I am traveling to Costa Rica in Dec-January with my wife and kids ages 6 and 4. I am wondering if anyone has done language school in Samara. Also has anyone spent time at Kontiki in Playa Negra? We are looking for a low-key place to spend 3-4 weeks on the Pacific Coast for January. We are interested in a reasonable beach. We don't need discos, big resorts, or poolside bars- just a place that would be a good place to hang out and let the kids encounter the ocean, the outdoors, and another culture. Thanks for your help and suggestions.
1
ticotim
Both areas, and the pacific in general, is not too safe as far as the ocean goes. Playa Negra is a surfers beach, meaning big waves and strong rip tides, not to mention rocks and steep drop offs...Playa Samara is a little better, all depending on tides and swells, but is pretty rough in my book. There is nothing in Playa Negra....not even a store or medical clinic, as far as I know. Playa Samara is a nice town, but damn hot in this valley, Playa Nosora would be better IMHO.
3-4 weeks on a beach on CR is very hot, and the sun is very intense, as 8 degrees N of the Equator, 2 hours is about all one can take, so you may wish to rethink the beach venue.
January is High season so top rates and crowds all around...think about the Orosi valley for cool temps and few tourist that time of year.
2
lorenstrawberry12
Hi,
I agree with ticotim "think about the Orosi valley for cool temps and few tourist that time of year" you also have there a great spanish school run by Flor a great person. this the number: 533-24-80 e-mails: Flor@orosivalleyschool.net , florgra30@gmail.com and web-sites: http://www.orosivalleyschool.net/<BR><BR>
3
jardin
Hi, if you want to be in Samara is better Nosaro not far away from Samara, there is a good place to stay callec Blu Dog, have a swimming poll and the rooms have a little kitchen and not far from the beach. Daniel Well have a place called Solo Bueno he give spanish lessons. If you want to be in a beach is a good place and then can go to Orosi Valley and you can do both.
Have a nice trip.
4
harmoniaproject
December and January are high season with lots of people at the beach and very hot. I have some friends who went to Grecia in the Central Valley to study spanish and then travelled to the beaches on the weekends with their children. They felt the climate in the central valley was much better and the atmosphere much more conducive to the family. There is an excellent school there...very professional and dedicated teachers. You can find out more info with www.harmoniacasa.com. There are also opportunities for volunteering and living with a family which is also a great cultural experience.
To get to Samara from Grecia is about 5 hours with a car...or there are closer beaches such as Esterillos or Manuel Antonio which are about 2.5 hours.
Good luck & Pura Vida!
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