Pros: natural beauty, friendly people, something for everyone Cons: fairly long flight from SFO, a bit humid, food a little plain
A week in Costa Rica is not enough time to justify a great review, but it gave me a taste of the country and made me want to return. There is really at least two Costa Ricas - the Spanish speaking commercially influenced western side and the Carribean...
Pros: Great country and awesome beauty Cons: I don't own it
Costa Rica is the most socially and environmentally advanced nation in Central America. With friendly people, a stable government, a world-class environment, and very little crime, it is understandably the home of many American and European expats. ...
Pros: Spectacular wildlife, vast selection of activities and great people! Cons: If you are not a nature person, this is not the trip for you.
Costa Rica's northern Caribbean coast offers some of the most spectacular critter-watching in the world. From a canoe or a flat-bottom boat on the maze of rain forest rivers and canals, you'll have a good chance of seeing monkeys, sloths, anteaters,...
Pros: Beautiful country, friendly Ticos, inexpensive fare Cons: It's still Central America
It roughly translates as, "it's all good, man," and there could not be a more apt description of the beautiful Central American nation. I just returned from a week's vacation there and had a wonderful time. The country is lush, the wildlife...
Pros: Top place to re-visit. Cons: I wished I had spent more time here.
Review Topic: Overview
My husband and I went to Costa Rica a couple of years ago on a Mission Trip. We stayed a few days in San Jose (the Capital). After that we went to a little city called Gulfito on the Pacific Ocean. This...
I went to Costa Rica earlier this year. Definitely a phenomenal trip. There is a ton to see from live volcanoes to beautiful beaches to tropical rain forests. While there, its amazingly cheap and the people are incredibly friendly. Rent a car, and...
A 12 day stay in Costa Rica in August of 1999 was one of the most enjoyable trips of my life. Traveling with my friend and her four teenage boys, one of whom was entered in a surfing competition, was much more adventurous than traveling with my husband!...
Pros: Beautiful country, astounding wildlife, kind people Cons: None
I'm compelled to write a rebuttal to Tunaman's negative epinion on Costa Rica. Everyone's entitled to their own reactions to a particular destination, but the comments about "uneducated Ticos"--since this nation has universal education and an...
Pros: Lower rates Cons: A bit of rain in the afternoon
Costa Rica has been called paradise but in the rainy season months, it is even more attractive, specially for the adventurous travelers who like to play it by ear and look for good deals on the spot.
Pros: So many activities in a beautiful little country Cons: Despite its small size, it takes a bit of planning to see and do everything.
My first stint in Costa Rica came as an exchange student back in the early 80's. Back then most people didn't seem to know where it was, as it was barely a blip on the travel radar screen. Nowadays it seems everyone knows someone who's been there or ...
Pros: Scenery, Nature, Culture, and More Cons: Helps to speak some Spanish
This review is not for people that don't appreciate a beautiful country, or those that aren't open to a new culture. I had the rare chance to spend some time in this wonderful country, and I am so thankful that I took that opportunity. It was such a...
Pros: Great outdoor adventures, beautiful sights Cons: Not really a happening nightlife place
Review Topic: Sights & Attractions
My wife and I spent a week in Costa Rica and had a thoroughly wonderful time. It was without the boys, who were playing in traffic--er--staying with grandparents. Perhaps that it itself...
Pros: The only map and driving directions you'll ever need in Costa Rica Cons: Be sure to order well in advance of your trip!
On our first trip to Costa Rica, my friend and I decided to rent a little Isuzu Trooper and give ourselves some traveling independence. In two weeks, we covered a lot of ground: from San Jose to the misty moonscapes of the Poas Volcano, to a journey...
Pros: Beautiful and very friendly country Cons: lack of interesting cuisine
This is a small country, situated on the southern-most tip of North/Central America. It is surprisingly very modern -- I think this must be a relatively rich country in the region, it was quite pleasant visiting Costa Rica and many of its cities. Costa...
Pros: cheap,warm, friendly locals Cons: not enough time, lost watch to hooker
I traveled to Costa Rica in the spring of 1999, with a friend of mine. We got a package deal through a travel agency called Surf Express. The package consisted of round trip plane tickets, rental car, and 2 nights hotel stay.
We didn't...
Pros: cheap if you stay the hostels. great people. lots to do. Cons: not that many people speak english here.
Highlights: There are so many things to do in Puerto Viejo, as well as things to do from there. The city is a good base camp for day trips. If you're staying here, you should definitely check out these things: - Bike to Mazanillo - Midnight ...
