My first visit to Costa Rica was in 1998, almost 16 years ago now. Much has changed over the years and continues to change. It can be difficult to keep up with the ever increasing costs, tours, and restaurants, hotels, and stores that are there one day and gone the next.
People going to Costa Rica often ask me for advice or refer their
friends to me for information. I have put together a general overview on traveling
to Costa Rica coupled with my personal perspective.
There are countless wonderful travel guides out there so why would you
want to read mine?
I’ve been going to Costa Rica for 16 years - more than 20
times at this point! I am familiar especially with the Manuel Antonio/Quepos
and La Fortuna/Arenal areas. I have
frequented many restaurants, activities, and places, so my opinions and
recommendations are often not just based on one brief encounter, but many
visits throughout the years in various seasons.
I am not receiving any financial incentives to say nice things about a
place or thing in this travel guide – I’m doing so purely of my own volition
with the intention of enhancing your travel experience and sharing the standout
moments of my own. Many of the businesses
mentioned in my travel guide don’t even know they are being listed. Any
advertising that may be incorporated down the road will be carefully selected
without influencing the best possible information and referrals.
This Travel Guide is broken into user-friendly sections
below. To go to a particular section,
just click on it. If you find this Costa
Rica Travel Guide useful, please comment, like, and don’t forget to share with
your friends! And if there is information
you would like to see added, please comment and share your thoughts.
o ATMS
·
LODGING
·
SIGHTS
While reading my Costa Rica Travel Guide, please note that I
utilize the Oxford comma and occasionally the British spelling of words and
these are not oversights. This Travel Guide will be updated and sections added or
expanded in the future to make it as valuable to you as possible.
I would also like to express my gratitude to Bryan Szela and
Saku Bikangaga for helping proofread my Costa Rica Travel Guide when my eyes
began to tire and glaze over. Muchas
gracias, amigos!
Americans and Canadians can go to Costa Rica on a 90 day
tourist visa. If you are planning a trip
longer than 90 days or get “stuck” there as many do, you will need to leave the
country for 3 days before returning.
Many people go to Panama or Nicaragua for these purposes. Make sure you have the following before going
to Costa Rica:
·
A current valid passport and, while the Costa
Rican embassy isn’t very clear, it is widely recommended to have at least 6
months of validity to be safe (watch those expiration dates!)
·
Enough pages in your passport (I’ve heard of
people getting turned away for this.)
·
A return ticket to exit Costa Rica (I have never
had them ask for this at Immigration/Customs but wouldn’t want to risk getting
turned away.)
If you are traveling to Costa Rica from South America and/or sub-Saharan Africa, you’ll need the yellow fever vaccine.
For more information on yellow fever vaccination and Visa requirements
for other countries, visit the Costa Rica Embassy and
also check with your embassy.
The currency of Costa Rica is the colon (currency code CRC). As of February 17, 2014, the rate is 1 USD =
503.4 CRC. This makes it easy to convert
in your head and figure out how much you are spending.
TIP: For a quick approximate
conversion from colones to U.S. dollars, double the amount of the first digits
of a multiple 1,000 colones. For the
reverse (U.S. to colones), divide by 2 and multiply by 1000.
EXAMPLE:
***Rates on February 17, 20141 USD = 503.4 CRC
2 USD = 1,006.80 CRC
10 USD = 5,034.00 CRC
20 USD = 10,068.00 CRC
So, if you have 34,110 colones, just double the first couple
of digits or the 34 to get
approximately 68 USD.
For the most current exchange rate and conversions, you can
use the following free online currency converter:
Oanda Currency Converter
Oanda Currency Converter
Visa and MasterCard are most widely accepted while American
Express and Discover are the least accepted.
TIP: If shopping at a gift or clothing shop, there are often 2 prices
depending on whether you use a credit card or pay with cash (basically an
offset of the credit card fees they are charged). Ask if there are any discounts for using cash
or special prices for buying more than one item. Bartering can be fun!
ATMS can be found in most major cities. If traveling to rural areas, plan ahead
accordingly. If you are in an area that
only has one ATM for many miles, don’t let your cash situation get dire. I have been in the position where that “one
bank/ATM” gets hit by lightning and suddenly you are counting your coins.
It is a good idea to have only a 4 digit pin code for any
ATM bankcards. Banks sometimes
discourage PIN numbers starting with 0 or with numbers in sequential order. While
Costa Rica may be accepting more PIN numbers with 5 or 6 digits, there are some
that still only accept 4 digit PINS like most of Latin America. Also, be sure
to grab your card promptly when it comes out of the machine. I have seen more than one person have the ATM
machine eat their card with a momentary delay and, yes, it has happened to me
as well. I was able to retrieve it by
going to the bank the next morning with my Passport for identification. Having your card sucked in can leave you temporarily
cashless or in a sticky situation if you need to leave the area or country
before the bank opens.
I do not recommend taking traveler’s cheques. In my experience, they are more trouble these
days than they are worth and many places do not take them anymore. Many touristy places are also accustomed to
taking US dollars although I recommend using the local currency of any
place you travel to.
Costa Rica has a few International Airports and many
Domestic Airports.
International
Airports:
·
SJO – San Jose, Juan Santamaria International
Airport
·
LIR – Liberia (Guanacaste), Daniel Oduber
International Airport
·
LIO – Limon, Limon International Airport
·
SYQ – Tobias Bolanos International Airport
Many airlines fly to Juan Santamaria, and this is the
airport I routinely use. However, if you
are going to Guanacaste or the Caribbean, you may want to check out the other
international airports as well.
PERSONAL TIP: I do not recommend
staying overnight in San Jose, especially if you have only one or two weeks in
Costa Rica. To avoid staying overnight
in San Jose, I recommend finding a flight that arrives into San Jose sometime
between 10 a.m. – 1:30 p.m., which will enable you to catch either the Interbus
or a Sansa flight. If you are departing
from SFO or LA, this usually means a red-eye flight. I generally prefer connecting through Houston
for various reasons. If it is winter in
the U.S., I also avoid any connecting flights to cities that could easily be
delayed or canceled due to bad weather (Denver, Chicago, etc.). If you arrive after 2 or 3 p.m., regular
buses, taxis, and private drivers are still an option, but may not be your preferred
choices and the latter can be expensive. The later you arrive in San Jose, the
more likely you will spend the night there and lose valuable beach or jungle time.
I have had amazing luck with ORBITZ for flights from SFO to SJO and
also directly through some airline websites.
If using my tip above and coming from Northern California, look for the
United flights leaving SFO around midnight.
