Considering a vacation in Costa Rica

[JSol1]

We are considering visiting Costa Rica for the first time for my wife’s birthday in January. Looking for any feedback or advice for those who have visited…appreciate any thoughts or opinions…Thanks!

[Star Ferry]

Strongly recommend against it. They market themselves heavily, but they have a very weird resentment against Americans. It was much less safe than I expected, and a whole group of young thugs stuck me up by knifepoint. At the edge of three large serrated blades, I was lucky I was only carrying a hotel room key and a couple hundred bucks.

Financially, it was an absolute fleecing. They charged a $30 fee to leave the country. Taxi prices and prices generally were made up on the spot and grossly inflated to rip off my group. I swore to myself that I would never return to Costa Rica.

[1William]

Originally Posted by Star Ferry

Strongly recommend against it. They market themselves heavily, but they have a very weird resentment against Americans. It was much less safe than I expected, and a whole group of young thugs stuck me up by knifepoint. At the edge of three large serrated blades, I was lucky I was only carrying a hotel room key and a couple hundred bucks.

Financially, it was an absolute fleecing. They charged a $30 fee to leave the country. Taxi prices and prices generally were made up on the spot and grossly inflated to rip off my group. I swore to myself that I would never return to Costa Rica.

That sums it up.

[Boopie]

Originally Posted by 1William

That sums it up.

Ditto. We visited a few years ago as well.

If you can swing going to Hawaii, I’d heartily recommend it. I’ve visited Maui, Kauai and the Big Island (and snorkeled at Molokini). Each trip was magical!

[BillA]

I have been twice. First time with family, second time with just the wife.
I did feel comfortable both times, the second time we rented a car, started off in San Jose and then flew home from Liberia. However, I would not do the latter again. I agree with above poster, Hawaii is a better roll, I have been to 4 islands, quite a wonderful vacation.

[Blansky]

I went to Costa Rica a few years ago and had a good time. Stayed in the Tamarindo area and toured down to the San Jose area and the Jaco area. I had no issues and was fun to see a different part of the world.

We do go to Hawaii twice a year so I'm more used that that experience.

[swils8610]

My wife and I went 7 or 8 years ago and had the best vacation we’ve ever been on. We stayed at the Four Season’s. We really enjoyed ourselves.


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[JSol1]

Appreciate the feedback so far and thank you. We have been to Hawaii several times and love it, however the reason we are exploring CR is to expand our horizons a bit.
We’re having a hard time determining whether it’s worth the effort though as reflected in some of this feedback and some research we’ve been doing…

[Blansky]

Originally Posted by JSol1

Appreciate the feedback so far and thank you. We have been to Hawaii several times and love it, however the reason we are exploring CR is to expand our horizons a bit.
We’re having a hard time determining whether it’s worth the effort though as reflected in some of this feedback and some research we’ve been doing…

One thing to remember I guess is that Costa Rica and a lot of places like it have a third world vibe once away from the resorts, which I also found in the Bahamas as well. Not dangerous but rather poor.

As opposed to Hawaii which doesn't have that third world vibe at all.

[macrowatch]

Originally Posted by BillA

I have been twice. First time with family, second time with just the wife.
I did feel comfortable both times, the second time we rented a car, started off in San Jose and then flew home from Liberia. However, I would not do the latter again. I agree with above poster, Hawaii is a better roll, I have been to 4 islands, quite a wonderful vacation.

+3

Not that it was bad, but for the prices, Hawaii was better IMHO.

[Star Ferry]

Originally Posted by Blansky

One thing to remember I guess is that Costa Rica and a lot of places like it have a third world vibe once away from the resorts, which I also found in the Bahamas as well. Not dangerous but rather poor.

As opposed to Hawaii which doesn't have that third world vibe at all.

Although the people there ruined the experience for me, Costa Rica did have some beautiful natural environments. For someone very into nature or rain forests it could be a worthwhile trip.

[Blansky]

Originally Posted by Star Ferry

Although the people there ruined the experience for me, Costa Rica did have some beautiful natural environments. For someone very into nature or rain forests it could be a worthwhile trip.

I found the people to be really friendly but I did get stopped for speeding and had to bribe the officer $200.

Its funny for such a rather laid back and gentle people they drive like maniacs. I got stopped in a school zone along the highway when school was out on vacation.

[Kinnakeet]

I have been throughout the whole country and never felt unsafe, even in San Jose. I’m sure there are some dangerous areas like most places.

I found the people very organized, happy, prompt and polite.

I was surprised by how expensive most things are there. I do know 3 people who have built homes and moved there.

[Atone]

i spent a LOT of time surfing in CR years ago. Saw 1 murder and an attempted murder. I love it there and feel it is soooooo beautiful but not sure i'd go back any time soon. it was way dicier than i thought.

[swils8610]

Originally Posted by Blansky

One thing to remember I guess is that Costa Rica and a lot of places like it have a third world vibe once away from the resorts, which I also found in the Bahamas as well. Not dangerous but rather poor.