Pros: beautiful scenery, friendly people, overall great time... Cons: none....
My family and I travelled to Costa Rica for the week of Thanksgiving this year and I was very excited to get away from the dorm and relax before the insanity began as the semester drew to a close. Although it took some time to get to San Jose, it was...
Pros: beautiful, diversified, a lot to do, great food Cons: not a lot of people speak English, still considered a 3rd world country
Review Topic: Overview
Costa Rica is truly a beautiful place! The best part about it is it is not "touristy". This is a gorgeous country with little development that preserves it's natural beauty. It is great...
Pros: beautiful, relaxing, adventuresome Cons: poverty may disturb some
My husband and I vacationed in Costa Rica in the summer of 1998. We stayed at the Melia Playa Conchal, a posh resort amid exquisite scenery. We had a large, beautiful room with great room service. The resort had a huge swimming pool. We spent alot of...
Pros: Beautiful, one of the best vacations you will ever take, Costa Rica has something for everyone Cons: Pricey if you want a tour, you get what you pay for. You can still have a great time without a tour though.
I have traveled to many places in my day, and one of my favorites has been Costa Rica. Costa Rica is not a dangerous country, unlike many Central American and South American countries, such as Costa Rica's neighbor, Nicaragua. It is pretty expensive...
Pros: beautiful, friendly people, lots of fun, lots to do Cons: English not widely spoken, poor roads
There is not too much information available on Costa Rica. Yes, there are a few travel books on the country, but only a few of them truly give you the information you need to know. Most information I got was from a know-nothing travel agent and some word...
Pros: Absolutley paradise Cons: What? Cons? Costa Rica? No such thing
Review Topic: Overview
If you are someone who is looking to travel to the Country of Costa Rica let me just say this. WOW! Now, I have never seen any other country than the US and you can rate how valid my opinion is however you...
Pros: Test the boundaries of life, adventure, teamwork Cons: Could be life threatening
Rafting down the Pacuare River was a rush, unlike any I have ever experienced. I used the company Aventuras Naturales - and recommend them highly for their professionalism. This is an adventure that is not for the faint of heart. You must also be...
Pros: Excellent diversity; excellent people; excellent vistas Cons: Some of the best things aren't enjoyed by the fussy
Having spent slightly less than two years continually living in Costa Rica, I came to experience and appreciate some of the finer details of living in the land of the "Ticos" (as the locals prefer to be called).
Pros: beautiful. inexpensive, fun, relaxing, exciting, cultural, friendly, yummy, everything you want! Cons: Slow service (teaches you to relax), few ATMs, bad roads, need bottled water, bugs,
My wife and I went to Costa Rica for our honeymoon in January 2005. It was amazing. Our trip brought us to 3 different locations in Costa Rica. We booked our vacation through Costa Rica Vacations travel agency. They were helpful and would be great ...
Pros: The best destination I've ever been too. An experience of a life time Cons: Most flights from the US make you stop in Miami.
Luna Lodge is located on an isolated peninsula in the southern part of Costa Rica. Upon arriving we got this great feeling of being remote from all civilization.
Luna Lodge is located in the Osa Peninsula, Corcovado, one of the most...
Pros: beauty everywhere. Tourists are not treated as such. Cons: Cant think of any.
The dogs in Costa Rica have no tails. Other than a few chairs, I saw no plastic in the whole country. There are children walking alone safely everywhere. The presentation of food on the plate is excellent and obviously important to Ticos. ...
Pros: The locals "Tico's", breathtaking beauty of the Country. Cons: Lack of road signs on secondary roads, although the country is aggressively working to improve the situation.
Review Topic: Overview
Quite frankly I was surprised to see any negative comments about Costa Rica and it's citizens (affectionately referred to as Ticos).
My wife and I traveled to Costa Rica in October 98 and had a...
Pros: BEAUTIFUL!!! Tons of Adventure! Cons: It rains every day mid afternoon
I went to Costa Rica a few years back and I can't wait to go back!
I first went to San Jose, where there is a party in the middle of town every night! There is also Pops ice cream and the market in the middle of the city. Places of interest include...
Pros: wonderful vistas on bike Cons: lots of pothole..not suitable for cars
COSTA RICA ES PURA VIDA!!!
by Carolyn Klinger-Kueter
I went on a bike trip through Costa Rica in February, discovered heaven, and never returned to reality.. My heart is still in that beautiful country. I wake up in the morning and...
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.
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...
