25 day Itinerary for a family trip to CR

With Costa Rica all about nature, wildlife, bio diversity and National Parks, it would be best you get a guidebook, and plan your 3 weeks around what you like. You have plenty of time to visit all the key areas. Check out the MOON, Roughguide or LP for what to do, by region.

Monteverde is very out of the way, and very touristy too. There is not a lot wildlife there to see, as its a cloudofrest, and in rainy season, will be wet, misty, damp and cool to boot. I think Arenal and the Hot Springs would be more fun a family, and then consider places with easy hiking or access to nature. That would be Tortuguero by boat, and hike the flat trails in the rainforest, Tenerio/Celeste Waterfalls, and Cano negro (via boat).

There really is not that many great swimming beaches in CR, Playa Tamarindo and Samara are the best, depending on tides and swells, but they are also surf beaches too. Playa Carillo next to Samara is very nice and many families picnic there on weekends, and its shady as well, nice plan lined beach. Otherwise, you should focus on the caribe side, where the waters are camper and beaches more protected, and the sand lighter too, this would also be better for snorkeling, as the Pacific does not really have conditions to snorkel, its rough, darker sand and mainly for surf. Look into on the caribe side playa Cochles, Chequita, Punta Uva.

As for the Samara and Montezuma combo, you can't drive between them, there is no road along coast. You need to go from Samara to Nicoya, to Paquera and then down to Tambor on a single track trail for 10KM, or ferry to Puntarenas and then ferry Puntarenas to Tambor, then to Cobano and beaches. Montezuma is not that good for swimming compared to Samara or Tamarindo.

Keep in mind July can be a tad wet, though rainy season has not been rainy last few years.

You also don't really need a car for Tortuguero, and for caribe side beaches, or a beach stay in general, as it will just sit there...put adventure first and beach last.

As you like low-key places I would also suggest the Caribbean coast. I have not been there in July and I know it could be quite rainy (but I gather often afternoon showers and rain in the evenings/overnight). But I also think July could be rainy just about anywhere.

With 25 days you certainly have time for Arenal, Tortuguero, Cahuita, a beach south of Puerto Viejo and maybe on your way back to San Jose the Orosi Valley.

The Caribbean coast is laid-back and possible on a budget (we didn't rent a car as you can easily get around there by bus/boat, the odd taxi and south of Puerto Viejo by bike). There is lots of wildlife, rainforest and wild natural beaches bordered by jungle. The ocean is not the calmest. The left beach in Punta Uva is probably the best one for kids and for swimming. CR is not known for great snorkeling but the best places on the Caribbean coast are the Cahuita National Park (only with a guide) and Punta Uva and Manzanillo. Don't miss the Cahuita NP as it is has great beaches (actually some of the beaches there are good for swimming as well, there is a green flag where it is safe) and lots of wildlife. I also hear good things about the Tree of Life wildlife rescue in Cahuita. Manzanillo is a small village with a wildlife refuge (good for short hikes but if you do want to go far I would take a guide there). On the weekend families play and barbecue on the beach. It is also possible to visit an indigenous village and see how they make chocolate and walk to a waterfall. One of the best spots for surfers is Playa Cocles (but more for intermediate surfers) and Playa Negra is good for beginners. Check out this website. It has an overview of beaches and towns, lodging, activities...:

http://www.puertoviejosatellite.com/

I mentioned the Orosi Valley because we researched it extensively and were planning to go there but then didn't. Next time. Cartago, Orosi, Tapanti National Park, Cachi Lake, Ujjaras church ruins, hot springs, botanical gardens, volcano Irazu, horseback riding, coffee tour, Guayabo archaeological site...

I agree with above, head to the Caribe side.
Dump the 4x4, you don't need it on that side and with the savings go with private shuttles and taxis and nicer lodging, be cheaper overall and easier, letting some one else do the driving.

With 25 days you certainly have time for Arenal, Tortuguero, Cahuita, a beach south of Puerto Viejo and maybe on your way back to San Jose the Orosi Valley.

Absolutely concur, excellent 3 week trip, jungles, canals, tons of wildlife, beautiful beaches, easy-safe swimming for all, cool towns and a very laid back vibe.

Thanks everyone, great advice. Caribbean side is sounding good. Not sure I want to pass on the car though as I like the flexibility it allows especially considering we'll have a baby with us.

Spending $80 day with insurance, can pay for a nicer lodging and a lot of taxi runs, where will you drive on a dead end road that most people walk, ride bikes, or take the bus...? Just saying...use the car for Arenal area, Tenerio, Orosi, then drop it and head to Tortoguero, you take boats there...half the fun...