dendleju

Planning one week over Thanksgiving.
Fly into SJO
Have 2 kids aged 9 and 11, very active.
What should we target on this first visit, please?
Should we stay in several locations? Just one?
Kids will enjoy zip lines, horseback riding, anything to do with nature etc...
THANKS!

volcanogirl

Arenal and Manuel Antonio is the most popular combo for first timers - lots of adventure activities, hotels, and restaurants in both areas.

Enchanting_girl

I agree Arenal and Manuel Antonio are some of the must sees, you will find many options there, plenty of activities for kids.

Joanne_Kenyon

I am planning a trip in July. You will need to check what age the kids are able to do things. Eg. I have been told white water rafting is for only over 10 years old.

jhermosa

Yes, Arenal and Manuel Antonio. You can also check out Monteverde

hsmithcr

Another possibility is Arenal and Tortuguero.

Tortuguero is a great place and especially for kids. No cars! Only boat travel to and from and all around the area. Lots of wildlife and excellent tours through the various canals - or you can just take your own canoe.

There is also a beautiful beach at Tortuguero but not that great for swimming - rough surf. But good for "edge of the water" type things. If you are determined to visit a beach location and want to swim, etc, then Tortuguero not the right place. www.tortuguerovillage.com

Keith

With just a week, I would go with Arenal and Monteverde.

dendleju

Is it best to rent a car? Am aware some of the roads can be challenging, but DH is pretty capable and used to adventure!

volcanogirl

If you're adventurous, go for it, just don't drive between towns at night, and never leave anything in the car unattended.

Keith

The roads were a challege, but not too bad. More an issue of travel being slower than you expect. Roads tend to be curvy, so oncoming traffic can only be seen for a very short distance ahead. Slow moving trucks may barely crawl up stretches of road and you cannot see far enough to safely pass. Plus much of the time the speed limit is only 40-60 kph to begin with. The one time I drove on a 4 lane, higher speed road, the traffic was bumper to bumper.