Costa Rica tips

Ruthy23

Hey,
I'm thinking of going to Costa Rica this September (or else maybe next June!) and was wondering has anyone gone recently, and have any tips for me? I've heard Sept is the rainy season but not on the whole island...and the turtles are nesting then? how did you book your trip? is it pricey once you arrive there? has anyone hired a car? any info at all greatly appreciated! cheers!

ionapaul

It isn't an island - it is a Central American country with Panama to the south, Nicaragua to the north, the Pacific to the west and the Caribbean to the east! Supposed to be very beautiful with a well run tourist economy. I've heard that the capital isn't great and obviously you go to enjoy the amazing nature and wildlife and of course the beaches! Lucky you

dermo88

I worked in San Jose (The Capital) for one month back in October last year, and theres not much I can say for San Jose. Its hardly the nicest introduction to the country, and it can be dangerous if you are careless. Its fairly cheap, hardly an expensive place by any stretch of the word, but I have not been to the very tourist oriented parts of the country.

What I have been told is that Manuel Antonio on the Pacific Coast is nice. I only had the chance to make one proper trip and that was to Lago De Arenal and Volcan De Arenal. There are Hot Springs there, which make for a nice day out. Don't go to the first one in La Fortuna, which charges US$45.00 entrance, there is a second one further down which charges US$10.00 for the day, It takes the guts of four hours to get there from San Jose by road, so if possible, try and fly, Costa Rican roads are not for the faint hearted.

Rainy season goes on for 8 months of the year, March to November.

Dual pricing is practiced, recommend using Colones for day to day stuff, and Dollars for any big ticket items.

Ruthy23

Thanks for that. So was it very rainy when you were there last October? and did you fly to that hot springs place?

dermo88

It was not very rainy, just dull and overcast most of the . But then again, San Jose is located in the Central Valley, which is 1,000 meters above sea level. Its got a cooler climate than the coastal areas.

You'll have a wide variety of weather conditions in Costa Rica on account of the terrain, you can't tell unless you know which part your going to.

Myself and my colleagues got an SUV to the hot springs. Outside San Jose, you'll need 4 wd drive, the roads are that bad. However, domestic flights with Natureair could put a fair dent in your budget, travel and getting around quickly is expensive. Buses are cheap if you have the patience and time.

Ruthy23

Thanks for that! Yeah am still debating whether to go now or next spring, the tourist websites mention that many tourism areas might be closed in the rainy season. We would probably hire a 4wd alright or bus it, but i don't really fancy the latter too much! how did you find the people, and how did you fly there? We found flights for approx 800euro through Amsterdam. sorry for all the questions!!