A riff off of another thread- I’m hoping to go to Costa Rica in the next few weeks, and I’m wondering about any trip tricks or things I should be aware of: where to go, what to eat, where to stay etc.. I like to dive, but that might be dependent on a couple of different things.
Ideas on cheap airfare, local costs, etc. would be very welcome.

Flying into San Jose or Liberia? And where are you staying?

I’m no expert on the Caribbean side (which I kind of assume is where you’re heading since you mentioned diving), but I’ve spent several months worth of time in country in the central region and the Pacific coast.

Happy to help if I can…

-Rob

Last year we spent a day in Puntarenas on the Pacific coast. We were not impressed overall. The town is in poor economic condition. I wouldn't plan a trip there. My wife says the Atlantic side is much prettier scenery.

I spent a few days in Quepos and a few in the Osa Peninsula. Beautiful country, friendly people. I never felt unsafe.

Biggest piece of advice I have is DO NOT use condiments that are left on the tables. If its sealed, like ketchup packets, you should be good. My whole group got pretty bad stomach issues and thats the only food we all had in common.

Spent a week over there in March, was in Manuel Antonio, gorgeous place and good food. Long drive from the airport though

Check your email, Amigo.

quote:

Originally posted by CPD SIG:
Check your email, Amigo.

¡Muchas gracias!

spent 10 days near Tamarindo in April.

it's not as cheap as you'd expect. if you rent a car don't worry about gas prices, they're set by the gov so go wherever. basic conversion is double and drop the 1000's IE if something is 10,000 colóns its 20USD

Spent a week in Tamrindo a few years ago. Would go back again in a heart beat. Didn't bother renting a car. Cost of shuttle from airport to hotel was under a 100.

It's one of the spots I'd go back again in a heartbeat. Cost of food and the hotel was cheap, and our room was right on the beach. Only major expense was airfare (decided to drive up to NY and fly out of there).

Didn't go diving while there, but would if we went back. Instead went to Volcano National Park for a day, fishing another day, and the other days were just laying around the beach, surfing, and wandering around town. If you end up in Tamrindo, El Chiringuito was good, and will have to find the name of this other random place we ate at in town. Plus there's a small park with a ton of food trucks, and the churro/ice cream one we stopped at most nights.

Thanks guys, and keep the info coming with names of places to stay and also where to eat, please.
I think I’ll stick in the Guanacaste region and I’ll probably do an all-inclusive (although normally that would not be something I’m interested in at all) - in this case might be the best bet for me since I’ll be traveling solo and may feel a bit shy stepping out into town.

quote:

Originally posted by BurtonRW:
Flying into San Jose or Liberia? And where are you staying?

I’m no expert on the Caribbean side (which I kind of assume is where you’re heading since you mentioned diving), but I’ve spent several months worth of time in country in the central region and the Pacific coast.

Happy to help if I can…

-Rob

I’m actually going to be on the Pacific side, I think. I’ve done plenty of Caribbean diving and very little Pacific diving, so I’m hoping for a new experience. I would love to hear where you went for food, for places to stay and how cautious you had to be!