re: Tell me about Costa Rica - especially the North Pacific Coast

The wife and I have been to Tamarindo a couple times. Flew into Liberia airport Wouldn't say it's cheap but more moderately priced than similar accommodations in Florida. Locals are great and it's within a few hours of rainforest tours and Arenal Volcano. Zip lines and ATV rentals are close by. Plenty of restaurants and bars in Tamarindo. I would highly recommend the sunset cruise. We did that last time there and had a blast. We entertained buying a small parcel of land there as money goes much further than in the states once you're away from the tourist areas.