Costa Rica

[cobra2326]

My wife and I are planning a trip to Costa Rica from April 26 - May 11.  We were hoping that some of the locals (Jeff, etc.) could recommend things to see, places to stay and so on.

One thing I'm really excited about is Corcovado.  Has anyone here been there before?  We have a few books (lonely planet and "Explore Costa Rica") that say it's a pretty serious experience.  I just want to make sure I'm prepared

[Carlo Morici]

Me too, I am going with some Canarian palm-friends, from April 28th to May 12th.

No post tours taken. Any help and info is appreciated.

Carlo

[OldNed]

Cobra...Check out this thread Jeff in CR started

about a bridge on the Pacific side.

OldNed

http://palmtalk.org/cgi-bin....codiles

[JakeK]

(cobra2326 @ Mar. 08 2008,08:58)

QUOTE

My wife and I are planning a trip to Costa Rica from April 26 - May 11.  We were hoping that some of the locals (Jeff, etc.) could recommend things to see, places to stay and so on.

One thing I'm really excited about is Corcovado.  Has anyone here been there before?  We have a few books (lonely planet and "Explore Costa Rica") that say it's a pretty serious experience.  I just want to make sure I'm prepared

Jon,

I've been to C.R. several times. Last August I visited the Osa Peninsula, staying at Bosque del Cabo. I couldn't believe how much wildlife I saw while there for just 3 days. All 4 monkey species, peccaries, scarlet macaws, toucans, trogons, sloths, currasows, a boa constrictor, coatis, eyelash viper, poison arrow frogs etc.  We even saw the elusive ocelot and two pumas. There are jaguars down there but they're even more elusive than the puma. Btw, Cabo Matapalo is on the way to Carate (the main gateway to Corcovado) after leaving Puerto Jimenez.

I've also been to Manuel Antonio National Park. It's a tiny park and the only thing it really has going for it are beautiful beaches.

I visited Irazu on my first trip and it the summit/crater is very moon-like. The crater is 1000' deep and 300' wide with a sulfur green lake at the bottom.

I stayed at hostels in San Jose, and hostels aren't everyone's cuppa tea.

[Jeff in Costa Rica]

Hi Jon,

I would be happy to offer suggestions to you and Carlo.  First though, how much of the country did you want to see?  Have you planned an itinerary?  Are you renting a car and driving, or are you flying to different areas on Sansa or Nature Air?  I'm glad to hear you are coming to Costa Rica.  I'm sure you and your wife will have a great time, lots to see and do here!

[Jeff in Costa Rica]

Hi Carlo, It looks like you will have some time before the Biennial.  Since Monteverde is not on the IPS itineray, I would definitely recommend the CloudForest Reserve.  It is only a few hours drive from San Jose.  This area was settled by Quakers from the US back in the early 1950's.  Now the town is a mix of artists, scientists, dairy farmers, and Tico/Quaker families.  If you have time, The Osa Peninsula is supposed to be spectacular!  Jake could tell you more about that though since I haven't been there yet.  If you are not up for a long journey to the Osa, then Manuel Antonio is a good place to come for first time visitors.  The park is small, but this area is chock-full of wildlife.  We have 3 species of monkeys here (which I see almost everyday) and many of other species of animals and birds.  Manuel Antonio/Quepos is about a 3 hour drive from San Jose.  If you fly, it only takes 20 minutes!  If you want something a little more laid back, I would suggest the Caribbean coast (specifically Puerto Viejo).  You may want to check out my post on Puerto Viejo for a glimpse at what that side of the country is like.  If you let me know where you decide to go, I would be happy to give you recommendations on places to stay.

[cobra2326]

Jeff,

We haven't planned our exact itinerary yet as there is just so much to choose from.  We didn't plan on renting a car since everything we've read has suggested that the roads are poor and the drivers are crazy, plus it's expensive.  Everything we've read has also suggested that the bus system was good, so we planned on using that.

