CR Last Minute Trip - Questions!
Sep 10th, 2004, 01:22 PM
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CR Last Minute Trip - Questions!
I have two friends who have 'moved' to Tamarindo for what was supposed to be at least 6 months, but they are cutting their trip shorter than planned, so I have to visit now if I want to see them and take advantage of their apartment to stay in...so I might go in 2 weeks. So, here are some questions:
1) Do I need a visa or vaccinations to go?
2) What's the easiest (cheapest?) way to get from San Jose to Tamarindo? My friends have a car but said it was too far to drive to San Jose to pick me up.
3) Is it safe to travel alone as a female American right now?
4) Anything I need to avoid for health reasons? Certain fruits/meats/areas in the rainforest?
I love the adventure, but like to use common sense when I travel, so having all the answers is part of the preparation!
Thanks!
Darcy
1) Do I need a visa or vaccinations to go?
2) What's the easiest (cheapest?) way to get from San Jose to Tamarindo? My friends have a car but said it was too far to drive to San Jose to pick me up.
3) Is it safe to travel alone as a female American right now?
4) Anything I need to avoid for health reasons? Certain fruits/meats/areas in the rainforest?
I love the adventure, but like to use common sense when I travel, so having all the answers is part of the preparation!
Thanks!
Darcy
Sep 10th, 2004, 02:32 PM
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You don't have any worries regarding personal safety or food safety. You don't need vaccinations, but you do need a passport (not visa).
It is about 5 hours from the airport to Tamarindo. How long will you be staying? The bus is the cheapest way to go, but luggage safety is a problem (theft). You really need to keep your eye on your belongings at all times. Can you take a large backpack that you can carry on with you? You can do laundry in Tamarindo. If not, I would recommend Interbus (interbusonline.com). They can transfer you safely for around $30. Their departures are mornings, so you would need to overnight near the airport and arrange transp. for the next morning. You might want to consider flying into Liberia. Tamarindo is only 1.5 hours from there (perhaps a little less). Your friends could pick you up easily. OR, for about $80 each way, you can fly domestic (Sansa or Nature Air) into the small airport in Costa Rica. Good luck, and have a great time!
It is about 5 hours from the airport to Tamarindo. How long will you be staying? The bus is the cheapest way to go, but luggage safety is a problem (theft). You really need to keep your eye on your belongings at all times. Can you take a large backpack that you can carry on with you? You can do laundry in Tamarindo. If not, I would recommend Interbus (interbusonline.com). They can transfer you safely for around $30. Their departures are mornings, so you would need to overnight near the airport and arrange transp. for the next morning. You might want to consider flying into Liberia. Tamarindo is only 1.5 hours from there (perhaps a little less). Your friends could pick you up easily. OR, for about $80 each way, you can fly domestic (Sansa or Nature Air) into the small airport in Costa Rica. Good luck, and have a great time!
Sep 10th, 2004, 08:04 PM
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You do not need a visa but you will need a valid passport that is good for at least 3 mos after you arrive.
GW is not the most popular person right now because he has CR listed as part of his "coalition". The CR government is really upset and working hard to get off the list. As long as your name isn't GW Bush you should be safe LOL. The rest of us Norte Americanos and our money are more than welcome and safety issues are the same as anywhere.
Water, food no real problems.
Cheapest is public bus. There is one direct bus a day as far as I can find with the Alfaro bus company. It takes about 5 1/2 hrs. There are stops along the way for potty breaks and drinks. As was said, do watch your things closely.
GW is not the most popular person right now because he has CR listed as part of his "coalition". The CR government is really upset and working hard to get off the list. As long as your name isn't GW Bush you should be safe LOL. The rest of us Norte Americanos and our money are more than welcome and safety issues are the same as anywhere.
Water, food no real problems.
Cheapest is public bus. There is one direct bus a day as far as I can find with the Alfaro bus company. It takes about 5 1/2 hrs. There are stops along the way for potty breaks and drinks. As was said, do watch your things closely.
Sep 11th, 2004, 06:17 AM
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The bus/Interbus or Fantasybus are already mentioned. We don't agree with the option fly to Liberia until you take a flight directly from the usa to Liberia. You can take a domestic flight from Sansa to Tamarindo (it will take about 40 minutes to get there). You find Sansa left of the exit doors of the main airport of Costa Rica, everybody can show you where it is. It will take a three minutes walk from the exit doors. You can book a domestic flight online, so you will be able to check if it's possible due to you time of arrival.
The other questions are already answered.
Have a nice time in Costa Rica!!
The other questions are already answered.
Have a nice time in Costa Rica!!
Sep 11th, 2004, 06:27 AM
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Sorry, elcolibri,
That's what I was thinking even if it didn't come out quite right!
Flying into Liberia from the US would simplify matters as her friends could pick her up easily there.
OR flying Sansa or NatureAir from San Jose into the small airport in TAMARINDO is what I meant to say!
Sorry for the confusion!
That's what I was thinking even if it didn't come out quite right!
Flying into Liberia from the US would simplify matters as her friends could pick her up easily there.
OR flying Sansa or NatureAir from San Jose into the small airport in TAMARINDO is what I meant to say!
