hundleb asked 8 years ago
Hi, my husband and I are traveling in May 2017 with my 65 yr old mom and 3 yr old daughter. We’re planning to fly in to LIB and spend the first night in Playa Hermosa just to be near the airport, on to Arenal for 3 nights, Monteverde for 2 nights, then MA for 3 nights. Last night in SJ near airport. Planning to rent a 4×4. Are there any red flags for you on this plan? Any concerns about or must-dos for a 3 yr old in these places? Thanks!
Jenn and Matt Staff answered 8 years ago
Hi hundleb,
That sounds like a nice family trip. Visiting those destinations will involve a lot of driving but it will be worth it. Be sure to read our Driving to Monteverde post for info on that part. For your three year old daughter, there are lots of exhibit type places to see wildlife that she might like. La Fortuna has Ecocentro Danus, which has a reptile and amphibian tour and there is also Arenal Natura Eco Park. In Monteverde there are similar exhibits, you can check out our post for some ideas. There is also an aerial tram there that would be good for your daughter and mother as it is a very gentle ride. In Manuel Antonio, you could check out Kids Saving the Rainforest and maybe do a boat tour through the mangroves at Isla Damas (we know a great operator if you need one). Manuel Antonio National Park also has some calmer beaches for swimming/wading and they have recently updated many of the trails for easy walking. Hope this gets you started.