Pops’ Costa Rica Travel Guide, Random Thoughts

 

 

I have been to Costa Rica many times now and have a few thoughts I would like to share.

·         For a first time international traveler, other than Europe, Costa Rica is a great place to start.

·         It is very easy to get to Costa Rica from the US. There are many flight options from many cites into either San Jose (Capital) or other airports like Liberia. I specificly take Taca Airlines out of San Francisco. It leaves SFO at 12:30am and arrives in San Jose at 9:30am. With the time difference it is a 7 hour total trip with a short layover in El Salvador. If you can sleep on a plane you land in Costa Rica in the morning, refreshed and ready to have a full day ahead. Flights from SFO range from $600 to $800 round trip.  

 

·         The temperature is about the same all year round. They have a rainy and dry season. The dry season is close to our winter with the rainy season around our summer. Even in the rainy season it is still warm and the rain shouldn't bother you from going out.

·         The power is the same as it is in the US so you won’t need an adaptor.

·       They will take either the local currency (Colon) or the USD. ATM’s will give you the option of USD or Colonies. I usually get USD and take the change in Colonies.

·         English is spoken almost everywhere.

·         In San Jose you will not only find American fast food but also American restaurants such as Denny’s, Applebees, Outback and even Hooters.

·         You can drive but the roads and city streets are not clearly marked making it difficult to find a specific place. To get around most people refer to landmarks instead of street names.

·         Most major hotel chains can be found in Costa Rica.

·         Most people in Costa Rica are very friendly.

·         There are a lot of expats living and retiring in Costa Rica even in the smaller towns.

·         The coasts have beautiful and clean beaches.

·         The inland has rainforests, cloud forests, mountains and volcanos.

·         If you want an adventure vacation this is the place for white water rafting, zip lines, hiking, surfing, etc.

·         If you want to relax this is also the place with hot springs, beaches and spas.

·         Be aware that you will have to pay a departure tax at the airport before you can even check in for your flight. You can do this at the larger hotels, check with yours, or at the airport.

·         San Jose is a large vibrant city. It is also dangerous at day and night depending on where you are. Be careful, take taxis to get around and be aware of your surroundings.   

·         Unless you have a reason to stay in the center of San Jose I wouldn’t stay there.

·         Outside of the heart of San Jose I felt pretty safe.

·         The touristy cites like La Fortuna and Jaco are pretty safe but still be careful.

·         The resorts are safe, fun and beautiful.

·         Shop around for excursions, prices vary greatly. I mostly used the hotel I was staying at.

·         The Ceviche is the best I have ever had.

·         You can’t beat a Mojito with a beach view.  

If you have questions on anything I didn’t cover or want clarification on something I mentioned feel free to contact me.