Sorry for the confusion!
Sep 13th, 2004, 07:13 AM
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Thanks for all the suggestions - now I need to work out the times.
Does anyone recommend a certain amount of time between arriving in San Jose (via American Airlines for example) and connecting on Sansa or Nature Air?
How about how much time you'd need to be in San Jose airport to catch my return flight back to the US?
Thanks so much!
Darcy
Does anyone recommend a certain amount of time between arriving in San Jose (via American Airlines for example) and connecting on Sansa or Nature Air?
How about how much time you'd need to be in San Jose airport to catch my return flight back to the US?
Thanks so much!
Darcy
Sep 13th, 2004, 09:17 AM
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Unless you are within 1-3 hours of the airport AND have an afternoon flight, it is recommended that you return the night before. Even with an afternoon flight, same day return can be risky given the roads and unpredictable
circumstances.
Sansa is located right next door to SJO, so you wouldn't need as much time to get over there. However, you should plan on about 1.5 hours to clear immigration and pick up luggage. If you can avoid checking luggage, it would help. Of course, all depends on your arrival time and your Sansa departure time. I would think you would need a 2 or 2.5 hour cushion.
The NatureAir terminal is about a 30 minute drive from SJO. 3 hours in between perhaps. When traveling in CR, you don't want to plan too closely on any of your times. Just consider it a nice bonus if your time turns out to be less than what you allowed for!
circumstances.
Sansa is located right next door to SJO, so you wouldn't need as much time to get over there. However, you should plan on about 1.5 hours to clear immigration and pick up luggage. If you can avoid checking luggage, it would help. Of course, all depends on your arrival time and your Sansa departure time. I would think you would need a 2 or 2.5 hour cushion.
The NatureAir terminal is about a 30 minute drive from SJO. 3 hours in between perhaps. When traveling in CR, you don't want to plan too closely on any of your times. Just consider it a nice bonus if your time turns out to be less than what you allowed for!
Sep 13th, 2004, 10:04 AM
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Your visa status is your weak link right now. Read below. Time is of the essence.
Just returned from CR on 9-11-04. We flew from San Francisco to San Jose, CR. 4 friends were meant to continue on via hopper flight to Liberia, but were offered $100 taxi ride to Tamarindo and accepted. About the same amount of time, considering the layover and travel time. And much cheaper, when you consider 4 x $80. If you taxi in CR, please take only a red taxi with a red license plate and a yellow triangle on the door. Anything else may not be a taxi. Police cars are well marked, sometimes pickup trucks and motorcycles.
I quickly learned that Costa Ricans are honest people and trustworthy. We took a picture of every car / bus / taxi / van / driver with whom we rode. We arrived via red eye flight (with little sleep) which made me a little paranoid, but soon my fears were diminished.
The $80 flight is your BEST option.
Regarding VISA, I paid the rush fees at Los Gatos city dept and my VISA arrived in 9 days(?). You must do it now, if you haven't already. The other option you might investigate is to do the paperwork and drive to San Francisco to hand-carry and speed the process. Good luck!!
Just returned from CR on 9-11-04. We flew from San Francisco to San Jose, CR. 4 friends were meant to continue on via hopper flight to Liberia, but were offered $100 taxi ride to Tamarindo and accepted. About the same amount of time, considering the layover and travel time. And much cheaper, when you consider 4 x $80. If you taxi in CR, please take only a red taxi with a red license plate and a yellow triangle on the door. Anything else may not be a taxi. Police cars are well marked, sometimes pickup trucks and motorcycles.
I quickly learned that Costa Ricans are honest people and trustworthy. We took a picture of every car / bus / taxi / van / driver with whom we rode. We arrived via red eye flight (with little sleep) which made me a little paranoid, but soon my fears were diminished.
The $80 flight is your BEST option.
Regarding VISA, I paid the rush fees at Los Gatos city dept and my VISA arrived in 9 days(?). You must do it now, if you haven't already. The other option you might investigate is to do the paperwork and drive to San Francisco to hand-carry and speed the process. Good luck!!
Sep 13th, 2004, 11:20 AM
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Up until recently you could go to CR with just a birth certificate but now it has to be a passport and that has to be valid for at least 90 days from day of arrival. We haven't ever needed a VISA. You are automatically given a tourist visa status when you arrive but that just means that you have to leave within 90 days for at least 72hrs.
Sep 13th, 2004, 09:40 PM
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Yep, you're right. I was reading the original message and typing at the same time. My mistake. Lo ciento. Mea culpa. Passport. Not visa. Passport. Apparently I was writing copy for VISA, the credit card issuer. Passport. Passport. Passport. Thanks, guys. Going to sleep now. Long day.
Sep 14th, 2004, 05:24 AM
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OK, passport is packed.
TripleSec, your friends were supposed to take the puddle hopper but opted for the taxi instead...did they not already have booked seats on the puddle hopper? Can you buy those last minute when you get there and decide what is the best? I would like to have reservations on everything, but if my flight from Miami to San Jose takes longer or whatever and I miss my flight to Tamarindo, I don't want to lose my $80 from my seat on that plane. Any suggestions? Thanks again!
