Do you know of any family friendly accomodation on the Carribbean Coast?
Have you traveled to the Caribbean Coast with children? If so, what was it like and do you have any advise for other parents?
I will be traveling alone with my 3 year old for the month of July and plan to make my first stop in Puerto Viejo. I have visited Costa Rica on several ocassions but never to the carribean coast and never with a child. Just a few questions if any one can give a heads up from the other end before I get there. Can any one suggest a safe, clean, but enexpensive place (under 20$) to stay in puerto viejo...family vibes and irie peeps a plus? ... also, I have read that the weather has been "bad" ... I know its wet, but are the roads washed out ??? how are the misquitos..... places to avoid with a kid?? .. any heads up will help... thank you
Mamma-
Reply to this Hello Rachael 😊
I traveled alone with my daughter in Thailand when she was 5. I cant give any info about the Carribean in particular but I would suggest if possible finding accomodation where the owners have little children. It would provide constant playmates for your kid and give you a chance to relax with a coffee and book(or however you relax).
Mel
Reply to this Hi Rachael,
I{m not sure about places to stay in puerto viejo, though here in Quepos there is a great place called the Wide Mouth Frog, run by dave and maree and they have 2 children hayley and zoe. It is a very child friendly place i believe their website is www.widemouthfrog.org
Kath
Reply to this I have taking my son to Puerto Viejo several times. I also lived there... Under 20 hotels... Check Cabinas Guarana, http://www.hotelguarana.com/hotel.htm Check Soda Miss Sams for great cheap breakfast. Just walk around in town during the day and you will see other mothers with kids. Check out Punta Uva Beach. Very safe for swimming with the little one. Are you going by bus or car? Check out the Aviarios Del Caribe Sloth Refuge, about halfway to Limon. Cool place to see and hold sloths!
Reply to this Thank you so much ... this is the kind of info i was looking for.. i will be traveling by bus..... Whats up with the misquitos?? most beds come w/ nets? ..agian thanks for the info.....
Reply to this Cabinas Guarana looks very nice but a little to $ for me... 😞
Reply to this It is hit or miss on the mosquito nets. Might want to bring your own. Bring the most natural bug repellent you can. My boy was kind of allergic to the bites, a little nerve racking, but eventually harmless for him. Its a 4.5 hour bus trip. I've done it SO many times. I would take the Interbus, $25 but almost private... There are several other choices of cabinas in town. Just ask around and ask to see the room before paying. Check out my friend Vera who owns Jacaranda cabinas. I've had my son there. Tell her Jess from El Dorado sent you! I used to own a bar and restaurant in town there called "El Dorado". Just google "Puerto Viejo" and you will find a ton of cabinas. Have fun!
Reply to this If you'd like a somewhat nicer place and relatively cheap is Puerto Viego and or Sixola on the way to Panama. But Panama is a hell of alot better than Costa Rica. You are less likely to get ripped off......and have your child stolen. This happens alot in Costa Rica, but since the press is sanctioned from printing anything negative, you hear very little of this crime. Most tourists like the more common tourist trips.....to smoke their weed and walk around dirty in their "Bob Marley" tee-shirts. If you get to Panama City, go to Albrook Airport and make a reservation to Pueerto Obaldia, then get on a canor ride to Capurguna. Then you will fall in love with life.....and may never want to return. I really don't like Costa Rica.......far too many Americans here(I am an American, but born and raised in Puerto Rico) and Costa Rica is far too "americanized" has no real sense of itself: unlike other Central and Sout American countries, where you won't find any listening to Iron Maiden or ZZTop.
Reply to this ....and have your child stolen. This happens alot in Costa Rica....
Really?! I am hoping you are exaggerating because that is scary.
Reply to this Hello Jess 😊
I think people are giving their opinions about Puerto Viego based on their own interpretations and/or experiences. You are also welcome to give your own interpretations to counter this but please avoid strong emotional outbursts and name calling.
Mel
Reply to this I've traveled in Costa Rica with my son and know many others who have taken their children as well. I've never heard of kids getting "stolen". It's always good to be cautious, no matter what country you are in, but I think that it is very unlikely to happen. Don't let comments like that deter you.
There are many places in Costa Rica that are too touristy and full of Americans and other Nationalities, but there are also some great off-the-beaten-path places to visit. It is a beautiful country and the local people are wonderful.
Reply to this wow... im glad i didnt really read this before i left...children getting stolen???? ... . i have taken my baby girl all over Costa Rica from coast to beautifull coast over the past three weeks and have had a very beautiful time...... I have traveled in costa rica several times before by my self and have never felt as comefortable and safe as i did this last time with my 3 year old daughter.. i actually felt more respected by men and was welcomed by tica women who's children were playing with mine... I felt that by traveling with her it opened me up to the locals more so than ever.....
Reply to this Sorry, but I don't believe you can say things like "have your child stolen" without valid substantiation regardless of who or where you are talking about. And I was very offended because I have friends in Puerto Viejo and they are poor. It struck a cord. I'm sure you can understand that. Sorry if I offended anyone else.
Reply to this Any suggestions about where to stay in Caye Caulker and Punta Gorda with three elementary.middle school aged children over the December holidays? Also, reputable tour operators for snorkeling from Caye Caulker? Lisa
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