pp going to Tulemar. I did a LOT of research into Panama. We also went there but a lot of the spots the places I looked to stay ended up have rules about no young children so I finally decided it just wasn't as child friendly and why was I trying to force it, let's just go to Costa Rica and do Panama when the kids are older. I dont want to be worried about my kids being loud etc.

We're going to Tulemar in Costa Rica with 3 and 6 year olds for spring break so can't report back yet but people seem to be obsessed with it. Seems to have exactly what you're describing and is why we chose it. One car ride there, then we'll just stay there - animals right there, beach right there. There is a facebook page for guests with a ton of info. I will be honest I'm kind of like how can people be so obsessed with this place? But they really are. So we'll see.

https://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g309274-d611938-Reviews-Tulemar_Resort-Manuel_Antonio_Quepos_Province_of_Puntarenas.html

Anonymous wrote:Are you done with having kids? I wouldn’t go anywhere with Zika until I knew I wouldn’t have any more kids.

The travel vaccines for Costa Rica would make me pause, as would the anti malarial treatment. Just adds more logistical hurdles to plan.

We went to Costa Rica last summer and needed zero travel vaccines and no anti-malarial treatment. Don't go to Costa Rica if you don't want to, but don't make things up.

Anonymous wrote:Are you done with having kids? I wouldn’t go anywhere with Zika until I knew I wouldn’t have any more kids.

The travel vaccines for Costa Rica would make me pause, as would the anti malarial treatment. Just adds more logistical hurdles to plan.

Wait what? People take anti malaria drugs to go to Costa Rica? Is that for real? Well cross that off my list.

Who takes malaria meds in Costa Rica?!?! No one.

OP, I would check out Belize too, though I think CR might be better. And we are considering with our toddler and pre schooler, so I don’t think you are crazy.

Anonymous wrote:Rainforest with toddlers sounds like a mosquito nightmare to me.

I’ve heard the same as PP about Costa Rica during a coworkers spring break trip. They had teenagers but none the less, the activities were not able to be enjoyed.

Yep. Madness.

PR hands down. Direct flights available to minimize your travel time (flying with toddlers sucks, every hour matters). El yunque is stroller accessible and easy to get to. Stay at a resort on that side of PR like Wyndham or conquistador. Do San Juan on the way in or out. Bonus, no passports needed.

I love Costa Rica but would not take younger kids there.

Belize was a great rainforest and beach combination. But the best parts wouldn't be accessible (or fun) with a toddler.

Are you done with having kids? I wouldn’t go anywhere with Zika until I knew I wouldn’t have any more kids.

The travel vaccines for Costa Rica would make me pause, as would the anti malarial treatment. Just adds more logistical hurdles to plan.

Winter break (Dec) is not rainy season in CR
If you go to Manuel Antonio, you can do beach + rain forest.

I would not do a rainforest with 2 under three. Pick a nice beach vacation with access to a pool.

Rainforest with toddlers sounds like a mosquito nightmare to me.

I’ve heard the same as PP about Costa Rica during a coworkers spring break trip. They had teenagers but none the less, the activities were not able to be enjoyed.

Anonymous wrote:Check the rainy season - my friends did this in costa rica over xmas and it rained every single day both in the rain forest and the beach and the city.

And it was not like what you expect, thunderstorms etc. in the afternoon, it was a constant, drenching rain. December is the start of dry season typically, but not this year and it really ruined the experience.

Check the rainy season - my friends did this in costa rica over xmas and it rained every single day both in the rain forest and the beach and the city.

We are looking to book a beach-rainforest combo trip with 2 under 3 for next winter. We have looked into Puerto Rico, Costa Rica, and Panama. Are we missing any other good options to investigate? We would like to minimize car travel, if possible. Maybe that isn't an option and we should stick to a more typical beach trip. Welcome suggestions!