Costa Rica = super easy to travel in but expensive compared to anywhere else in central america. Awesome surfing/trekking/nature stuff in general. Avoid Playa tamarindo and area unless you want to surf ollie's point and witch's rock both of which are righteously good. Salsa Brava is an amazing wave but seriously dangerous for novices (the break is right over a reef and next to/under a beer patio). No spanish really neccesary great services really built for a hassle free trip.

Personally I thought Nicaragua was a far better deal/trip/experience but some people have a thing about traveling in a country where there are guns everywhere. And Spanish is much more neccesary but everything is dirt cheap and tons more fun IMO.

All in all costa's cool but I'd rather spend 6 weeks in Nica for hte price of 3 in costa just my opinion.