PERSONAL TIP: If you are not on
a strict budget, when searching for flights check both the cost of Economy and
Business/First Class. Occasionally I
have found the price difference is relatively minor and very much worth it. Some perks generally included:
·
Priority check-in lines
·
Priority security lines
·
Access to airport clubs
·
Rack up additional frequent flyer mileage
·
First on and first off the plane along with
your luggage
·
Served free beverages (yes, I’ll have a rum
and coke please!)
·
Served food with a little more effort put
into it with real silverware
·
Comfy seats often with additional amenities
Airlines I have used to get to Costa Rica: United, US Airways, American, Avianca (Lacsa,
Taca), and back in the day Continental (now merged with United.)
TIP: Sign up for mileage award
programs on whichever airline you choose if you have not already. It is amazing how mileage adds up and before
you know it, you have enough for a free trip!
It’s even more fun to charge the flight to a credit card that also earns
miles for every dollar you spend.
There are also airlines that fly within Costa Rica, which I
cover in the PLANE section below.
BUSES
Buses are inexpensive, very reliable and a great option for
backpackers or those with easy-to-manage luggage and more time in the
country. It is also a great way to see
the countryside. For short distances, I
highly recommend using the bus. For
example, from Manuel Antonio to Quepos the bus fare only costs 285 colones (~
$0.50 USD), compared with 3,000 or 4,000 colones (~$6 or $8 USD) for a taxi,
and is quite easy to use.
TIP: Some buses have buttons on
the vertical poles scattered throughout the bus that you can push to alert the
bus driver to stop, which can be easy to miss if you are on a crowded bus or
unfamiliar with their location. I was
always looking for overhead wires to pull down on before noticing the pole “stop”
buttons.
Depending on how far you are traveling, bus travel can take
more time, especially depending on the roads to where you are going! So, if you only have a week or two, you may
want to consider other alternatives. There
is also sometimes theft so you need to be cautious and keep an eye on your
belongings. Yes, I have had a bag stolen
on the bus before and it’s never fun. If you have a lot of luggage this can be
more cumbersome so pack light if this is the way you plan to travel.
CAR RENTAL
Hertz, Budget, and other common car rental companies are
easily found. I don’t like driving in Costa Rica due to my own personal
experiences (been in a bus crash, seen a lot of deadly accidents, etc.), but I
have on occasion. This can be a good way
to go if you want to see more of an area, stop off along the way, prefer
freedom a car provides, or don’t like the other options. It’s a bit more expensive and drawbacks
include the fact that Costa Rica road signage is not like in the U.S. Even GPS can be a little sketchy at times. Car rentals are great for day usage and many
people use them regularly for their entire travels. They can be more necessary depending on where
you are going, especially 4-wheel drive in some areas, so plan accordingly. Remember,
you’ll need your passport and driver’s license for car rentals.
It is not advisable to drive at night in unfamiliar areas. The
roads have become much safer over the years although I must admit, I miss the
“crazier” days of Costa Rican driving. Also
be wary of any flat tire issues as sometimes while stopping at a place, your
tires are punctured creating a slow leak.
Later a “good Samaritan” comes by to help (i.e. rob) you. If you are in a remote location, don’t stop. Drive to the next safe place if possible.
SHUTTLES AND INTERBUS
The Interbus is the shuttle I have the most personal
experience with. It is very reliable, approximately
$30 - $40 to transport from hotel to hotel or airport, and you share a van with
other travelers so you get to chat with others along the way. Generally you get there faster than a bus
(and maybe even than renting a car), you don’t have to drive, and your luggage
is safer than in a bus. I recommend just calling them rather than emailing to
make reservations since it is easier to provide credit card information over
the phone rather than filling out a form and faxing/scanning it.
Interbus OnlineIf you are taking the Interbus from the Juan Santamaria airport, there is usually a shuttle around 3 p.m. (hence my tip regarding arrival times at the airport) that picks up from the Denny’s restaurant nearby just a few minutes away. It is easy to take a taxi (there is always a swarm of them outside of the airport) to the restaurant for the Interbus.
There are a couple of airlines that fly within Costa
Rica. Depending on where you are going,
Sansa Air or Nature Air will be your best bet. If going from one side of the country to
another, there is often a stop in San Jose before continuing on. A typical flight from San Jose to Quepos ends
up costing about $100 (once taxes are added in) and if you have a lot of
luggage, they will tack on an overweight charge (my most recent overweight
charge was $30). Be prepared for your
bags to be weighed as well as yourself (yes, you’ll need to stand on a scale
with whatever bags you are taking on the plane.)
PERSONAL TIP: I often try to buy some coffee where it is less expensive
in the areas I stay in, but I wait to really stock up (i.e. fill up my
suitcase) in the Juan Santamaria International Airport before checking my bags
in to avoid even more overweight charges on Sansa. I also stock up one final time once my bags
are checked and adopt the most innocent, “What? I’m buying gifts for people!”
expression I can muster while boarding the plane.
Sansa and Nature Air have smaller prop planes that seat
about 10-12 people relatively crammed in, so if you don’t like flying, find a
little turbulence to be apocalyptic, or are on a budget, this may not be the
option for you. If you are 8 feet tall I
also wouldn’t recommend it. However, if you have the funds, like flying, and
are short on time or just short in general, this is an excellent way to get
from place to place quickly, especially for longer distances. For example, it can take 3-4 hours to get
from San Jose to Quepos by ground transportation or 20 minutes on Sansa.
My preference is Sansa although I have flown on Nature Air
occasionally. Sansa is conveniently
located next to Juan Santamaria International Airport (as you come out the
airport doors, walk towards the street, turn left, and it less than a block
down on the left-hand side) while you’ll need to catch a taxi to Nature Air. It is easy to book your Sansa Flight in advance
on their website below and don’t forget to sign-up for their mileage program.
Sansa RegionalNature Air
Words of caution: San Jose is known for crosswinds. This can occasionally mean some pretty hairy
landings but these pilots are experienced with crosswinds and are the ones you
want flying your plane. There was one
particular flight I was on that was perhaps the scariest of my life, but that
pilot was bad-ass and stuck that landing even though everyone thought they were
going to die. I am now a huge fan of
Sansa pilots and they get my vote of confidence.
There was a day when you could just fly into a smaller
airport for free, but in recent years fees have been added. The fees are generally only a few dollars
depending on the airport and may be charged both when you arrive and depart.
PRIVATE CAR
Some of my friends prefer to rent a private driver/car to
get them from point A to point B.
Personally I feel this is too expensive and slow for my solo traveler taste
in light of the other options available, but there are plenty of online
resources should this be your preference.
