Central America - Where to go in October?

Helping my brother and his family find a trip. He has about ten days to work with in October. Its him, wife, 2 year old and 6 month old. My sister in law descrived what she is looking for as like Hawaii but not hawaii. meaning that hawaii would be perfect but she just doesn't want to go there because they have been there six times.

What they are really looking for is good beaches, good weather, very nice accomodations like 4 seasons level, convenient access from IAH, and something to do more than the beach. Simple hikes or drives to see cool or beautiful sights.

First thing that came to my mind is costa Rica. Although after further research I am thinking that anywhere in October is going to be rainy. I read that the caribbean coast might not be that bad, but Tortuguero didn't really look like it had the beaches or resort I am looking for. Anywhere else in CR?

My sis in law was thinking Belize. I am worried about hurricanes and excessive rain. Is there much to do near the beach.

try the carib. not rainy season there

you got it wrong, in our carribean side the rains are actually worse most of the time

what is relatively dry is Guanacaste (LIR) , still it could be raining quite a bit

Tortuguero is quite off the beaten path and you are right, the type of accomodations we have there is not what you are looking for HOWEVER let me tell you that in October the turtles there are quite busy laying their eggs..........so its quite spectacular (I have never seen it personally)

There is a 4 seasons in Guanacaste , there are quite a few national parks there

Ten days is a lot, could be an interesting trip, some volcanoes (like hawaii but not like hawaii), beaches, interesting caverns, waterfalls etc

you got it wrong, in our carribean side the rains are actually worse most of the time
I'd qualify that a bit. The Caribbean gets a year round spread of rain, unlike the rest of the country with more distinct rainy and dry seasons. Paradoxically, October, which is the wettest month in Costa Rica is relatively dry on the Caribbean side.

There's nothing resorty or Four Season-y on the Caribbean coast. That's the problem.

Also, much as I love Costa Rica, it's not Hawaii by any stretch of the imagination. I think that's a good thing, but if your relatives are looking for a Hawaii-type experience, they should look somehere else than Costa Rica.