Costa Rica

I've just returned from a brilliant holiday in Costa Rica (Philip's comments are very fair). The only problem I had was with the hire-car company, but it was a BIG problem. I have to be careful what I say for legal reasons, but if you want to know what happened to us when I tried to hire a Range Rover (which I never saw) then feel free to contact me on: 101523,1536@compuserve.com Annie Owen

I wonder if some of the negative ideas you expressed about CR would have been mitigated by meeting ticos who don't speak english. I have been lucky enough to have been going to CR since 1970 and knowing wonderful people. I seldom met a gringo there whose opinion I understood. I think that if you spoke Spanish, your experience would be so different and so much better. No place is made up of just its scenery and "history"--it is made up of the heart and souls of the people who make it breathe. I have been to many of the same places as you and I don't at all have negative thoughts about the place, rather I think it's a more human place than many. The difference I think is that I speak Spanish and it allows me to see something else than you saw.

That said, I think you wrote a beautiful piece and commentary about the naturaleza. I do think, though, that you missed the tico character... The first time I went there I thought as you do, after these 27 years, I have a totally different opinion.

We (wife, 11yr. old daughter, & I) went in 3/97... had a great time. Started on the southern Carribean then Monteverde, south Pacific (Esquinas Rainforest Lodge, then Hacienda Baru. Phil's comentary was valid for the most part, and valuable in our planning efforts; we rented a car the first week, then flew/taxied the remainder. My strongest suggestion would be to avoid the car rental...unless you are comfortable driving with homicidal maniacs. The Ticos know no fear on the road; we were much happier in a taxi, even from Golfito to Dominical for 3 hours. We got to know family histories, economics lessons about palms & banana plantations, etc., and our Spanish was only at the high school level (and that was a LONG time ago!).

Bottom Line: GO, RELAX, ENJOY, and then figure out how to pay for the next trip there.

I would like to congratulate Philip Greenspun on his well-documented and honest piece about my country. Our greatest faults were treated in an objective way, and the beauty that Costa Rica has to offer is well described on his pages. I just have a few comments that I want to share with future readers. Being a lawyer who works for an American company and a former tourist guide, and having lived in the United States for a short period of time (4 months in Minnesota), I think I can offer an adequate supplement to some of the views offered by the reader and some of the American people interviewed.

First of all, we Costarricans throw garbage to the streets, it's a strange cultural problem that I have never liked nor understood. It's done in a general basis and not many people share the views of the few to keep the streets clean. But the tide is turning, especially among younger people, there is an increased environmental consciousness, not only because it's good business, but because young people see and appreciate that we have to leave some heritage to ours children. Our parents didn't share this feeling, that's why our rain forests have been destroyed in such a horrible way on the last 25 years.

Crime rates have increased on the last 30 years in a way that our forefathers never expected. There are a lot of reasons, large immigration is one of the main causes, but not because the Nicaraguans are more inclined to steal than us, it's because crime has risen to violent extremes, which was completely unheard of before. Some few immigrants from Nicaragua served in the military, and they see our small and unprepared police as an easy target, which is true. We also have had violent bands from Colombia and Venezuela come to Costa Rica because of the same reason, they steal a bank and can easily get away with it. Poor Costarricans on the urban area are also turning towards crime as a means of earning "a living", being thievery a way buying the nice things we see on the American and Mexican television shows. Urban population breeds crime, and that's a proven fact. Small towns in Costa Rica have extremely low crime rates (and usually they have only one policeman). Of course, increasing drug consumption is also to blame.

I noticed that some of the expatriates in Costa Rica showed bad opinions towards government and the general looseness of rule and law, but then again, maybe that's the reason why they live here. On the other hand, a lot of the expatriates I know love the country and the ticos (and usually those are the ones that learn to speak spanish faster, and in general enjoy the country more).

Our roads are TERRIBLE (maintaining costs for my 4x4 car eat a big chunk of my earnings). The problem is that there is no money to improve them.

Our legal system can only be described as huge, slow and ineffective, but the blame is not the Roman legal system, it's an ineffective Congress and laws that are written by half educated town politicians trying to show off. There is no reelection of congress, something that I very much regret. I spent some time in the United States on a University exchange program in Hamlin University Law School (in St. Paul, MN), and I found I would never change the Roman system for the Common Law one. Leaving justice on the hands of jurors is very dangerous, and miscarriages of justice occur often. I think that the Common Law system awards foolish people on a constant basis.

