Costa Rica

[Piker]

Will be heading there in a week and since quite a few on here have been there I am wondering if you can supply some ideas about what to do and what not to do and places to see. We are staying at Tamarindo Beach on the northwest coast. Thanks for any help. Piker

[wwbirds]

One of the only places you can see a Resplendent Quetzal

Considered by many to be the most beautiful bird in the world

http://i265.photobucket.com/albums/ii209/AzulMarino_2008/resplendent-quetzal.jpg

I need lots of pictures though before I can tackle carving one. hehehehe

[AbAngler]

Will be heading there in a week and since quite a few on here have been there I am wondering if you can supply some ideas about what to do and what not to do and places to see. We are staying at Tamarindo Beach on the northwest coast. Thanks for any help. Piker

We were there last spring. You have picked a good spot. Its a bit Americanized, but thats not necessarily a bad thing. There are a ton of good restaurants in the town for cheap. I highly recommend the Donair shop run by a young Israeli couple. The most expensive place for dinner was El Coconut or something. It was like $80 for two of us including drinks and dessert. We ate like kings.

Do the Congo Trail zip lines. Do the booze cruze/snorkeling catamaran. If you surf, it has some of the best waves in the world. Featured in lots of surfing movies.

Fishing is really good if you go with a reputable guide. We were put onto to these guys http://www.tamarindosportfishing.com/our_boats.htm (Salsa). Its not the fanciest boat in their fleet, but my wife and I outfished everyone, both days we went. ****ed off quite a few Americans in other, fancier boats... The captain is local, and kind of goes against the grain. All the beer and food is provided.

Buy your booze/water at the main grocery store. You will notice a 40 something blond white guy hanging around. He is from Calgary and is good buddies with the guy who pretty much owns the town. Good guy to get info from. Can't remember his name....

If you like to shop, brush up on your haggling skills. Buy t-shirts in a size larger then you are.

Take a cab from the airport and negotiate a price BEFORE you get in. Hang on tight, they are maniacs on the road. Get him to stop at a store for beer for the ride. It can be scary. Imperial is good beer.

I've been to Costa Rica a few times now and Tamarindo is top of the list with Tambor. A little less off the beaten path compared to Tambor, but better for families/wives.

Most important is to just go with the flow and enjoy yourself. You will be on Tico time. The locals will treat you well if you are relaxed and into having a fun time. If you are uptight and demanding, they will laugh at you and service will cease.

Hope this helps a bit.

[Piker]

Thanks ABangler thats the exactly the kind of stuff I was looking for. Piker

[Albertadiver]

I was just down there a few weeks ago. Flew into Liberia, and stayed at Playa Conchal, about a half hour North of where you'll be.

When you get to the Liberia airport, you will be swarmed by people just as you exit customs. Stick close to your family and be sure of your travel arrangements. Found this to be pretty high stress even compared to Mexico and Cuba.

By FAR the best trip I've ever been on. And I've been to East/West coast Mexico a number of times, and Cuba.

LOVED IT!!

I found that there wasn't much bartering where we were, but the people are great. The food at our resort was like going to the banff springs hotel here. Not sure about your resort, but ours was fantastic. Some of the folks that were on our charter flight didn't have as good a time as we did and they stayed at a different resort, but not sure if they were just being picky.

Weather was HOT even at night.

Lots of wildlife. Lizards, howler monkeys, and just amazing numbers and varieties of birds. We loved sunset, the whole jungle erupted.

http://www.paradisus-playa-conchal.com/


http://i485.photobucket.com/albums/rr214/albertadiver/boat-1.jpg

http://i485.photobucket.com/albums/rr214/albertadiver/sunset.jpg

http://i485.photobucket.com/albums/rr214/albertadiver/flower.jpg

http://i485.photobucket.com/albums/rr214/albertadiver/birds.jpg

[Piker]

There is 25 of us going for a wedding and everything including bus from Liberia to Barcello Langosta resort is all inclusive. Its good to know that if we get tired of the food at the resort we have other alternatives. Most of us have at least been to Mexico and elsewhere and we will be hounded until we burn or get brown and then they leave you alone. I am going to contact the fishing charter tomorrow and try and make a deal for 10 or 12 guys. I think we will all have a great time. Thks. Piker

[Cattle Dog]

That is the kind of educational thread that i like reading about (even if i can't afford to travel, it is a good source of info to just read about other people's experiences and fun).
Thanks, folks.