Pros: Visually Amazing Cons: Lack of signs for tourists
Having just returned from touring Costa Rica, I can well appreciate some prior opinions of such a beautiful country. It is indeed the most beautiful place I have ever seen. I consider it a yet undiscovered jewel.
Where else can you swim in two...
Upon graduation from college, I decided to reward myself with an extended vacation to some rather remote part of the world. Costa Rica seemed like an ideal location. It offered all the amenities I would be interested in- diverse geography, fascinating...
Pros: Diverse scenery, wildlife and culture Cons: Having to travel from the UK via Miami and not direct
Costa Rica said ‘the hubs’ in one of those rare moments when I allow him to suggest a holiday destination. I did some research and finally booked us to join an escorted small group with Jules Verne Travel called ‘Central America – Garden of Eden’ which ...
Pros: Country welcomes families with kids Cons: Lots of rain prevented pool time fun
Review Topic: Practical Information
Traveling to Costa Rica with children is a rewarding experience. I took my three kids, ages 6, 4, and 18 months, to Costa Rica in October. Everywhere we went the locals were generous and kind...
Pros: Incredible flora and fauna adventures Cons: None
The Osa Peninsula has been hailed as one of the most bio-diverse regions on the planet. After spending some time in the rain forest there with the owners of Escondido Trex, Tom and Karen Boylan, I now know why so much has been said and written about the...
"Pura Vida" is a common phrase used in Costa Rica. It translates literally to "Pure Life". Usually it is used when greeting someone, or just to say "cool". Living or traveling in Costa Rica is pure life.
Your trip to Costa Rica will most...
Pros: Scenery, adventure, friendly natives Cons: San Jose is a pit
Costa Rica provided one of our best vacation trips ever. We went last summer with 14 other people, a guide and a driver, provided by Outdoor Adventure Travel. We loved the country, the people, the scenery, and the wild life. The tour was well-planned,...
Pros: cheap and beautiful Cons: poor infrastructure...rent a 4x4
if ever you wanted to go on a cheap and fruitful surf safari, this is the place to go. even if you are looking to relax in a tropical setting i would suggest rica. the minute you leave san jose, the capital, you are immersed in greenery and nature (trust...
Pros: climate
still reasonably cheap
people friendly
laid back relaxed Cons: bad roads but improving each year
lack of efficient service people in hotels, restaurants
Costa Rica got discovered about 20 years ago and since then has been thru a few cycles but consistently is attracting more visitors from North America each year. In late 2004 and early 2005 this seemed to increase dramatically especially resulting in ...
Pros: Beauty, Cheapness of products Cons: Heat and humidity
I went to Costa Rica in late April for two weeks and had an excellent time. We visited several places. One was the National Park, Manuel Antonio. That was extremely beautiful. You need to be sure you remember sunscreen. Swimming inside the park is...
Pros: Lots to do, great weather, variety of fun activities. Cons: Some places can be touristy.
Here is a little synopsis of my recent trip to Costa Rica, including what I liked, what I didn’t and what I’d do differently next time around. Our trip was during the last week of March, which is an excellent time to visit. The weather was ...
Pros: La gente, el clima, una abundancia de diversidad y la fuga de aca! Cons: Ya hay muchos "expatriates" alli!
Existence differs from "living" when one realizes o se da cuenta que there is more to the day-to-day activity pool than what most norteamericanos understand as the lief motif for rising each morn!
Pros: Great natural resources and lots of fun things to do; friendly natives. Cons: Capital city of San Jose is a dump.
With all due respect to detractors of Costa Rica, I strongly disagree. First, I must state the following: My trip to Costa Rica (which I consider to be one of the best vacations of my life) occurred about 5 years ago during the summertime -- and I am...
Pros: The people, the culture, the food, the beauty Cons: bring bug repellent- thats for sure!
My senior year of high school my parents took me on a Panama Canal Cruise. Although the cruise itself wasn't the greatest, when we toured Costa Rica, I was amazed.
First we docked and traveled inland to the capital, San Jose. He we went to the...
Pros: see the best of splendid flora and fauna in a small space of time Cons: plan WELL in advance to allow for communication between you and Costa Rica
Traveling over the years has become very specialized. Finding a trip that matches one’s interest is easy. The difficulty lies in the abundance of available choices. In January of 2000 a friend and I took an ecological tour of Costa Rica. Reading and...
...God created Costa Rica. I have seen a lot of beautiful places in my "short" thirty years, but this country topped them all. If you are looking for a relaxing vacation by the beach, or a last ditch chance to view some of the most luscious...