One last note, I noticed that on some parts of the text Costarricans were rated on their ability to speak English or on the quality of their accents. I understand that you were able to communicate only with the ones who spoke English, but a great problem that I have seen from American tourists (Europeans usually don't do it, being used to multi-language travel), is that they tend to expect, and sometimes DEMAND that English be spoken to them. I once heard a lady at a McDonald's yelling to a poor attendant: "Are you stupid? You are working for an American company and you don't speak English?". No comment

I'll close my long comment with this story, which I believe describes the difference between two cultures. It was told to me by my mother, and she heard it from the very expatriate to whom it happened:

"A middle aged American (let's call him John) who made big bucks on the States working as a big time lawyer decided to leave it all behind and come to a beach in Costa Rica and open a small Pizza restaurant. He didn't really care about the business, he only wanted to take it easy and so he allowed his Costarrican cook to handle the joint (let's call him Pedro). Pedro a local guy, he only had primary education, but he had a real talent to make pizza, he was also good with numbers and proved to be a good administrator. As the pizza was great, the business thrived and the American had to get involved more and more with the restaurant. John and Pedro became friends, and even though John detested the idea to lose Pedro, he once suggested him that he should finish school and move on. John thought this was a great idea and showed his humanitarian side, he even said that he would pay him for his studies and he would give him a small loan to start his own business. Pedro looked puzzled and asked him "Have I done something wrong? Why do you want to send me away?" "That's not it" replied John "I am offering you a chance for a better life". "What?" "Yes" said John. "You'll study, get a Diploma, open your own pizza business anywhere in the country, you'll do great, you are smart and you make a great pizza". "But why would I like to do that?" asked Pedro. "Because then you would have money on your own, live a respectful life and then retire, just like I did". "But you worked all your life like a donkey to come down here and do what I do every day: surf, make pizzas and run a restaurant, I like it the way it is, I don't need to go to school to do that". Touchi

Actually John told my mother that he had changed his whole philosophy of life because of Pedro Wisdom lies on the most unexpected places, even in a small forgotten beach on the dreamy shores of Costa Rica.

We found the Grand Hotel to be big, expensive, and NOISEY. The street sounds really carried through.

Through a recommendation of an ex-pat, we found another hotel that we really LOVED. It was less expensive, nicer, and very quiet. Next time you're in San Jose, give the Hotel Don Carlos a try. It has one of the best gift shops in all of San Jose.

I do a LOT of travel for both business and pleasure. Don Carlos ranks at the top of my list, and it's a very long list.

The Don Carlos even has e-mail available in the lobby. They don't have full internet access, but you can compose messages that the staff will later upload via a local (expensive) ISP. There is no charge for this service.

I don't remember the address, but it couldn't be all that hard to look up. It was near the zoo - and the Holiday Inn (which I too would not recommend).

Thanks again for a great website and bringing back some wonderful memories. Can you believe we made it to the Smithsonian Observatory in a two wheel drive Toyota? We got stuck on the way in while crossing the river in the pitch dark, but we were able to push ourselves out. No easy task since the river was running through it.

WANT TO DO SOMETHING FOR THE POOR HERE? I live in Costa Rica full time and spend a good part of the week on a beach where there is no employment for the local people. The poverty is great and even the basic clothing and household necessities are out of the reach of many of the families. IF YOU ARE COMING TO COSTA RICA AND WANT TO DO SOMETHING CONCRETE FOR THE POOR, please bring a duffel bag packed with your old clothes, shoes, sheets, towels, household things and toys. A volunteer will meet you at the airport and take it from you so you won't be burdened with it during your vacation. All arriving tourists are allowed 2 pieces of checked luggage. Please use your extra luggage allowance to help someone in need. WE CAN MAKE A DIIFERENCE!! For further information contact email cazoo21@hotmail.com Thank you in advance for your generosity!!

I would recommend a visit to Cauhita for anyone going to Costa Rica. At least in March, when I went, the black beaches there were pristine and uncrowded at all times of the day. The easily accessible national park has monkeys and other wildlife, as well as a coral reef with beautiful tropical fish for snorkelers to see. The town itself has a festive, Caribbean feeling to it, and the food is cheap and delicious.

If you do go to Cauhita, I would recommend staying at the Chalet y Cabinas Hibiscus. It's a bit removed from the town, but you can rent bicycles and it's a more peaceful setting than central Cauhita. For $40 we got a private cabin with a hot water shower, good ceiling fan, a hammock on the porch, and a mosquito net over the bed. The garden is beautiful and I saw many lovely birds from my hammock. The folks who run the place are so friendly and laid back, and I felt completely at home there. They have a website you can visit: http://www.hotels.co.cr/hibiscus.html

If you like to "play rugged", I suggest to anyone to visit Rara Avis in Las Horquetas, Costa Rica. It has been one of the best experiences of my life. When you arrive at the ground station, make sure you can speak a bit of Spanish, then you are off to heaven on a tractor! A four hour ride up a boulder smothered mountain prepares you to a whole different perspective on the rainforests in Costa Rica. When you arrive on the top of the Rara Avis Mountain, you are greeted warmly by the forest guides, the cook, and a beautiful sky. During the stay, cabins (without electricity) are provided which makes it fun to live so laid back. At night after wonderful, innovative trips through the rainforest, everyone eats dinner at one table like a happy family. Then after, you can drink beer and play the guitar, cards, or dominoes. Rara Avis is the most wonderful, hidden, place in Costa Rica that will make you change the way you see the world.

