mangata off the beaten path but really good and, as you say, a different twist. Cafe Milagro doesn't have the view but the little garden dining area is really nice and the coffee is great and the food is so fresh. Always appreciate your insights.
July 22Jul 22 On 7/12/2025 at 8:46 PM, Mdhorn said: Enjoying Costa Rica —from Corcovado today. Incredible, especially the tapir shot. Corcovado is an amazing place.
July 23Jul 23 On 7/22/2025 at 7:56 PM, hookem2010 said: Incredible, especially the tapir shot. Corcovado is an amazing place. I really didn’t want to love Manuel Antonio but A. Get a guide B. Don’t rush—when the guide leaves, circle back and walk through again. There’s a lot to see again or was missed the first time. C. I absolutely love Manuel Antonio D. Corcovado is pretty bad ass. The sound of spider monkeys is something creepy, in addition to howlers. I miss those sounds the most. Edit: these pics are from my phone and the guides scope but I still need to parse through what I took with my camera Edited August 19Aug 19 by Mdhorn
August 19Aug 19 Finally going back to CR on Oct 8th with a lady friend. 5 nights total. I think we will do either 2 or 3 nights at Tulemar in MA and then the remainder in Jaco because I've actually never been there. She doesn't fish but I asked her if she's cool with just being on the boat with her size G tits in a bikini handing me beers and she said "do I have to wear a top?" Any suggeston on what room to get at Tulemar? Any input on where to stay in Jaco from anyone? Money is generally not an issue. Definitely want a pool and beach front would be preferable. And even though we both have teens; neither of us want a bunch of screaming brats ruining our day @justhookit I sent you a message on boat
August 19Aug 19 It was always my understanding that one didn’t want to bring one’s own sand to the Jaco beach and that hanging out at the Beatle Bar was what it was all about. Or so I’ve heard. Also the above post is worthless, for reasons you know well.
August 19Aug 19 2 hours ago, midtown said: Finally going back to CR on Oct 8th with a lady friend. 5 nights total. I think we will do either 2 or 3 nights at Tulemar in MA and then the remainder in Jaco because I've actually never been there. She doesn't fish but I asked her if she's cool with just being on the boat with her size G tits in a bikini handing me beers and she said "do I have to wear a top?" Any suggeston on what room to get at Tulemar? Any input on where to stay in Jaco from anyone? Money is generally not an issue. Definitely want a pool and beach front would be preferable. And even though we both have teens; neither of us want a bunch of screaming brats ruining our day @justhookit I sent you a message on boat I generally have really good luck with Airbnb for Jaco. I’m not really familiar with the condos or hotels. Crocs resort/casino also fits what you want. It’s on the beach but a 10-15 minute walk into the main part of Jaco which can be good or bad. You can also usually find some really, really good deals on high end condos in Los Suenos that time of year but that’s a 15 minute drive to Jaco. 1 hour ago, tbone_ said: It was always my understanding that one didn’t want to bring one’s own sand to the Jaco beach and that hanging out at the Beatle Bar was what it was all about. Or so I’ve heard. Also the above post is worthless, for reasons you know well. Beatle Bar is gone, it’s now a regular bar called Rolling Thunder. The hookers have all gone to Hotel Cocal on the beach.
August 20Aug 20 20 hours ago, tbone_ said: Also the above post is worthless, for reasons you know well. Well if you ever spent any time at the Mens club in either San Antonio or Dallas circa 2008-2015 you dont need pics. Decided to skip Jaco and just do 3 nights at Tulemar and 2 nights in Fortuna because I've never been there. The drive will kind of suck Edited August 20Aug 20 by midtown
September 14Sep 14 Headed to CR on Oct. 17th. The lady wanted to stay here. https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/sjojw-jw-marriott-guanacaste-resort-and-spa/overview/?msockid=3bf2d68af0936e2d053fc53bf1386f0a Pros/Cons? TIA
September 16Sep 16 On 9/14/2025 at 1:00 PM, Rip76 said: Headed to CR on Oct. 17th. The lady wanted to stay here. https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/sjojw-jw-marriott-guanacaste-resort-and-spa/overview/?msockid=3bf2d68af0936e2d053fc53bf1386f0a Pros/Cons? TIA Also do's and don'ts, how much cash to bring for tips, etc. (for 4 days)
September 16Sep 16 I've always just taken $100-200 cash to any country and ATM when l get there for local currency. More if it's a country on the dollar like El Salvador or Vietnam Cambodia etc. I almost always come home with the USD I took if it's a non USD country Dos and don'ts... Don't be an idiot and just be logical with your decision making
September 16Sep 16 4 hours ago, Rip76 said: Also do's and don'ts, how much cash to bring for tips, etc. (for 4 days) Well most of the ATM’s at least in tourist areas ask if you want colones or dollars.
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.