Pros: Heart racing excitement Cons: Heart racing excitement
If you skipped Part One of my travels through Costa Rica, this is the place where the rented Range Rover has been repaired once, so far, and we've hiked through the Los Angeles Cloud Reserve without any major wildlife sightings. We've come to the...
Pros: Stunning scenery throughout the country and in any weather; friendly people; varied wildlife; great beaches. Cons: Bumpy dirt roads in the countryside; scarcity of ATMs; bureaucracy at provincial banks.
At the outset, I must say that I really, really recommend Costa Rica. I hasten to add that if your preference in traveling to far-away lands gravitates towards lounging on an overdeveloped, extra-safe beach with a diluted local flavor, Costa Rica is...
Pros: very organized, lots of activities Cons: hummm? can't really think of any
Looking for a fun and fast way to learn Spanish? Want to enjoy the beautiful beaches, friendly people, and salsa and meringue dancing in Costa Rica? Come study at Intercultura: Centro de Idiomas in Heredia, Costa Rica.
Pros: read my review... an actual perspective from a COSTA RICAN Cons: read my review... an actual perspective from a COSTA RICAN
Being a COSTA RICAN I would like to contribute and make a general review of my country. Much has been said about the beauty and the enormous biodiversity (fauna & flora). Jacques Costeau (yes the famous scientist and marine biologist) once said that of ...
Pros: Large variety: Beach, rainforest, bargains...(with U.S. dollars and comfortable living conditions... Cons: Watch out for the souvenir salesmen...
Find yourself in a Central American country which has lots to offer you with a "feel-at-home" type of feeling. You will find many American tourists, workers and expatriates there. They are just enjoying the great historical sites, great fauna...
Pros: Inexpensive, Variety of destinations Cons: Poor Road System
Costa Rica has always been one of my favorite destinations. I first traveled there ten years ago while vacationing with my sister and parents. I had always wanted to return and my recent marriage gave me the opportunity to share this beautiful country...
Pros: Safe, beaches, rainforests, volcanoes, lots to do, inexpensive, friendly, not a lot of poverty. Cons: Nicaraguan refugees are poor. Toilet paper typically does not go in the toilet.
On June 12 my son and I flew from Dallas, Texas, to San Jose in Costa Rica with his Spanish Teachers, a number of kids, and a few other parents. The purpose of the trip was to combine language immersion with a vacation (lasting two and a half weeks). The ...
Pros: Warm and welcoming people. Beautiful country! Cons: Hubby picked up some kind of bug and has been sick.
Costa Rica Belated Honeymoon & Trip Review (April 26, 2007 - May 8, 2007) First let me preface by saying this trip was fabulous! Everything was fantastic and we can't wait to go back. Even my husband is up for another trip (although not right ...
Pros: rainforests,volcanoes,crocodiles,once in a lifetime trip Cons: rapidly growing tourism,difficult to travel without guide
Costa Rica was a beautiful place to visit. One of the best aspects and worst was the lack of tourism. Without tourism the countryside was untouched and breath-taking and most f all real. Without tourism, we found it difficult to communicate with the...
Pros: People, beaches, things to do Cons: not much
So you want a beach holiday, the significant other wants to hike in the mountains, little Peter wants a jungle safari and Sara wants to go to a dude ranch. Impossible? Not if you go to Costa Rica!
Pros: Beautiful country, beautiful people Cons: will find out the end of this year
Costa Rica a special spot in my heart. In 1964, our family had a foreign student from Costa Rica stay with us on the American Field Service exchange. Marcelle Banuett was a senior in High School at the time. Our children a daughter a Junior in High...
Pros: Beautiful place, delicious food, reasonable prices Cons: Only that we couldn't have stayed longer and visit more places.
My husband and I went to Costa Rica for our honeymoon. We visited in July, which is considered the rainy season. We flew directly from Atlanta to Liberia in about three to three and one half hours. When we arrived in Liberia, we stepped out of the ...
Pros: Stunning views, great culture Cons: long dusty drive up
In the spring I traveled to Monteverde. The ride up to mondeverde is long and dusty. The people hide the sign showing you the way so few people will go, it doen't work. They also ruin the roads and cover them with dust. But when you get there it's...
Pros: Beautiful countryside, friendly people and beautiful countryside!!!!!!! Cons: driving
My mother and I arrived in Costa Rica on November 29, 2001. It is the most beautiful place I have ever seen. We rented a 4 wheel drive jeep from Hertz and off we went. Now I had heard that the roads were going to be a little challenging, but that is...