What we'd like to do is pick 3 or 4 sections of the country and spend 4 or 5 days in each.  Is it possible to pack light and stay in different places, or is it best to use one area as your base?  

I've heard that the cloud forest was really cool and I have hopes of seeing some Dictyocaryum lamarckianum.  Is that possible (considering they're not endemic to costa rica)?

[Carlo Morici]

Thank you Jeff,

I land with two friends on 28th April. We plan to rent a car and cruise the W coast from Quepos to Puntarenas and possibly further North... Monteverde? Osa?

Then back to S José by May 2nd as more friends arrive on May 1st and. We have no plans on May 2/3 (May 3rd is the start of the Biennial ). We also have no plans for May 9-11, we will probably rent a car again and sleep each day in a different place... until we take the plane at 17:10h.

Please keep the suggestions coming.

Carlo

[JakeK]

Jon,

The public buses aka chicken buses can get you anywhere in the country you want to go. They can be very crowded on the most popular routes, but they are cheap. Honestly, unless you're a diehard budget traveler, I'd recommend using Tica Bus if heading out of Costa Rica to neighboring countries and using Gray Line to travel to the more popular tourist destinations.

Additionally, you can use Nature Air and Sansa to fly to some of the destinations further away from San Jose. For instance, a public bus from San Jose to Puerto Jimenez will only cost around $8 one way but can take anywhere from 12 to 36 hours depending on weather and road conditions. A flight to Puerto Jimenez can cost over $100 but will get you there in 30 minutes.

I'd recommend visiting Monteverde, Arenal, Santa Teresa & Malpais on the Nicoya Peninsula, visit Poas or Irazu and a coffee plantation near San Jose, then catch a bus over to Puerto Viejo and visit the area south of there down to Gandoca and Manzanillo.

The Osa is world away from the rest of Costa Rica and has very much a frontier atmosphere to it. If you had 4 weeks, you could see all of C.R. 3 weeks, I'd do one week on the Osa, one week on the Caribbean and spend one week visiting Monteverde and Arenal. Or you could interchange Santa Teresa/Malpais with any of the three locations.

If you plan on hiking to Sirena Station inside Corcovado N.P. give yourself 1 day Puerto Jimenez, 1 day hiking from Carate to Sirena, two full days at Sirena, then another day hiking out to Carate or La Palma. If you just want to visit one of the entrance stations to Corcovado, I'd recommend you staying at a lodge either in Drake Bay or at Cabo Matapalo because you won't really be able to fully experience the Osa in just 4 hours.

[JakeK]

(Carlo Morici @ Mar. 08 2008,19:02)

QUOTE

Thank you Jeff,

I land with two friends on 28th April. We plan to rent a car and cruise the W coast from Quepos to Puntarenas and possibly further North... Monteverde? Osa?

Then back to S José by May 2nd as more friends arrive on May 1st and. We have no plans on May 2/3 (May 3rd is the start of the Biennial ). We also have no plans for May 9-11, we will probably rent a car again and sleep each day in a different place... until we take the plane at 17:10h.

Please keep the suggestions coming.

Carlo

Carlo,

The drive from San Jose to Quepos is about 4-6 hours depending on the road conditions. I believe the road from Parrita south is still unpaved. Traveling by vehicle can be slow in C.R.

I would definitely recommend the cloud forests of Monteverde or Los Angeles near San Ramon.

The Nicoya peninsula is a great place to drive from location to location each day because the distances are shorter. You could take the ferry from Puntarenas to Paquera and then drive to Montezuma, Cabo Blanco, Santa Teresa and Malpais.

[Jeff in Costa Rica]

(cobra2326 @ Mar. 08 2008,17:01)

QUOTE

Jeff,

We haven't planned our exact itinerary yet as there is just so much to choose from.  We didn't plan on renting a car since everything we've read has suggested that the roads are poor and the drivers are crazy, plus it's expensive.  Everything we've read has also suggested that the bus system was good, so we planned on using that.

