Anyone been to Costa Rica that can provide advice/opinions?

Question

Anyone been to Costa Rica that can provide advice/opinions?

Answer 1

Fly into Liberia. It is a much smaller airport and city. Go to Guanacaste-northwestern area. You can see the turtles nesting on the night of the full moon, see active volcanoes from your hotel room, take atv tours to a zip line ride, pristine beaches, clean water, great waves, inexpensive food, friendly people, wonderful weather, clean air. Stay out of San Jose- Its a big city with all the big city problems- especially thieves. Don't leave anything in your rental car. Someone will break in and steal whatever you leave in the car. People outside the cities tend to be honorable, non-confrontational, and happy to help you. To stay for a week for two, with airfare will be between 1800 and 2500, depending on your taste in accomodations and airfare price. Don't look like you are rich-wear no jewelry or expensive clothing. Try to blend in and you will have a great time.

Answer 2

I just went to Costa Rica it is so much fun! If you find non tourity locations the stuff is a lot less expensive. The beaches are very warm, but a lot of them in Manuel Antonio aren't clear like the carribean. The one thing I would absolutly recomend is the Sky Tram or Canapy tour, it is one of the most exciting things I have ever done. You go on a zip line over the canapy and you are about 400 feet high..maybe higher, it really is a once in a life time oppertunity that people any age have fun on. I hope you enjoy your trip.

P.S. if you take taxis around don't let them rip you off!

Answer 3

I have been going there for the last twelve years and will be going there again in June.

Its one of the most incredible places I have ever been to!

Prices are about one third less then here in the States and one can live like a king on only $600.00 USD a month!

VIVA LA PURA VIDA!

Answer 4

Get out of San Jose as soon as possible.  It is not like the rest of the country.  The rest of the country is gorgeous.  My first trip we took a bus to San Carlos, La Fortuna, and rented a 2 bedroom house with sleeping for 7 (there were only 4 of us though) for $45 a night (this was a few years ago) and we went to a hot springs that was a few miles away.  The hot springs are fed from the volcano.  If the volcano is active the water is really hot if it is not it is just a bit hot.  There are 2 sections one above the road that is landscaped and beautiful, the other is below the road that is a little cooler, less landscaped but alot more private.  We went white River Rafting with a guy named Parul, if you make it there, tell him that Laura and Memo say hi.  On the way from town to the hot springs is a restaurant (can't remember the name of it) they have the most delicious steaks and fish.  On a clear night you can sit on the patio and watch the volcano as the lava comes out.  It is unbelievable.  Down on the coast we went to a small beach area called La Tortuga, it was great as well.  The jungle was awesome, and off in the distance when driving, you can hear the howler monkeys.

Answer 5

I agree with aroma >>  Get out of San Jose.

From there it's a matter of what you are looking for.  It's a beautiful & very diverse country, with very friendly people.

Advice :  learn as much Spanish as you can (Carry a small dictionary), Ticos like it when you at least try to speak Spanish.

Bring trinkets or other things to give away or trade.  Baseball caps are always good, someone always wants them lol.

Bring a smile and an open heart & mind,

ENJOY YOUR TRIP

Answer 6

i live here. is an adventure. anywhere you go, volcano, beach, town, city... is unique. if you come just enjoy it cuz there is a lot you can do on this piece of land.

Answer 7

If you are looking for a beach vacation without the tourist traps, try manuel antonio (though it is largely becoming really touristy) on the pacific coast-watch out for the monkeys there! On the Caribbean coast you could try tortuguero, beautiful and if you go at the right time you'll see turtles. Cahuita just south of Tortuguero is another great beach town, nicer and quieter than puerto viejo. Enjoy your trip!