NationStates Jolt Archive

Hey, want to tap the immense knowledge of you all out there. Anyone been to or live in Costa Rica. Planning a trip to Central Amerca. Trying to decide on where to go. Decided on this time for Costa Rica. Any suggestions on places to see and places to avoid. Anything that you know you thought worthwhile. Would like to hear what you all think of this tropical nation. Thanks.

My father's ex-coworker was a bug collector. He went to Costa Rica to get some bugs. A beetle of somekind landed on his arm, it was about the size of his fist. He thought, "What a great catch!" Went to pull it off and stick it in a collection bag and the sucker sunk it's hooked feet into his arm and wouldn't let go. He finally tore the thing off, leaving six deep cuts in his forearm. He got the bug but it got a little payback.
That is the only thing I know of Costa Rica, don't try to collect any bugs.

The northwestern part of Costa Rica is the best. Liberia International Airport is the closest airport. The Four Seasons is the best resort in the area. Michael Jordan stayed there! ;)

Though if you plan to swim or surf: Be Careful! Rip currents cause the highest number of deaths of tourists in Costa Rica than any other event.

My father's ex-coworker was a bug collector. He went to Costa Rica to get some bugs. A beetle of somekind landed on his arm, it was about the size of his fist. He thought, "What a great catch!" Went to pull it off and stick it in a collection bag and the sucker sunk it's hooked feet into his arm and wouldn't let go. He finally tore the thing off, leaving six deep cuts in his forearm. He got the bug but it got a little payback.
That is the only thing I know of Costa Rica, don't try to collect any bugs.

Owwy. What kind of bug was that?

Here's a tip that I give to anyone traveling internationally. Learn a few phrases of the local language. Learn to ask for directions and if someone speaks your language.

I can speak Spanish well. I also know that alot of Costa Ricans speak English too.

Costa Rica is beautiful. San Jose has some hoppin clubs, and tortuguero is the most beautiful, secluded part I've been to...though they do speak English in San Jose, in the smaller towns, they mostly don't. oh oh-and the costa rican males are ticos and costa rican females are ticas...fun stuff

when i went to Costa Rica I learned a hard fact; a lot of the public bathrooms dont flush! Thats right, the water pressure isnt enough to do it.

But....besides that, Costa Rica is the most beautiful place

Stay at El Tucano (http://www.costaricareservation.com/tucano.htm)

it has natural hot springs...amazing place to stay.

And drink Imperial beer. It sucks, but you gotta have it there

Stay at El Tucano (http://www.costaricareservation.com/tucano.htm)

it has natural hot springs...amazing place to stay.

And drink Imperial beer. It sucks, but you gotta have it there

Tucano looks good by there website. Not to bad of prices either. Thanks

Not trying to scare you at all because there is no reason to be, but, there are some things to know if you are going to be in the jungle and rainforests much.

First off listen to what your guide or hotel operators tell you about where to go. Believe it or not there are actually a few areas that are completely unexplored by men, they are that inaccessable. Also, there are very lightly explored areas with very light trails. These are used by drug traffickers. Very parinoid drug traffickers.

If someone yells, "Fer de lance", run the opposite direction of the locals! This snakes venom is highly prized and ungodly expensive. ($6000 per gram in 1986) They will try and catch it, you do not want it. The reason it is so prized is because it is so toxic that if bitten by this snake your chances of making it to a hospital for the anti venom are slim. It is also the fastest striking snake in the world and has an absolutely unacceptable disposition. Just plain nasty.

If you are going to camp out in the jungle, take a mosquito net, they do have vampire bats there.

If you hear the Howler monkeys in the trees do not try and get closer to their tree to see them. They have very effective methods of letting you know you need to find your own tree.

If you run across anything in the jungle such as a disgarded coke can or basic liter items, do not pick it up period. They have killer bees there. They move often and send scouts out to find new digs. If you piss off a scout, he will immediately snitch on you to the rest of the gang and you will spend the rest of the afternoon running your ass off. (not really, but they will chase you as much as 1000 meters) I dont care if you are a marathoner, running 1000 meters in the jungle is a bitch because the trees have roots above ground knee high.

Never pick up small colorful frogs. While most of them are harmless they do have the poisoned skin one. All living things get out of their way with swiftness. Including bugs.

Do not wear purfume, cologne, or even scented bug juice. That is like adding whipped cream to a piece of pie. (In the jungle you're the pie)

Ants are the king of the jungle.

Never ever travel at night in the jungle. Scorpions are thick and they sting sooo bad. It's the pain that keeps on giving.

The hills and small mountains there are made up of largely of coral. If you scrape your shins or arms, do not use iodine on the cut. The bacteria will literally feed on it and gangrene will begin to set in almost immediately. clean it and cover it then let it get air and dry out when you get back to camp.

Be sure and check to see the area you are going into is malaria free. Most parts of panama and costa rica are free but not all and it does change a bit.

Dont sample the vegatation. This means do not suck on a leaf or twig or put stuff in your mouth. Many plant species are poisonous or irritants.

I doubt I have to say this but do not drink river water. Parasites abound. BTW, a river there can be as little as a foot or two across.

If you camp at night keep your gear very close to you. If you do not the Coatimundi will have stolen it for sure. Dont think it is too heavy for such little creatures. They work in gangs! :D

Have a wonderful time and if you get a chance do see some of the outer islands. You will never regret it.

All that and barely anything about the people. heh sounds fun though. I like to live dangerously. Maybe a midnight run through the jungle naked with heavy perfume stopping only to lick the foliage and colorful frogs.

All that and barely anything about the people. heh sounds fun though. I like to live dangerously. Maybe a midnight run through the jungle naked with heavy perfume stopping only to lick the foliage and colorful frogs.

Heck the people are the best part. They are absolutely wonderful, especially on the outer islands. They are a very simple people for the most part, however, the adapt to city life like a new yorker if you get to panama city you will see that. Oh yeah, if you take a cab anywhere, be ready! They use the horn like we use the brakes! It will scare the crap out of you, but they have surprisingly few wrecks.
You might also like to check out the freezone in Panama if you like to buy stuff cheap. You can get stuff from all over the world duty, tax and tarriff free, but beware of the con artists selling the empty rolex watches!
Some of the best memories of my entire life come from that rainforest. I envy you greatly.