What we'd like to do is pick 3 or 4 sections of the country and spend 4 or 5 days in each.  Is it possible to pack light and stay in different places, or is it best to use one area as your base?  

I've heard that the cloud forest was really cool and I have hopes of seeing some Dictyocaryum lamarckianum.  Is that possible (considering they're not endemic to costa rica)?

Jon, The main roads around Costa Rica are not as bad as you've heard (some of the bridges are another story!).  I have driven all over this country and except for a few places, the roads are not that bad.  You do have to be careful though because there are some crazy drivers here.  I would recommend a 4 wheel drive vehicle, no problems getting anywhere with one of them.  If you do decide to rent a car, I would recommend getting one with gps.  They have versions specifically for Costa Rica.  You just type in the name of the town, the attraction you want to see, or the name of the hotel you are going to and it guides you every step of the way.  I rented a car with a GPS and drove from San Jose to Arenal, then to Monteverde, then back to Quepos and never got lost.  I would recommend anyone renting a car in Costa Rica to get the gps, it's worth the extra money!

I've also taken the public buses although that is not my favorite way to travel.  Many times they are full and you are left standing until a seat opens up.  They are hot inside and can take a long time to get places.  But, if you want to travel like a local, they can be an experience.  Jake made some great suggestions on alternative buses.  Also I would recommend Interbus which are small vans that go back and forth between San Jose and many other towns in Costa Rica.

Yes it is possible to pack light and travel around.  Every town has laundromats (not the traditional coin operated ones), these are run by ladies who do your laundry and then fold and bundle it neatly for you.  They charge by the kilo (so make sure your clothes are dry!)

I doubt if you would see D lamarckianum in Monteverde.  There were not many palm species growing up there, but there were a few.  The other plant life is what is so amazing there.

[Jeff in Costa Rica]

(Carlo Morici @ Mar. 08 2008,18:02)

QUOTE

Thank you Jeff,

I land with two friends on 28th April. We plan to rent a car and cruise the W coast from Quepos to Puntarenas and possibly further North... Monteverde? Osa?

Then back to S José by May 2nd as more friends arrive on May 1st and. We have no plans on May 2/3 (May 3rd is the start of the Biennial ). We also have no plans for May 9-11, we will probably rent a car again and sleep each day in a different place... until we take the plane at 17:10h.

Please keep the suggestions coming.

Carlo

Carlo, you are going to be in Quepos?  Please let me know what date.  I would love to meet up with you and show you around the area.  I may even have an apartment available at the house (depending on the date) and you would be welcome to stay here overnight or for a couple days.  There will be other IPS members coming here before and after the Biennial so the more the merrier!  The Osa Peninsula is south of Quepos so if you plan on cruising north from here, you will miss the Osa.  North of here is the Nicoya Peninsula which is also a great place to visit.  That's where you will find Montezuma and Malpais.

[Jeff in Costa Rica]

(JakeK @ Mar. 08 2008,21:10)

QUOTE

Carlo,

The drive from San Jose to Quepos is about 4-6 hours depending on the road conditions. I believe the road from Parrita south is still unpaved. Traveling by vehicle can be slow in C.R.

I would definitely recommend the cloud forests of Monteverde or Los Angeles near San Ramon.

The Nicoya peninsula is a great place to drive from location to location each day because the distances are shorter. You could take the ferry from Puntarenas to Paquera and then drive to Montezuma, Cabo Blanco, Santa Teresa and Malpais.

Jake, great suggestions!  But the drive from San Jose to Quepos is only 3 hours.  I have made that drive dozens of times in the last year and it rarely takes more than 3 hours.  The road from Parrita south to Quepos is paved and is a good road.  The only section of the InterAmerican Highway that is not complete is a small section from Quepos south to Dominical.  Once you get to Dominical, there is a beautiful road that hugs the coastline and then goes all the way down to the Panamanian border.  I can drive from Quepos to the Panamanian border in about 4 hours, and that's with stopping for lunch.