TAXI
This can get really expensive for long distances but can be
very useful at night when buses stop running, for closer distances, out of the
way places, or when you are not renting a car. On one occasion my Sansa flight
wasn’t able to land in Quepos due to bad weather and I ended up splitting the
cost with a fellow passenger. It
happened to be an EPIC TAXI RIDE and one for the Costa Rica Travel Adventura Blog
Archives (a link will be added later). I recommend negotiating with
the taxi drivers and splitting the costs with others when possible. I have had taxis from San Jose to Quepos cost
anywhere from $100 to $160. I believe
the $100 taxi was the one where the driver took his shirt off saying he was
“caliente” so be aware that even some good deals come with a hidden cost.
Legitimate taxis are red with yellow triangles or orange if
they are airport taxis and will have a photo ID of the driver inside. There are Pirate Taxis which are generally
not advisable since they do not have the appropriate licensing and insurances,
so if you are in an accident you won’t be covered. On one occasion, I called a legitimate taxi
number and a Pirate Taxi showed up.
Confused since I had called a legitimate number and the taxi number was
correct, I got in. When the driver
started going a strange way to my destination (and I knew where I was going), I
called him on it and mentally prepared to leap out the door if need be. I wasn’t too fond of my Pirate Taxi
experience and don’t recommend it. My
local Tico friends (Costa Rican men are Ticos and the women are Ticas) have
also advised me against Pirate Taxis.
Often when calling a taxi service they will provide you with
the number of the taxi coming to pick you up.
Be sure to wait for your taxi number and don’t jump into another taxi
that happens to be going by if a restaurant or hotel has called the taxi for
you, which can piss off both parties.
This area has become my one of my top favourites for its
beautiful beaches, lush jungle, wildlife, and all of the great activities
offered. It has the perfect blend of
relaxation, fun, and adventure. It is easy
to get to from San Jose via bus, car rental, Interbus, or Sansa. It is also easy to rent a car for a day trip
to some of the lesser visited areas and beaches down south a bit without
committing to a longer stay. There are
buses regularly from Quepos to Manuel Antonio and a multitude of taxis. The
hills are in close proximity to the coastline and provide the perfect platform
for restaurants with excellent sunset views.
And of course there are a lot of monkeys!
There is a huge tourist appeal to this area yet you can
still get more of a local feel by just venturing out a little deeper into the
areas or into some of the neighboring towns such as Villa Nueva. Playa El Rey (I swear I’ve also heard it
called Playa Del Rey) is another lovely beach south of the area that is more in
the secluded spectrum.
Depending on the time of year you go, be prepared for the
weather. The rainy season is generally
from May to November. Some areas of
Costa Rica have a slightly different rainy season but this holds fairly true
for Manuel Antonio/Quepos. The dry season is from December to April and is also
when prices for everything are higher. It is a good idea to book in advance during
the high season.
ACTIVITIES:
·
Zip Line
Tours
·
River
rafting
·
Sunset Sailing
and Snorkeling Tours* - Trimaran Sunset Sails Tours with Lourdes and Minor
is family owned and operated. They serve
one of the best fish dinners on the boat as well as beverages including the
famous Happy Juice. Visit Sunset Sails Tours or email info@sunsetsailstours.com or call 2777.1304.
·
Night
jungle hikes
·
Horseback
riding
·
Mangrove
tours kayak or boat - Aventuras Tropicales with William is also family
owned and operated and great for Mangrove kayaking. Email mycostaricatours@gmail.com or call
5019.5889.
·
ATV’s (All-Terrain
Vehicles)
·
Surfing
lessons
·
Surfing,
body surfing, etc.
·
Jet Ski
rentals
·
Sport
Fishing/Spear Fishing/Snorkeling – Ocean Air Tours with Jean Paul, who
speaks French, Spanish, and English and offers a more intimate and private
fishing or snorkeling tour experience. Visit Ocean Air Tours or call 8368.1426.
·
Parasailing
·
Sky
Diving – I hope to do this next time I am there so I’ll let you know how it
goes!
·
Beautiful
Beaches for sunbathing, playing, relaxing. - If you want to escape the
throngs of people at Manuel Antonio, just walk farther down. Biesanz Beach is also lovely.
·
Manuel
Antonio National Park – This is a wonderful place to see wildlife and spend
the day hiking and exploring the various beaches. You can rent a guide or explore on your
own. The park is closed on Mondays so
plan accordingly. If you are going in
the rainy season, check to make sure it is open as sometimes heavy rains affect
the trails.
LODGING:
There are many places to stay in Manuel Antonio/Quepos. I am only listing a few here in each
category. Links to websites that can aid
in your search for more lodging options are listed at the bottom of the section. Recommended have an * next to them.
Hostels:
Hostel Vista Serena * Backpackers Manuel Antonio
Bed And Breakfast:
Casa Buena Vista * Mango Moon
Hotels:
Costa Verde Verde Mar
Villas Nicolas *
Byblos Resort and Casino
Luxury Hotels:
Gaia Hotel And Reserve * Issimo Suites
La Mariposa
LGBT Hotels:
Villa Roca *
Rental Homes:
Casa Elsa *
AIRBNB – This
is an excellent site to find a Bed and Breakfast, a private or shared room, or
even houses, apartments, and condominiums to rent. It can be very useful for budget travelers,
large groups looking for entire spaces, or those who want something a little
different than a large hotel.
ANYWHERE COSTA RICA
– This is a helpful site to find mid to high price range hotels throughout
Costa Rica.
HOSTEL WORLD –
This is a great site to find hostels located throughout Costa Rica
RESTAURANTS:
There are many great restaurants in this area to choose
from. I have separated the list into
different categories. Each one is
recommended and I have added a few very brief descriptions. For more detailed descriptions, please visit
my RESTAURANTS PAGE.
Manuel Antonio - Great
Sunset Views and Food/Cocktails:
·
Gaia Hotel
and Reserve – Fabulous menu. Great Service.
A favourite place for cocktails and appetizers.
·
Barba
Roja – Good food and have had excellent sushi here; beautiful sunset
viewing.
·
Agua Azul
– Wonderful staff, good food with large portions to satisfy your hunger.
·
Mar Luna
– Excellent food; they have amazing fish dishes!
·
Rafael’s
Terrazas – Good food and lovely view; this was the birthplace of my Dirty
Banana fetish.
·
Ronnie’s –
A great place for sunset cocktails.
You’ll need a car or taxi to get there.
·
Emilio’s
– Their menu options are few but delicious and the quaint setting will charm
you.
·
La
Mariposa – A little pricey, especially for the quality of food, but the view
is incredible.
Manuel Antonio - Great
Food/Staff:
·
Kappi
Kappi – Pricey, but worth it.
Excellent food.
·
Victoria’s
– Very good pizzas and Italian style food.
The owner’s attentiveness will win you over.
·
El Sol
– Great for happy hour after the beach, wonderful staff, and their pollo con
hongos is delicious!
·
Sancho’s
– Good, inexpensive Mexican food. Two
words: fish tacos.
