Costa Rica

Brazilian police say they have arrested one of Colombia's biggest drug traffickers, wanted on federal drug charges in the United States.

Authorities said they detained Juan Carlos Ramírez Abadia in a raid on an apartment in the city of Sao Paulo.

The United States says Ramirez Abadia is extremely violent and closely allied with Colombia's Norte del Valle drug ring. He is suspected of ordering the killing of hundreds of people in Colombia and the United States. Brazilian officials say Ramirez…

Another major project has been announced for northwest Costa Rica, and this one, at Punto Cacique, has some big names at the helm.

The first is Steve Case, the chairman, who was here Friday presenting the project before President Óscar Arias Sánchez. Vice chairman of the parent firm is Philippe Bourguignon, former president of Club Med and president and chief executive officer of Euro Disney.

The president of the parent firm, Revolution Places, is Donn Davis, who with Case helped build America…

I am traveling to Costa Rica in Dec-January with my wife and kids ages 6 and 4. I am wondering if anyone has done language school in Samara. Also has anyone spent time at Kontiki in Playa Negra? We are looking for a low-key place to spend 3-4 weeks on the Pacific Coast for January. We are interested in a reasonable beach. We don't need discos, big resorts, or poolside bars- just a place that would be a good place to hang out and let the kids encounter the ocean, the outdoors, and another…

Hola all, wondering if anyone has extended their 30 CR visa? I´m an Aussie, and want to stay 2 months. Is the best way to exit and reenter? or is it easy to extend it through an Embassy?
Would be so so thankful for any advice offered.
Thanks heaps
Mads

Hi

I just booked a flight to Costa Rica for Aug 15th - Sept 4th. I am a mid twenties guy from the US and wil be traveling solo. I have done a bit of traveling before but have never been to Costa Rica. I arrive at 2 in the afternoon in San Jose and am not too keen about spending much time there. My first question is would it be possible for me to go directly from the airport to the bus station and catch a bus out to one of the Coasts. I have not really put much thought in to planning and would…

Hi everyone,

I'm finding alot of conflicting info about when (not) to visit CR. My problem is I'm tied to May - July '08 and want to visit CR for some beach, surfing, jungle and also spend 3 weeks in Nicaragua, 3/4 weeks in Honduras and maybe take in Quito - Caracas if time allows. However, is this a bad time to visit and could anyone suggest what direction I should travel in so I can get some respite from the rain.....I live in a country where it rained for 49 days through June & July and I…

Need some help,
We have a rental car in Costa Rica and intend to drive down the Carribean coast to Panama. Its our intent to leave the car for three days while we go on to Bocas del Toro. What secured/guarded parking lot, closest to the border at Sixaola, can we leave our rental in untill we return? If there isn't one does anyone have any ideas what we can do?

It's nearly impossible to find any actual information on crime in Costa Rica but the U.S. embassy keeps tabs on why they are replacing passports. For U.S. citizens in July 2007 their passports were stolen in the following places San Jose--29, Jaco--11, Tamarindo--6, Nosara--3, Alajuela--3, Malpais--3, Orotina--2, Heredia--2, Escazu--2, Manuel Antonio--2, Quepos--2, Atenas--2, Escazu--2, San Ramon--1, Nicoya--1, La Fortuna--1, Cartago--1, Other--20

For U.S. citizens in July 2007 their passports…

Since i have a 3 day min stay during the x-mas season ...
I've been told that during this time the Arenal area is a good place to visit.
Should I stay in Arenal, La Fortuna, or Monte Verde?
I have a car so I can drive.
Also, how long really, is the drive from that area down to Dominical?

Thanks!!

hi there,

I'm going to CR on the 15th for 3 weeks. I'm planning on backpacking, budget styles, throughout central and Pacific coast mostly, taking buses where possible, hitchhiking where necessary, doing a lot of surfing, hiking, whitewater rafting, beaching, etc. so I'm starting to get stuff together: rain gear, good hiking shoes, bug repellent, the basics. but to cover all bases, I just thought I would put it out to you fine folk to let me know what item(s) the average traveler would…