As opposed to Hawaii which doesn't have that third world vibe at all.

Absolutely


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[uscmatt99]

My wife and I visited once for a week and stayed in La Fortuna, and a second time splitting the trip between the Jaco area and the Tamarindo area. Had a wonderful trip both times, people were great to interact with, and never felt unsafe. Amazing activities and scenery. These are all pretty tourist heavy areas so that's to be expected. We did drive from Jaco to Tamarindo and other than horrible traffic due to construction and the quite crazy drivers there, it wasn't too bad.

That said, flying in and out of either major airport is a huge pain, and the car rental process will make you want to gouge your eyes out and leave you feeling violated.

[crew]

We went to LaFortuna last March for a family wedding. Although it was a nice time overall we won’t be going back there. There are far nicer places to go to that offer a much better experience.

[Kinnakeet]

Originally Posted by crew

We went to LaFortuna last March for a family wedding. Although it was a nice time overall we won’t be going back there. There are far nicer places to go to that offer a much better experience.

La Fortuna isn’t the nicest place but there are very nice places close by.

[MDMH]

Originally Posted by Blansky

One thing to remember I guess is that Costa Rica and a lot of places like it have a third world vibe once away from the resorts, which I also found in the Bahamas as well. Not dangerous but rather poor.

As opposed to Hawaii which doesn't have that third world vibe at all.

Except for the tent cities set up under the highway by the airport in Oahu. Also a couple blocks north of Kalakaua at night doesn’t exactly give you warm and fuzzies.

[crew]

Originally Posted by Kinnakeet

La Fortuna isn’t the nicest place but there are very nice places close by.

Agreed on LaFortuna. We stayed at The Springs, which I thought was a beautiful resort. But not much going on there. I’m sure both coasts are nicer but I’d go to the Caribbean over CR.

[TheVTCGuy]

Take me with you



(You’ll need a translator )

[Latrodectus]

Arenal Springs Resort and the Arenal Volcano. Highly recommend. We stayed there end of February beginning of March this year. Very friendly people. Great experience overall. You will love the nature. We will go in that area again soon.

[Chewbacca]

Wear sunscreen.

[JSol1]

Thanks everyone for your helpful feedback. As much as we wanted to explore an area we aren’t familiar with we decided to pass on CR at this point and revisit the option in the future.
It occurred to us that trying to convince ourselves to get excited about this destination was a sign to look at alternatives…
Back to the drawing board….

[Chewbacca]

Originally Posted by JSol1

Thanks everyone for your helpful feedback. As much as we wanted to explore an area we aren’t familiar with we decided to pass on CR at this point and revisit the option in the future.
It occurred to us that trying to convince ourselves to get excited about this destination was a sign to look at alternatives…
Back to the drawing board….

Great Wolf Lodge is nice too. They have a huge wave pool and beers you can wander around with.

[m j b]

Originally Posted by Star Ferry

Strongly recommend against it. ... I swore to myself that I would never return to Costa Rica.

Originally Posted by 1William

That sums it up.

Originally Posted by Boopie

Ditto.

Originally Posted by Blansky

One thing to remember I guess is that Costa Rica and a lot of places like it have a third world vibe once away from the resorts, which I also found in the Bahamas as well. Not dangerous but rather poor.

Goodness. CR was on my & the wife's bucket list, but now I think I will reevaluate the bucket.

I also got that buzz from Bahamas as well, and don't even get me started on Jamaica.

Originally Posted by JSol1

Back to the drawing board….

Turks & Caicos?

[brandrea]

Originally Posted by Blansky

…

Its funny for such a rather laid back and gentle people they drive like maniacs...

Sorry to digress OP but this post reminds me of our last trip to Rome.

The cab ride from the airport to our hotel which was at the Pantheon was the craziest ride of our lives.

It was like a scene out of a James Bond movie … the driver was speeding down tight alleyways, almost taking out tables and vegetables stands along the way.

We got into a fender bender with another car about a block from the piazza, so I paid him, we got out, and we walked the rest of the way.

[Chewbacca]

Originally Posted by brandrea

Sorry to digress OP but this post reminds me of our last trip to Rome.

The cab ride from the airport to our hotel which was at the Pantheon was the craziest ride of our lives.

It was like a scene out of a James Bond movie … the driver was speeding down tight alleyways, almost taking out tables and vegetables stands along the way.

We got into a fender bender with another car about a block from the piazza, so I paid him, we got out, and we walked the rest of the way.

Is this hero driver available for private hire ?

[brandrea]

Originally Posted by Chewbacca

Is this hero driver available for private hire ?

I’m not sure but the car was arranged through the hotel … who also arranged breakfast at a restaurant next to the hotel.

Our waiter looked alot like our driver

[Chewbacca]

Originally Posted by brandrea

I’m not sure but the car was arranged through the hotel … who also arranged breakfast at a restaurant next to the hotel.

Our waiter looked alot like our driver

My god he’s multitalented too. I’m calling my Italian EA to find this modern day man. He can be my driver and personal chef at my palazzo.