·
El Gato
Pescador – Very good fish and chips; their fish balls are a winner.
·
Salsa
Puedes – Excellent place for tapas; sometimes they have live music.
·
Dragonfly
Thai – Great cocktails, good Thai food, right next to the beach.
·
Si Como
No – Pricey but good food; they do an amazing banana flambé show.
·
Claro Que
Seafood – Good food; yes this is the place where I ordered all the
appetizers on the menu.
·
La
Cantina – Good food and sometimes they have live music.
Quepos Restaurants:
·
Dulce
Vita – Good Italian food, a little pricier, save room for dessert.
·
Bahia
Azul – Good sunset view; more of a local place with a festive vibe and loud
music.
·
Kanuk
Best Western – Good food and nice view; I ate one of the best Tiramisus
here.
·
Dos Locos
– Reasonably priced; good place to have a beer and nachos; they sometimes have
live music.
·
L’Angolo
Allegro – Really excellent Italian food reasonably priced.
·
Tropical
Sushi – If you are craving Sushi, this is a great place to go!
·
Sodas
– many to choose from in Quepos!
If you arrive in Manuel Antonio and are exhausted from your travels and hungry to boot, it is good to know that Sanchos and El Gato Pescador deliver food.
·
El Gato
Pescador – 2777.6085
·
Sanchos
– 2777.0340
·
Kappi
Kappi - Lobster Ravioli – divine!
·
Gaia
Hotel and Reserve –Caribbean Blackened Tuna Appetizer, Mango-tini, and
their House Salad will wow you.
·
Victoria’s
– Chicken and Walnut Pizza and their Meatballs
·
Dragonfly
Thai – Their Cocktail with the mamochino in it is….Fabulous!
·
El Gato
Pescador –Fish Balls
·
Sanchos
– Fish Tacos
·
Sunset
Sails Tours – Their fish dinner served on the boat is so damn good!
·
Jose’s
empanadas on la playa! - Jose is the handsome man with the sunny
disposition and adorable smile who carries a cooler, which is more like a
treasure chest of empanadas. They are great
alone or with an imperial which you can get from various beach vendors who
bring coolers down.
·
Hotel
Arboleda has a funky, wooden beach bar that is great to know about,
especially if you decide to hang out at the far end of Manuel Antonio beach
where there are fewer people. Stop by
for a refreshment or snack. It is a
chill place to watch the surfers or the many lizards that roam about in the
sand clearing and trees.
NIGHTLIFE:
Nightlife is limited in Manuel Antonio. I am very sad to report that Bambu Jam is no
longer there. Over the years neighbors
complain about music resulting in the closure of many night spots. Liquid has also recently closed. Karma is the newest gay bar/almost club in
town. Your best bet is to ask about any
live music in the area that may be playing at restaurants or hotels or go to
Quepos. Wacky Wanda’s is a famous
watering hole with air conditioning if you need to cool down. Dos Locos has live music one or two nights a
week. For more of a nightclub/discoteca
scene, check out Republik, Bahia Azul, or the one directly across from Bahia
Azul, which I believe is called Discoteca Arco Iris. I always know it by the plank/bridge you walk across
to get inside.
GLBT RECOMMENDATIONS:
·
Villa
Roca (Hotel)
·
Mogambo (Bar)
– I call this place Mozambique because the name is hard for me to remember.
·
Karma
(Bar)
·
Sunset
Sails Tours – They have Gay Cruises
on Wednesday and Saturdays.
·
Jose
of Gay Tours Costa Rica is also
another resource.
·
Taxi number – 2777.0425
·
Laundry services can be found at Hotel Flor
Blanca.
·
Many stores can be found with Super Joseths and
Pali being the most popular.
·
There are a couple of Pharmacias and a Post
Office in Quepos.
·
Every Saturday there is La Feria in Quepos which
is a local farmer’s market with inexpensive and fresh, local produce.
·
If you are planning a wedding or special
occasion in Costa Rica and need a photographer, contact John Williamson via
email at john@weddingphotoscostarica.com or visit his Wedding Photos Costa Rica website.
·
There is a fabulous jewelry maker who has joined
forces with one of my favourite clothing shops.
They have both just relocated from Quepos and are now sharing a space on
the lower level of the new building in Manuel Antonio at the top of La Mariposa
road near Agua Azul. If you are looking
for a special gift for someone or shopping for yourself, be sure to stop by. (For the record, I *almost* thought about
keeping this to myself for purely selfish reasons, but they are just too good
not to share.)
·
Quepolandia is a local publication that is good
to pick up for all kinds of excellent information including tides, restaurants,
taxi numbers, tours, and other local articles.
La Fortuna is one of the main towns with a view of the
Arenal Volcano (depending on weather, of course). This area can have slightly different weather
patterns than other parts of Costa Rica.
Their high season generally runs from May to November and the green
season from December to April. Volcano
Arenal is still an active volcano but has entered a “resting phase” so you are
not likely to see lava flow. It is still
wonderful to visit and you never know with Mother Nature – she can be a blast
of surprises!
PERSONAL TIP: If you are near
the volcano and feel a big earthquake, consider running like hell. The noise a volcano makes is pretty
distinctive. Even if you’ve never heard
one before, you’ll know it when you do because it will rumble or shake you to
your core as fierce as a lightning super bolt. Like they say in the airplanes, “Always know
your exits”.
This area is set apart from others by a myriad of hot
springs and resorts. There is a
waterfall you can hike to which I am barely recommending due to a personal
disappointing experience (you’ll just have to read about it in my blog later
for the full story). There are many
activities to do in this area and while the town doesn’t have a huge nightlife
scene, there are plenty of restaurants as well as Disco Vulcania a bit out of
town. If you are planning on going to
Monteverde after and are feeling adventurous, you can travel by horse. I believe they get there quicker than other
transportation. Wear jeans not yoga
pants. One word for you: Chaffing.
There is nothing more disconcerting than your ass bleeding and being unable to
sit properly for days.
There is a domestic airport nearby that can save some travel
time. This area is a good place to rent
a car. While there is bus
transportation, sometimes taxis are more convenient but costs can add up
quickly due to the distances.
ACTIVITIES:
Pretty much every area has zip lining, ATV’s, hiking, horseback
riding, and access to river rafting for day trips and La Fortuana/Arenal is no
exception. There is also a butterfly
garden near Lake Arenal where I had a memorable experience. You can read about it in my Costa Rica - La Fortuna, Volcano Arenal: The Butterfly Gardens blog. If you go to this area, you won’t want to
miss out on the Hot Springs.