I went to Costa Rica last summer and loved it. I flew into the city San Jose. It is just like any other city smoggy and full of people. But we drove a hour to the Guanacaste area which is the north western part of Costa Rica. The drive is a little...
Pros: Wonderful climate, gorgeous country, friendly people Cons: Horrid roads
This is now day seven of our three week travels in Costa Rica.
Volcano Arenal is now in our rear view mirror, still belching and spewing clouds of ash. We are yearning for the ocean and begin our journey northwest by driving the perimeter...
Pros: Great scenery, reasonable prices, variety of activities, fantastic weather, friendly people Cons: Lack of culture. San Jose is remarkably drab for a Central American capital city.
So you've got one week to spend in Costa Rica and you want to see it all ... the jungles and mangroves of the east, the raging rivers of the central highlands, the thundering eruptions of Arenal and the pristine beaches of the West Coast.
Can't be...
Pros: Swiss Travel, guides, friendly-people, safe environment, rainforests, adventure, culture, resorts, English-speaking Cons: I really don't have anything negative to say.
We booked our trip through Vacation Express and stayed at the Occidental Grand Papagayo Resort. It is an all inclusive resort and out first time to stay at one. It is the only way to go! We booked out activities over the internet with Swiss Travel. ...
Pros: Warm hospitable people that enjoy helping the "gringos", breathtaking scenery, and very affordable. Cons: Very bad roads, but improving constantly.
Pura Vida!(the pure life) best describes this wonderful country. My travels to Costa Rica started in 1994 and ended in 1996 when my husband and I moved to a small village 10 kilometers from Quepos/Manual Antonio on the Pacific coast. For two years we...
Pros: swimming pools , beaches, and food Cons: rain
When I went to Costa Rica I had a glorious time. The Hotel Captain Suizo had a great breakfast buffett of fresh fruit and scrambled eggs, all kids favorites. They also had live entertainment in the form of hermit crabs that we brought up from the beach...
Pros: Beauty. The unexpected at every turn. A wake-up call to the intellect. Cons: Crime, at lest in the city. Tropical climate in the lowlands.
Setting the Stage
I hesitated to write another review of Costa Rica. After all, there are already 75 posted for Costa Rica in general and 52 others on specific destinations within the country. The more I considered just moving on to...
Pros: Too awesome. Absolute #1 place to visit, or retire or for dual citizenship Cons: None that I can think of.
Hello one and all. Yesterday I wrote a review about Intercultura being and excellent school in Costa Rica to attend. I honestly didn't realise until after submitting my review that this was not about any and everything in Costa Rica, but specifically ...
Pros: gods country, safe destination for families Cons: bug bites, non english speaking people, costly rental cars
My husband and i traveled to costa rica in february of 1998 and will never forget it! We booked the package with Funjet vacations and stayed at an awesome hotel near the liberia airport. We rented a car for a week and toured the countryside, seeing the...
Pros: country, weather, native people, country (get out of the resort and see the country. Cons: The resorts (well, if you stay too long...), the tourists in the resorts.
My wife and I stayed at Fiesta Premiere Resort and Spa on Playa Hermosa for our honeymoon for one week in February '06. I've heard Fiesta Premiere is ranked #2 in Costa Rica behind the Four Seasons. Costa Rica is the most non commercial non "tourist ...
Pros: The people, dancing, natural beauty, etc... Cons: Couldn't stay long enough
I was a foreign exchange student a few years back and I still think about Costa Rica every day. I began my trip in August (before tourist season really hits). I met incredible people...including my host family with whom I still talk to now and then...
I went in February, the Dry Season, It was Great, I went to the following destinations that I recommend very Much: San Pedro, San Jose, Rio Frio, Monteverde, Tortuga, Volcan Arenal!
Costa Rica is a great place that is almost as safe as the...
Pros: beautiful & exotic, friendly people Cons: some dangerous areas, hard to get to some areas,
I went to Costa Rica on a church mission trip and fell in love with the country. I stayed for 2 weeks in one of the more destitute areas, La Fortuna, but even it was incredibly gorgeous. The people were marvelous. We hiked in the rain forest to a...
Pros: Adventure Value, Friendly People, Wealth of Biodiversity Cons: Booming Tourism, Rising Costs, $26 USD Departure Tax Per Person
Over the course of three years, four trips, and nearly forty days in country I've traveled via light aircraft landing on impoverished runways, paddled along vibrant rivers in leaking canoes, motored along in a rental car, and taken the common Turismo ...
Pros: Beautiful County, lots to experience, Cons: You eventually have to leave....