My fiancee and I just returned from 10 days in Costa Rica with some fresh memories--mostly good, some not so good. The best discovery of all was the Blue Pelican Inn on the coast near Jabilla on the Nicoya Peninsula. Owned by gourmet cook Frank Texeira, the place is a treat, the food is excellent, the beach spectacular. Also, Las Fresas restaurant on the road (the more westerly road) up to Volcan Poas serves some pretty astounding Italian food. The Swiss-themed Los Heroes Inn/Restaurant on the north shore of Lake Arenal has amazing fondue--the best I've tasted outside of Europe. The most surprising disappointment was the Tropico Latino Lodge in Mal Pais. An awful experience. The supposedly private bungalows are actually attached to one another and our room was infested with ants and wasps. In fact, all of Mal Pais lived up to its name--swampy and ugly compared to the beaches and towns further north along the coast toward Samara. And definitely don't be fooled by Montezuma--the place is humid, lacks good waves, and is at least ten degrees hotter than the ocean side and not worth the effort. As for Escazu, DON'T stay at the Pico Blanco Inn if you want to sleep. The hotel is an echo-chamber of tile and stucco, and some seedy businessmen and their loud, drunk dates take over the bar/disco room into the wee hours of the morning. To end on a high note, the whole Arenal/Tabacon circus is crowded...overpriced...and STILL worth doing. We met some snobs along the way who told us that Tabacon was beneath them, but as I soaked my aching muscles in the river, sipped a cold Imperial and watched Arenal spew hot rocks onto itself, I rejoiced in the fact that they weren't there to bother me.

About places to stay...My wife and I had a great stay at a little hotel called Casa Turire in Turrialba. The rooms are great, food is excellent and it is very quite. It is surrounded by the Reventazon river and a banana and macadamia nut plantation. I saw more species of birds from my balcony here than anywhere else we visted. The service at this hotel is worldclass. The Arenal Observatory Lodge is good too, although a bit expensive (considering the room) the view is truely unworldly. The guides here are excellent. Villa Caletas on the Pacific Coast (just South of Carara) is AWESOME! Great rooms and decorated very nicely. Si Como No (in Quepos) is a nice place to stay as well though in a very congested area. I wouldn't recommend a stay in Quepos and although the beach at Manuel Antonio is good, I don't think it is worth it.

Thanks for the website and your honest opinions, though I take offense to the "quetzals are stupid" remark. It really makes no sense.

i was in cr in august and had a wonderful time the information i found on this site and many others was very helpful. i was able to visit monteverde and the pacific coast, both very beautiful. i even enjoyed some white water rafting. costa rica is definitely the place to go to fullfill any interest. i did go on the cheap so i only have a few places to recommend but i can help anyone seeking information.

I found some of the views presented here to be quite accurate. I must say, however, that I found some very biased comments throughout the site. Why should things in MY country be made to meet the expectations of American tourists? It is such an arrogant attitude. Don't you realise you are dealing with a different culture? Do you expect the people who work at McDonalds in downtown San Jose to talk to you in English? It is such a persistent trait in Americans to expect the rest of the world to be made to fit their needs and likes. We are not a State of the US, therefore things should not be like they are in the US.

I believe it to be disrespectful to even make judgements on a country's people based on their ability to speak a foreign language or the way their accent sounds. Would you expect native Spanish speakers to speak perfect unaccented English? Have you ever tried to speak perfect, unaccented Spanish to native Spanish speakers? I know this may sound like a weak argument. You might say, I am only going there for a few weeks and I am bringing my powerful wallet full with American dollars and credit cards, therefore, the natives should adapt to my needs or they won't get my money. But I find this attitude to be very arrogant as well.

I can not deny that there are some real problems in Costa Rica that need to be addressed as soon as possible, but I also believe it is wrong to judge these problems when you lack a lot of background information.

I very much enjoyed the pictures, though; since I no longer live in Costa Rica (and certainly not in the US). They brought beatiful memories of a land filled with friendly, kind and respectful people. People who are hard-working and love their land and their roots. I think you missed some of these perspective when presenting your views about what goes on in my country, trying only to present the poverty and the dirty streets of San Jose. I have been to the US many, many times and found some places to be no better than downtown San Jose in many respects, but you seem to overlook this as well.

This does not mean that I am displeased with your site or anything like that, I just feel it lacks a global perspective when presenting facts about my country and my people.

Thanks

I just want to say that the people of Costa Rica that get mad at American touristis and think were jerks is wrong. We are not arrogant.

First of all Costa Rica cannot afford to have their tourism go down the tubes. It is their main source of income. That means that the people of Costa Rica have to stop complaining about tourists. Sorry people, you can't afford to lose us, so some type of conformity is needed. Tourists spend money and want nice things and to have a good time.

You say that American tourists don't know a lot about global issues and multi-culturalism, but your wrong, are schools spend a lot more in educating children about different places, then in Latin America.

As an American living in a tourist town (Key West, FL) I would like to formally apologize to the Costa Ricans who had to read Doug Baker's moronic rebuttal. Whether we rely on tourism for our well being or not, all people find "outsiders" an annoying imposition, especially when they are abusive. Pertaining to the issue of education, it is a well known fact that Americans are more internationally isolated and less comfortable with cultural diversity than our European and South American brethren. I'm not sure where Doug gets his statistics from but it is obvious that his school did not spend much on teaching him proper English.