Tabacon Hot Springs
– This is a must see for sure! During
the busy season, it is recommended to make reservations in advance. It is a
little on the expensive side but worth every penny. Plan on spending the whole day there if time
permits. I always feel sorry for tours
that only get a few measly hours to indulge in this mini paradise of relaxation
in a gorgeous setting. I do my best to go from 10 a.m. – 10 p.m. It may sound like a lot of time but it goes
faster than you can imagine when you enter a lunch, dinner, and requisite down
time into the equation. The only caveat is that if Volcano Arenal decides to
spew lava, it isn’t the safest location.
I remember being there one time when the water was so hot it was
difficult to get in. A month later the
volcano erupted in a good explosion. If
you pay close attention, you will notice they have evacuation signs posted
throughout the place. And this is how I
keep Tabacon Hot Springs all to myself, by putting nuggets of volcanic fear in
the minds of others while I frolic in the steamy jungle. Mwah-ah-ah-ha!
Baldi Hot Springs
– This is another popular hot springs and less expensive although I dare say
for a reason. Go here first if you plan
on going to Tabacon, but if you only have time for one, choose Tabacon.
The Free Hot Springs
– Yes, there is a free hot springs the locals go to with absolutely no
adornments. I call them the warm
springs. Ask a local to tell you where
(or show you if they are good looking).
You get bonus points if you go at night, in the dark, with only a
flashlight…naked.
LODGING:
Tabacon Hot Springs Resort – This is definitely a luxury resort, but I would say if you have
the funds, why not?! Ideal for romantic
getaways or “because I’m freakin’ awesome and I deserve it” splurges. Their fabulous Hot Springs will be at your
fingertips and you can flirt about the premises in plush bathrobes testing out
various pools or relaxing before a soothing massage.
Hotel Los Lagos – I
rather like this place even though I almost feel guilty about it, which makes
it just that much more fun as all guilty pleasures are. Why?
Well, it has some fun hot springs on site, a swim up bar, these crazy
oversized mushroom sculptures you can take cover under when it rains that give
you an Alice in Aquatic Wonderland feeling, and waterslides. Fun waterslides. One sorta scary waterslide. While a little campy at times, this is a
great place to take a family, to challenge your adulthood, or to see how much
is left in your fountain of youth.
Basically, if you have any wonderment or kid left in you, this place
will bring it out. They also have
various tours to go on and a little reserve area where you can walk through for
free at your leisure and see butterflies, ants, crocodiles, caimans, frogs, and
other wildlife. I have also had some
exciting encounters with coatis, fireflies, and even a tarantula. Oh, and when the weather is good, the Volcano
is magnificently right in front of you in all its astounding glory and will
take your breath away.
Arenal Observatory Lodge
– This is one of the safest places to stay should the goddess of fire
decide to misbehave as the word “observatory” suggests. It is a great place to learn more history of
the Volcano and the area and do some hiking. It is quite nice with views of the volcano
depending on the weather. There are some
budget options at the Lodge and some pricier ones. If going during the busy season, it is
definitely recommended to reserve in advance as they get booked up.
La Fortuna has many budget and mid-range accommodations and
there are upscale resorts scattered throughout the Arenal area, many with their
own on-site hot springs.
ARENAL.NET – If
you are planning on going to the La Fortuna/Arenal Volcano area, I recommend
using this site. I have used it several
times to stay in various places in that area.
There is also a map that is helpful to look at when determining your
travel plans and needs.
Montezuma
Dubbed “Monte-fuma” by some, this area boasts many beaches, a couple of wonderful waterfalls, and Cabo Blanco, which is quite beautiful to hike through ending at a spectacular white-sand beach. The beach town vibe is apparent here and there are many lodging options in various price ranges. As with any beach, do not take shells from them. Don’t be shellfish (hahaha). Seriously though, one of Montezuma’s beaches had the most incredible shells. On a visit years later, I was looking forward to seeing this spectacular beach again and was disheartened by how depleted of shells it was. Often people think they are just taking one, not realizing they are ruining something beautiful meant for everyone to share. This is a good reminder no matter where you are in the world.
Dubbed “Monte-fuma” by some, this area boasts many beaches, a couple of wonderful waterfalls, and Cabo Blanco, which is quite beautiful to hike through ending at a spectacular white-sand beach. The beach town vibe is apparent here and there are many lodging options in various price ranges. As with any beach, do not take shells from them. Don’t be shellfish (hahaha). Seriously though, one of Montezuma’s beaches had the most incredible shells. On a visit years later, I was looking forward to seeing this spectacular beach again and was disheartened by how depleted of shells it was. Often people think they are just taking one, not realizing they are ruining something beautiful meant for everyone to share. This is a good reminder no matter where you are in the world.
San Ramon
I got stuck here while passing through and LOVED this town for its authentic Costa Rican feel without being as “touristy” as some. It has a great vibe to it. If you are passing through with a car it’s worth a stop off for an afternoon of wandering around and getting a bite to eat or fresh fruit from the street vendors.
I got stuck here while passing through and LOVED this town for its authentic Costa Rican feel without being as “touristy” as some. It has a great vibe to it. If you are passing through with a car it’s worth a stop off for an afternoon of wandering around and getting a bite to eat or fresh fruit from the street vendors.
Monteverde
Best known for its cloud forest, this area is a bird watcher’s delight. I was glad I went here once to see the cloud forest and do some hiking, but honestly I have no desire to go back, mostly because it was too cold for my tropical taste and when I stepped off the bus I got bombarded by people trying to sell hotels/hostels which was a turn-off. Also, it was the only place in Costa Rica where I went to the more local bar/hang out and felt as though I was not welcomed. However, if you are into bird watching this is one of the better places to go, and like I said, I was glad I saw it once.
Best known for its cloud forest, this area is a bird watcher’s delight. I was glad I went here once to see the cloud forest and do some hiking, but honestly I have no desire to go back, mostly because it was too cold for my tropical taste and when I stepped off the bus I got bombarded by people trying to sell hotels/hostels which was a turn-off. Also, it was the only place in Costa Rica where I went to the more local bar/hang out and felt as though I was not welcomed. However, if you are into bird watching this is one of the better places to go, and like I said, I was glad I saw it once.
Dominical/Uvita
I had a chance to do a day trip with some friends to these areas and some surrounding beaches that were a little more obscure and off the beaten path and they were lovely. There is a great Tilapia place with a waterfall in this area (you’ll need a car) and a beach that was so serene with hardly anyone there it was like something out of a fairy tale.
I had a chance to do a day trip with some friends to these areas and some surrounding beaches that were a little more obscure and off the beaten path and they were lovely. There is a great Tilapia place with a waterfall in this area (you’ll need a car) and a beach that was so serene with hardly anyone there it was like something out of a fairy tale.
