Costa Rica

[hrjaw]

So my wife and I have an opportunity to head to Costa Rica in April for a week. The house we will be staying at is in Quepos (SP)? I was hoping to get insight from anyone who might have been either in this area of close to it. Not only fishing, but food, things to do, etc, what to avoid, the availability of atm's, should we bring cash, etc. even if you think it is mundane, please add to the conversation, as we have never been before.
thanks,
Roger

[pamo]

I was born and raised in Panama'. Been to southern Costa Rica (vulcan)...

You will be there during the end of dry season, so it should be pretty nice. I think Quepos is a big tourist spot so as far as fishing, there will be plenty of guys willing to take you out. Take some money for tips if you do go out fishing, most likely you wil pay for the trip up front but sometimes the locals will be the ones to clean your fish when you get back. While you are there go out on your own, there are alot of things to see that you won't in the USA.

Money- You are in a central american country, keep that in mind always. No matter how nice and safe you feel around the touristy areas don't forget where you are. For the most part I would say use cash around the touristy parts, easier and usually fairly safe(if it wasn't then it wouldn't be so tourist friendly). If you venture out then carry what you think you will need in small bills (but no huge wads of cash). Its basically all just common sense...

[Willys2TJ]

Don't know where your location is but my family stayed at Los Suenos a couple of years ago. Its a resort on the Pacific side, about halfway down.

Everyone we met was friendly, resort workers were great. Went on some excursions, kayaking, horseback riding in the forest. Great people, good service.

Everywhere has security bars, private homes, everything. Locals said that theft is a real problem but violent crime is rare. Wrought iron gates and fences are everywhere.

Unfortunately, my son broke his leg on the third day and the trip turned into a living hell until we got him back to the states. Kinda like..."Other than that Mrs. Lincoln, how'd you like the play?".

I want to go back but my son refuses (can't blame him). The national health care system is barbaric so try not to get hurt. You'll know the meaning of Third World if you have to go to one of their hospitals. The worst hospital in the US is light-years ahead of their large, national hospital in San Jose.

Edit: I just looked at the map. Your location is just south of Los Suenos. We stayed at the Marriott, great place. Deep sea fishing for Billfish (sailfish, marlin, etc) is supposed to be great. Expensive. We had a charter lined up but had to cancel after the accident. Should be river rafting, canopy tours, etc. available in the area.

[hrjaw]

thanks for all the replys....I have been to places that some would consider 3rd world....spent a summer in Russia in the early 80's, St.Kitt's, Belize before it became the travel hot spot...My wife, on the other hand, has never had the pleasure...I look forward to it, and have already explained that she leaves all the goods at home (jewelry, expensive watches, etc)....this should still be a great trip though!

[Juju]

don't drink the water!

seriously, don't drink unless it's come out of a bottle and you've seen the bottle. and don't get ice that's just made from the water either. i'd be careful about uncooked foods (salads, fruits, etc) washed in the water too.

[blueknight44]

I just got back from Mexico, I change US cash into the local cash and learn the exchange rate.

Learn the going prices for items and services.

I think it's great geting on a local public bus, drop in a couple local coins and pay maybe $.25 US for a 20 min bus ride and try out some high school Spanish 101.

Uno, dos tres, Si/No Gracis or whatever, thanks.

Every local knows American "DOLLARS", I've been told" Cheap American" when I paid in Peso's

I've been on Cruise Ships to Costa Rica, great outdoors but it's like a US City near the railroad tracks, be careful.

Vacations are great, but the USA is the greatest!

[Saba]

i actually just got back from my second vacation in the Quepos area yesterday!

Let's see....the water is fine, don't worry about it. We drank it the whole time and everytime we go down...no worries. It's not Mexico. If you get sick it's NOT from the water, i can assure you.

Quepos is a bit of a hole however i've never felt scared there (I'm a chick). We stayed in Manuel Antonio - 7 miles south of Quepos. Lots of great food and things to do.

In Quepos there is a place called Adenaline Tours....the American owner is great and can set up anthing you want to do from ATV tours, horseback riding, kayaking, etc. We've ridden his ATV tour twice. Tell his his "Texas" folks sent you.

