We spent 7 days on the Pacific side,in the Guanacaste region.The roads are bad,but the people are wonderful,and there is so much variety.It is a long distance between attractions.Arenal Volcano and Tabacon is a must see-a little touristy,but such a beautiful relaxing time and watching a volcano erupt was incredible.Much more wildlife close at hand in C.R. than Belize.We went in early May,on tour buses arranged by the resort and the most we had on a tour was 20 people for a shopping trip to Liberia.Most of the time there were only 5 to 7 visitors,with a driver and guide. We hired a local guide for a trip to Rincon,and it was worth every penny,stop at Guatil for handmade pottery.We saw fields of teak,sugar cane,coffee,etc.The Pacific was just as warm as the Caribbean,and a man at our resort caught a 110 lb jewfish(?) on a fishing trip.I understand the surfing and windsurfing is world-class.The black sand beaches sparkle like diamonds at night.We loved C.R. partly because there were so many choices for land,sea,and river excursions.We plan to return and visit the interior and Caribbean coasts soon.