January 2004 Trip Report for Costa Rica. Guanacaste Region. 6 of us traveling together. Husband and myself are 26& 24 years old. Both sets of parents are around 50 years old. All stayed at the Allegro Papagayo Jan 14th - 21st 2004. Via Apple ...
Pros: Beautiful country with great natural resources such as rivers, parks etc Cons: Sex Tourists are flocking to take advantage of young people; the long arms of laws should reach criminals operating on foreign soils
Disclaimer: A small group of tourists that fall under the category of sexual predators only care about breaking local laws while having fun.They are attracted by a few locals, sometimes international lawbreakers who promise to deliver high...
Pros: Wonderful climate, friendly people, lots of volcanos Cons: Lots of volcanos, horrible roads, bland food
If I can, I prefer to travel without an itinerary, in the off season, and always off the beaten path. And so began my 3 weeks in Costa Rica. in July of 1996. Armed with Moon Publications Costa Rica book by Christopher P. Baker, a good fold out...
Pros: beautiful people and country Cons: roads, concerns about thieves
Made a whirlwind trip to some of the major destinations in Costa Rica. 1) Don't care what they say, I am glad I rented a car. Ticos take more risks that us yankees but I don't feel they are fundamentally worse drivers. The best roads on our trip were ...
Pros: Fun, Active, Adventure Travel, Cheap, Friendly People, Beautiful Scenery Cons: Food is only ok, roads are terrible, infrastructure is shabby
If you are looking for a great, fun and active vacation in a country with gorgeous and diverse scenery and friendly people, go to Costa Rica! Costa Rica's motto is Pura Vida, or Pure Life, and as a country they embrace enjoying nature and life. This...
Pros: Affordable, friendly, beautiful Carribean. Cons: Repair those Roads.
We flew to San Jose, Costa Rica free last spring (frequent flyers) and stayed in the mountains at a small hotel, the Buena Vista, with a view of San Jose, a good choice, distant from the hustle and bustle of San Jose but only a bus ride away.
Pros: Whitewater rafting on the Sarapiquis, zip lines, Borinquen resort, Los Suenos Marriott, Arenal Lodge
Cons: Tortuguero, too many people, too little animals
I was lucky to get some great advice from Costa Rican friends, who helped us plan a great trip. We rented a car, which allowed us lots of flexibility. Here's how we did it, and our impressions of each place. Arrived around noon at SJO, and picked up ...
Pros: Nicely appointed luxury hotel near San Jose Cons: No real local color, expensive
Last summer I visited Costa Rica for a few days while my wife was attending a business function. The training conference she was attending was held at the Hotel Herradura Convention Center, which is also where we stayed. The Hotel Herradura is located a...
Some of the best big wave surf in Central America. It's nothing compared to the mile long left-hand break off corcovado, but it will suffice (not to mention that I'm not going to give you directions to the corcovado spot). Free pool at Thrusters....
While it was one of the most amazing place I have ever been....Don't chance it and book a trip to Costa Rica during the rainy season. You'll be really upset with yourself for missing out on all the country has to offer except mud wrestling. My husband...
Pros: Costa Rica is abundant with diverse wildlife, vegetation and unspoiled beauty. Cons: The port was a little simple, with limited shopping opportunity. No dinosaurs. hehe.
Costa Rica was at the top of the list for my last Caribbean vacation. long known for its diversity of animal and plant life, fruit production, and exotic jungles, this country has always interested me. Literally named Costa Rica by Christopher ...
Pros: THE COFFEE IS GREAT AND SO IS THE VIEW Cons: OK IT MAY BE A LITTLE HARD TO GET TO
It might have been the two cups of good Costa Rican coffee I'd had with my breakfast. It might have also been the poor state of the roads in and around the town of Cartago. According to my guidebook they're the worst in the country. It was probably a ...
Pros: Beautiful beaches, the nicest people in the world Cons: have to know Spanish
My first and only visit to Costa Rica was during the summer between my sophomore and junior year in high school. Though that was quite a few years ago, I still remember what a beautiful country it was. There is no organized military in the country,...
Pros: Gorgeous beach, fascinating wildlife Cons: Some effort in getting to Paradise
I've found my favorite beach. So far, at least. I found it at Manuel Antonio Park in Costa Rica. My husband, three children, and I visited Costa Rica in June last summer (during the supposed rainy season--we experienced one thrilling tropical storm...
Pros: Diverse, adventurous, beautiful and unique country Cons: Roads and roadblocks
Costa Rica was tremendous, with some minor inconveniences. For a long narrative of sections of our trip, please read on. For quick references, please scan down to the bottom.