[Twisted Canuck]

You guys are killing me....I was supposed to go March 1 for a week, all booked, paid for, worked 10 days straight to get work squared away, got my guys paid and set up for while I was gone....and then found out my passports expired Dec 15/2010. I almost cried. I've got passports now, that spring is here and too busy to go.....but I am going late fall, absolutely, barring unforseen things (like my death!). Have a good time, but don't post pictures anymore, or I will cry.

[Albertadiver]

There is 25 of us going for a wedding and everything including bus from Liberia to Barcello Langosta resort is all inclusive. Its good to know that if we get tired of the food at the resort we have other alternatives. Most of us have at least been to Mexico and elsewhere and we will be hounded until we burn or get brown and then they leave you alone. I am going to contact the fishing charter tomorrow and try and make a deal for 10 or 12 guys. I think we will all have a great time. Thks. Piker

Just think! This will be you!!

http://i485.photobucket.com/albums/rr214/albertadiver/Costa%20Rica%202011/fishingboat.jpg


Have a good time, but don't post pictures anymore, or I will cry. Better get some kleenex's!

http://i485.photobucket.com/albums/rr214/albertadiver/Costa%20Rica%202011/wake.jpg

http://i485.photobucket.com/albums/rr214/albertadiver/Costa%20Rica%202011/Plane.jpg

http://i485.photobucket.com/albums/rr214/albertadiver/Costa%20Rica%202011/spoonbills.jpg

http://i485.photobucket.com/albums/rr214/albertadiver/Costa%20Rica%202011/spa.jpg

http://i485.photobucket.com/albums/rr214/albertadiver/Costa%20Rica%202011/pool.jpg

http://i485.photobucket.com/albums/rr214/albertadiver/Costa%20Rica%202011/otherpool.jpg

http://i485.photobucket.com/albums/rr214/albertadiver/Costa%20Rica%202011/mojitos.jpg

http://i485.photobucket.com/albums/rr214/albertadiver/Costa%20Rica%202011/drinks.jpg

http://i485.photobucket.com/albums/rr214/albertadiver/Costa%20Rica%202011/dessert.jpg

[Albertadiver]

And... just a few more.

The Barcelo was South of where we stayed. Folks on our flight said it was a nice resort. Have fun guys!!

http://i485.photobucket.com/albums/rr214/albertadiver/Costa%20Rica%202011/iguana.jpg

http://i485.photobucket.com/albums/rr214/albertadiver/Costa%20Rica%202011/flower.jpg

http://i485.photobucket.com/albums/rr214/albertadiver/Costa%20Rica%202011/flower2.jpg

http://i485.photobucket.com/albums/rr214/albertadiver/Costa%20Rica%202011/dock.jpg

http://i485.photobucket.com/albums/rr214/albertadiver/Costa%20Rica%202011/condos.jpg

http://i485.photobucket.com/albums/rr214/albertadiver/Costa%20Rica%202011/birds.jpg

http://i485.photobucket.com/albums/rr214/albertadiver/Costa%20Rica%202011/bigpool.jpg

[AbAngler]

We stayed in town at the Deria. I'm trying to find my pics, but I can't remember which computer I put them on. :angry3:

[Piker]

Thanks for all the pics. I think we will have to get another memory card for the camera. After all this even I am getting excited about going. Piker

[Kramsky]

Costria is sweet. We felt very safe there on and off the resort. Also the fishing was amazing. Try your hand at some rooster fish. We caught two that where around 100lbs. The fishing made my trip.

[Piker]

Looking better all the time. Kramsky I see you are from Taber. I live in Barnwell for the last 25 yrs and 10 yrs. in Taber before that. Thks Piker

[Albertadiver]

I found the first few days it took a bit to just chill! Then I quit wearing my watch, who cares! eat when you're hungry, and take a swim whenever you want! Can't wait to go back.

My folks are seriously looking at purchasing a condo there.

