Iza

As always, great advice from Shillmac. If you stop at Tarcoles, make sure someone stays with the car at all times - it is a prime area for thieves and there have been reports of people having all of their belongings stolen from their rental car while they were admiring the crocodiles!

JoBurritt

Shillmac (or anyone)

Do you guys worry about theft when you make stops en route? I understand that one has to be careful when stopping at Tarcoles, but what about if you want to stop at the Carara Reserve? I can't imagine leaving someone at the car while the rest of us explore. Any thoughts?

Also, what about in Sarchi or Heredia? Is it safe to leave the car with luggage in either of these towns?

I'm really not the paranoid type, but after reading numerous warnings about thefts of stuff in cars, I don't want to risk losing all of our luggage. On the other hand, I'd hate to miss the sights between the places we'll be staying.

Thanks!

codytravels

One piece of advice- remember that you are going to a 3rd world country. Many people have had wonderful experiences and no problems, but I know of many that have had horrific ones. The police are corrupt, and can stop you and ask you for a bribe- pay them. Stay away from the bad parts of San Jose, even in broad daylight. Some of the people in the villiages are so poor that they will steal anything from Americans because they think we are rich enough, can afford it, and won't miss it. It's called the "fleecing of american's."

shillmac

Hi JoBuritt,
These are things that you have to be careful of, for sure. It happens in this country, too. We plan our time so that we don't leave anything in the car. Many places, like the Carara Reserve, have secure parking areas with a watch person. We parked at the falls at Montezuma and they offered secure parking. However, we wouldn't have gone away and left belongings in the car within view. It isn't a good idea, probably, to make these stops when you are moving from one area to another with all of your belongings. We try to base ourselves at a hotel and go out from there with as little as possible. It is simply a consideration that you have to build into your planning. It hasn't ever been that much of an inconvenience.