My wife and I determined that we would meet our best...
A few weeks ago, I decided spontaneously that I wanted an adventure in Costa Rica. And if adventure was the only thing that I wanted, I came home a happy man. I left San Francisco at the end of March to Houston for a small layover. I ended up telling...
Pros: The native people are very helpful and friendly Cons: The roads are even worse than before!
If you have read parts 1-3 of my Costa Rica travels, you should remember that we had driven to the Pacific coast and found an idyllic and secluded beach resort at Playa Azucar, or Sugar Beach. Our time there gave us a chance to really settle into...
Pros: Pleasant weather & nice people Cons: Nothing to see in San Jose, stick to the coast!
February of 2008 and my daughter had a nasty flu. Do we fly to Costa Rica or not? Too many reservation to cancel, so we just went. I apologize in advance for my writing style. I know it's not what they want, but if you keep reading, you may want ...
Pros: Clean, good authentic food Cons: The surrounding city is quite depressing.
The only place we found worth staying in San Jose, Costa Rica on your travel into Costa Rica was the Hotel Gran d'or a renovated villa in the center of San Jose. Quiet, simple luxury of a bed and breakfast. We stayed at the Gran d'or and ate all our...
Pros: So much to see, unique experiences, Cons: San Jose=dump,bad roads,language barrier
Costa Rica is a unique experience, but it's not for everyone. The language barrier is real bad, nobody speaks good English down there. The roads are borderline deadly in some spots. This is a third world country and I think people come here expecting...
Pros: Beautiful countryside, upscale Central America, cheap & good dental work Cons: Lacks culture, poor $ value, dead-end roads, heavily touristed, muggings
There is no doubt that Costa Rica, scenically speaking, is a beautiful country and one that is quite diversified. They've got Caribbean beaches, Pacific beaches, volcanoes, cloud forests. But then, so does all of Central America.
Pros: A different vacation - animals, rain forest, rugged experiences, volcano Cons: Not for everyone; might miss amenities
As one can see from all the glowing reports, Costa Rica sets many visitors on fire and some return, even settle there. We went on a family vacation several years ago with another family. It could be we'd gotten too much hype, but we were disappointed....
Pros: A different vacation - animals, rain forest, rugged experiences, volcano Cons: Not for everyone; might miss amenities
As one can see from all the glowing reports, Costa Rica sets many visitors on fire and some return, even settle there. We went on a family vacation several years ago with another family. It could be we'd gotten too much hype, but we were disappointed....
Pros: BEAUTIFUL LANDSCAPING AND RAINFOREST Cons: NOT FOR EVERYONE
My family went to Costa Rica in March. I think Costa Rica is overrated. The first 2 nights we stayed in San Jose. The hotel standards in Costa Rica are alot different than our standards in the United States. The hotel room was horrible. It smelled ...
Ok, so I went to CR for a two week honeymoon. We planned on staying at three highly recommended resorts that represented the best in all CR has to offer. (not cheap)
My visit exceeded my expectations. by seaho53 ,Apr 01 '05
Pros: helpful people everywhere, all villages Cons: not knowing enough Spanish before visiting
I visited just on a impulse..and was I totally surprised. The people are very pleaseant. I walked San Jose, some areas you don't want to go ...but I never felt threatened. I stayed in a small Costa Rican style hotel, Aranjuez. it was a very nice experience. The tours are very cheap and available. I would advise anyone not to rent a vehicle, hire a taxi...they are everywhere and cheap. I have visited two times and it is wonderful. Picture this...relaxing in a bubbling natural hot spring...for hours, watching the Arenal volcano explode with lava at night....sipping a margarita...it don't get any better.
Pros: Mountain biking on gravel roads surrounded by tropical beauty. Cons: Narrow roads, drivers and no singletrack.
Costa Rica is great for mountain biking: mountains, a large network of dirt roads, friendly locals, cool tourist destinations, beaches, wildlife and the occasional party town.
Since cycling is Costa Rica's second most popular sport, you are also guaranteed to meet friendly cyclists as you ride around. Make sure to ask them about their most favorite places to ride. I am sure they will invite you along.
There is a new site offering free information on biking Costa Rica: www.bikingcostarica.com.
Costa Rica - ECO Tourism - Natural Beauty!!! by bisslessi ,Mar 27 '07
Pros: Cheap to visit Cons: Very little english spoken and they encouraged you to speak spanish, takes classes, I did.