Every restaurant we ate at was great. If you can, go to Makanda By The Sea for lunch...they have GREAT food. (That's where we stay everytime we go) Tell the Rasta man (Randall) that waits that his tattooed American friends said hi! There is Gato Negro - good food...right across the street is a huge airplane under a roof (can't miss it) - also good food. Ummm....the local Americans like Cafe Azuel but we did not catch it open. There is a restaurant at the top of a hill, you have to drive down a dirt road to get there...i want to say Manny's but i don't think that's right. When you are going into Manuel from Quepos the sign will be on the right and it points down a dirt road. Go there for sunset and have some margaritas...amazing sunset point. Another good sunset point is **went blank here** it's a pirate name and on the right side....you'll see it. awesome fish and chips and again, amazing sunsets. There are tons of different restaurants...all so far that we ate at was great.

Spend a day at the Manuel Antonio Park. (we wish someone had told us this but) bring swimsuits, towels, change of clothes if you want to hike, SUNSCREEN (wear it ALL the time, even riding in the car), camera, plenty of water and some snacks - maybe even a small cooler. A whole day can easily be spent here. You can get a guide for 2 hours - we didn't - there are monkeys and sloths easily within eye view and many very close. Sloths are easy to view by watching where all the other people that paid for guides are looking. Take it easy, hang out at one of the many beaches (lots private if you want to hike). The trail that says ***something*** Cathedral....it's a LONG hard hike and there is no rock formation or anything resembling a cathedral - also something i wish someone would have told me!!)

Cash - yes bring cash and don't forget there is an exit tax...i think it's around $20 per person. Most everywhere will take credit cards except a select few places. (The MA park for example and a few supermarkets in the area) ATM's are available in both Quepos and Manuel Antonio. Liquor stores are readily available as well.

(going to post, re-read just incase i hit the wrong button and lose all of this typing)

[Saba]

lock the car doors and don't leave anything in it....Quepos (i learned this trip from American locals) has a ton of crackheads so be careful. The Americans that told us this also live in Quepos and had been broken into a time or 2. There is also some Columbian mob in the area.....just be safe and stay away from the drugs.

Ticos (Costa Rican people) are very nice...There are a lot of Americans around as well.

In restaurants - be aware that as most countries - they are different than Americans and it takes awhile for them to get your check to you, be patient and ask ahead of time if you are one to get annoyed. We always had to ask for our check, that's just something you gotta do.

That's all i can think of at the moment....ask me anything, i LOVE talking about Costa Rica! My husband and I are in the very beginning stages of developing a Christian ministry in the form of a horse ranch for disabled and abused children and abused horses - in Costa Rica. We hope to be there and established in a couple of years!

[stathunter]

I have always wanted to go to Costa Rica for the fishing. I personally have been a little hesitant due to the crime.........not sure why because I think the Detroit crime rate might be higher.

[Saba]

oh, thought of a few more. We did not fish but we heard by talking with other tourists that they had an amazing time fishing, caught lots of fish. It's expensive unless you can get a group together (which is why we have not gone yet)

If you scuba...do it. If you REALLY love to scuba, drive or fly down to the Cano's islands and dive there. We have not done in the Manuel Anotnio area but will next time. We dove in the North Pacific area this time and the Cano island area last time. We actually saw humpback whales this trip up north! WOW what a sight!

[hrjaw]

Saba,
thank you for all the comments. I am sure as time draws nearer, I will have more questions for you.

Stathunter,
you want crime...spend some time in Russia...that is all I am going to say....

R

[Saba]

Originally Posted by stathunter

I have always wanted to go to Costa Rica for the fishing. I personally have been a little hesitant due to the crime.........not sure why because I think the Detroit crime rate might be higher.

crime is really not THAT bad....we've never had a problem but we also act responsibly. Don't leave anything in the car....lock the car....don't flash your money and keep it close. I act no different or worry no more than a trip to San Fran or New York....heck - Dallas for that matter!!

[97Xj_Sport]

Dallas is alot worse than San Francisco or New York. But it's not Costa Rica so I have no idea why I posted in this thread. Carry on.

[Saba]

here's a great informational website

http://www.therealcostarica.com/