15

All the buses coming from Nicaragua have a regular stop in Liberia.. The approx travel time from Managua to Liberia is about 4 hours, depending on the border crossing. You might take a look at Brasilito which is not far from Tamarindo and just a small town, really, very quiet with a nice quiet beach. Another beach I would recommend is Playa Samara which is south of Tamarindo. It is also a smaller town but bigger than Brasilito with plenty of places to stay and lots of shops, restaurants, etc but with a real laid back feel to it. You can also go about 3 km to Playa Carrillo which is a picture postcard beautiful beach and there is a small wildlife center there where the kids would really enjoy seeing the animals they are caring for. Check out www.samarabeach.com for more information.

There are many many accommodations near the airport and it depends on your budget, really. A few that are recommended include Vida Tropical B&B, Airport B&B, Hotel Buenavista, Hotel Los Volcanes as well as many others.

With children, I would definitely rent a car. There are many rental agencies in Liberia - there is an international airport there - and you can arrange to drop it off in San Jose. Let the rental company know about your children, you will be required by law to use car seats for them.

16

I rented a 4x4 from a small independent place just south of SJO airport. They picked me up and dropped me back off again.

The reason why I chose the smaller firm? The 4x4 was the older type of Toyota Landcruiser, it wasn't a "looker" by any stretch of the imagination, but it meant I didn't look like a typical Gringo. The car never got touched once, even parked on the street in Quepos.

Also, by getting a 4x4, it meant I could get off the main highways, and onto roads that had a bit more of a fun factor to them

17

Mumpa - would you mind mentioning which local independent place just south of SJO you rented your vehicle from? The idea of a vehicle which blends better is very appealing.

Thanks

18

The company was called Vamos, and they are less than 1km from the airport.

Really good service, they stayed open one time as my flight was delayed.

I recommend them anytime, prices aren't too bad, and like I said, the cars don't stand out like rental cars

19

I lve answers to vintage questions. hee hee.
TT never sleeps. I hope you went to Manuel Antonio.
I as a former mariner, had to see Panamá Canal.

I took bus a la Coka Cola bus station. To Quepos. My next bus was 6:30 next morning.

I went to the park and got more for my money.
Pura Vada.

I arose next a.m.
Said, "self. I don't need a bus. I need an apartment."

Stayed 6 months.

Home is where you hang your heart.
My new fam in Seville called me home.

20

Pura Va...?
Pura vidaaaa!!!!