Costa Rica

[ArtMan]

Posted: 8/1/13 at 11:09am

I am going to Costa Rica for 11 days the first week of December. It is a tour, so I am limited to regions. The trip consists of Rain Forest, Volcano, surrounding areas of San Jose, and the Pacific side, Manuel Antonio. has anybody been that can offer tips, pros and cons, etc. Thanks.

[suestorm]

Posted: 8/1/13 at 11:13am

arent there Mayan ruins there?

[SonofMammaMiaSam]

Posted: 8/1/13 at 11:18am

I was there for a week in February, but only experienced the Pacific beach region of Guanacoste/Nosara. You might want to PM DayDreamer. He is from CR and is very familiar with every where your tour is going. Take good hiking shoes and a camera. It's a beautiful country!

[FindingNamo]

Posted: 8/1/13 at 11:18am

Friends and family members have gone and loved it. If you're on a tour you should be all set to get a good sampling of what they all raved about.

[SonofMammaMiaSam]

Posted: 8/1/13 at 11:23am

Members of our group took surfing lessons, body boarded, kayaked through the swamps, took a ATV howler monkey tour, etc. I mostly roasted myself poolside and enjoyed cocktails and amazing food.

[ArtMan]

Posted: 8/1/13 at 11:29am

Thanks. This trip will be a bit different type of trip for me. The itinerary is more nature related. Hiking, as you mentioned, up to the volcano and through the rain forest, zip lining which I have never done, and boating. I wanted a getaway and had already done my big trip for the year. The price (land portion) is actually quite inexpensive and am using miles for the flight.

[ArtMan]

Posted: 8/1/13 at 11:32am

SonofMamaMiaSam. any problems with the food? I know through my travels to avoid water. But this year I went to Morocco and their food or preparation of it gave me some problems.

[SonofMammaMiaSam]

Posted: 8/1/13 at 11:41am

I loved the food. Lots of rice and bean dishes and fresh fruits and vegetables. Spicy, of course. No water issues at all, even drank tap. Imperial is the beer of CR. Oddly enough, our "fancy" night out was at a Moroccon restaurant (long story) and we all loved the tangines.

[Elphaba]

Posted: 8/1/13 at 11:50am

water can affect people differently...

[SonofMammaMiaSam]

Posted: 8/1/13 at 12:08pm

Obviously. No one in our group of 9 had a problem from water, ice, fruits or vegetables.


http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic-g291982-i813-k3809985-Can_we_drink_the_water-Costa_Rica.html

[Elphaba]

Posted: 8/1/13 at 1:27pm

not singling out Coast Rica...anywhere I travel I am careful with water. My mothers side of the family historically have gastrointestinal issues , hence I'm ultra careful.

[Eris0303]

Posted: 8/1/13 at 1:54pm

If a guide tells you not to go somewhere then don't go there. I know it seems like common sense but I have to say it. I was in Limón last year and we were told NOT to go near the jungle and to stay where there were people. Some guy decided the warning didn't apply to him. He went into the jungle and was immediately attacked and robbed by banditos.

[madbrian]

Posted: 8/1/13 at 2:35pm

One friend went to Costa Rica on an active vacation, including ziplining, surfing, hiking, etc. Another friend went for a relaxing vacation. Both loved it.

[DAME]

Posted: 8/1/13 at 2:36pm

Love Costa Rica. I think it is a little gay friendlier these days as well. No?

[ArtMan]

Posted: 8/1/13 at 2:58pm

Dame, I'm really hoping for some gay friendliness!

[GavestonPS]

Posted: 8/1/13 at 8:06pm

ArtMan, my niece is currently in CR doing an extended internship on conservation of the rain forest. I can already tell you she found the natural attributes more appealing than nightlife in the towns.

She'll be back in time for the Fall Semester and I'll try to get more info from her then.

[ArtMan]

Posted: 8/1/13 at 8:14pm

Thank you. That is very kind of you. I wasn't really doing any nightlife until the last night of the trip in San Jose. What I really would like to know from her or anyone else is the rainfall. Originally, I was going at the end of September, which is their rainy season. But I changed the trip to December, which is the beginning of the dry season, really due to hurricane season. I live in Florida and try not to book air travel in September,etc. I can read in the books about weather, but really would like to her from someone who lives there or been there for an extensive period.

[StockardFan]

Posted: 8/1/13 at 8:46pm

My cousin was there for college last summer. She's in Spain this summer, but I'll ask her too.

We had a local teacher take some kids down there and she was murdered, so I agree with don't go anywhere you're not supposed to!

[ArtMan]

Posted: 8/1/13 at 8:51pm

Gee, I hope my brother doesn't read about that. He already thinks it's unsafe. Thanks, I would appreciate any info.

[Elphaba]

Posted: 8/1/13 at 8:52pm

is "gayfriendliness" what we call sex there?

[DAME]

Posted: 8/1/13 at 9:02pm

Definitely do not venture into the nightlife on your own.

[ArtMan]

Posted: 8/1/13 at 9:08pm

Dame, is it unsafe?

[DAME]

Posted: 8/1/13 at 9:15pm

Umm. No. But your a foreigner. Just be smart. Be smart anywhere you travel.

[ErikJ972]

Posted: 8/2/13 at 7:06am

Manuel Antonio is very gay friendly. Check out Barba Roja if you get a chance. They have a specific gay night but every night is gay friendly. It's a good mix of tourists and locals.
I love it there. The people are welcoming and I've always felt safe. Have fun!

[ArtMan]

Posted: 8/2/13 at 7:50am

Thanks Erik. I looked them up based on your post. They have a gay happy hour/tea dance on Sundays, which will be the first day there. Since dinner is not included that night, looks like the place to head to.