[Carlo Morici]

Thank you again Jeff and Jake,

I am reading your comments and I have lots of questions, but I will work on my Costa Rican trip in mid April. Now I am about to leave to Cuba for three weeks, so I will be out of the forum during some time.

Pura vida, maecillos.

Carlo

[Jeff in Costa Rica]

(Jeff in Costa Rica @ Mar. 09 2008,01:29)

QUOTE

(JakeK @ Mar. 08 2008,21:10)

QUOTE

Carlo,

The drive from San Jose to Quepos is about 4-6 hours depending on the road conditions. I believe the road from Parrita south is still unpaved. Traveling by vehicle can be slow in C.R.

I would definitely recommend the cloud forests of Monteverde or Los Angeles near San Ramon.

The Nicoya peninsula is a great place to drive from location to location each day because the distances are shorter. You could take the ferry from Puntarenas to Paquera and then drive to Montezuma, Cabo Blanco, Santa Teresa and Malpais.

Jake, great suggestions!  But the drive from San Jose to Quepos is only 3 hours.  I have made that drive dozens of times in the last year and it rarely takes more than 3 hours.  The road from Parrita south to Quepos is paved and is a good road.  The only section of the InterAmerican Highway that is not complete is a small section from Quepos south to Dominical.  Once you get to Dominical, there is a beautiful road that hugs the coastline and then goes all the way down to the Panamanian border.  I can drive from Quepos to the Panamanian border in about 4 hours, and that's with stopping for lunch.

I just wanted to clarify something...  When I said the only section of the Inter-American highway that is not complete is a small section from Quepos to Dominical, I didn't mean to impy that it was closed.  It is open, it's just not paved.  It is a gravel road from the Quepos Airport south to Dominical.  

And regarding the drive from San Jose to Quepos, on rare occasions, it can take as long as Jake suggested.  I was just remembering my family's visit.  They arrived on a rainy day last April and they ran into numerous back-ups because of accidents in the mountains.  It took them 5 hours to get here, but again, that's very rare.  It's almost always exactly 3 hours from my house to the airport in San Jose.

[Jeff in Costa Rica]

(Carlo Morici @ Mar. 09 2008,12:20)

QUOTE

Thank you again Jeff and Jake,

I am reading your comments and I have lots of questions, but I will work on my Costa Rican trip in mid April. Now I am about to leave to Cuba for three weeks, so I will be out of the forum during some time.

Pura vida, maecillos.

Carlo

Carlo, Con mucho gusto.  Por favor, envíeme un mensaje privado cuando usted vuelve de su viaje.  

¡Pura vida!

Jeff

[Jeff in Costa Rica]

(Carlo Morici @ Mar. 09 2008,12:20)

QUOTE

Thank you again Jeff and Jake,

I am reading your comments and I have lots of questions, but I will work on my Costa Rican trip in mid April. Now I am about to leave to Cuba for three weeks, so I will be out of the forum during some time.

Pura vida, maecillos.

Carlo

Carlo, Con mucho gusto.  Por favor, envíeme un mensaje privado cuando usted vuelve de su viaje.  

¡Pura vida!

Jeff

[Jeff in Costa Rica]

(Carlo Morici @ Mar. 09 2008,12:20)

QUOTE

Thank you again Jeff and Jake,

I am reading your comments and I have lots of questions, but I will work on my Costa Rican trip in mid April. Now I am about to leave to Cuba for three weeks, so I will be out of the forum during some time.

Pura vida, maecillos.

Carlo

Carlo, Con mucho gusto.  Por favor, envíeme un mensaje privado cuando usted vuelve de su viaje.  

¡Pura vida!

Jeff

[Jeff in Costa Rica]

Sorry for the multiple posts.  Internet kept stalling on me and it didn't appear to be posting my message.

[Jeff in Costa Rica]

I thought I would put together a list of some of the hotels I have stayed at or know about.  

San Jose (Center)

Sleep Inn - new hotel, very clean, has internet access, includes full breakfast buffet, secure parking.

