Tsi

Hi.....What are the differences between Quepos and Jaco? Are there young surfer people like myself in both towns? Which one is closer to San Jose airport? I am a girl in my 20s going to Costa Rica all alone, so I obviously want to meet other young people in a cool place... who also love to surf! Thanks so much. Also - Am planning to eventually travel north to Malpais and then maybe Tamarindo. Can you give me your feedback on those places? Thanks!!!

Denise

It has been a few years since I was last in Costa Rica, but I would say if you are looking for surf and a good time you may want to make your way down to Peurto Veijo (on the Caribbean coast, almost on the border of Panama.) It is a surfing town, very laid back, a couple of bars where people hang out for a few at night and a real "granola feel". Lots of juice bars! Just be very wary if you go through Limon to get there -- not a safe town! I fell in love with Manuel Antonio, which is the national park just outside of Quepos -- it is quiet, long beaches and relatively few people (well, that was about 5 years ago, I don't know about now). We stayed at a great little spot called Hotel Villa Nina, which is not on the beach, but is only about 1 mile or so up the mountain. The view from the roof top bar is absolutely outstanding (where you can grab a drink from their "honour bar"). The rooms were very nice (simple but clean) for about US$25.00/day and included a beautiful breakfast brought right to your room for enjoyment on the lanai. You can watch the wild monkeys with their antics surrounding the place. Was a very relaxing trip, but you would definitely want your own transportation there as the town of Quepos is quite far from Manuel Antonio. Jaco beach was really undeveloped when I was there last. It is closer to San Jose -- about 2 hours drive on bad roads, and then to Manuel Antonio is about another 2 hours. I have heard that they have been working on the roads there, which would really help -- it isn't that far, but the bad roads make for a long trip. Heading north from there to Playa Flamingo and Tamarindo is worthwhile. It is beautiful and dotted with small towns and communities. The cloud forest at Monte Verde is nice if you are into hiking and the nature/ecology, but it is an all-day excursion to get up there and the prices for everything are significantly higher. My advice -- rent a little jeep (better for the potholes than a small car) and see the country! I found it to be very safe (with common sense, of course) and one of the most magical destinations I have ever been to. I don't think you would be disappointed with anywhere you decided to go.

David N Cook

More surfers in Jaco but for the best waves head just a few kms south to Playa Hermosa, a smaller settlement dedicated almost exclusively to surfing and home to some very consistent waves. Jaco is the closest major beach town to SJ and will meet most of your needs. To check out those other places you mention, go to a bookstore and buy a guide to CR (Lonely Planet is good). Read through the book before you go, save yourself a lotta headaches, but for sure GO, you'll have fun!

Lynne

Jaco is the place known for surfing, Quepos is more for the Manuel Antonio Rain Forest experience which is nice too, but not as much surfing. Jaco is closest to the Air Port another 2 hrs to Quepos. Jaco and hermosa would probably fit your needs more, but you would do best to get a travel book, and if you drive don't drive at night there roads are not as safe as ours. Have a great time.<BR>Lynne

Dodie

Just returned yesterday from Jaco. Jaco is more touristy, than Quepos. I am not a surfer but I believe there is good surfing in this quepos. If you are a budget traveller looking for like minded folks, you are more likely to find this in quepos. Jacos is about 1:45 from the airport, and Quepos is about an hour south of Jacos. I was told that even south of Manuel Antonio there is gorgeous surfing however, I am not sure what amenities there are for travellers in that direction. If you have never been to CR, you will find it is gorgeous with the mountains, and the coast is breat taking. If the cleanliness of the water is an issue for you, you should look into this I recall reading that the beaches in some places were so dirty, that it was not reccomended to go in the water.

Ally

Dodie,<BR>Could you please expand on your stay in Jaco? I'll be in the area for about 5 days and would like to know your impressions, what you did, where you ate, etc. I was there several years ago but would like to know what it's like now.<BR>Thanks!