[AbAngler]

My folks are seriously looking at purchasing a condo there.

I had to talk my wife OUT of buying one. A bunch of Americans built all those condos you can see on the hill overlooking the town. When hard times hit, they couldn't sell them. For less then what you pay for the resorts, or the hotels, you can rent a fully furnished, hot tub, 3 bedrooms, maid, and parking spot condo. We met a couple from Edmonton who rented one. It was brand new and NICE.

Next time we go there, we'll be renting one.

[TheClash]

I had to talk my wife OUT of buying one. A bunch of Americans built all those condos you can see on the hill overlooking the town. When hard times hit, they couldn't sell them. For less then what you pay for the resorts, or the hotels, you can rent a fully furnished, hot tub, 3 bedrooms, maid, and parking spot condo. We met a couple from Edmonton who rented one. It was brand new and NICE.

Next time we go there, we'll be renting one.

do you perhaps have a website for these condos??

[Deer Hunter]

Caught these Jack Crevalle off of the beach at the Barcello Langosta a couple weeks ago. Great place, have fun.
http://i272.photobucket.com/albums/jj188/AlbertaFleaBags/P3170303.jpg

[Albertadiver]

do you perhaps have a website for these condos??

These are the condo's that my folks are thinking of buying, which you can rent as well.

http://playaconchalcondo.com/

The only reason my folks are thinking of buying, is that they would live there for several months a year.

[TheClash]

how much are flights from Calgary...usually....

[AbAngler]

do you perhaps have a website for these condos??

I don't. But I'm pretty sure my wife grabbed a brochure... I'll have a look tonight.

The ones we went to are right in town. Sun...something... I'll do some googling.

[TheClash]

cool, thanks.

[Twisted Canuck]

Just think! This will be you!!


Better get some kleenex's!




Damn you ABDiver, Damn you...!!:fighting0030::mad3:

[Albertadiver]

Damn you ABDiver, Damn you...!!:fighting0030::mad3:

Happy to oblige!

Here's some photo's of the wildlife.

Howler Monkeys

http://i485.photobucket.com/albums/rr214/albertadiver/Costa%20Rica%202011/CostaRica2011019.jpg

http://i485.photobucket.com/albums/rr214/albertadiver/Costa%20Rica%202011/IMG_7758Large.jpg

Like a racoon, but different. They have racoons there too

http://i485.photobucket.com/albums/rr214/albertadiver/Costa%20Rica%202011/IMG_7677Large.jpg

The Condo's my folks are interested in

http://i485.photobucket.com/albums/rr214/albertadiver/Costa%20Rica%202011/IMG_7763Large.jpg

http://i485.photobucket.com/albums/rr214/albertadiver/Costa%20Rica%202011/IMG_7782Large.jpg

http://i485.photobucket.com/albums/rr214/albertadiver/Costa%20Rica%202011/IMG_7754Large.jpg

The beach

http://i485.photobucket.com/albums/rr214/albertadiver/Costa%20Rica%202011/IMG_7862Large.jpg

http://i485.photobucket.com/albums/rr214/albertadiver/Costa%20Rica%202011/018Large.jpg

[Albertadiver]

And a couple more around the pool

http://i485.photobucket.com/albums/rr214/albertadiver/Costa%20Rica%202011/006Large.jpg

http://i485.photobucket.com/albums/rr214/albertadiver/Costa%20Rica%202011/008Large.jpg

[Piker]

You guys are blowing my mind. I may never come back. Looks like a totally amazing place. One more question about money. People have told us they had trouble when using U.S. dollars, some told us to take U.S. traveller cheques and others to use credit cards. With all the fees to use the credit card or the A.T.M. machine or get the cheques turned into money is any where from 1% TO 3% so other than being a little unsafe what is wrong with taking cash. Not a huge amount but I have read that a lot of vendors etc. take nothing but cash. Please advise. Thks Piker

[Albertadiver]

I was able to use my mastercard at the dive shop, and at the general store at our resort.

I took cash down, and just was very cautious about keeping it on my person. One pocket for 5's and 1's. The other pocket for the larger denominations. ATM's are available, but can be tough to find. Room safes are fairly secure.

