Month: September 2026

it’s our last day here and I didn’t schedule anything. Jen and Robert went horseback riding to a waterfall on a mixed breed of small horses. It was nice they got home to spend together. Robert came back with another big bag of ranbutan and mangosteens. Isaac and I played mini golf which he loves. The girls spent several hours on their devices until Robert returned and shooed them out of he room. Ray and I spent the morning with the kids at the pool. Isaac and Ela sometimes playing nicely, sometimes arguing but mostly having fun. Isaac jumped in for the first time and was very proud of himself. They are both getting comfortable in the water.

It rained in the afternoon and we played the only games I brought, crazy eights, go fish you wish and right left center. The rest of the time, the kids taunted each other. I think a full laid back day may be nice for solo adults but not for little kids!!

We had a final dinner at the hotel and had fun recalling all we had seen and done this trip. All in all, everyone enjoyed the trip and didn’t have any complaints, the rainy moments, being on the long ride were all fading memories!!

Today was a laid back day spent lounging by and in the pool. Ela was in the water for 6 hrs, Isaac for 4, the girls in and out. Zoe and Robert hiked to the beach, a sweaty trip in the afternoon to get coconuts. We finished the 200+ ranbutans Robert had bought. This part of Costa Rica is very humid but it has only rained during the night and for a few hours in the afternoon. I got sunburned a couple of days ago and wore a sunshine today but still got too much sun.

We had a night walk scheduled at Sukia Reserve but most of what we saw was a repeat of the previous hikes. The preserve is small and we felt sorry for the crocodiles in their sanctuary who were kept in ponds so small they could hardly move. The tour was not as interesting, and the guide had a strong accent which was hard for the kids to understand. I’d give this walk a 3 out of 5.

We had dinner at Samui Thai; the food was pretty good. Isaac fell asleep after his dinner. Ela was still bouncing around, and Nina entertained us all. It was convenient to hail Ubers. The guide had told us taxis are way too expensive.

Manuel Antonio Park is our destination this morning and everyone is excited to see wildlife. Our guide is fabulous and terrific with kids. Mornings are slightly cooler though still pretty humid. We got the gang up early for breakfast in order to meet the bus at 9. The monkeys were the biggest thrill as you can imagine. We learned that white faced monkeys are the meanest. They eat other animals and will steal food from people. For many years, they stole food from backpacks at the beach until research found they had developed diabetes and high cholesterol, shortening their lives by 10 yrs. Now no food is permitted in the park. Howler monkeys are so loud and spider monkeys are small and cute.

We walked through the forest into the mangroves then by the ocean to the prettiest beach in Costa Rica where the kids played and the guide went in search of a sprouted coconut for Zoe. When a coconut sprouts, it absorbs the water and creates a spongy center, which is high in nutrients. Eventually it grows roots into the soil below.

Fruit and drinks were served to us in a huge cage, to keep the monkeys out. Then we headed back out and by then it was very hot and humid. The kids had chilled coconuts from a street vendor and we were driven back to the hotel.

We ventured out for dinner, getting a ride from the hotel shuttle and walking half a mile which the concierge and bus driver told us was too far for the kids, but they did fine. Peruvian food was quite good and we then took uber back for less than $5.

This is considered the green season and it is much less crowded than Dec- March when you have to book a year in advance. The hotel is quiet with only a few tables occupied at meals, and we have the pools to ourselves. It’s apparently not as humid during the tourist season but the temperatures can be in the low 90’s. I think not having the crowds is a huge plus especially since we have so many kids and are not quiet! Every restaurant we have gone to has been empty.

The Parador is a beautiful resort and we made full use of it today. After a wonderful breakfast overlooking the property, we spent a couple of hours in the pool, followed by mini golf. The only complaint we have is that the kitchen is super slow and we barely made it in time. Food didn’t arrive for 45 min.and that has been the norm. Maybe they are not fully staffed during the off season?

We had a boat/kayak tour of Damas Island in the mangroves during high tide. Jen, Ray, Isaac, Ela and Nina did a boat ride which took them into the estuary. The rest of us kayaked and saw white faced monkeys, tiger face crabs, Amazon kingfisher, and herons. It was quiet and relaxing.

The tour ended with dinner- rice, beans, grilled chicken or marlin and salad. We had ranbutan in Robert’s room and then off to bed.

Today was another driving day but we got lucky and the construction crew was eating lunch so all work was stopped. We were also all better prepared with plenty of snacks and devices so it went much better. Quepos is a poorer town; Manuel Antonio appears to be more tourist focused with restaurants and shops. Our driver made a stop at a crocodile bridge which the kids found exciting. It was a nice break. The only tears were at the last 15 min, not bad.

Wild avocado tree

We arrived at the Parador Hotel before dinner without too much hassle. It’s a beautiful place, though very humid.