Costa Rica
 

We're considering vacation in Costa Rica....would appreciate any insights. Thank you in advance.

We had a wonderful vacation in Costa Rica about 5 years ago. Top highlights were Arenal (stay in Arenal Lodge!), Monteverde and the National Park on the seashore. Of special interest was a tour we took in a boat in the mangroves where we saw lots of animals and birds. Driving to Monteverde was a real adventure. We were two couples and all had a great time.

We were in Costa Rica in late 2009, and loved it. We stayed at Villas Sol, a wonderful all-inclusive resort on the Pacific seacoast, in the Guanacaste region. The countryside and beach areas are beautiful, life there has a very relaxed pace, and the people were gracious and friendly. Because we also wanted to see a little about how life is in the city there, and we wanted to meet Costa Rican natives, and see more than just the tourist areas, we elected to fly into San Jose, rather than Liberia, which is the closer airport to the Guanacaste region. We toured San Jose for half a day, and then took a regular public commuter bus that is traveled by the Costa Ricans for several hours to get to the resort. This was very interesting and gave us a chance to see more of the country, check out shops at the bus stops along the way, and talk a little with some of the people. When we returned to San Jose for our flight back, we spent a night at an inn near the airport where there are some casinos and restaurants, and had a great time. We really want to go back.

We did a 10 day bus tour of Costa Rica. Most meals included. All hotels. Tours. Had a great time. Saw jungles, rain forests and much more. We loved it. $1000 per person and worth every penny. Check out this link:

www.caravan.com/tour/costa-rica

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Some of the best fishing I have ever experienced was out of Quepos on the Pacific. Black marlin, blue marlin, Pacific sailfish much bigger then the Florida variety, roosterfish, cubera and many other species inhabit the waters very close to shore. A lot of beautiful resorts with fabulous views in the area. Manuel Antonio National Park is spectacular. The famous "white faced monkeys" were easy to find and photograph.

Los Suenos Resort, a few miles North, is also a good fishing port. I believe Marriott has a golf resort there as well. Beaches in the area are beautiful especially near Manuel Antonio. Did not enjoy San Jose especially after dark. One of our fishing buddies was mugged in the park going back to his hotel from a restaurant. He was beaten severely.

Other than the few main roads, surface conditions can be quite rough - if renting, make it a 4WD and don't plan on a high average speed

the zoo in San Jose is worth a visit - small but well-maintained

We went on a TAUCK tour to Costa Rica Jan '10 for ten days. Best vacation ever!

MSNPA:

Did a Tauck tour in Costa Rica in February 2004. As always, it was up to Tauck standards, and great fun.

I'm more into cruising now, but I heartily recommend that our younger, more agile, peers visit this amazing country. It may still be considered a Third World country, but it maintains a stable government with a deep interest in continuing a viable ecological economy and infrastructure.

The country remains on my frequently up-dated "Bucket List" of places to visit!

SWR
:beer3:

..........OUCH.......... such HARSH words to cast regarding a Country "WITH A HIGHER RATE OF LITERACY" than the good ole' U.S.of A. How can their THIRD WORLD educational system be working BETTER than ours ???....Just wondering......... ( THIS IS NOT AIMED AT SWRINFLA)............why WE generally think other countries are NOT up to PAR with the U.S.A.....when in FACT we are the laggards ...I REALLY would like to know why the USA is so LACKING in MATH and SCIENCE and LITERACY rates....while WE spend WAY MORE $$$$$ per pupil on EDUCATION...........Any body know the answer???????????.......ANYBODY.......( I too like COSTA RICA ...and especially the warmness of the locals)

Costa Rica
 

LOTS of INFO on Costa Rica is available at www.ticotimes.net/ on upper portion click on travel.

By the way, the best month to tour Costa Rica is March.