I found that tipping the pool bar guys didn't get you any better service, but I always left 3 to 4 bucks a day for the maid, and tipped at meals. One young man worked long long days picking up after slobby guests at the pool keeping the place spotless. After seeing him work two days basically ignored, I gave him 10 bucks and said thanks for his hard work. He was shocked to get a tip.

The all inclusives are supposed to include gratuities, but in reality a tip goes a long way if service is good. Only a couple of bucks makes a huge difference.

When my folks were researching these condos, you can hire a maid for about 30 bucks a day. So, they're only making 5 bucks an hour or less. So a few dollar tips helps a lot.

The resort we stayed at is supposed to be the best in that area. This is a 5+ star resort and it really lived up to its expectations. I can't speak to the other resorts because I wasn't there. My wife and I felt spoiled since my folks paid for one of our tickets as a gift. Normally we could never afford such a place.

That being said, we spent a lot of time out of the resort at flamingo beach, just outside of town.

http://maps.google.ca/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=playa+conchal+costa+rica&aq=&sll=49.891235,-97.15369&sspn=28.681255,94.746094&ie=UTF8&hq=&hnear=Playa+Conchal&ll=10.441601,-85.789747&spn=0.002664,0.007827&t=h&z=18

The dive shop we went with was out of there and we had a great time. The only difference I would think of from one resort to the other would be food quality. Everything else is usually top notch.

We can't wait to go back. I only wish it was on the carribean side due to the diving being better on that side.

Our resort was part of a whole ecological preserve, with golf course, natural area, miles of beach, and the resort which had a seperate spa attached to it. Just an amazing place! There are some of the condos right in the resort that are privately owned. One day a private helicopter landed right at the resort!

http://maps.google.ca/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=playa+conchal+costa+rica&aq=&sll=49.891235,-97.15369&sspn=28.681255,94.746094&ie=UTF8&hq=&hnear=Playa+Conchal&ll=10.398924,-85.803362&spn=0.002665,0.007827&t=h&z=18

[Deer Hunter]

US cash was best in Tamarindo. But dont plan on getting any deals there. My favorite was a bottle of suntan lotion for $30 USD. Rent a car and tour the country & volcanoes as most of the good sites are a full day on a bus tour which doesnt stop anywhere along the way. A car makes it much better. Dont expect a resort like ABDiver's, Barcelo is nice but its only a 3.5 or 4 star and small. Plan to do stuff on your own without booking through any tour groups. Book any deep sea fishing before you get there. Tamarindo has fishing charters but they're expensive, no bait, broken down boats etc. I think the Outdoor Quest guys had a good charter near by.
Surfing lessons are good in Tamarindo as is the restaurant "El Mirador Bar & Restaurante" best view of the ocean and sunset... real romantic... i guess:scared0018:

The rodeo was on when we were there. That was crazy. Its bullriding exclusively and the audience is in the ring with the bull and rider.

And the fried chicken...

Have fun!

[Albertadiver]

US cash was best in Tamarindo. But dont plan on getting any deals there. My favorite was a bottle of suntan lotion for $30 USD.

Dont expect a resort like ABDiver's, Barcelo is nice but its only a 3.5 or 4 star and small. Plan to do stuff on your own without booking through any tour groups.


Book any deep sea fishing before you get there. Tamarindo has fishing charters but they're expensive, no bait, broken down boats etc.


best view of the ocean and sunset... real romantic... i guess:scared0018:




1) Yup, US cash for sure. sunscreen and other toiletries are very expensive. I bought a bunch of imodium, tums, advil, sunscreen, etc. and brought with me. I had a bad experiance once in mexico with uncooked food and learned my lesson. We also took a few small hand sanitizer bottles as well. Use them before eating anything.

2) My wife and I were a bit of a minority. Most of the people at this resort were older couples, and the younger ones like us were pretty snobby 'rich folks'. You will have a BLAST regardless of the resort, especially with a large group.

3) We booked our dive boat and paid for it from home. I'd do the same with the fishing charters. Lots of beach guys will sell you anything, but you never know who you can trust.

