Has anyone been to Costa Rica?

My girlfriend and I have a trip planned for January of 2024 and looking for some recommendations. Our current plan is to go from San Jose-La Fortuna-monteverde-Tamarindo then make
our way back San Jose to fly out. If there is must-dos please send them my way!

 

My trips have been Dive trips so we always jam across to the pacific...a special treat is staying at the base of Aranal volcanoe at the inn...laying in bed with an active volcano perfectly framed by the patio doors...be prepared to meet LOTS of expats...and stay away from the timeshare salesmen ;-p

 

Awesome thank you, yeah I’m looking forward to La Fortuna. Any restaurant recommendations?

 

If you're renting a vehicle then 100% for sure get the insurance (might be mandatory) and the gps navigation add on. The directions that locals will use to guide you is "Drive straight for 20 mins then once you get to the big red house turn left," but the big red house is no longer red, but all the locals still know it as the big red house.

Things I did there that I highly recommend: go on a coffee farm tour (if they offer you agua ardiente definitely try it), horse back riding in the mountains, mountain zip lines, and deep sea fishing.

Do not feed the monkeys. If one gets food from you the rest will come and they will be pissed. I think they bite.

 

I got a chance to stay in el Tabacon. There were some really cool natural hot water pools.

Speaking of timeshare people, I met one that used to do that in Cancun. She said the trick to dealing with them is telling them that it's a great deal and you like. They are only trained to receive and counter "No's" so if you keep saying yes and it's great then they will turn an all day sales pitch into a 30 minute long ordeal. Then you just tell them you need to find the money for it because you can't pay for it right now.

 

Both great advice, I’ve never dealt with timeshare people. Always avoided them like the plague in Vegas. We will be renting a car (Suzuki Jimny) for the week and I believe we do have insurance in the agreement and absolutely hoping we don’t have to use it hahah

 

The vehicle rental place we went to explained to us how Costa Rican traffic accidents work. You do not move your vehicle, even if it's in the middle of the highway and the police don't get there for hours. Once they get there a sketch artist draws the scene on his pad and then you can go. This was back in 2015 when cameras were already very easily accesible.

 

That’s wild. I can’t imagine why they wouldn’t just photograph it.

 

Government efficiency I suppose

 

Because the law says so. Doesn’t have to make sense to anyone else. Don't even try to question why, it'll ruin yiur trio
They have made some changes to this, but just do what your car rental agency tells you. You'll be much happier that way.
Don't plan on driving at night. Road signs, illumination and road markings can be lacking or nonexistent.
Download Waze as well. It's used a lot, sometimes better than Google in some situations.. When you are get a local SIM card, many people do.

 

Just some more friendly advice. Don't drive at night. The road markings on non-existent in most places. Same thing with street lights, direction signs, street signs, exit signs etc.
Plus, if you go off the main roads, you could hit a good sized pothole (they are numerous).
Then you have the people walking on the roads, vehicles parked in the road at houses,stray dogs etc.
Gas stations are all full serve, and all have the same price.
Definitely download waze!!!
Don't let yourself get worked up over the motorcycles passing you anywhere they can fit. Or, people passing on blind curves and hills. Just drive defensively and don't get caught up in the driving style. Its chaotic but it works. If you gave to stop suddenly on a road put your hazards on to warn other drives. You'll see thst often. Plus, if someone let's you in in front of them flash your hazards for 2 or 3 flashes as a thank you.
Cars will flash their headlights to let you go in front of them. A couple of quick honks is a thank you as well.
If you break down plave out your supplied reflective markers as a warning to approaching traffic from behind, and if you are out of the car broken down, you must wear the supplied reflective vest for your safety.
That's all l can think of.
Have a safe trip

 

We dove at Cano island, stayed a spell at Drake Bay, camped at Corcovado and hiked in the Cloud forest. Recommend all. Have fun!

 

What Rick's2012 said, get Waze, a local Sims card and also download WhatsApp. For car rentals I like to use local companies they are usually cheaper and easier to deal with. I used Fast Rent A Car in Feb. out of San Jose they were great to deal with and cheap but older vehicles. I would also try and get a vehicle with a little ground clearance. Lot's to do in La Fortuna, Waterfalls, Rafting ( Arenal Rafting ), Hot springs ( The free locals hot spring out by Tabacon hot spring is worth it ), Canyoneering around Arenal Volcano, Rio Celeste ( about 1.5 hrs. from La Fortuna ) and did not have a bad meal that I remember. If you have time the west coast around Quepos is awesome. Enjoy your trip, I can't wait to go back.

 

I'll add thst you better get a car rental now. Most are probably already spoken for.

@balls47 has great advice there.

 

Awesome advice thank you! Yes we’ll be hitting Tamarindo for a few days so, very much looking forward to some beach time too.

 

Yes we booked one with a local company a few months back! It was tough then too to get one.

 

Do you have am email from them that states all fees amd insurance are included?? You can't use foreign insurance or credit card insurance here. Some people complain about being surprised with additional needed insurance thst they didn't know about. Not all companies have done this, but it has happened to many people.
Not to stress you out or anything.

 

No no no extra stress. When I was researching car rental places people did complain a lot and finding a place that factored in the insurance to their price. This place came with rave reviews. We got a Suzuki Jimny. Which we’re pretty excited about haha.

 

That's good to hear

Jimny's are definitely popular!! Old school tech that works!!

 

Tamarindo beach is very nice