TripleSec, your friends were supposed to take the puddle hopper but opted for the taxi instead...did they not already have booked seats on the puddle hopper? Can you buy those last minute when you get there and decide what is the best? I would like to have reservations on everything, but if my flight from Miami to San Jose takes longer or whatever and I miss my flight to Tamarindo, I don't want to lose my $80 from my seat on that plane. Any suggestions? Thanks again!
Sep 14th, 2004, 06:06 AM
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Okay, I have to bring up something that was already mentioned. Why fly into San Jose at all? I'm almost positive that Miami has flights going directly to Liberia, which is much closer to Tamarindo than San Jose!
Sep 14th, 2004, 06:17 AM
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Right now it's $200 to fly to San Jose at a very convenient time/day, whereas the flight from Miami (or nearby airports) to Liberia is $400+ at much more inconvenient times/days.
I'm squeezing this trip quickly between my work schedule, so I am not able to be very flexible on the dates...plus the $200 difference, which is still cheaper when you add the $160 puddle hopper...
I'm squeezing this trip quickly between my work schedule, so I am not able to be very flexible on the dates...plus the $200 difference, which is still cheaper when you add the $160 puddle hopper...
Sep 14th, 2004, 10:10 AM
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It was late when I posted last night so, I didn't include all the details. My friends (A) didn't want to get on another plane after flying from San Francisco to San Salvador, then to San Jose, CR. (B) had an 18month old with them. (C) realized that the amount of time would be the same when comparing layover and travel time for both transportation means.
Yes, they ate the $240 they already paid for the flight from SJ to Liberia. I would not have done the same. We stayed in San Jose to arise at 5:30 the next morning for rafting. Then, met them at Arenal later in the week.
The direct flight to Liberia from SFO was much more $$$, as you described here. We almost went with them to Liberia, but I value peace and have no children of my own.
Your flight from SJO to Liberia is about an hour, but this is not really the important part in my view. The important part is the layover and the amount of time necessary to collect any checked-in baggage and to transfer to NatureAir or Sansa.
Not trying to light an unncessary fire here, but our flight out of San Jose to San Salvador was delayed one hour by rain. And the gate for our flight from San Salvador to San Francisco was at the last gate of the airport. Remember OJ Simpson when he was honest? We ran to catch the plane.
We should all have a little cushion time built into our travels for such delays.
To the credit of TACA airlines, we were exactly on time for the two flights into Costa Rica, and the airline people were friendly.
I'm simply trying to help. Shillmac, Ivk, Jessie, Ally : Your thoughts?
Yes, they ate the $240 they already paid for the flight from SJ to Liberia. I would not have done the same. We stayed in San Jose to arise at 5:30 the next morning for rafting. Then, met them at Arenal later in the week.
The direct flight to Liberia from SFO was much more $$$, as you described here. We almost went with them to Liberia, but I value peace and have no children of my own.
Your flight from SJO to Liberia is about an hour, but this is not really the important part in my view. The important part is the layover and the amount of time necessary to collect any checked-in baggage and to transfer to NatureAir or Sansa.
Not trying to light an unncessary fire here, but our flight out of San Jose to San Salvador was delayed one hour by rain. And the gate for our flight from San Salvador to San Francisco was at the last gate of the airport. Remember OJ Simpson when he was honest? We ran to catch the plane.
We should all have a little cushion time built into our travels for such delays.
To the credit of TACA airlines, we were exactly on time for the two flights into Costa Rica, and the airline people were friendly.
I'm simply trying to help. Shillmac, Ivk, Jessie, Ally : Your thoughts?
Sep 14th, 2004, 01:14 PM
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Haven't flown domestic in CR, but our kids have. I'm not too crazy about smaller planes, but think it wouldn't bother me there so much. Truth is, we just like driving and don't mind the drive from SJO to the Pacific Coast. We have our little place where we always stop for a snack. And I can never get enough of driving through that beautiful country--I'm sure it's pretty from the air as well!
Sep 14th, 2004, 01:31 PM
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But do these domestic flights <require> reservations? Would I have a chance of getting on if I just show up after I arrive in San Jose? What is that chance? Because I'm spending such a short time in CR, I'd hate to get essentially stranded by myself in San Jose because all transportation to Tamarindo has left for the day.
Sep 14th, 2004, 02:51 PM
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Of course, if there is availability, you won't have any trouble just walking up. That's a big if, however! Our daughters caught a last minute flight Liberia to San Jose (with a brief stop at Tamarindo) once and there wasn't a problem, but I don't know how often there are available seats waiting to be filled. That was in September.
Sep 15th, 2004, 05:20 AM
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My thoughts on flying in country this time of year:
It would be best to have reservations because some of the afternoon flights get cancelled due to rain, so those on afternoon flights may have to reschedule for the following morning, making the morning flights pretty full. It's easy to make reservations online with Sansa or Nature Air.
It would be best to have reservations because some of the afternoon flights get cancelled due to rain, so those on afternoon flights may have to reschedule for the following morning, making the morning flights pretty full. It's easy to make reservations online with Sansa or Nature Air.
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