Costa Rica

Ex wife tried to get us to live there for a couple of years. I wasn't ready for that. But after doing research, I found it to be pretty chill for North Americans. Many of us retire there. Word is that retirees live like wealthy folk here in the states. The culture is supposed to be laid back with both city and of the path life and activities. Its further down my bucket list of places to visit. Do it, enjoy and report back.

Went to La Fortuna last July. Never once felt threatened in any way. The locals all seem like very nice people. I highly suggest visiting Costa Rica to anyone. Its an incredible place.

Thanks for the feedback! I checked out the Kioro resort and it looks really nice. They just don't happen to have any rooms for the days we are going. We are looking at possibly staying at the Arenal Manoa and Hot Springs Resort.

go to the hotel riu. Amazing place and people are nice and it is safe. Zip lining in the rain forest is awesome and the food is great too

Went ahead and booked The Springs Resort. Hopefully it's worth it!

Been here a month. No problems. Just don't walk around with more than a couple mil colonies. Not once have u felt threatened. Unfortunately I can't help you much outside of quepos and Manuel Antonio.

1) don't slam doors. Very rude
2) don't flush Tp. Poor plumbing. Put it in a bag and take it to the street dumpster.
3) locals are called Ticos or Ticas.
4) at restaurants 25% tips are included in your bill.
5) your best friend is No Gracias. I've said no to one thing like beads next thing you know they will try to sell you cocaine.
6) It's more expensive to buy goods here outside of produce
7) if you don't rent a car there are taxis and buses. My personal preference are collect tivos. In CR anyone can be a taxi. Locals will charge 500 colonies($2) to take you wherever nearby. Taxied will charge 2-5 mil colonies for the same trip. Buses run normally from 7am -9:30pm
8) get use to the expression Tico time. Things get done slower.
9) cat calls are the culture down here. So women might get offended.
10) it's the rainy season right now so mornings are your best time to get things done from May- early August.
11) most places lack hot water. You sweat so much you won't even care.
12. Don't be surprised to have visitors. I've woken up to a tree frog in my sink and a monkey on my porch.
13) if you decide to visit and want to know more about Manuel Antonio just ask.

Last and most important

14) PURA VIDA

Ditto on the Manuel Antonio & Quepos area.

In a word: Wonderful.

San Jose is nice as well, lots of folks there look European.

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If you get a chance, try rafting the Pacuare River.

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I second this. We spent a day doing this....it was awesome! Our first experience white water rafting.

The views are amazing!


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We passed by some of the eco lodges right on the river that you stay at during the overnight rafting trips. We would have loved to do something like that if we had the time.