re: Thinking of taking a quick trip down to Costa Rica later this summer

I stayed two full summers in CR near Jaco. What is written above here is pretty much true.

Don’t worry about rainy season, it will drizzle but not likely lightning. Just expect it and don’t change any plans because of it.

Playa Hermosa, Playa Ventanas, Manuel Antonio are all good beaches. Dominical if you like to surf, smoke, or meet hippies.

Flight to Quepos is cheap and easy. Go out from Dominical for cheap scuba/snorkeling day trips if you want to see sharks.

Consider paying a local to drive you into the mountains. You will not likely want to do the driving in the mountains or semi off road without a local guide during the rainy season.