I was born and raised in Costa Rica, with a rather long stay in the wonderful city of New Orleans, Louisiana. Currently I practice law in San José and love to live here. Throughout extensive travels along the east coast of the United States, I came to realize that speaking good english is a plus, because I cant expect others to speak even regular spanish. Another advantage I had was actually having good knowledge of the people and culture I was going to deal with. Im not bragging about my wordly know it all multicultured profile, which I dont have, but would like to address an issue regarding use of language in my country. A tourist goes somewhere in order to learn things, and an important part of learning is to try and go that extra mile in order to make yourself understood when someone doesnt speak your language and you dont speak theirs. Its a part of the ups and downs of travel. I remember a german tourist in Manhattan trying to buy a perfume for his wife, somehow the saleswoman and the german figured out what he wanted and the sale was done. Its the same here in Costa Rica, be patient and ask nicely because surely you will get some help and the people will be glad to provide assistance. Dont limit yourself to the beaches and rain forest because there is so much more. Stay a few days in San José and check out the museums, the old Amon neighborhood with its beautiful architecture, and if you have a chance, engage in conversations with the people, some might even speak good english and will help you learn about Costa Rica and the great places you can visit. I recall an old american lady from Virginia asking me for an address, we spoke in a corner for about an hour and still write to this date. If you wish to inform yourself of good hotels, and sites, please check out Costa Rica's leading web portal. Its in spanish, but you just have to enter and click on the word Turismo, it will take you from there. http://www.tiquicia.com

Soy de grecia, Alajuela, Costa Rica, y escribo en español porque me gustaria que todas las personas que puedan leer esto lo hagan en español. A todos los turistas que visitan Costa Rica o que quisieran visitarla, yo les recomiendo que vayan a la region de Guanacaste, las playas son excelentes, como por ejemplo:Flamingo, con sus hoteles, mansiones, arena blanca, y su calor humano, claro sin olvidar visitar playa tamarindo, para mi, con el mejor ambiente, tanto diurno como nocturno, les aconsejo, no renten carros, es mejor pagar taxi, se supone que ustedes van a descansar, y no a preocuparse por el mantenimiento del vehiculo y su cuidado, yo, personalmente les recomiendo que cuando lleguen al aereopuerto Juan Santamaria, tomen un vuelo comercial a Playa Tamarindo, cuesta como $45, y solo se tarda 43 minutos en llegar, ahi mismo los estan esperando los taxistas, sobre todo conozco a dos de ellos sus nombres son:Tony y Rigoberto, que trabajan para la misma linea aerea que los trasporta, ellos los llevaran a donde ustedes quieran los dias que quieran y no les cobraran mucho, ademas les recomiendo tamarindo porque es como el centro de operaciones para unas vacaciones inolvidables, todo se encuentra al rededor de tamarindo, las mejores playas para los amantes del surf,los mejores hoteles como el calaluna, melia playa conchal, con una piscina espectacular, cancha de golf, y excelente servicio. les recomiendo verdaderamente que visiten Costa Rica, es un buen destino para vacacionar, es muy tranquilo e interesante. Estoy en bridgewater New Jersey,USA, desde hace 2 años, y creanme, deseo con todas mis fuerzas regrasar a mi pais. les garantizo que no se arrepentiran.

I just returned from an 8 day vacation in the Guanacaste region of Costa Rica. We stayed in a friends time share condo in Flamingo Beach. To be quite honest, my first impression was terrible. I am accustomed to traveling to white sand beach resorts like Aruba. By day 2, I was in love with this place. We found the "Ticos" to be the friendliest people, very welcoming and hospitable. We highly recommend doing the ATV & Congo (i think was the name) canopy tour! What a blast we had, it was terrific! we spent most of the time lounging & taking in alot of the local scenery & people there. I just can't tell you how accomodating and friendly the "locals" were. We playfully "whined" about not having rafts or beach chairs on the beach. So one day a "Tico" that worked at the condo offered to take the pool chairs down to the beach for us. And a local expatriate happened upon a tourist who brought 2 rafts with her, and borrowed them for us...both without our even asking! It is truly a friendly and beautiful place , I can see why so many americans visit and then never go home! My only concern is that when we were there, other Americans were speculating on land and expanding to the timeshare condos. Also, rumor is that Delta will soon begin non-stop flights into Liberia. I fear that this expansion will ruin this quiet and peaceful vacation spot. If you are looking for true hospitality and solitude...HURRY to Flamingo Beach!!!

