karmi

We just got back from the first of what hopefully will be many trips to Costa Rica. We were in Arenal for a few days and spent a week on the Nicoya Peninsula near Ostional.

Here are some (sometimes tongue-in-cheek) observations:

1. Daylight is from 6 am to 6 pm every day. Here in the Northeast US there are no two days the same length and this had just not occurred to me.
2. Some of the roads are REALLY bad. I grew up on a dirt road that washed out a couple of times a year, and the road that I live on now was dirt up until two years ago. I had seen the posts about the roads, but still was not prepared for the washouts and the dust (OMG the dust). And just when you think the worst is over and you start to speed up a little, you come to a pothole the size of a bus!
3. Other than the roads being bad, what is the deal with busses and trucks cornering on the wrong side of the road? The drivers always seemed to have big smirks on their faces. I know they must be doing it on purpose.
4. I hope I didn’t scare anyone off from driving. I am so glad that we rented a car and drove ourselves. We met so many nice people that way. Just be careful.
5. Costa Rican style Arroz con Pollo is delicious! I miss it already.
6. We never needed Colones. We had some, but everyone took American dollars. However, I would suggest that you carry some Colones just in case.
7. ATMs are few and far between. Be prepared.
8. Most restaurant bathrooms were cleaner than American restaurant bathrooms. Occasionally there was no TP.
9. There are some HUGE grasshoppers.
10. Arenal is a scam - it is really just a cloud bank. (Just kidding, we did get to see some rocks flying around in the daytime.)
11. If you want to see CR in its wild state, you should probably go soon. The amount of construction going on is incredible.
12. I want a Coati. Cutest thing I ever saw!
13. The Costa Rican people went out of their way to help us whenever we asked. We know very little Spanish, but we both did our best, and things worked out OK. I never felt unsafe at all. Everyone was extremely nice. I don’t know if I would be as nice to Americans if I were them.
14. The beaches were the most beautiful that I have ever seen. We went out every morning at low tide and checked the tidepools and walked for hours. Sometimes we did not see another person. My kind of beach.
15. Whatever level of sunscreen you think you need - double it. I rarely ever burn and I was burnt on our first cloudy day in Arenal.
16. Don’t be afraid to eat in the Tico restaurants. Every meal we had was delicious!
17. When you need gas for your car, in the little towns,look for Penzoil or Quaker State signs and ask them if they have gas. Alot of the time they do.

I hope that you can tell that I really loved Costa Rica and the Costa Rican people. I am already planning our next trip. Next time will be for a longer time. I think a year might be nice!

Mixter603

Karmi, sounds like you had a wonderful time. I loved Arenal and was lucky enough to see the top of the volcano all three days we were there.

Love your observations about the roads and the dust! I don't think anyone can imagine the dust in the Guanacaste area unless you drive thru it a few times.

Your next visit should include a trip to the Osa. It's amazing and unspoiled. If you can handle the humidity (and since you are from the Northeast as I am, I'm sure you're used to it) then it's an absolute must see.

Suzie2

Fun trip report! I think we have another one hooked LOL. The first time we drove many many years ago, there were even fewer paved roads. Even the whole road to Manuel Antonio was not paved then. I feel your pain talking about the dust. It is always worth it in the end though.

locolowe

Excellent and soooo true - especially #9 and #13

shillmac

Oh, let's see, what were my favorites? By the way, the dust isn't so bad in the rainy season--go back in July! So much greener, especially up in Guanacaste!

#7--lots more ATM's than there used to be. Seems to us lately they are all over the place! But probably not so much in Ostional. . .

#8--isn't that amazing? We've always been so impressed with the general cleanliness of the country--even in the most remote locations.


The heck with the numbers. . .can't keep up!

Agree about the Arroz con Pollo! Agree for sure about the people! And the sunscreen. . . and regrettably about visiting soon before it is changed forever (more than it has been already!)

So glad you had a great time. You have a lot to look forward to in future trips!

shillmac

Ah, and those deserted beaches---now that is a real treat! Just had to weigh in again on that one! Our daughter lived at Newport Beach, CA, two years ago. What crowds! Fun, but crowded. Gotta love the uncrowded beaches of Costa Rica! By the way, thanks for a great report--you did a good job of saying a lot with few words--I could take a lesson from you!

valeriesgallery

Now I am planning a, well, not much time to really plan, but am going to CR with my folks. Friends own a travel service that will take us throughout the country. So glad to hear about your first time, as it will be ours too.
Wonderful! Thank you.

valeriesgallery

Okay, maybe not. After further discussion, the decision is back on the table. Not sure what to do. Hawaii on the cheap or expensive spring CR. (via the people above) I may wait until less expensive CR in Sept/Oct.

ac_cowgirl

Which hotel did you stay at in Arenal. I'm planning a trip to Monteverde and Arenal and am really struggling with finding a good hotel - right now I'm booked at the Monteverde Lodge in Monteverde and the Mountain Paradise Hotel in Arenal. (the observatory is booked). Any feedback on these? I'm really looking for any and all suggestions on somewhere nice to stay (aka, more than 2 star). Thanks!! Anna

sherrilllane

sherrilllane
My husband and my adult kids are planning a trip to Costa Rica for a week in June and are staying in the Nosara are at the Harmony Hotel. Ever been there? What are the beaches like there? Is this place a good area to vacation verses other areas of CR. We are into the canopy tours, river tours and outdoors adventures but hate touristy crowded situations, rainforests would be cool. Any pointers you could give would be appreciated

mdg

Hey Karmi,
Read with great interest your review. My son and I will be making our first trip to Costa Rica in August and would love your recommendations if you would be so kind.
1. What hotel would you recommend in Arenal?
2. We are also driving to Nosara and I am wondering how long it takes and if we may have problems due to it being the rainy season?
3. Where did you stay in Nosara?
We are planning 3 nights in Arenal and 3 nights in Nosara. Would appreciate any comments/suggestions.