Advices for traveling to Costa Rica

[707782]

I will travel to Costa Rica from David, Panama for 3 days or so to renew my tourist card for another 3 months stay in Panama.

I was excited at first about traveling to CR, however, after hearing so many stories about how safety is really a concern down there, my perception will be completely different than it was before.

Could you guys give me some advice especially on safety issues, like where to stay and stay out of, what hotel is safe to stay in, and what to do, not to do and etc. Also, is there any safe and fun place to stay at near the CR and Panama border? I don't think I will travel to San Jose or too far away from the border.

Thanks for your advice, I really do appreciate it.

[pimike]

If you are saying in San Jose I recommend the Holiday INN. It is located off by itself, but very nice and safe. Comes with a free breakfast. The food is outstanding also.

They cater to tourist. Just don't rome around by yourself. If you go to the bars be careful.

If you play golf they have some nice ones.

[Sean]

I will travel to Costa Rica from David, Panama for 3 days or so to renew my tourist card for another 3 months stay in Panama.

Also, is there any safe and fun place to stay at near the CR and Panama border? I don't think I will travel to San Jose or too far away from the border.

Since you specify that you'd like to stay close to the border and that you aren't considering San Jose, you ought to consider something down around the Osa Peninsula (as opposed to the Holiday Inn IN San Jose ). Several cool places about the same distance from the border on this side as you are from the border there in David.

Here's a few links that might help ... all less than 100 km from the border, mas o menos:

http://www.vacationcity.com/costa-rica/hotels/osa-peninsula/

http://www.vacationcity.com/costa-rica/hotels/golfito/

http://www.avedemar.net/

http://www.govisitcostarica.com/region/puntarenas/SouthPuntarenas.asp

I haven't made it down there myself yet ... if YOU do, let me know how you like it.

As for safety concerns ... no worse than Panama IMO. And, at least for me, I feel as safe or safer in CR than I do in most major American cities. Common sense stuff.

[badhunter]

Send a message to SSLP - he lives there and obviously knows the ropes

[SBR_John]

Whats your budget? I always stay at the Intercon Hotel in Escazu and always felt 100% perfectly safe. Also the Marriott is nice and perfectly safe.

[badhunter]

what about that hotel/casino with all the chicks? Blue Marlin or something?

[SBR_John]

what about that hotel/casino with all the chicks? Blue Marlin or something?

I thought we were trying to keed the lad safe? I wouldnt stay down there at the Del Rey or Blue Marlin or even Holiday Inn. But if I wanted non stop girls and gambling and was willing to throw caution to the wind thats the spot.

[badhunter]

True, true. I say cover the kid up in girls, booze and gambling and let him find his way home with no money.

[jjgold]

Staw away Son

CR is a dump, it is made up of poor locals, criminals from usa not allowed home and running form Gov't. When I was there I hooked up with a rebel group so no one fukked with me and I stayed in the hills where they housed me.

Son CR locals love Americans so they can rob them. If you go get a gun in the City so you can pop anyone that fuks with you.

Enjoy