Costa Rica is a magical and entranceing country full of beauty and adventure. I just returned home from backpacking all over this great land for two months and have already made arrangements for my expedient return! The counrty side, people and lifestyle changed my entire perspective of the world and my place in it. Not to say that everyone would have this same life altering experience, but hey it is worth a shot. In what seems like all too short a time I managed to traverse much of the country's more known spots on both sides and regretibly had to neglect others but I feel I could reccommend the most perfect vaction for the traveler willing to leave behind the opulent American expectations. I sure that I could write my own guide book by now but I will only highlight a few places that do not get enough attention in others. On the Caribbiean side in Puerto Viejo stay at lovely and inexpensive Casa Verde, offers both privet cabinnas and those with shared baths (anyone who had had bad shared br experience can relax, there is a sink and a vanity in each room and the showers and toilets are the CLEANEST in all of low budget Costa Rica). Beautiful gardens separate all of the bulidings, wildlife abounds on the property included those tiny red poison frogs! The Hotel Mirador in Drake Bay is a must if you make it down to the Osa Pennisula. It was probably the best place that I stayed while I was in Costa Rica, and I camped out for the first two nights (until rain forced us to take a quaint little cabin). It is run by a Costa Rican family, mom, dad, son and daughter who give personal attention a new name! The wife perpares the MOST delectible meals, each different, delicious and fresh from the garden or chicken coop three times a day, and for those lazy afternnons on the porch over looking the bay she will make a piture of fresh fruit juice (no coke served here!). They can arrange a multitude of activities for you, including trips to Corcovado Park or to the little island paradise of the Isle de Cano. This is the least expensive place to stay in the area, $35 a person per night to stay in the cabinas (very simple and clean) but this includes all those wonderful MEALS and is sooooo worth it. From Palmar Norte try and find Manuel (a lively cabby) who will arrange your boat Taxi from Sierrpe... A truly awsome adventure. In Mal Pais stay at Surf Camp... It is just AWSOME, a little on the pricey side since they allow you to keep a running tap (very dangerous for serious partiers like myself) but the food and service are excellent and minutes from one of the most unusual and beautiful beaches. Ask to try the homemade guaro if you dare, they lovingly call it Pig Fart! In Tamarindo (real tourist oreiented community but rather cool place to visit for a couple days as you access beaches to the North and South) stay at the hotel Zullymar. Awsome pool and nice rooms, and if you are traveling with a few people it can be relatively cheap (there were four of us and we stayed for about $12 a peice per night in the low season). I could go on and on but I think the best description is to just go and experience Costa Rica for yourself!

To Doug Baker: It is a shame your schools did not teach you to write properly. For someone who is saying Americans are not arrogant you come across as being quite the opposite. I think Costa Rica is perfectly capable of losing visitors like you. Money is not everything. “Tourists want nice things and to have a good time”, should people bend over backwards to accommodate them? At what costs?

I grew up in Monteverde, Costa Rica. My parents are from the US. I have worked in tourism here in Costa Rica for 8 years and know what I am talking about.

It is sad but true that many tourists from the United States can be close-minded, arrogant and mono-cultural. It is par for the course in a country that thinks they are superior to the rest of the world. I would point out that there are still many people from the States who do not fall into this category but they are a minority.

Next year why don’t you go to Disney Land?

As a costarrican, first of all I will like to say that may country is open for any world tourist, as someone said before in this place. Money is not everything. But some people think it is. Well, everyone have different opinions about different things in life. I was tought (I hope. I spelled it right) but my geography teachers in Costa Rica, that there are Continents, and America is one of them. In America, there is North America, which countries are, Mexico, United States, Canada and Alaska. South America, with: Argentina, Peru, Uruguay, Paraguay, Chile, Eduador, Colombia, Venezuela, Brazil, Bolivia, and Guyana, Central America: With, Belice, Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Costa Rica and Panama. So, why you call yourself Americans. We are all americans, according to the world geography. Well lets forget about this. And continue with other things more important: about my country. I lived in Boston Ma. for 8 years and the people there, were very good to me and my brother. In school we were prized for our respect and kindness to other people and teachers. That was, because what we were tought by our parents. Kidness tenderness and amability is some of ticos religion. We love to be kind, honest and treat people the way we want to be treated, no matter where they come from, color, country, or whatever. I guess everyone likes money. But with money you buy a house, not a home, you can buy a women, but no love, and so for. In Costa Rica we give it from the bottom of our heart, sometimes we get hurt, but who cares, we keep on. I know there is some bad people, like in any country. Can you imagine if there were not bad people in Costa Rica. It will be like heaven, well, we are called the Garden and paradise of the American, also the central american Switzerland, Do you know why? !!! i do not know!!!, will some AMERICAN explain it to me. Please. In our schools, the teacher not only teach geography, but love, care, good modals, behavior, respect to yourself and to every moving thing in earth, because everyone in this planet has a motive, That is why God put us here. Humility, If I go to another country, and I have gone to several, how in the world would I spect them to be like me, speak the same language, have my same likes and dislikes, treat me like a king or queen, when I am a foreigner once I leave Costa Rica. I am the one that should accomodate to their culture, and way of living, not them to me. Dont you think that is somehow, crazy or arrogant. If you come to my house, I will do everything to please you. If I want, but if you impose on me, I can kick you out, if I want, no matter how my house is, big or little, in Escazu or under a bridge. If you come to Costa Rica, you will spect the best of our people and culture, but we are a little bitty country, do not spect concrete highways, big buildings, all we have is a very very very big heart and a lovely, warm and paradisiatic country in which we welcome you, but bring A LITTLE BIT OF peace, love, happiness, patience, care, humility and tenderness too, otherwise, what can we learn from you tourist of this planet????. Remember Costa Rica do not have am army. Please do not bring anything concerning that, because we do not know. Our army is our students, they will be our future, treat them with the respect, love and tenderness that you want to , and you will find this Little but proud Country one to remember, love and care.

