Author Topic: Heading to Costa Rica in a couple of weeks. Anyone been?  (Read 4084 times)

FrugalSaver

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Heading to Costa Rica in a couple of weeks. Anyone been?
« on: May 07, 2017, 02:22:04 PM »
Landing in Liberia. Heading to the beaches on the west coast. Then to Monte Verde for some hiking and mountain biking.

Any recommendations? Things I have to do for the 6 days I'm there?  Things to avoid / be careful about?

I'm renting a car as well.

Thanks!

semiretired31

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Re: Heading to Costa Rica in a couple of weeks. Anyone been?
« Reply #1 on: May 07, 2017, 02:48:05 PM »
Landing in Liberia. Heading to the beaches on the west coast. Then to Monte Verde for some hiking and mountain biking.

Any recommendations? Things I have to do for the 6 days I'm there?  Things to avoid / be careful about?

I'm renting a car as well.

Thanks!

Zip lining in Monteverde. That was a blast.

ol1970

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Re: Heading to Costa Rica in a couple of weeks. Anyone been?
« Reply #2 on: May 07, 2017, 04:11:40 PM »
Go spend a day or two in Arenal, if possible stay at the Observatory Lodge, if not I stayed at a little place called Kokoro I think like $90 a night.  If you rented your own car the hike at Rio Celeste was pretty cool...then if going to the coast stay at a place called Hotel las tortugas on Playa Grande, of stay at Rip Jack Inn..not fancy but awesome experience.  Then head down to Playa Longosta and stay at a little bed and breakfast called Los Suenos...you could walk to tamarindo from there or it's a 5 min car ride.  If you have more time I have more suggestions: )

surfhb

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Re: Heading to Costa Rica in a couple of weeks. Anyone been?
« Reply #3 on: May 07, 2017, 05:47:36 PM »
Always watch your things.   They will get stolen if left unattended

Drive carefully and be on the defense.   Drivers will often flash their lights.   This means there's caution or a cop up ahead. 

You're not there long.   That's too bad because there's so much to see.   


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Secretly Saving

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Re: Heading to Costa Rica in a couple of weeks. Anyone been?
« Reply #4 on: May 07, 2017, 07:18:58 PM »
We really enjoyed Manuel Antonio National Park.

brooklynmoney

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Re: Heading to Costa Rica in a couple of weeks. Anyone been?
« Reply #5 on: May 07, 2017, 07:22:59 PM »
I go to a beach near Nosara every year to surf. I assume you are going somewhere more populated like Tamarindo. It's close to rainy areas on or maybe even it's started so be careful of any washed out roads and also be careful swimming due to rips etc.

HairyUpperLip

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Re: Heading to Costa Rica in a couple of weeks. Anyone been?
« Reply #6 on: May 07, 2017, 10:07:55 PM »
We really enjoyed Manuel Antonio National Park.

super beautiful but very touristy and crowded for me

i was in jaco recently. had a great time. really enjoyed it.

Fomerly known as something

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Re: Heading to Costa Rica in a couple of weeks. Anyone been?
« Reply #7 on: May 08, 2017, 05:37:14 AM »
I don't understand people who like Jaco. It must be different from what I remember it to be.  As I recall it's only saving grace was that it was the closest beach to San Jose.  I do know it's been built up since I was a student there for the year in 1998.

I do need to get back, when I do I will be focusing up in Arenal/Montevideo.  But I'm not much of a beach person.

HairyUpperLip

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Re: Heading to Costa Rica in a couple of weeks. Anyone been?
« Reply #8 on: May 08, 2017, 08:39:02 AM »
I don't understand people who like Jaco. It must be different from what I remember it to be.  As I recall it's only saving grace was that it was the closest beach to San Jose.  I do know it's been built up since I was a student there for the year in 1998.

I do need to get back, when I do I will be focusing up in Arenal/Montevideo.  But I'm not much of a beach person.

I've never been to any other part of Costa Rica, besides flying into San Jose, so I can't compare to any other parts. But my friends and I had a great time.

surfhb

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Re: Heading to Costa Rica in a couple of weeks. Anyone been?
« Reply #9 on: May 08, 2017, 10:19:58 AM »
Yeah.   Jaco is a complete dump if you were to see what the rest of the country looks like.   

To others who have never been I'd say travel as far south as you can if you want to see the "old" Costa Rica


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FrugalSaver

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Re: Heading to Costa Rica in a couple of weeks. Anyone been?
« Reply #10 on: May 08, 2017, 08:19:30 PM »
Possible weather catastrophe on my trip.  From 5/15 to 5/20 it shows 80% rain each day in Liberia, Costa Rica.

Is this just how it looks every day like Orlando where it basically rains every day but typically only for a little bit and then you go back on about your day?


ObviouslyNotAGolfer

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Re: Heading to Costa Rica in a couple of weeks. Anyone been?
« Reply #11 on: May 08, 2017, 09:34:11 PM »
Have fun, but do see a travel doctor beforehand. I'm not sure about seasonal transmission of malaria, but hepatitis, dysentery, schistosomaisis (In the tropics outside the U.S. Australia, etc. you should AVOID going barefoot in/near fresh water), and possibly Chagas' are likely concerns. Get whatever shots, medications the dr advises.


FrugalSaver

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Re: Heading to Costa Rica in a couple of weeks. Anyone been?
« Reply #12 on: May 08, 2017, 10:38:02 PM »
Shift in plans.  Heading to Belize now on account of the weather forecast in Costa Rica.

surfhb

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Re: Heading to Costa Rica in a couple of weeks. Anyone been?
« Reply #13 on: May 09, 2017, 12:01:34 AM »
Too bad.    It doesn't rain all day.    Just some downpours and some amazing sunsets.   
Belize will also be nice

Secretly Saving

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Re: Heading to Costa Rica in a couple of weeks. Anyone been?
« Reply #14 on: May 09, 2017, 12:58:10 AM »
Belize... go to Lamanai!!

Fomerly known as something

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Re: Heading to Costa Rica in a couple of weeks. Anyone been?
« Reply #15 on: May 09, 2017, 04:30:58 AM »
Possible weather catastrophe on my trip.  From 5/15 to 5/20 it shows 80% rain each day in Liberia, Costa Rica.

Is this just how it looks every day like Orlando where it basically rains every day but typically only for a little bit and then you go back on about your day?

I hate to break it to you but it's normal for that time of year.  You are in the shoulder/beginning of the rainy season.  You will have clear mornings and showers in the afternoon.

ETA:  Belize won't likely be much better on rain.

dude

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Re: Heading to Costa Rica in a couple of weeks. Anyone been?
« Reply #16 on: May 09, 2017, 07:59:51 AM »
If you're in the water surfing every day, as you should be in Costa Rica, who cares if it rains?!  ;-)

HairyUpperLip

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Re: Heading to Costa Rica in a couple of weeks. Anyone been?
« Reply #17 on: May 10, 2017, 08:52:22 AM »
Yeah, I think it's the rainy season. I think Belize will be similar for weather.