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Costa Rica

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Jun 20, 2013 12:52 AM
hectorthecuewre...

last reply
Jun 20, 2013 3:47 AM
BOOMER1

4 replies
56 views
location: Costa Rica

Money and ATM's in Costa Rica

Hi,

What's people's prefered way of taking money to Costa Rica?

In the past i've always used traveller's cheques, but they've gone out of fashion these days so will probably get a pre payed card and take cash. Can you get colones outside of CR?

I'm coming from the UK so will load a card up with dollars. I don't have a credit card so i think pre paid is the only option.

Anyone from the UK: If you used a pre paid card over there, then which did you use?

The pre paid card companies here say that they don't charge for ATM withdrawals but that ATM operators may levy a charge. Which is the most popular ATM in CR, i'd imagine it's Visa or Mastercard? I'd imagine tht if using one of these ATM's then there would be no charge to the pre paid card?

Just wondering because i've only used travellers cheques in the past.

Thanks. more »

Jun 19, 2013 8:30 PM
kcooper1102

last reply
Jun 19, 2013 8:30 PM
kcooper1102

0 replies
30 views
location: Costa Rica

San Jose to Nuevo Arenal

Hello
Was looking for information online but could not find much about transportation from San Jose to Nuevo Arenal. I was wondering if the bus went right to Nuevo Arenal or another area, like Tilaran, and I would have to take another bus to Nuevo Arenal? If anyone knows anything about the buses, like frequency and where in San Jose they leave from, that would be much appreciated. Thanks!

Jun 19, 2013 3:00 PM
pmiller9

last reply
Jun 19, 2013 8:14 PM
pmiller9

3 replies
105 views
location: Costa Rica

Quick 8 days in CR late June

Hi everyone,

I am flying into San Jose in 1 week with my girlfriend. We are planning on going to either Option A: Arenal/Celeste/Manuel Antonio either via rental car or bus. OR option B: we are considering Osa Peninsula for the entire time.

Couple questions:
1) First of all, any strong opinions for either Option A or B?
2) For Option A, would you recommend renting a car? What would be a good alternative to Manuel Antonio?
3) Is corcovado truly amazing as I've read? Honestly, I was recently in SA for the amazon and thought arenal/Celeste/MA would be a better option and diversity. However, if Corcovado is as amazing as I've read I'd highly consider going there for the whole week.
4) is there another quick 7-8 day itinerary we should consider instead? This is our first time to CR

Thanks for your help. Were 25 yr olds and have done many backpacking trips over the years,... more »

Jun 18, 2013 11:07 PM
kimbhussey

last reply
Jun 19, 2013 7:58 AM
wiremu

2 replies
73 views
location: Costa Rica

Beach time from Heredia area

Will be picking up daughter in Heredia after her 5 weeks of studying (and hopefully, learning) Spanish. Want to have some kick back beach time, love to get into water if possible, not just look because riptides, ect . Leaving Heredia Aug 1 and return in the 4th to catch flight on 5th. Have car, is this enough time to get to Cahuita or do I go to Pacific side? Flying out of SJO. Thanks, anyone...

Jun 18, 2013 6:34 PM
cjmackay

last reply
Jun 19, 2013 8:12 AM
wiremu

2 replies
87 views
location: Costa Rica

Any advice on a location to stay north of Santa Teresa?

My buddy and I are flying into San Jose on the 30th of November. We are going to take a shuttle to Santa Teresa and stay at Shaka Beach Resort for 7 days. After that we want to head north where we will eventually end up in San Juan Del Sur Nicaragua. I have researched some shuttles that can take us like Montezuma Expeditions that can take us from Santa Teresa to Liberia. There is only 2 of us but im sure we can find one more person incase he wants atleast three for the shuttle.

Here is the only catch. I am paralyzed from the waiste down and am in a wheelchair. Having said that im very fit and an experienced traveler and just got back from island jumping in Thailand. My wheelchair folds up nicely and can fit in tight places. We are also 23 and like to party. Any advice on a good place to stop for a few days before we go to San Juan Del Sur please reply. Unless you guys think we shou... more »

Jun 18, 2013 12:32 PM
para_la_vida_rica

last reply
Jun 19, 2013 7:56 AM
para_la_vida_rica

5 replies
162 views
location: Costa Rica

Authentic Costa Rica souvenirs in Guanacaste

Chorotega pottery is probably the most authentic "Costa Rican" souvenir one can buy in Guanacaste.

The forms, designs, decorations and methods are of pre-Colombian origin-this stuff is as Costa Rican as it gets! There is absolutely no better thing one could do if you are looking for souvenirs and gifts for the folks at home, if you have a half day to spare, than to drive to Guaitil and San Vincente and walk around the villages. Visit the shops, walk the street and occasionally one of the locals may even invite you to look at pottery they have at their house. This is the most "fair trade" way to buy, because you will be buying directly from the artisans. The larger stores(one-in a corner-in particular) will not offer the best prices though. The smaller shops attached to a house or just their porches are where you will get the best price. Almost everyone in this area works in the ... more »

Jun 18, 2013 12:27 PM
megweber

last reply
Jun 20, 2013 12:02 AM
duckiext

5 replies
145 views
location: Costa Rica

Birdwatching tour in Costa Rica

We are researching for a recommended and reputable company that offers birdwatching tours of 5 to 6 days. We are shy of just going by what companies say about themselves on the net. Anyone have any suggestions?

Meg

Jun 18, 2013 12:25 PM
deeve007

last reply
Jun 19, 2013 8:19 PM
deeve007

4 replies
105 views
location: Costa Rica

Where to buy map of Central America in San Jose?

Anyone have any tips/knowledge of where I might find a map of Central America while in San Jose?

Thanks.