Tamarindo/Flamingo –
Guanacaste Area
It is more hot and dry in Guanacaste and didn’t have some of the lush jungle that I prefer in Manuel Antonio. It also was fairly built up and touristy and I prefer the jungle to come up right to the beach, but some people seem to prefer this kind of area as there is a huge tourist draw. A part of that may be attributed to the surfing these areas are known for.
It is more hot and dry in Guanacaste and didn’t have some of the lush jungle that I prefer in Manuel Antonio. It also was fairly built up and touristy and I prefer the jungle to come up right to the beach, but some people seem to prefer this kind of area as there is a huge tourist draw. A part of that may be attributed to the surfing these areas are known for.
Alajuela
If you have a late flight into San Jose or early morning flight out of San Jose, this is actually a cool place to stay close to the airport. I went there once for that reason but ended up adoring where I stayed and the restaurants and the vibe of the city, a little less intense than San Jose but with excellent food and reasonable accommodations.
If you have a late flight into San Jose or early morning flight out of San Jose, this is actually a cool place to stay close to the airport. I went there once for that reason but ended up adoring where I stayed and the restaurants and the vibe of the city, a little less intense than San Jose but with excellent food and reasonable accommodations.
Heredia
I loved it here but granted I was staying at someone’s house so it was a different experience. Since this isn’t a tourist destination, a more local feel can be found here.
I loved it here but granted I was staying at someone’s house so it was a different experience. Since this isn’t a tourist destination, a more local feel can be found here.
El Castillo
This is a small town near La Fortuna/Arenal Volcano. I ended up here on my first trip staying in a funky house we heard about through an awesome couple, Mark and Diane. I have fond memories of this place with its one restaurant/bar/store/the only phone in town. I’m sure it has changed a lot over the years. The last time I was there was just briefly. We gave a ride to a tourist who looked stranded on the side of the road trying to get to a place in El Castillo to join her friends. Our taxi driver was kind enough to pick up this stranger and allow us to give her a ride. If you are looking for something off the beaten path, check out this funky town. Tabacon Hot Springs and the Arenal Volcano are nearby.
This is a small town near La Fortuna/Arenal Volcano. I ended up here on my first trip staying in a funky house we heard about through an awesome couple, Mark and Diane. I have fond memories of this place with its one restaurant/bar/store/the only phone in town. I’m sure it has changed a lot over the years. The last time I was there was just briefly. We gave a ride to a tourist who looked stranded on the side of the road trying to get to a place in El Castillo to join her friends. Our taxi driver was kind enough to pick up this stranger and allow us to give her a ride. If you are looking for something off the beaten path, check out this funky town. Tabacon Hot Springs and the Arenal Volcano are nearby.
Mal Pais/Santa Teresa
Surfer hot-spots; Mal Pais is not necessarily recommended for novice surfers.
Surfer hot-spots; Mal Pais is not necessarily recommended for novice surfers.
Tortuguero
I don’t know, something about turtles. ;-) Just kidding.
I don’t know, something about turtles. ;-) Just kidding.
Cahuita & Puerto
Viejo
Chill Caribbean towns and more beautiful beaches. Many people go from here to Bocas del Toro, Panama for a short visit or to continue their travels.
Chill Caribbean towns and more beautiful beaches. Many people go from here to Bocas del Toro, Panama for a short visit or to continue their travels.
Osa Peninisula - Drake
Bay, Corcovado
I’ve heard many wonderful things and quite a few eventful stories about this area. There is more lush jungle and wildlife. Corcovado boasts some of the more hardcore hiking if you are up for a hiking adventure.
I’ve heard many wonderful things and quite a few eventful stories about this area. There is more lush jungle and wildlife. Corcovado boasts some of the more hardcore hiking if you are up for a hiking adventure.
Jaco
Unless doing a specific activity there or passing through, there isn’t much of a reason to go there in my personal opinion. There are actually many good restaurants but it is like the Tico version of Miami with condos and tall buildings and a lot of drugs, prostitution and crime – not exactly the Costa Rica I fell in love with. One good thing to note is that there are speed boats that can take you from Montezuma to Jaco and cut out some travel time. From Jaco you can easily rent a car or take a bus down south.
Unless doing a specific activity there or passing through, there isn’t much of a reason to go there in my personal opinion. There are actually many good restaurants but it is like the Tico version of Miami with condos and tall buildings and a lot of drugs, prostitution and crime – not exactly the Costa Rica I fell in love with. One good thing to note is that there are speed boats that can take you from Montezuma to Jaco and cut out some travel time. From Jaco you can easily rent a car or take a bus down south.
Puntarenas
I’ve passed through here many times to get to Montezuma and never thought much of it. It used to be very dirty and kind of desolate in a weird way but I think it has gotten better. All in all it is a place to pass through in my opinion and not a place to stay. This is where you’ll catch the ferry to Montezuma. Be sure to have a beer on the ferry and apply sunscreen if hanging out in the sun – it is a long enough ferry ride to give you a nice sunburn.
I’ve passed through here many times to get to Montezuma and never thought much of it. It used to be very dirty and kind of desolate in a weird way but I think it has gotten better. All in all it is a place to pass through in my opinion and not a place to stay. This is where you’ll catch the ferry to Montezuma. Be sure to have a beer on the ferry and apply sunscreen if hanging out in the sun – it is a long enough ferry ride to give you a nice sunburn.
San Jose
Most people arriving internationally end up staying here overnight. San Jose has many amazing restaurants, culture, museums, nightlife, and day trips that are worth taking. However, it is a bustling, loud, polluted city and after a couple of visits, I would bypass San Jose any way I could in favor of the beaches and jungle of Costa Rica. If you happen to be here, take advantage of the many things to do in this area or see my GETTING AROUND IN COSTA RICA section to know how to quickly get out of dodge.
Most people arriving internationally end up staying here overnight. San Jose has many amazing restaurants, culture, museums, nightlife, and day trips that are worth taking. However, it is a bustling, loud, polluted city and after a couple of visits, I would bypass San Jose any way I could in favor of the beaches and jungle of Costa Rica. If you happen to be here, take advantage of the many things to do in this area or see my GETTING AROUND IN COSTA RICA section to know how to quickly get out of dodge.
TIP: One thing to note when
determining travel time is that the map can be deceiving – a place can look
very close like from La Fortuna to Monteverde but it actually takes a fair
amount of time to get there due to roads/mountains, etc. If you only have a week with intentions of
visiting multiple places on your own, planning can be important to get the most
out of your trip. While tours offer
services to get you around quickly from place to place, the cost can be much
higher than if you just plan on your own with a little good advice.
This section is more to provide you with some helpful links
to begin your search for lodging and some brief descriptions. A few specific recommendations are listed in
the DESTINATIONS section.