I apologyse to all tourist that have come to Costa Rica, and have found something wrong. Remember, we all make mistakes. There was only one person right in this world that never made mistakes, and we all crucified him. God will always have been taking care of this Little bitty Paradise. Also excuse my english. Remember I am a Costa Rican, and a very proud one. I just was lucky to be able to learn another language.

Wonderfully put Estefania. This January, I will be visiting Costa Rica for the first time -traveling all the way from Maine. I'm traveling with my girlfriend and two friends who have visited your country several times; and, they have nothing but wondrous things to say about your country and people. But, after reading your comment, I am even more anxious to visit Costa Rica. -R.Rice

I'm from Costa Rica and ...i just like hearing people talking about wonderful things about my country it's amazing!... I took great pictures over there. pura vida !!!

I first visited Costa Rica on my honeymoon a few years before the trip that Philip describes here, and I've been following the comments added to the Costa Rica section of photo.net since its inception. I've returned to Costa Rica several times and watched it change from an undiscovered jewel into one of the most popular destinations for tropical travel in the world. Sometimes the advent of all-inclusive mega-resorts, the development of previously sleepy villages, and the encroachment of US pop culture on everyday Tico existence saddens me. Then I look at a map of Costa Rica and realize that the tourism colones are helping to conserve thousands of square miles of unique environments, provide thousands of jobs, and that the impact of tourism are very localized. I suppose that locally negative interactions between the residents and extranjeros are inevitable, but maybe it's for the best overall?

Ray Krueger-Koplin

my travels in Costa Rica

Arenal Volcano Hotels Arenal Volcano is by far the most active volcano in Costa Rica and as well one of the most active in the world with its daily eruptions. This makes the area of Arenal and La Fortuna a fascinating tourist destination that attracts foreigners as well as the residents of Costa Rica. This site will give you all the necessary facts about the Arenal Volcano area and provide you with information about hotel lodges and tours in the Arenal and La Fortuna Town area. The region offers a wide variety of different types of accommodation and hotels to satisfy the needs of the people who come to visit this beautiful part of Costa Rica

The La Cusinga Lodge, a fully self-sustainable eco-lodge on the Ballena Bay, just south of Uvita, appeals to adventure travelers, environmental enthusiasts, and lovers of peace and quiet alike. Built on a 250-acre private nature reserve, the lodge offers guided tours of their virgin rainforest trails, native reforestation project, organic farm, and furniture factory. The locally owned and operated lodge borders the Ballena Marine National Park, world renowned for its beautiful beaches and annual migration of humpback whales from both the northern and southern hemispheres. The seven individual cabins, each with their own unique design, have private porches exhibiting majestic ocean and sunset views and solar heated hot water showers. There is also dormitory style housing as the lodge welcomes larger group travel. Gourmet meals are a family style affair, prepared wholly from local organic ingredients. La Cusinga is very active in environmental conservation and education and the lodge runs almost entirely on hydroelectric and solar power. Great for families, this prize on the Central Pacific Coast is one of Costa Rica?s best-kept secrets! Rates: $80.00/person per night (plus tax). All rates include 3 meals and guided tours of trails on the property. Contact: www.lacusingalodge.com info@lacusingalodge.com Tel: (506) 770 2549 Cell: (506) 387 0672

Costa Rica Fishing can bring a true smile to your face.

Las Brisas Hotel is located in Puntarenas Costa Rica. The hotel is located right on the beach and can provide you and your family an affordable room with a lot of entertainment. The owner enjoys photography and has thousands of pictures of Costa Rica. He is now in the process of adding more Costa Rica Pictures to his site. For more information you can contact the Costa Rica Hotel through this link.

We just returned from Costa Rica and couldn't have had a better time. Our spanish is almost non-existent (duo Cervesa por favor -- that's it) but we tried hard, and the Ticos appreciated our efforts -- they were far better at English than we at Spanish, and with a little arm waving and smiling, we did just fine. We found the people to be enormously helpful and good-spirited, we felt safe and never felt pushed to tip, or like people were only interested in our tourist dollars -- not at all (like some other countries I have visited) The places we stayed (along the Pacific Coast) were nothing fancy, but very well priced and always clean & pleasant. I was glad we didn't stay in some american style resort -- we chose smaller local places (no all-inclusive stuff - yuch) and so enjoyed them & the people we met. We ate everything -- including street vendors food, drank drinks with ice -- and over three weeks none of us had any stomach problems at all (unlike my experience in Mexico!) My most expensive meal was $16 us, for two lobsters -- the freshest most delicious lobster I've ever had! We normally ate dinners for $30 for our family of 4 (with beer). We rented a car -- best price I could find was through www.alamocostarico.com - and we had no problems with the vehicle or service, or the driving. The roads are not great - that's for sure - a bit of an obstacle course around the pot holes, and the drivers are a little crazy, the road signs can be tricky but we kept an eye on our map and it all made sense. A Tico told us there are three kinds of bridges in Costa Rica -- Good Ones, Oh My God bridges, and Close your Eyes and Drive bridges (i.e. between Jaco & Quepos) But that was all part of the local color and by the end of our time there, my husband was driving like a Tico and we were all having a ball with it! Getting on the Puntarenas ferry was a blast -- we were the very last car on and they picked us out of the line, as we were the smalled vehicle, and squeezed us into a tiny space... well, I was so happy to get on the boat & couldn't stop laughing at how it all took place! The attendant was telling me to hurry into the terminal and pay while my husband drove the family onto the ferry -- I didn't know where to go & didn't understand, I got all nervous that the boat would leave without me -- well, he practically dragged me in, took my money to the teller, handed me our tickets and pushed me down the walk on ramp -- I looked so confused. It was really neat how, without any English from him, nor Spanish from me, he took good care of me & got us on the boat at the very last minute. We were impressed with a country that even with very little money had a decent public education system, and attempts to provide a decent public health and social security for it's citizens - as well as dealing with the influx of refugees and all the inherent problems there. Also we were amazed at the number of cell phones and laptops we spotted in the most unlikely places - in the poorest villages. A very interesting Tico in a little dirt floor restaurant showed us Google Earth -- which we didn't know about! (we with all that we could ask for in Canada) So we were very impressed and are already saving for a return trip. We loved Costa Rica and have nothing negative to say about our whole experience there! Pura Vida