Jun 18, 2013 7:08 AM
sliss

last reply
Jun 19, 2013 6:28 AM
ptricky

3 replies
118 views
location: Costa Rica

5 Day Last Minute Trip in June

Hi All,

My friend and I (both young women) are planning a last-minute, very quick trip to Costa Rica. I will be staying 4 nights/5 days, and my friend might extend her trip a few days after. We were planning on arriving in SJO early on Sunday, and heading straight to Arenal, stopping in La Fortuna on the way, and then staying in Arenal for 2 nights. From there, we'd either go to Manuel Antonio or to Jaco, or to Monteverde. We are very nature-oriented but also enjoy beaches.

A few questions--

1. Does it make sense to stop in La Fortuna on the way from SJO or will it be too late to do any hiking (we land at around 11 am)?
2. Between Monteverde, Jaco, and Manuel Antonio, where should we go for the second two nights?
3. Should we rent a car, given our short timeframe?
4. Are there any safety issues we have to be aware of, given that we are two young girls?

Thanks every... more »

Jun 16, 2013 8:14 AM
Dustoff

last reply
Jun 19, 2013 2:31 PM
Mott2

13 replies
376 views
location: Costa Rica

Motorcycles

We're looking at a motorcycle trip to Costa Rica next year. 4 guys for 1 week. We're all reasonably experienced bikers. I'd be interested in any comments or advice on motorcycles there.

We're looking at these people. Ride

Also our choices are January or April. I would prefer April but am concerned about rain.

Jun 15, 2013 1:36 PM
stevekoehler

last reply
Jun 16, 2013 9:10 AM
wiremu

1 replies
605 views
location: Costa Rica

Share van to Cahuita/Puerto Viejo 7-9

My wife & I will be arriving in Costa Rica in the early afternoon of July 9. We know of a private van that can take us to Puerto Viejo Limon. We would like to share this ride to P.V. or Cahuita with 2 or 3 other people. The cost is about $200. We could split that among the 4 or 5 of us. Please reply if interested.

Jun 15, 2013 11:59 AM
para_la_vida_rica

last reply
Jun 17, 2013 3:35 AM
BOOMER1

9 replies
235 views
location: Costa Rica

advice on trip to Santa Teresa

I am going from San Jose to Santa Teresa on the southern end of Nicoya in the second week of July.
Was considering taking the bus, but it seems Santa Teresa is spread out a bit, so I'm leaning toward driving there instead.
Two questions:
-Is it correct that I'd likely want to drive instead of taking the bus; I won't be surfing but will want to see the sights in the area.
-Are the roads to ST from the ferry from Puntarenas such that a 4x4 is needed, or would a regular sedan be okay? The sedan option would really be ideal for my budget as I have a Tico friend whose car I can rent for much less than what a 4x4 will cost, as I would have to rent one of those through an agency.

Any other pointers such as "must see" or "don't miss" places, great little sodas or great hangouts for chilling or your favorite cabinas, greatly appreciated.

Will be traveling with a Tico or two so langua... more »

Jun 15, 2013 9:38 AM
GinnyQ

last reply
Jun 18, 2013 4:32 AM
GinnyQ

6 replies
196 views
location: Costa Rica

2 weeks in November/December

We are planning 2 weeks in Costa Rica late this year. Our plans are taking shape, but as first timers we felt it a good idea to request some info from others. We are in our early 50s, pretty fit, looking to do some outdoorsy stuff and then have a rest by the beach. We are from the UK, well travelled, usually independently. Lots of questions, but first our tentative itinerary:

1. Arrive San Jose and overnight.
2. We have seen an organised trip we like - 2 nights in Tortuguero and 2 nights Selva Verde.(Includes some trekking, wildlife spotting and rafting).
3. Move to La Fortuna area for 3 nights for volcano activities, more trekking, hotsprings (maybe) etc
4. Head to the beach at Samara, or maybe Nosara. Or maybe even Cahuita - 4 nights.
5. Back to San Jose for the final night.

Questions:

1. We will probably arrive mid to late evening in San Jose and the trip starts at 6am... more »

Jun 15, 2013 8:44 AM
veycca55

last reply
Jun 15, 2013 10:25 AM
wiremu

4 replies
166 views
location: Costa Rica

place to relax not too far from San Jose, suggestions please

Hello, I am going on an organised tour of Costa Rica (Nov/Dec) but would like to spend 3-4 days at either the beginning or end just on my own to relax. It looks as though beaches may be too far away and I have looked at a website of a nice hotel on a coffee plantation not far out of San Jose but rather above my price range. Can afford something reasonable but don't want to be in a big complex of hotels. So ideally a quiet beach and simple hotel or something in the country with good views (no jungles!). many thanks

Jun 14, 2013 4:20 PM
racpil

last reply
Jun 18, 2013 6:16 PM
racpil

11 replies
329 views
location: Costa Rica

Revised Costa/Bocas

Ok, after some thought, we have reconsidered some of our itinerary. Please offer any suggestions or info that could be helpful.
Day 1: Arrive at SJO at 5:00am
Head to La Fortuna, hike waterfall, nice dinner, spend the night (hopefully catch Arenal eruption)
Day 2: Head to Monteverde, arrive by mid-late afternoon
Explore the town a bit, stay the night
Day 3: Canopy Tour, Sky Trek w/zip lines and suspension bridges
Spend the night
Day 4: Make way through Poas to see La Paz, maybe get a glimpse of Irazu, then on to Cahuita for the night
Day 5: Make way across border at Sixaola to Almirante, then to Bocas del Toro
Day 6: BDT snorkeling, relaxing with a maitai, see some night life
Day 7: BDT more relaxing and enjoying island life
Day 8: Leave Bocas, head to Puerto Viejo, stay the night
Day 9: Head to San Jose/Alajuela, stay someplace close enou... more »

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