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      08-26-2016, 03:50 AM   #1
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Costa Rica, anyone been?

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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      08-26-2016, 08:18 AM   #2
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I was an exchange student there but I imagine a lot has changed since 1995. Beautiful country and people. I was there when Arenal was erupting, which was awesome. Also spent a few days in Jaco.

I realize this post was of absolutely zero value. Try tripadvisor.
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      08-26-2016, 08:22 AM   #3
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Quote:
Originally Posted by lkn415 View Post
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.
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
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      08-26-2016, 08:22 AM   #4
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Brother went twice with his gf, they love everything about it, very cheap and adventure oriented, I can try to see what his accommodations were.
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      08-26-2016, 08:25 AM   #5
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Jaco is the Compton/Detroit of Costa Rica. Total shit hole. It's a younger person destination and about 2 hours outside San Jose. However, they do have some of the best sport fishing around. If you're going soon that's a good time to catch sailfish and dorado. That's the only reason I've been there twice.
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      08-26-2016, 08:31 AM   #6
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Quote:
Originally Posted by lkn415 View Post
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.
I was there last year for a week. Loved it. Go out to the west coast near the Herradura/Manuel Antonio area. THE best hotel in the area is the Marriott Los Suenos. Beautiful resort with a great pool and the service was great. They have their own marina that you can walk to that has a whole area of great shops and restaurants. You can also rent charter fishing boats from there too. Jaco is only about 30 minutes south of Herradura and it a really cool beach town. We also went to a hiking forest where you can do self or guided tours to see monkeys in the trees and other animals.

If you plan on driving, make sure you get the GPS from the rental company. The reason is that it can be difficult to get out of San Jose because their signs suck. Once you're out to the coast, it's pretty easy going north and south. I recommend going zip lining with the Manuel Antonio Park info.
http://manuelantoniopark.com

The zip lining is amazing as your high above the jungle. The people were amazing. The cool thing is that you can do everything through that company like sailing, snorkeling, canoeing, etc. If you PM me your e-mail address, I can send you the info.

It's a great country and the people are really nice. You're definitely going to love it!
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      08-26-2016, 08:35 AM   #7
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Was there 3 years ago, on the Pacific side.. Loved it.. Tons of nature and very tropical vibe..
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      08-26-2016, 03:00 PM   #8
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no. Does that help?
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      08-26-2016, 06:54 PM   #9
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Thanks for the big tips/links boys!

Most likely will not be renting a car since we will be battling time to get the best use of our trip.

PM coming your way Haywood.
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      08-26-2016, 06:58 PM   #10
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Subscribed. Interested in visiting Costa Rica as well (from all the CR vacations that were given away on Wheel of Fortune I've seen over the years).
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      08-26-2016, 07:34 PM   #11
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no. Does that help?
Yes thanks
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      08-26-2016, 07:36 PM   #12
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Was there for work but stayed in a dealer/friends house outside of San Jose. Best thing we did on our free time was went to a volcano that had a hot spring that ran down the mountain. Walked up part of the way and there was a big pool (part of the hot spring creek) that had tables/chairs and a bar, all in the water and you could order food/drinks (didn't matter as the water was always flowing through the pool). Was odd when it started raining (you are in a rain forest) and almost everyone got out of the pool, best I could tell because they we were getting wet (while sitting in the pool).

Was also surprised at one of the bars we went to with him and his friends and for a reasonable amount of money we had a bottle of scotch on the table.
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      08-26-2016, 08:07 PM   #13
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Quote:
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Was there for work but stayed in a dealer/friends house outside of San Jose. Best thing we did on our free time was went to a volcano that had a hot spring that ran down the mountain. Walked up part of the way and there was a big pool (part of the hot spring creek) that had tables/chairs and a bar, all in the water and you could order food/drinks (didn't matter as the water was always flowing through the pool). Was odd when it started raining (you are in a rain forest) and almost everyone got out of the pool, best I could tell because they we were getting wet (while sitting in the pool).

Was also surprised at one of the bars we went to with him and his friends and for a reasonable amount of money we had a bottle of scotch on the table.
What kind of dealer?
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      08-26-2016, 08:10 PM   #14
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been to Taramurindo to surf a few times and had a vacation with the gf at the Four Seasons in Papagayo.

It's super nice and clean. Its cheap if you plan it right.

Dont get into any trouble down there or you will be royally fucked.

You can get gorgeous girls to cook, clean and do other things for $100 a week.
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      08-26-2016, 08:21 PM   #15
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use tripadvisor for hotels, tours, etc...

there will be dudes selling you everything at the bars and hotels
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      08-28-2016, 02:21 PM   #16
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Quote:
Originally Posted by bryan_f22 View Post
been to Taramurindo to surf a few times and had a vacation with the gf at the Four Seasons in Papagayo.

It's super nice and clean. Its cheap if you plan it right.

Dont get into any trouble down there or you will be royally fucked.

You can get gorgeous girls to cook, clean and do other things for $100 a week.
What other things are we talking about
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      08-28-2016, 06:44 PM   #17
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yea whats the dealio with the females?
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      08-28-2016, 10:35 PM   #18
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yea whats the dealio with the females?
Prostitution is legal. Don't do the Costa Rican crash diet like my buddy. He ate a hooker's ass and was shitting himself for 2 days. Lost about 10lbs. Not advisable.
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      08-28-2016, 10:59 PM   #19
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hot springs and volcano
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      08-29-2016, 07:25 PM   #20
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Prostitution is legal. Don't do the Costa Rican crash diet like my buddy. He ate a hooker's ass and was shitting himself for 2 days. Lost about 10lbs. Not advisable.



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      08-30-2016, 11:54 AM   #21
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I went 2 years ago for a bachelor party - loved it.
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