anyone here been to costa rica?

[historian]

From what i hear the weather differences between the two coasts are very different - one constantly wet and humid and the other the exact reverse. Also can anyone recommend a beautiful place to stay, preferably a beach, with lots of hiking nearby? Thanks to all who respond

[madmax]

1. We have a DUer who is there now

She has friends that live there. She will be back in a week. If you want PM me and I'll ask her to PM you with first hand information. Her DU name is Mira.

[historian]

6. ok thank you

though im not sure what pm is or how to do it! pardon my ignorance!

[madmax]

11. No apology needed

I'm so computer challenged it's illegal ;)

If you click on the evelope icon you can send a msg to the person. PM = personal message. Located on the same line as the DU logo Latest.. Greatest.. 3rd from the end is your inbox for message someone sends you.

[babylonsister]

2. Lots of articles and links here:

http://www.escapeartist.com/Live_In_Costa_Rica/

[Aramchek]

3. It's the Rainy season on the Pacific Coast right now

But it's sunshine every day from December to March

When are you going?

[av8rdave]

4. I just came from there Wednesday

Unfortunately, I'm there for work and my time is mostly spent in San Jose. Typical tropical climate there, with a rainy season (just beginning). If you're in San Jose for any of the time, the Radisson Europa is a good place to stay - nice hotel, walking distance from downtown.

I have taken the walking tour of the Irazu Volcano (fascinating), as well as a zip line tour through the jungle canopy just outside of town.

[Swamp Rat]

5. I prefer the Pacific Coast

For hiking you may want to visit the Monteverde Cloud Forest, Manuel Antonio National Park, Corcovado National Park. If you like active volcanos, visit Arenal. When I lived on the Northeast Pacific Coast, I spent a lot of time sailing, watching the turtles arrive from Galapagos, diving for conch, etc. I highly recommend it.

Have fun! :hi:

[Aramchek]

8. were you near Jaco or over on the peninsula?

[Swamp Rat]

13. Nicoya

Northeast part Nicoya, Guanacaste, Costa Rica.

http://www.nicoyapeninsula.com

[paulsby]

7. many times

i stayed mostly in surfer digs, and near the best surf spots.

so, i can't really offer general advice.

the west coast surf was more like california - lots of points and beach breaks

the east coast was more like hawaii, reefs, etc.

:)

[mzteris]

9. just reading about this "school"

http://www.centralvalleyspanishschool.com/

Sounds like a pretty fun way to learn spanish and vacation in CR at the same time.

[smoochpooch]

12. I went to one of those schools in Costa Rica in 2006.

It was called Costa Rica Language Academy http://www.spanishandmore.com/
We would go to school in the morning and for part of the afternoon. Weekends we took trips to Arenal and Monteverde. I stayed with a Costa Rican family too. I would recommend it, best time of my life and a good way to get my last 3 Spanish credits.

[OffWithTheirHeads]

10. Might I suggest you at least consider The Lost Iguana by the

Arenal Volcano. http://www.lostiguanaresort.com/navegadores/eng/home.php but scroogle it and look at several sites. We stayed there for a week in 07 and, though we also spent a week on the Pacofic coast in a magnificent villa on th beach with cooks, maids, the whole works, when I remember that trip, what sticks in my mind was the Lost Iguana. Every morning when I got up I thought I was in a Tarzan movie. It was simply incredible. I found the beach areas plesent but really touristy. The area around Arenal was much more of a Costa Rican cultue and a lot less pricy too.