AIRBNB – This is
an excellent site to find a Bed and Breakfast, a private or shared room, or
even houses, apartments, and condominiums to rent. I have had some great experiences with this
site and it can be very useful for budget travelers, large groups looking for
entire spaces, or those who want something a little different than a large
hotel.
ANYWHERE COSTA RICA – This is a helpful site to find mid to high range hotels throughout Costa Rica.
ARENAL.NET – If
you are planning on going to the La Fortuna/Arenal Volcano area, I recommend
using this site. I have used it several
times to stay in various places in that area.
There is also a map that is helpful to look at when determining your
travel plans and needs.
HOSTEL WORLD –
This is a great site to find hostels located throughout Costa Rica
Costa Rica is a playground for the adventurer, the hiker,
the surfer, the sunbather, and the delightfully lazy. Here is a sample listing of some activities I
have enjoyed and links to recommended tours are in bold:
Want to be inspired to take the bungee
plunge? Check out my Costa Rica Bungee Jumping Video on YouTube!
·
Sunset
Sailing – Trimaran Sunset Sails Tours with Lourdes and Minor is the best. Visit Sunset Sails Tours
or email info@sunsetsailstours.com or
call 2777.1304
·
Zip Line Tours
·
Mangrove
Kayaking – Aventuras Tropicales with William. Email mycostaricatours@gmail.com or call
5019.5889
·
Horseback Riding
·
Mangrove Boating Tour
·
Jungle Night Tours
·
Hiking (through National Parks and to
waterfalls)
·
Beautiful beaches for sunbathing, walking,
surfing, playing, or simply relaxing with your favourite book and an Imperial.
In addition to the above, there are other activities such
as the following:
·
ATV Tours
·
Canyoneering
·
Sky Diving
·
Waterfall Rappelling
·
Rock Climbing – see Bungee Jumping website
listed above for rock climbing
·
White-Water River Rafting
·
Jet Ski Rentals
·
Scuba Diving
·
Volcano Tours
·
Hanging Bridges
·
Bird Watching
·
Coffee Plantation Tours
·
Spice Tours
It is easy to get details on tours provided in an area from
your hotel, hostel, or bed and breakfast.
Many areas offer similar tours.
It is often nice to choose tours that support local or family run
businesses so ask around before making your decision.
Costa Rica boasts 6 active and approximately 60 dormant
volcanoes, generally also designated as National Parks. The separate list of National Parks and
Wildlife Refuges is only to delineate which ones do not have the presence of
the fire goddess. A few popular
destinations are listed below.
·
Arenal
Volcano – This was Costa Rica’s most active volcano and while still
technically active, it has entered a resting phase so don’t expect to see a
grand show of lava flow.
·
Poás
Volcano – One of Costa Rica’s most active volcanoes; popular day trips go here
from San Jose.
·
Rincón de
la Vieja Volcano – Located in Guanacaste, there is hiking and a sulfuric
hot spring.
·
Irazú
Volcano – The tallest volcano in Costa Rica; known for its emerald green
lake.
·
Tenorio
Volcano – Located in Guanacaste, the surrounding areas have hot springs.
·
Turrialba
Volcano – On clear days you can see the Atlantic coast as well as Poás and Irazú Volcanoes.
·
Manuel
Antonio National Park – Lovely beaches, hiking, and wildlife
·
Cabo
Blanco Absolute Natural Reserve – Good hiking to white-sand beaches
·
Corcovado
National Park – For the more adventurous hiker, excellent wildlife
·
Chirripo
National Park – The tallest mountain in Costa Rica
·
Tortuguero
National Park – Sea turtle conservation
For a more complete listing and details of National Parks
and Wildlife Refuges visit Costa Rica National Parks
The typical food of Costa Rica is quite simple and
bland. There was a time when I was
hard-pressed to find a good salsa. In
fact, once I tried to order salsa with chips at a local place and was brought
ketchup, and yes, I did actually eat the chips with ketchup. Don’t judge me.
Now you can find many more versions of salsa although one
local version to not miss out on is Salsa Lizano. It is great on fish, rice, or eggs. It isn’t spicy but quite flavourful.
In many places, especially larger cities or those with more
tourists, there is a great deal of the world’s influence on cuisine. It has become quite easy over the years to
find amazing restaurants offering anything from Italian and Thai to Sushi and
Peruvian food.
Sodas are small joints
found throughout Costa Rica where it is very inexpensive to get typical Costa
Rican food such as Casado (comida tipica) or Gallo Pinto.
Often I find myself in the position where I just want a
really good Arroz Con Pollo, and some of the small, family owned places make it
the best for reasonable prices.
Many towns have a local farmer’s market or La Feria. These have inexpensive local fruits and
vegetables and are great to visit whether you just want some healthy snacks or
wish to prepare full meals.
There are many things to drink in Costa Rica. First and foremost I should mention that the
water in Costa Rica is actually safe to drink, even preferable to some of the
water I find in the states.
As for beer, I am an Imperial girl all the way. Imperial is an inexpensive, light, Costa
Rican beer. I am also a cocktail girl which
you will know if you’ve been reading my blogs.
Guaro is the local liquor made from fermented sugar cane. Cacique is one common brand of guaro. While you are there give it a try. Also excellent to try is Café Rica, which is
great in coffee.
And speaking of coffee, YES, YES, and YES! This is one of the best places to get your
coffee on.
One of my favourite non-alcoholic drinks is Sandia (just
watermelon blended up) or una pipa (a coconut hacked off with a machete and a
straw stuck in it).
For specific restaurant/sunset cocktail recommendations,
please see my DESTINATIONS section
under Manuel Antonio/Quepos.
Expect airport fees when leaving the country ($29) and also
when you fly in and out of smaller airports via Sansa or Nature Air (usually
just a few dollars but good to know if you are on a budget.)
The Quepos airport offers an area to pay your exit tax but
it is more money and not worth it in my opinion. It’s never too long of a wait at the
International Airport in San Jose but be sure to take care of that first PRIOR
to checking in (it is to the right as you walk into the airport), otherwise
you’ll just get sent back to pay the fee.
Always have some cash on you since not every place takes
credit cards, especially if traveling to places off the beaten path where there
may not be ATM’s.
Always have a small umbrella and flashlight with you since
you never know when it will suddenly rain (it’s the rainforest) or the power
will go out. Even in months like January,
when the weather is typically beautiful, I have been surprised by rain. If you
don’t feel like carrying your umbrella during the dry season, keep a plastic
bag with you for your valuables.
Never leave your bag unattended on the beach. People steal them and monkeys and raccoons
may get in them looking for food.
NEVER feed the
animals –it is extremely bad for them.
Even the bacteria on your hands can make animals sick and die. If you see someone feeding the animals, tell
them not to and explain why. Most people
are just unaware of the damage they are doing.