Bill Beard's is a full service company in Costa Rica based out of Florida. They book trips for you with local reputable companies. That's how I found our dive shop. If they are represented by Bill Beard's, they'll be good to deal with.

Here's a link for fishing.
http://www.billbeardcostarica.com/php/packages_list.php?id_pack_main=14&lang=

They also do the volcano tours and such. My wife and I did so much diving that we didn't do the jungle tours or volcanoes, but my folks have done them on previous trips and really enjoyed themselves.

The thing is, is that the distances aren't far, but the roads are very windy so a full day is involved for every excursion. This means that one of a 7 day trip is used on an excursion, so you have to really want to do the trip. Next time we go, we're going a minimum of 10 days.


4) I had the same experiance with an um... exceptional sunset....

[elnino54]

I've been going down for several years. Although its a small country, getting around can be a bit of a pita.......the more time you have the better. It truely is an amazing place ! I put together a few you tube videos from this year......have a look

http://www.youtube.com/user/1elnino54

[Albertadiver]

how much are flights from Calgary...usually....

Saw a deal the other day for about 280! That was a one off deal though. Prices are pretty reasonable considering how far you're flying.

Our flight was through a tour company, and they chartered west jet. Love flying west jet!

[Bogman]

The wife and I were there for 3 weeks at Xmas and New years. First time there and I really enjoyed it. Most of the good stuff has been covered in this thread . We stayed in a relatives condo there about a 5 minute walk from the beach. Would have been nice to be on the beach but we had our own small pool so we really enjoyed that. If you want a great steak one nite try Captain Suizo's resort. Its a small resort about half way to town from Barcello where you are staying. Well worth it. Next time we go we are going to stay there even though our relatives place was really inexpensive. American cash is no problem. We had a rental car the whole time and it was woorth it big time . drove around no problem and would not go again without having one. Cabs are good but driving was adventuresome to say the least. When your walking on the dirt roads and you smell something sweet its the molasis from the sugar cane they mix with water and spread on the roads to keep the dust down. TRy and get out of the big resort if you really want to experience Tamarindo.

[Piker]

I want to thank everyone for all the pics and good advice. It will make our trip much easier. Piker

[Trap30]

My wife has been bugging to go to Costa Rica instead of Mexico. Likely wont be until fall. She is really into teh jungle trips etc. Can you folks that have been there tell me who you booked through.

[Piker]

We went thru Marlin Travel in Brooks but I would think any travel agency would do it for you. Piker

[vinny]

My wife has been bugging to go to Costa Rica instead of Mexico. Likely wont be until fall. She is really into teh jungle trips etc. Can you folks that have been there tell me who you booked through.

Carlson Wagonlit for all our trips.

[junglejay7320]

i live here part time a couple three months a year...
what do you need???
money...easy...credit card....imform you visa or mc company that you going to cr and how long and you will not have a problem with drawing money or charging items @ the stores....there will be a 3 dollar charge from the bank and anothe 3 dollar charge from you credit card...atm are in all tourist towns...us dollars are excepted country wide....
items are not cheap...expect to pay 10-12 bucks for a meal 2-3 bucks for a beer...a little cheaper then canada...

tamirindo is the largest tourist town in cr...next jaco...but more of a young crowd...the nicest beach is playa conchal...i live in a town called playa del coco...
a small sleepy fishing villiage that has become a middle of the road tourist destination...if you get a chance take a drive 45 min north of tamirindo...

the largest volcano is call arenal...it's cool...zip lines,jungle hiking trails,river tours there cool,also arenal has volcnic hot springs....if your a bird nut then head to the arenal volcano obsevatory and just out side the resturant there is a bird feeding patio ...sit still for an hour and you will 20 different bird....there is another volcano called rincon dela veahia....it's closer then arenal...also if you do go to arenal expect to stay over night...

i am here in cr as we speak....dec-jan32-34 degrees-feb-march34-36 degrees
and april is crazy 36-40...then in may it cools off to a balmy 32...also arenal and the interior of cr is not as hot as the pacific coast line...

one more thing...when on excurtions in the wild,pay attention to where you are walking....this still is central america and the are stinging,poisonouis critters in the jungle...it happen to me,so i could happen to you...

hasta laugo...junglejay over and out....