I stayed at Barcelo's Playa Tambor (all inclusive) food, drinks, entertainment and plenty of daily excursions/things to do. I went horse back riding from the mountains to the water falls thru the rainforest. This country has it all. Rent ATV's all day and go thru the springs..very deep water. Also, the hotel provides musical plays..daily sport schedule, etc... I loved the evening events as well. The waves are kinda rough though..so don't expect to swim in the ocean, unless you like that kind of stuff. There is a rainforest right next to the hotel and plenty of walkways...be careful because it gets pretty dark from the forest canopies and plenty of monkeys too. Go mountain climbing, but wear good rubber soled shoes..because the rocks get very slippery, especially near the waterfalls. Some of the elders in our group almost fell. The "guide" speaks very little english I noticed. Enjoy, a beautifully preserved country. These reason I chose Coast Rica is because it is 1 US Dollar = 537.530 Costa Rican Colon (so, 537 of their dollars to 1 american dollar)
Home Rental in Dominical by whateverzz ,Aug 24 '07
Pros: The view from the home was beautiful. The wildlife is incredible. Cons: Ted Tambke will not return calls or e-mails to rectify the situation.
We returned from Costa Rica a month ago. The Country is spectacular. Diverse & beautiful. The Rainforest literally meets the sea in Dominical. The home we rented, though, was a huge disapointment. The shell of the home appears spectacular. The interior was not as described. So many little necessities were not available (water, dependable power, t.v., air-conditioning, clocks, internet, a safe for valuables, etc..)The web-site listed the home with these "amenities", but did not deliver. The pool was cloudy & had moss growing on the over-flow. The chairs were moldy. The home was infested with ants. The bathrooms had not been clean prior to our arrival, and smelled of urine. The tubs & showers were grimy & the counters had not been bothered to be wiped down. The home was not "Ocean Front" as the owner, Ted Tambke, claimed. We would advise anyone looking for a luxury home rental, to rent from a reputable agency, and use a credit card.
Hotel Brazilito in Playa Brazilito by the_truthful ,Jan 03 '04
Pros: none Cons: descrimination, noisy, too expensive for what they give you
Hotel Brazilito in Playa Brazilito
We were forced to reserve a hotel Brazilto in Playa Brazilito because it was the only available hotel in the Tamarindo area. Now we all know why. I highly recommend NOT to rent any hotel at all (camp out) if Hotel Brazilito is your only option.
1. Owners discriminate against certain ethnicity
2. Rooms are sacks and do not have windows. Instead, they covered the window holes with nets against mosquitoes.
3. There is a loud discothèque across the street from the hotel. No window = no noise isolation. Don’t even think about going to sleep before the music stops playing
4. There is a rooster farm behind the hotel. Roosters start blasting at 4 am. If you end up falling asleep at 1 am after the discothèque closes down, 4 am is not the best time to wake up.
5. The beach has a very narrow sand area where one can lay down and get a tan…
6. The drive to Tamarindo is 20 mintes and is 30 US dollars.
7. There are not too many good restaurants around
Problems with Economy (aka Advantage) Rent a Car by ercr ,Oct 01 '05
Pros: I had no problems with the vehicle, just the company. Cons: Economy (aka Advantage) Rent a Car put false charges on my credit card.
Stay away from Economy Rent a Car (aka Advantage) Rent a Car!
When I turned back my vehicle, they said one of the tires was a different brand (not damaged, just a different brand). I provided a written statement that the tires hadn't been changed while I had the car, but when I got my next credit card statement there was a charge for nearly $100. Not only that, I had paid $20/day extra for insurance on all damages and they still placed this charge. What a scam! It was difficult, but my credit card company finally reversed the charges.
Beware of Jaco - Criminal Town by mvski ,Dec 16 '07
Pros: Beautiful Country. Osa Peninsula is amazing! Cons: Jaco is a Criminal Town!
Costa Rica is a beautiful place. Unfortunately, places like Jaco taint that. Locals call it a criminal town. Had our luggage stolen, police were useless, police station was packed with tourists who had stuff stolen. We walked 100 ft to beach for a photo. There was a Lookout person, vendors to distract and thief to break into car, took 4 mins if that. Locals say the town has gotten out of control. Rings of thieves all over. Avoid it. There are plenty of beautiful places to visit in Costa Rica. This is not one. Have fun!
New York Coffee Costa Rica Costa Rica grows Central America s most popular and famous coffee. Over thirty thousand coffee farmers strive to live up the coffee s reputation for q...
New York Coffee Costa Rica Costa Rica grows Central America s most popular and famous coffee. Over thirty thousand coffee farmers strive to live up the coffee s reputation for q...
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