Quote:
Originally Posted by lkn415
Hey folks,
The lady and I are headed to Costa Rica in late November this year for the first time and wanted a take on where to stay/what to do. We're only there for 5 full days; so we're limited to one destination (landing in San Jose). Nov is creeping up and we're starting to book/plan our trip.
I don't really care much for beaches, maybe some mild hiking, ATV's, zip lining, sight-seeing.
Those of you that have been, any destination tour recommendations? Any helpful tips is appreciated.
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I've been a few times and I'd recommend trying to visit any of their national parks. I'd recommend Manuel Antonio National Park but that's a day trip from San Jose and is more a relaxing type park. Not crowded at all and only a few tourist go there. They have some amazing wildlife there too.
Do you plan to rent a car? If so obey the speed limit and be weary of any cops. Cops there are corrupt and will stop you in these random roadblocks and demand money to let you pass. They passed a law a few years back that imposes STEEP fines on speeding tickets.
Carry a photo copy of your passport with you at all times. Cops there stop tourist all the time randomly for no reason to check credentials.
Also stay away from any excursions that are not planned by an organized company. Such as any forest/animal tours. If it's not an organized company, dont do it. I cant stress this enough. Like any tropical beach location there are tons of people there looking to make a quick buck. My friends and I made this mistake when we went onto a jungle tour and ended up in the middle of fucking nowhere. The "guide" wanted some extra $$ to help us get back to our car.
Dont expect any real "cheap" bargains. Since Costa Rica is a huge tourist destination pretty much expect to pay equivalent to USD on everything in San Jose. The outer skirt cities you'll find stuff for much less.
Dont buy ANY cigars from there...they are all fake.
Bring some baby wipes and hand sanitizer, unless your staying in a very nice hotel or resort in San Jose, the plumbing system there sucks, especially in the surrounding cities. Usually they want you to wipe and throw the TP in a wastebasket rather than flush it.
Stay away from Guaro if you plan on doing any drinking lol