Holiday Inn - Newly remodeled, very nice rooms! valet parking.

Del Rey - Interesting hotel but I wouldn't recommend this place unless you are a single heterosexual male looking for companionship

El Gran Hotel de Costa Rica - older colonial style hotel.  Good prices but the rooms are showing their age.  Still a good value for the location (next to the Teatro Nacional).  This hotel has a great outdoor cafe where you can eat or have a cup of coffee and people watch.

San Jose (Airport)

Hampton Inn - I haven't stayed here but I have been to this hotel for business meetings and it's a very nice place, just like the ones in the states.  

Montezuma

Hotel Los Mangos - Basic but nice, thatched roof, octagonal raised wooden cottages.  The property is filled with lots of huge old mango trees.  There is also a beautifully landscaped pool area with waterfall and jacuzzi.  No restaurant.  We saw lots of Howler monkeys at this resort.

Ylang-Ylang Beach Resort - I didn't stay here but I walked around the place and had drinks and appetizers at the bar.  One of the pricier places in Montezuma, but if you can afford it, it's one of the most romantic places I have ever seen.  

Puerto Viejo (Caribbean side)

Banana Azul Guesthouse - great little place right on the beach.  This place is spotless and the rooms are very comfortable with decks complete with hammocks and tables and chairs.  A full breakfast is included in the price, and for $10 per person they will also cook you dinner.  The owners are super friendly and treat everyone like family.  They also take guests on tours.  Finca la Isa Botanical Garden is close by.  

Arenal Volcano

Lomas del Volcán - This hotel sits at the foot of the Arenal Volcano.  The resort consists of individual wooden cottages with great back porches that face the volcano.  They have a restaurant on premises and breakfast is included in the price.  They also have a pool and jacuzzi.

Quepos

Le Priss Inn - decent hotel in Quepos with rooftop pool and deck area.  Rooms are clean and comfortable and are air conditioned.  Cable TV.

Manuel Antonio

I haven't stayed at all these places, but have visited them many times.

Hotel Costa Verde - this resort is just at the top of the hill from where I live.  Very large spread out place with multiple restaurants and some great views of Manuel Antonio Park.  Their slogan is "Still more monkeys than people..."

Hotel Si Como No - very popular hotel here.  Another place that is spread out over a hillside overlooking the water.  2 nice restaurants onsite, great pools, etc.

La Mariposa - This hotel is supposedly in that book "1,000 Things To Do Before You Die".  It is known for it's awesome views up and down the coastline.

Hotel Del Mar - small comfortable hotel with no pool or internet access.  Free continental breakfast.

Cabinas Ramirez - VERY basic, old cabina-style motel.  Some rooms are air conditioned and have cable tv - they are $20 per night, rooms without air and tv are $8 -$10 per night.  No pool, no frills, but it is just steps from the beach.  They also allow camping here.  

If I think of any others, I will post them.

[Carlo Morici]

While I was reading I thought... Where are Luis and Diego, the two young Costa Rican brothers who used to post in Palmtalk? Will they meet us there?

Carlo

[Jeff in Costa Rica]

Carlo, I was hoping to see them while I am in San Jose.  I have a few palm seedlings that I promised to Luis and I plan on bringing them with me when I come for the Biennial.  I haven't seen them post on here much lately.  I guess they are busy with school.

[Joe in Melbourne]

Jeff,

I was doing a search yesterday for palm gardens in Costa,and found your very informative discussion. I was a member of IPS back in the day[early eighties.]Worked at FIT Botanical Gardens,even knew Dent Smith the illustrious founder.I have been pursuing other interests lately,like homebrewing, while my palms mature.

But I had to register and chat because I'll be in the Manuel Antonio area on March 27th to spend the night on my way for a week surfing in Pavones. I was hoping to take in a few palm gardens in the two weeks I'll be there. The second week I'll be open for suggestions and have been soaking up your great info.

I didn't know about the Biennial until yesterday.