Costa Rica Hotel review and Testimonials for Costa Rican hotels writeen by cupotico.com clients at hotel review - http://www.cupotico.com/Testimonials.html - come and vist our site to save time on your vacation to costa rica.

The better Costa Rica Vacations of my life!! Great Spot!

I just returned from Costa Rica after a year. I had a fantastic time living in San Jose. Despite what everyone says about San Jose, I've got to say that it's probably one of the most interesting city that I have lived in. Also, it's located in the middle of the country. So, I had no trouble traveling to any part of the country. I know Lonely Planet mentioned how many Costa Ricans speak English. Well, I decided to sign up for Spanish classes after a week, just because I couldn't survive on my Spanish phrase book. After hours of research, I decided to study at Costa Rican Language Academy. And they gave me free salsa lessons. Of all the different places that I have visited, I would have to say Tortuguero was the most impressive place of them all. The boat trip from Limon to Tortuguero was amazing. I saw all kinds of birds and animals. The river was nice and calm. For a person who can easily get seasick, I actually felt fine for the entire trip. And I saw Greenback laying eggs on the beach. That was unbelievable. Wear a dark colour T-shirt if you want to see any turtles at night. Otherwise, you're going to scare them away. If anyone is planning a trip to the country, I would highly recommend it.

Costa Rica Family Trip, Travel To Costa Rica, Travel in Paradise. A Family Trip is about experiencing fascinating cultures, exploring the great outdoors and spending quality time together. Costa Rica is the perfect solution to please kids and adults in the same vacation. And, we make it easy by taking care of all the details, allowing you to focus on what a family vacation is for ?wholesome fun, discovery and time together. Dreaming of sun-splashed days, warm sandy beaches and the refreshing caress only true tropical air can impart? Pack your bags and prepare for an exotic escape designed to please the entire family. This is everything a family vacation should be ? amazing wildlife encounters, a wild, beautiful, and exotic land, interaction with proud and friendly hosts, stimulating activity, and carefree quiet time. You?ll experience the best Costa Rica has to offer ? vibrant jungles, towering volcanoes, Caribbean beaches, a farmers? market, a local school, and the history and excitement of San Jos? Whether for your family only or as a family reunion including the extended family members, Costa Rica offers the beautiful setting for an unforgettable gathering. And we can provide you with the resources needed should you require additional childcare support.

Costa Rica Vacations, Travel Packages, Tours and Hotels, Family Trip, Costa Rica Trip.
- Costa Rica Travel About is a full-service tour operator, Costa Rica vacation travel to Costa Rica: Adventure, Beach Getaways, Family, Nature, Romance, and Honeymoon. See Costa Rica through the eyes of Costa Ricans!!! Travel in Paradise CR is a 100% Costa Rican enterprise with years of experience in tourism. We believe that travel is a life changing experience and the way to fully absorb this experience is to see it through the eyes of the locals. Therefore we reward your vacation with precious memories of cross-cultural sharing, an expanded vision of our country and the satisfaction of living your dreams. Costa Rica, a true paradise to nature-lovers, offers many environments to enjoy. The lush rainforests, the volcanoes, the rivers, the mountains, the beautiful beaches... all witness an unmatched blend of rich biodiversity and friendly culture. This peaceful paradise, proud of its prosperous democracy, also caters to those who seek a way to boost their adrenaline with activities as white water rafting, canyoning, surfing and swinging from tree to tree. We specialize in customizing itineraries based on the interest of our clients. The following complete vacation packages, including ground transportation, hotel, meals, sightseeing and personal attention from our expert naturalist guide; can be modified to tailor your trip to your interests. We consider learning, adventure and relaxation as the pillars of our trips. We are experts in Costa Rica travel - Costa Rica tours, Costa Rica vacation packages, Costa Rica tour packages, Costa Rica travel packages, Costa Rica custom travel packages, Costa Rica custom vacation packages, Costa Rica custom tour packages, tours, hotel reservations and much more.