Take nothing but photographs and leave nothing but
footprints.
It is a good idea to have a copy of your Passport with you,
especially at some stores that require an ID for credit card purchases. Otherwise leave it in a safe place! Your
actual Passport is required at banks, when exchanging money, and while renting
or driving a car.
If your hotel doesn’t have a safe and your room or suite has
a kitchen, ovens can be useful hiding places for laptops and passports. Stick a large pan over it and just don’t
forget about it and turn it on while it is in there!
Toilets in Costa Rica have seen some modernization compared
to when I was first there 16 years ago and many modern hotels have Americanized
toilets. However, often you will
encounter sensitive septic systems and toilets where you can’t flush even
toilet paper, especially in more local places.
There is a waste basket for this purpose. It sounds gross but believe me, you get used
to it and besides that, “When in Rome…..” Usually there will be signs up regarding this
so look for them and heed their warnings.
If you are in doubt, put the toilet paper in the wastebasket. I suspect Costa Rica has seen
millions of overflowing toilets due to the ignorance or lack of consideration
of American travelers. There is nothing
more annoying than an overflowed or non-flushing toilet because somebody put
toilet paper in there. And yes, I have
found myself saying, “Damn Americans!” with the same enthusiasm as the Tica
woman on my first visit to Costa Rica cleaning up a big mess in the youth hostel/budget
hotel I stayed in due to an overflowing toilet.
Suicide Showers are one of my more fond memories of Costa
Rica, albeit a touch terrifying. They
are showers that use electricity (electricity and water don’t mix!) and I have
seen – okay HEARD – more than one person get shocked using them, which is
hilarious as long as it isn’t you. They
are not as common as they used to be but still around, especially in the homes
of locals. If you happen to encounter
one, just try not to touch anything except very obvious switches to turn the
water on and off, or have an unwitting friend shower first.
I am sad to report that Costa Rica is not as safe as some
proclaim. There is quite a bit of crime
and theft there so take necessary precautions.
Make sure you stay in a place that is secure. Do not invite people you do not know well
with you, especially back to where you are staying. Even if they don’t steal from you, they could
be scoping the place out. Don’t wear flashy, expensive jewelry. Watch your bags, especially on buses and
beaches. Don’t leave expensive items in
cars. In fact, take as few expensive
items with you as possible. Basically,
keep your head out of your ass.
If you are traveling solo, staying in a hostel or bed and
breakfast can be a great way to meet other travelers.
If you are sunbathing on the beach and a man says, “muy
caliente”, he’s not referring to the weather.
A fake wedding band does not deter men of any nationality
the way it should. If you are a woman
traveling alone, don’t be surprised if you are asked if you are alone or
“Novio?” Novio is the word for boyfriend.
If someone makes you uncomfortable and you don’t want to tell them you
are traveling alone, don’t. While I
generally don’t encourage lying and am fairly terrible at it myself, if you
have any concerns for your safety, LIE and get rid of the creep.
If the orange juice or coffee you have been drinking has
been sitting unattended for some time, look before you take a sip. I have almost taken in a mouthful of sugar
ants on multiple occasions. Speaking of
sugar ants, they get into many things.
It’s a good idea to not leave food out.
Insects are a part of the eco-system. Don’t freak out if you see a few. Check your shoes before you put them on and
give your luggage a shake before you pack up to go. If one is in your personal space, try not to
kill it and instead move it to another location. Try to remember that you are in the jungle and
entering their territory. Don’t get the
wrong impression that I am an insect Saint – if something is crawling on me or
I feel in immediate danger, I have the “it’s me or you, buddy” instinct.
Don’t mess with bullet ants.
They are small but register the highest on the pain index. Fire ants are probably wise to avoid as well.
If you are hiking through the jungle, don’t reach up into
the branches to steady yourself as this is one way snakes may bite you. Don’t poke at or prod a snake should you happen
to see one. Don’t be an idiot.
Costa Rica does have earthquakes although they distinguish
them between temblor (small ones) and terramoto (big ones). There is a Tsunami warning system in place
there, which I didn’t know about until my last visit when I felt an earthquake
at the beach.
Many of the beaches have rip tides. Locals, especially
surfers, know where these are. Be aware of this and use caution if swimming in
the ocean.
Trust your intuition.
If something doesn’t feel right about someone or a place, you are
probably right. Go with your gut.
Costa Rica has a great health care system and should you get
hurt, they have excellent doctors and medical facilities. I’ve had stitches in San Jose, had them
removed in Puntarenas, and have gone to the Pharmacia on several occasions for
various ailments in various towns. If
you get the flu or sick there, Antiflu-Des is an excellent medication. Costa Rica also has better band aids than the
U.S. and if you get a blister on your heel, I recommend buying these bad boys
that will actually stick in the humidity.
Many people speak English at this point but it is helpful to
know a little Spanish, the more the better, especially in rural areas. Taking a little Spanish cheat sheet with you
is a good idea.
Locals and other travelers are a wealth of good information
(and okay, sometimes bad, but mostly good).
They can tell you great places to eat, stay, hike, and where locals
go.
Bring back as much coffee as you can fit in your
luggage. Other items worth getting are
Salsa Lizano, Cacique Guaro, Café Rica, Hansaplast band aids, and Antiflu-Des. They also have excellent soap called Axion
that I also always bring back.
Being one of those people that has the exact genetic
disposition to not only be eaten by mosquitos and other critters but to also
have allergic reactions to them on occasion, I have found what I call the Zapper
and mosquito key chains indispensable. The Zapper is really called Therapik and you
can buy them online for I think about $12.
This is good for after you get bitten to stop the itching. The mosquito key chain I found through Amazon
and they help prevent mosquito bites by emitting a high pitched noise. I use
these along with bug spray for prevention. Medigray ALERGEL cream can be
bought at local pharmacias that also help with the itching. I have even tried tricks such as rubbing an
onion on a bite to take away the itching.
It actually does help, although after a while I smell like a walking
Italian kitchen. I have also downloaded
an app on my phone that works like the mosquito keychain, emitting a noise to
deter mosquitos. If you swell up in a concerning manner, you
can pay $20 to have a cute doctor (in Quepos at least) give you a shot of cortisone
in your ass. I’m still not 100% sure it
was necessary for him to see my behind, but the swelling in my arm did go down.
Unless you are on a strict time budget, add as many days as
you can to your trip. If you are
thinking about 7 days, make it 10 or 14.
If you are thinking about 2 weeks, make it 3 or 4. I’ve never heard of anyone who wanted to go
home earlier and many (including myself) who wished for more time.
Most importantly, always
be up for a good “Aventura”! Costa Rica
is all about Pura Vida! ;-)
No comments:
Post a Comment