All ears.................................Joe

[JakeK]

I have stayed at Hotel Dona Ines twice. It's affordable and has nice clean rooms. It's in an old colonial house near the center of San Jose and all the rooms are set around the courtyard in the center.

The cabinas I stayed at were at the far southern end of Playa Espadilla. I forget the name, but when you get towards the end of the main road along Playa Espadilla, a gravel road approaches from the left, heading up into the hills. The place was near Cabinas Vela-Bar, but a bit further up the gravel road. It was cheap, like $15/night, had suicide showers that shot water out towards the sink instead of down.

Oh, and Jeff is right about the travel time from the airport to Quepos. The last time I drove from San Ramon to Quepos the road south of Jaco was just gravel and the bridges only have one lane so traffic must wait until the opposite traffic clears. It tooks us a while to make the trip in our mini bus.

[Jeff in Costa Rica]

Hey Joe, that's just in a couple weeks!  How are you arriving to Manuel Antonio?  By car or by air?  Where are you staying?  Send me a private message when you get a chance.  I would be happy to show you around Manuel Antonio and give you some ideas of other places to go.

If you are going to be in Pavones, you should try and check out Wilson Botanical Garden in San Vito.  It's in the same general area of the country.  I haven't been there yet, but I hear they have the largest palm collection in Costa Rica.  I am not sure what shape the garden is in though, I have heard conflicting reports.  But still, I've heard it's a must see in Costa Rica.

Unfortunately I have not met any other palm enthusiasts in Manuel Antonio or Quepos so I don't know of any private gardens around here.  I do have one friend who has a spice farm and he has some cool palms on his property.  Most of the palms can be seen by driving around and looking at what all the hotels and resorts have planted along the road.  Manuel Antonio National Park has many huge Attaleas, Bactris and lots of other palms that I still can't identify!  There are also some beautiful beaches in the Park.

Jake, thanks for the tip on the Hotel Dona Ines.  I'm always looking for places to stay in San Jose.  I spoke to a local friend of mine and he said they paved the road from Jaco to Quepos around 5 years ago (he thinks).  He said even 3 years ago it was really bad with a lot of huge holes and unpaved areas.  It's actually a really good road now except for a spot that is starting to wash away and it narrows down to one lane just for a couple hundred feet.

[JakeK]

Jeff,

Last time I was at Dona Ines was 5 years ago this March. It was a nice boutique hotel in 03'. Hopefully it's still a nice place. March 03' was also the last time I was in Manuel Antonio and the road was definitely not paved south of Jaco. The ride into and out of Parrita was brutal.

Joe,

Do visit Wilson Botanical Gardens near San Vito when you are surfing Pavones. I haven't been there yet, but I've heard great things about it. For your second week you could visit the Osa. Lots to see and do. Everything from panning for gold to bird watching, to visiting the Guaymi Indians near Rincon. Plus excellent hiking and animal watching.

[Joe in Melbourne]

Thanks Jake,

Wilson was on my todo list and the Osa is near the top of my list too,might take a boat to Matapalo if I can find a reasonable rate. Jake years ago there was a guy in Cincinnati growing a Canary in the ground with heat rods, blankets ect,ever heard of him?

Jeff,I sent you an email,thanks.

[Jeff in Costa Rica]

I thought of something else I wanted to mention - food.  

To anyone who is traveling around Costa Rica, definitely stop by a local "soda" for a meal.  Sodas are like small family run diners and you can get some of the best and freshest food at very reasonable prices.  At all sodas you can order a "casado",  A casado always includes your choice of meat (chicken, beef, pork chop, fish) and it comes with rice, beans, salad, usually some kind of vegetable picadillo, and maybe some patacones (called tostones in some other countries).  Each soda serves it a little differently.  Most casados range in price from 2,000 to 3,000 colones ($4 to $6 each).  You get a whole lot of food for a very good price!  The fish casados can sometimes be a little more expensive but if you like fish, you will be enjoying some of the best and freshest fish you have ever had.

