Hi all: I have enjoyed reading all of your trip reports/questions/comments over the last couple of years. Thank you for them. I will be moving to Ojochal in November...driving from SJ and was wondering...I took the Interbus before over the mountains to San Isidro and was wondering about the trip via Quepos. Does it take about the same amount of time? That trip over the mountains can be scary..lol so wondering if the other way is better. I'd appreciate any info and I look forward to participating more on this board once I get down there and learn my way around....

Don't know that it is faster but I prefer the trip through Quepos even though the road gets pretty rough after Q. You are very familiar with rough roads if you are moving to Ojochal lol. I am with you about that drive to San Isidro. We are building in the Talamancas just outside of SI and I really don't look forward to the afternoon ride over the mountains. When we have just gone to Dominical we usually go through Quepos. They are planning on building an international airport near Palmar Sur so I am hoping I can bypass SJ all together in a few years.

We just spent some time at Finca Bavaria in late June and really enjoyed going to Ojochal for dinner at night. We had pizza twice at the pizza garden place(can't remember the name just off hand but it was an adventure to get to and worth every second of it). We also ate at Exoticas one night. We are looking forward to spending more time down that way once we get settled in. The coast is just too warm for us full time but Dominical will only be about an hours drive and Ojochal doesn't really add that much time on the coastal road.

Good luck in your new home.

Thanks Suzie....I think we will try that route..will be travelling with as much luggage as I can get on the plane and 2 dogs, so it WILL be an adventure...lol.

I'm not sure of the name of the pizza place, I think it has changed...was it the one with the brick oven? Exotica is where you go on special occasions there...Lucy is so nice and the food is excellent...only about 4 small tables and they're plastic but, covered with white table cloths and the food is elegant! And the fireflies flitting just outside the roof are gorgeous and so romantic...good luck on your move as well! I'm a little concerned about the heat but, I have no choice..that's where my brother lives and I will be living on his property...poor me...lolol thanks again

Ahem, my sympathies.

The pizza place has a huge dome oven and is owned by a german guy. Could be El Jardin Tortuga? The restaurant is way in the back so it doesn't even look like anyone is there.

The food at Exoticas was wonderful and the French Canadian owner was so sweet.

Hey, if you can, please get on and let me know how you made out with getting your dogs down there. I read a dog magazine article that has me nervous.
You can contact me directly as well, [email protected]

I am nervous about my boys too...but, I've been assured it's not too bad getting them into the country..just a vet certificate and probably some sort of fee at the airport...mine are small so they will be going in the cabin with me as carry ons which will make me feel better...lol...but, I will report on my experiences after I get there...especially if I can offer any tips. I know I scoured so many boards for info on shipping very small amounts of personal items down there and really didn't get much info..every one seems to be shipping large containers but, if I can help make anyone's move/trip easier, I will certainly post..thanks

We honestly don't know what kind of dog we will be shipping. I have been talking about small ones so we can take them on but we are so used to big dogs that I suspect we will end up with at least one larger dog. We lost our Malamute last August and our little mutt is starting to do a lot of sleeping so we figure maybe another year with her. We are thinking about getting a puppy or two before we move down but there are so many cute little mutts in CR that I am also thinking of waiting until I get there. Doesn't sound like the paperwork is too bad I just worry about the cargo part for a bigger dog. Someone told me that Delta has a special hold below that is pressurized for the animals. I may look into that.

We periodically bring stuff down for a friend who owns a lodge. We use the rubbermaid containers and those plastic ties. We drill holes around the edge to run the ties through. I tape extra ties and a packing list on the top in case security wants to check it. If they cut the ties they can secure it again with the ones provided. Can't weigh over 50 lbs. Double check the amount because I think some airlines are different.

We are going to be shipping a car down soon. It is a ten year old car so we will have to pay huge taxes on it but it will still be cheaper than buying a car down there. We will pack it full of stuff and ship it in a container. Don't think I am up to the long drive.

Good luck with the move.

I like big dogs too but, have always found it easier to have the small ones. People don't mind babysitting them etc and I've never had a lot of room so we all cohabitate better with the smaller pets. I was going to get a large dog for the yard when I got down to CR but, as fate would have it, a "foundling" came into the yard a couple of months ago. A neighbor didn't want him anymore so he just kicked him out the front door. Poor thing was so afraid of everything and is just now feeling like he belongs to someone...so sweet...so guess I am stuck with the 2 little guys....

I can hardly wait to get started on my adventure and the time is thankfully flying by....what a terrific idea as far as the rubbermaid tubs..think I'll steal it! Lolol...thanks for all of the wonderful ideas Suzie...good luck on your move as well