I am headed there in a few weeks with the family. Haven’t been back in 15yrs. 

Driving up to La Fortuna-Arenal & then down to Playa Herradura-Jaco 

 Thanks. Got food/hotel recommendations?  Are you originally from Costa Rica ? 

 No. I am not a CR native. 
Just a vacationer.  
I have no solid recommendations on where to eat. We are just renting a 4x4 and winging it for the most part.   

staying at Arenal Observatory Lodge 
& the Los Suenos Marriott resort. 
Also at some coffee plantation somewhere. 

 I love Santa Theresa! 

 Jurassic Park 

 Tamarindo is very upscale (translate: expensive)  it had a lot of shopping and restaurants and cool food trucks but I felt like I was in southern California in some ways.  Tons of rich tourists. But the evening farmers market was really unique and fun. Samara was more rustic but had a perfect swimming beach and a few nice restaurants. Just my 2 sats.  We didn't go that many places so I don't have much else to comment on.  

 Thank you!  From what I’ve been seeing Tamarindo wasn’t our cup of tea and you just confirmed it.  Haven’t heard of Samara so I’ll look into it.  🫂