For anyone coming to Quepos/Manuel Antonio and would like to try some local casados, I would recommend La Cubanita, Soda Blanquita, or Soda Sanchez in Quepos and D'Angelo's or Ronnie's Place in Manuel Antonio.

[Kim]

Reading every word, Jeff, keep adding info.   Looking forward to seeing CR soon.

[Jeff in Costa Rica]

My pleasure Kim  

I will keep adding info as I think of it.

The following are things that I get asked questions about all the time

Clothes(what to pack) - The coastal areas are hot and humid and usually all you will need is a bathing suit, shorts, t-shirts, sandles or flip flops and a good pair of hiking shoes.  What most people don't realize is that San Jose is at a much higher elevation than the coasts and it gets much cooler there, especially in the evenings.  If you are planning on spending anytime in San Jose, I would recommend bringing jeans or slacks and a light jacket or sweatshirt for the evenings.  Almost everyone in San Jose wears long pants (even during the day).  You mostly only see young people or tourists in shorts.  If you are coming during the rainy season, I would also recommend an umbrella and a rain jacket.    

Money - In most cases you don't need to worry about bringing traveler's checks.  There are plenty of banks and ATM's in San Jose and most other larger towns.  Some people do have problems trying to withdraw money, but they are mostly cards from small banks or Savings and Loans Institutions that do not allow international use.  You may want to check with your bank before you leave and find out if you will be able to use your card.  Most ATM's here give you a choice of whether you want to withdraw US currency or Colones (Costa Rican money).    

Almost all businesses accept US currency, but you will most likely receive colones in change.  It can get confusing having a combination of US and Costa Rican currency so in my opinion, it is best to just withdraw Colones(¢) from the ATM.  The current exchange rate is just under ¢500/$1 (it fluctuates, but has been around ¢495 lately).  Most people just round it up to ¢500/$1.  Paper bills comes in demoninations of 1,000, 2,000, 5,000 and 10,000.  ¢1,000=$2, ¢2,000=$4, ¢5,000=$10 and ¢10,000=$20 (give or take a few cents).  Anything lower than ¢1,000 ($2) is in coins.  Trust me, spend your coins when you can, otherwise you will end up with a heavy pocket full!

Cell phones - most people come here and find that their cell phones do not work.  Unless you have a satellite phone or some type of international plan, your cell phone will not work here.  When people come to visit me the first thing I do is tell them to give me their cell phone (if it doesn't work) and I lock it up in my safe for the week.  You would not believe how many people go into withdrawl when they can't use their cell phone or even funnier is watching them panick when they feel for their phone in their pocket and it isn't there, calm down people!  It's really quite funny!  Check with your cell phone provider before you come down to see if your phone will work here.  If you must have a cellphone, you can rent them.  I know most car rental agencies rent them along with cars.  These phones would mainly be used for urgent calls since they charge by the minute and usage fees can be high on the rental phones.

If you smoke, don't bring cigarettes with you, they are cheap here (around $1.20-$1.80 per pack.  They have Marlboro and some American brands here.  You can also walk into most small stores and buy single cigarettes.

The best and cheapest place to buy alcohol is at the Airport duty free shop which is downstairs in the Customs area.  While you are waiting for your luggage, you may want to stop in and check out prices.  On some of the premium liquors, I have seen bottles as much as $20 cheaper than the same bottle here in Manuel Antonio at the grocery store.  The two main beers here are Imperial and Pilsen.  I prefer Imperial, it's a pretty good beer, Pilsen tastes much more bitter to me.

[FossilNypa]

While I was reading I thought... Where are Luis and Diego, the two young Costa Rican brothers who used to post in Palmtalk? Will they meet us there?

Carlo

Hi Carlo,

We (Adolfo and me) would not be able to join the Biennal since we are in school during that time... Although, I think it would have been a very interesting experience.

Regards,

Luis Diego.

[Paco]

Hi Carlo!! ¿Como se está en las islas?

I went to CR 4 years ago(I was 18 by then) and I ve to say that i'll never forget that trip.