Philip created a great page in detail on Costa Rica. I myself visited Costa Rica and create a small website a while back at Costa Rica Travel about a backpacking trip I took. It mainly is based on some notes I wrote while there. I plan to take another trip to Costa Rica this summer.

Phillip, thank you for documenting your journey so well. I will be here in Costa Rica for several months and cannot wait to start sharing some photos on photo.net, but I am getting a database error at the moment however so I guess I will have to wait to start uploading. :(

For those traveling on a budget, several resources I recommend are the Costa Rica Transportation guide, the bus schedules for Costa Rica, and some budget hotels.

Quepos Sailfishing Charters offers information on adventure tours luxury accommodations and lots of great information for travelers Quepos holds the largest sportfishing fleet in the country.

Quepos Sailfishing Charters offers information on adventure tours luxury accommodations and lots of great information for travelers. Quepos holds the largest sportfishing fleet in the country.

Quepos holds the largest sportfishing fleet in the country.

Costa Rica has become a world-wide destination of choice because of its fascinating biodiversity and its peace-loving, friendly people. If you are planning to visit beautiful Costa Rica and desire the very best customized service you have come to the right site! Let us guide you though our country and share with you the most fascinating experience of a lifetime!. You can visit us at www.allnaturetravel.com

I am planning a trip down to Costa Rica to photograph the beaches. I am concerned about safety and my equipment being stolen (traveling alone). I would love to take my 4x5 or medium format. Here are the Costa Rica beaches I am considering. Any advice on ones I should skip? Or equipment that is least likely to be stolen?

The “rich coast”; the name of Costa Rica says it all. Everything about this beautiful country exudes richness and royalty. While the richness is not always in the monetary sense, visiting or living in Costa Rica will certainly be a happy and fulfilling experience for anyone who heads to this land. All you have to do to begin experiencing what Costa Rica has to offer is plan a vacation, or better yet, buy real estate in Costa Rica. Companies like CRDC, or Costa Rica Development Corporation, are creating lavish, exclusive, and incomparable Costa Rica real estate development projects. For luxury Jaco real estate overlooking the Pacific Coast, I recommend looking at these options: www.cerrofresco.com, www.highlandsestate.com and www.villasaltas.com.

Si desea contruir en Costa Rica, hay una empresa que distribuye materiales de construccion en Costa Rica por Internet, se llama ConstruCR.com

As a Costa Rica Real Estate Agent, first of all I will like to say that may country is open for any world tourist, as someone said before in this place. Money is not everything. But some people think it is. Well, everyone have different opinions about different things in life. I was tought (I hope. I spelled it right) but my geography teachers in Costa Rica, that there are Continents, and America is one of them. In America, there is North America, which countries are, Mexico, United States, Canada and Alaska. South America, with: Argentina, Peru, Uruguay, Paraguay, Chile, Eduador, Colombia, Venezuela, Brazil, Bolivia, and Guyana, Central America: With, Belice, Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Costa Rica and Panama. So, why you call yourself Americans. We are all americans, according to the world geography. Well lets forget about this. And continue with other things more important: about my country. I lived in Boston Ma. for 8 years and the people there, were very good to me and my brother. In school we were prized for our respect and kindness to other people and teachers. That was, because what we were tought by our parents. Kidness tenderness and amability is some of ticos religion. We love to be kind, honest and treat people the way we want to be treated, no matter where they come from, color, country, or whatever. I guess everyone likes money. But with money you buy a house, not a home, you can buy a women, but no love, and so for. In Costa Rica we give it from the bottom of our heart, sometimes we get hurt, but who cares, we keep on. I know there is some bad people, like in any country. Can you imagine if there were not bad people in Costa Rica. It will be like heaven, well, we are called the Garden and paradise of the American, also the central american Switzerland, Do you know why? !!! i do not know!!!, will some AMERICAN explain it to me. Please. In our schools, the teacher not only teach geography, but love, care, good modals, behavior, respect to yourself and to every moving thing in earth, because everyone in this planet has a motive, That is why God put us here. Humility, If I go to another country, and I have gone to several, how in the world would I spect them to be like me, speak the same language, have my same likes and dislikes, treat me like a king or queen, when I am a foreigner once I leave Costa Rica. I am the one that should accomodate to their culture, and way of living, not them to me. Dont you think that is somehow, crazy or arrogant. If you come to my house, I will do everything to please you. If I want, but if you impose on me, I can kick you out, if I want, no matter how my house is, big or little, in Escazu or under a bridge. If you come to Costa Rica, you will spect the best of our people and culture, but we are a little bitty country, do not spect concrete highways, big buildings, all we have is a very very very big heart and a lovely, warm and paradisiatic country in which we welcome you, but bring A LITTLE BIT OF peace, love, happiness, patience, care, humility and tenderness too, otherwise, what can we learn from you tourist of this planet????. Remember Costa Rica do not have am army. Please do not bring anything concerning that, because we do not know. Our army is our students, they will be our future, treat them with the respect, love and tenderness that you want to , and you will find this Little but proud Country one to remember, love and care.