4 college girls travelling to costa rica...?

Question

we're pretty clueless,

1. what are some places we must see

2. do you suggest villas/hotels

3. places NOT to go to

4. how much are we looking at for 10-14 days in green season?

please answer only if you have prior knowledge/experience

Answer 1

COUNTRY DESCRIPTION:  Costa Rica is a middle-income, developing country with a strong democratic tradition. Tourist facilities are extensive and generally adequate. The capital is San Jose. English is a second language for many Costa Ricans

it is still by far the safiest country in altin America

http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw...

the most visited places are Manuel Antonio

http://www.lafortunainfo.com/manuelanton...

monteverde

http://www.lafortunainfo.com/monteverde/...

and the Arenal Volcano Area

http://www.lafortunainfo.com/arenalvolca...

Answer 2

Because Costa Rica is such a popular touristic location, there will be several CURRENT books at almost any bookstore.

The ONLY reason I resort to suggesting a book(s) to you gals, is because you don't say what type of places interest you, you don't say how much money you have for this trip, you don't say how you plan to get around, and not that it matters a whole lot, but also if any of you speak Spanish.

Costa Ricans are very friendly and will try to help you if they can.  So much so, that sometimes they exaggerate a point just to "show" how "helpful" they can be.  Take some of their advice with a grain of salt.

My wife and I love the Central Pacific side of Costa Rica and that's why we chose to purchase land there.  Near us are two places to stay at night I'm not afraid of recommending:  "Cuna del Angel" and "Villas Rio Mar" and for an activity go to Cataratas Nauyaca (near Platanillo).

Answer 3

you are foolish,because it's not a safe place to travel.

Answer 4

Don't go into San Jose itself.  I was just there for 10 days for work and that city is the filthiest place I have ever seen (and I live near Philly which used to be a really dirty town).  And even though there were plenty of well dressed people walking about, all the homes have gates in front and bars on the windows, and some had razor wire on top of the fences.  That sends a message that it's not a safe town.  Even Philly homes aren't locked up like that!  There's nothing to see in San Jose anyway except maybe a few museums and historical buildings.

We had no problems at all with taxis - everybody drives crazy there.  Defintiely do the rain forest canopy tour - either zipline or aerial tram. Also, some 20 somethings from the states said the white water rafting was fun and not too hard.  We took a tour to the top of the Poas volcano, which was cool (the 20 somethings were on the bus with us, that's how we found out what they had done).

You should probably be safe in casinos as well.  Some of our coworkers from Mexico said CR has lots of casinos, and we saw quite a few driving into San Jose every day.

I'd love to tell you about the beaches, but I never made it.  I've heard most are pretty nice and folks go there to surf.

Have a great time and just be as aware as if you were in NYC or any other place that has crime potential!  Most likely you'll have to be concerned with pick pockets, especially at bus stations.

Answer 5

After traveling the world and writing about what I see, it is clear that Costa Rica is the last paradise on earth! It is a place where you can easily unwind from a busy and hectic schedule and take in all the beauty it has to offer. Check this site out for more info. I hope you'll enjoy your trip in Costa Rica.

Answer 6

Don't go to bars.  In fact don't go out at night except in resort areas.

Costa Rica is as safe as the US.  That is to say, you are  safe, but if you look for trouble you will find it.  It is a macho culture. So men are more forward than at home.

I lived in Alajuela for a year.  No one ever menaced me.  The only time I didn't feel safe was when the taxi driver was drunk and speeding.  (If that happens to you say "Aqui (ah key) pay the driver and catch a different taxi)