My sister in law, a tico (native Costa Rican), was kind enough to put together this guide and set of recommendations for visiting. I’m publishing it here for your enjoyment. Thanks Maria!

From Maria:

I don’t know what you have already planned for your trip, but I usually recommend to visit the following places:

• Parque Nacional Manuel Antonio: It is a very clean beach park surrounded by forests. There are monkeys, iguanas and sloths. Take a guided tour to see the sloths. There is a sort of night life in Manuel Antonio. It is a surf, beach town. There are all kinds of accomodations from El Parador, La Mariposa, Si como No, hotels to very affordable ones.

• Rafting in the Reventazon or Pacuare rivers: I recommed  the Pacuare over the Reventazon. Parand (that’s me) actually did the Reventazon one so both are nice. The Reventazon is closer to the city. Check river levels since it has been raining in Costa Rica these last weeks. Any hotel you may be staying can hook you up with these tours. (editor’s note: river rafting in Reventazon was absolutely one of the best things I’ve ever done – absolutely gorgeous. If you do one thing in Costa Rica, do this).

• Arenal Volcano National Park: It is an active volcano surrounded by beautiful nature in a small quaint town called La Fortuna in the Alajuela province. It is very impressive and you can enjoy the hot springs at the Tabacon Resort (don’t have to stay in the hotel, you can pay only to use the pools). If you want to stay very close to the volcano, stay at the Arenal Observatory and ask for a room with a view of the volcano.

• Monteverde: It is a beautiful relaxing place surrounded by the cloud forrest (no beach here). You will need a 4X4 to get there, but absolutely worth it if you prefer a quiet vacation.

• Other activities: Canopy (there are several places that offer canopy. I think one of them is in The Arenal), Aerial tram at the Braulio Carrillo National Park (it is like walking on the tree tops).

I would stay away from Limon (a province in the Caribbean side). It has beautiful attractions like Tortuguero, but it has been raining a lot in the area, and the highway to get there has had some land slides. Also, it is not the safest place anymore.

No need to visit San Jose downtown, there is not much there and it is not the safest place.

If you are driving, rent a GPS for your car for sure and a cell phone if you can. Directions are hard to follow because there are not enough road signs.

Have a beatiful time. Pura Vida!