The 1st week we went by local bus (slow but I love them) to Puerto Viejo, Cahuita, manzanillo... great seascape and rainforest, it was the "undeveloped" area of the country but I've to say that it really worths a visit if you want to experience the Caribbean atmosphere (and Jamaican food).

We spent 1 day in SJ, and then we went to Quepos and Manuel Antonio, it was more developed, but still very beautiful, after a couple of days we went down to Dominical.

From Dominical we took a bus to Sierpe and from Sierpe a boat down the river all the way to bahía Drake (awesome landscapes) the rainforest growing in the cliffs falls into the Pacific Ocean...there are no words to describe it. From Drake to Golfito you will find the biggest area of Virgin rainforest in the whole country, Corcovado is just...unbelievable, the waterfalls, the huge trees, the Socrateas, the wild life... there are a few very nice lodges around that area, usually inside the rainforest and some of them looking at the pacific ocean. I haven't visited the whole country unfortunately but I´m sure that the Corcovado area is one of the most beautiful and pristine places in CR.

Disfrutar del paraiso.

¡¡Pura Vida!!

[Mats]

Jon, I'm sure you have your itinerary all set at this late date, but I add a couple comments anyway. I spent 3 months in Costa Rica 15 years ago. That's so long ago that most of what I'm going to say is probably outdated.

One thing I'm really excited about is Corcovado. Has anyone here been there before?

Yes, I did the beach hike north from Carate to Drake - staying at the Sirena and San Pedrillo ranger stations. I spent a week in the park and throughly enjoyed myself. Corcovado is highly recommended, no matter how you get there.

While at Arenal I met a young local who was starting a tourism business. I joined him and a couple Germans on a long day hike from Arenal volcano up to Monteverde. Pretty exicting, a couple of the river crossings were waist+ deep. I went to Monteverde 3 different times but arriving on foot was by far the best way to get there.

Don't miss Monteverde. I met Michael Fogden at his gallery near the entrance to the Reserve one evening while he was filling his hummingbird feeders. He recommended I do the back country hike, at that time called the Monteverde Triangle. I got my permits and did the loop, spending a night in each of the 3 huts. I didn't see another person, just a lot of birds, animals, butterflies, etc. Beware of Coati Mundis, they are smart little buggers who'll steal your food.

¡Buen viaje!

.

[cobra2326]

Jon, I'm sure you have your itinerary all set at this late date, but I add a couple comments anyway. I spent 3 months in Costa Rica 15 years ago. That's so long ago that most of what I'm going to say is probably outdated.

One thing I'm really excited about is Corcovado. Has anyone here been there before?

Yes, I did the beach hike north from Carate to Drake - staying at the Sirena and San Pedrillo ranger stations. I spent a week in the park and throughly enjoyed myself. Corcovado is highly recommended, no matter how you get there.

While at Arenal I met a young local who was starting a tourism business. I joined him and a couple Germans on a long day hike from Arenal volcano up to Monteverde. Pretty exicting, a couple of the river crossings were waist+ deep. I went to Monteverde 3 different times but arriving on foot was by far the best way to get there.

Don't miss Monteverde. I met Michael Fogden at his gallery near the entrance to the Reserve one evening while he was filling his hummingbird feeders. He recommended I do the back country hike, at that time called the Monteverde Triangle. I got my permits and did the loop, spending a night in each of the 3 huts. I didn't see another person, just a lot of birds, animals, butterflies, etc. Beware of Coati Mundis, they are smart little buggers who'll steal your food.

¡Buen viaje!

.

Thanks for the info. We're still a bit up in the air about what exactly we're going to be doing. I have a general plan, but I want to leave open ends so that we can play it by ear. Manuel Antonio, Monteverde (maybe Santa Elena instead), Arenal, Cahuita and possibly Tortuguero are all on our list. I want to talk to some of the locals when I'm there also to get opinions, although I'm told to be leary since a lot of stuff is commission-based.