The Safest Country in C. America
Written: Jan 22 '02
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Pros: When staying in Costa Rica, I have two words: Hotel Bougainvillea
Cons: You'll wish you had more time to stay in this lovely country.
The Bottom Line: Pack up and head out. Forget about Europe. Costa Rica is your best bet for a safe, independent adventure that smacks of local flavor far, far from US influence.
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| neurohoffa's Full Review: Costa Rica |
Okay so traveling anywhere in Latin America is not generally considered to be a safe endeavor. Political turmoil, unstable currency (read: Argentina), and intimidating guards on city corners with automatic weapons make for a not-quite-like-DisneyWorld atmosphere.
Fortunately Costa Rica defies this description and stands as the safest country in Central America--its people decided to abolish its military in 1948 (doesn't that say it all?).
I have just returned from my first trip to Costa Rica and loved it. Having never been to C. America, I didn't know what to expect, but was pleasantly surprised that the off-season timing of my trip (during winter in the US) paid off; during my week stay in San Jose I rarely saw a tourist and felt as much "on my own" as anywhere else I've traveled.
I highly recommend staying at the Hotel Bougainvillea. Located in San Tomas/Santo Domingo, a suburb of San Jose proper, this Swiss family-run hotel is quietly removed from the throws of everyday city life in San Jose. Rarely mentioned in tour books, and apathetically reviewed if at all, it is a relatively inexpensive jewel among limited hotel options (only about $80 a night). Comparable service, cleanliness, and convenience (the hotel staff can arrange just about any wacky Costa Rican adventure you can dream up as easily as they can book reservations at San Jose's premier Italian restaurant, Il Ponte Vecchio) in the United States would easily cost $250 a night (I'm thinking of the W Hotels, for those wondering). The hotel's website is located at: www.bougainvillea.co.cr
As far as San Jose itself, the city has relatively few attractions--a gold museum, a coffee museum, etc. The most notable attraction is the Teatro Nacional, financed by coffee fortunes at the turn of the 20th century, this French-inspired opera house continues to amaze its unsuspecting visitors with its decidedly European charm and elegance, which (in the Continental tradition) borders on gaudiness. Nonetheless the Ticos (as San Jose natives like to refer to themselves) take great pride in the theatre, and remarkably it continues to host plays and performances to this day. A lucky traveler often gets the chance to see a live performance in the theatre for under $15.
Costa Rica's real treasures are outside San Jose. Lush jungles border surround city, and 2-3 active volcanoes are a day's drive away, the most impressive of which, Volcan Arenal, touts lava-heated natural springs at its base in which travel-weary visitors may relax and enjoy themselves. Be careful though, Volcan Arenal is an active volcano and doesn't play by anybody's rules--it erupts daily and has killed its share of naive tourists in the past.
After hitting the volcanoes be sure to visit the Atlantic and Pacific beaches, particularly Manuel Antonio, regarded by most Costa Ricans as the country's most beautiful areas.
Finally, spend $70 and explore the jungle canopy via zip-line from tree to tree (you'll see what I mean when you get there) at Hidden Valley--don't expect Ranch dressing. When I went my companion and I were the only ones on the tour, and we had an absolutely wonderful time with our two tour guides who took a genuine interest in us having loads of fun.
I spent a week in this country, but it felt more like a month. If you are fed up with the strip malls and clothes stores and fast-food restaurants that likely confine your day-to-day existence, then treat yourself to a relatively cheap trip to Costa Rica. You'll come home feeling like Indiana Jones
Recommended:
Yes
Best Suited For: Students
Best Time to Travel Here: Dec - Feb
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Epinions.com ID:
neurohoffa
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Location: Birmingham, AL USA
Reviews written: 3
Trusted by: 0 members
About Me:
I'm at Oxford University, UK. A PPE student at Brasenose College.
Holla back!
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