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Costa Rica
Adventure March 2nd through March 31 2004
by: Jeff Dean with Nitro-Net.Com
Costa Rica: March 2004
Adventure

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Costa Rica - Day 1 Montezuma
Its been a long long long journey to get here. It took me 24 hours to get
to Montezuma and what a trek it has been let me tell you. The
flight was rough with 3 hour max sleep Starting at 11pm on Tuesday and
getting here at 1:30pm the next day. Then getting attacked at the
airport by taxi drivers. I swear I felt like Sammy Hagar after a
concert. I decided to take a taxi to Mal Pais for $100 which was
cheaper than taking a plane and faster than taking a bus so I
thought. Well
the driver was cool. Long story, cut short, We picked up his family, got
stuck in major traffic, I bought lunch for everyone and drove to a ferry
missed the ferry, go the next one at 7pm go to the Nicoya Peninsula at
9:30pm and the journey really began. We took dirt back rounds for 2.5
hours. NO lights on the roads, no signs, no people, only pot holes, ditches
and dust. After an hour, losing the hub caps twice, car screeching, I
decided it was best to get this over. I said the next town we stay. The
next town was my airport Tambour, argg I should have just flew in and made
it easy. Well the prices were to high for lodging so I said Montezuma, I
got your hotel. We went on and arrived at 11:30pm.

Hotel
on the beach $11 a night. I am staying another night. Its a dead head
town, beautiful beaches, all English speaking. No surf, but good diving. I
am going to take a bus to Mal Pais in the morning hopefully. Things don't
work on schedule around here so who knows. I am going to look for some
monkeys and do some Toucan hunting..... Talk to you in a few days. Miss you
all. The journey has begun. Imperial beer in hand. Out.
Adios Amigos from Costa Rica.......
Images:
http://www.shutterfly.com/osi.jsp?i=67b0de21b34e2c86e4c9
Day 4. Mal Pais 3/6/2004
I am now in Santa Teresa adjacent up the coast from Mal Pais. Its known
for its great surf which I was pleasantly surprised to find was
accurate. Its the first time the reports were correct for me. I am
staying at Franks Place
http://www.frankplace.com. A bungalow style
resort, if you can call it that, for $20US tonight and $13US tomorrow
through when ever the surf dies or I get bored and decide to move on.
I took the bus here from Montezuma which proved to be easy, on time
and fast for Costa Rica. It cost me 750 colones which equates to
around 2 dollars US. The exchange rate is 425 to 1 US dollar. I got
some killer surf in the afternoon but it was so hot I had to get out
of the water. The water has to be 80 degrees and with the sun beaming
the air was around 100 degrees. I was baking like a bean out there. I was the only one in the water and I figured out why pretty quick. I
just got back from a sunset session which was bigger and much more
crowded. I am told to go out in the am around 7 so I am going to bed
early tonight even if it is Friday (well see how that goes)
My total expenses yesterday totaled $45 which I am figuring as high.
Today cost me $20 hotel, $3.50 breakfast, $4 beer (which I am stopping
due to the enlarged belly from all this cheap beer), dinner will cost $6.

I still have not seen a Toucan or a monkey yet. I am searching. When
I do you will know. I have seen many iguana and exotic birds. I will
visit Mal Pais tomorrow maybe and rent a dirt bike, maybe. Depends on
the surf, etc.
Well its time for another siesta. I miss you all and cant wait till
you can visit this place with me next time.
Love from paradise.
Jeff Dean J3vip.com
sales@nitro-net.com
Day 5, Mal
Pais/Santa Teresa, Costa Rica
Surf was huge this morning. I was so hung over although. I went out

with some new friends here and we tied it on pretty hard last night.
I trapezed as well on a practice what ever you call them trapeze
things. They had a trapeze at this bar on the beach called Tabu.
There were guys with fire batons. It was cool.
I was supposed to surf at 7am to get it best but slept till 8. I was
so mad at myself all day for drinking to much last night. I definitely
would have has a better time if I kept it light last night. I am on
the wagon officially. I don't care what I have to do. I am done
drinking. Its not worth the headaches. Ok so enough of that its said
and done and you are all witnessed to my proclamation.
Surfed out front at 8 and it was fun, breaking at head high sort of
mushy but peaky drops and long rights on the sand bar.
I had to move rooms so I got out of the water at 11am and got some desayuno and exchanged rooms with my bro Josh. Josh is renting boards
and doing surf lessens here with his girl who just came in today. He
has major ADD just like JB, just kidding JB.
After surfing I took a hike to the next town Mal Pais and checked out a
surf camp that Ron is always pumping up. I liked the camp. It was to
far from the break for my taste although and did not have the breeze
that I have at Franks Place and its much more costly for what you get.
I hiked it on the beach from there to the end of the beach where a huge
rock jets in the water. There was a great deal of smoke coming from
there yesterday so wanted to investigate to see if possibly some
monkeys or Toucans may have been driven from their homes and were in eye
view. I was surprised to find a restaurant at the base that looked
like it created by Hollywood, large bright light blue chairs at the
waters edge, palm trees everwhere, situated in a lagoon. It was
prefect. I had the Arroys and camarones. (rice and shrimp) for $3.50
and a large water. I found out after a brief trek that it was a huge
fire that did scare a large number of iguanas out of there and they
were all over this one tree. One feel just in front of me, hissed and
scurried away. I saw a vulcher grab one and take it to a tree top and
rip it in half with a buddy of his. The iguana must have been
injured already I assume.
Surfed in the late afternoon again for 3 hours. My arms are limp

noodles right now. I need to do 100 pushups tonight and 200 sit-ups. I am getting rid of this pot belly within a week if it kills me. I am
planning on staying at Franks place until Tuesday maybe before I head
North to Playa Negra. I may just go there for 4 days, come back and
take a boat to Jaco then a bus to Dominical. I don't think I will hit
Tamarindo or Jaco the main beaches. I need to be away from it all for
a while. Ok so that's enough for one day. I will send another in a
couple days.
JD in the place to be. Costa Rica.
Jeff Dean J3vip.com
sales@nitro-net.com Day 6, Mal Pias/Santa
Teresa, Costa Rica
Still here but on my way south (change of plans) to find some monkeys,
tucans and less crowded surf. I got some of the best waves of my
entire trip this morning and a few barrels on the inside shore
breaks. I don't know if my email from yesterday went through. I dont
think it did so it is below again. I will make this short so you can
read the other entry. Sunday is siesta day, the buses don't run. and
the people work slowwwwer. The Full Moon was spectacular last night. The party was laim due to all the cops around looking for those
Columbians I think and haulting all unlicensed liquor sales. I went to
my first Tico Dance Club. It reminded me of big Hussongs in
Ensenada. Ok must surf before it gets dark. Hope you enjoy the
entries. Drop me a quick email once and a while.Miss you all.
Day 8, Playa Hermosa 3-10-2004
I extended my ticket yesterday till March 31st. So I will be here for
30 days total in all. I have 3 weeks left. What to do, humm what to
do. I will go down south for a while and travel to the Caribbean for a
while, maybe 10 days or so depending on the swell.
I finally found out why the surf was closing out so much. It was a
direct west swell that come in that was hitting Mal Pais like no ones
business but here it was straight on due to the angle of the beach. I
am told a new swell will be here by Friday so tomorrow I will venture
south to Manuel Antonio to seek out some wildlife until the swell
picks up when I will be in Dominical.I have a new friend here. Her name is Sunshine. She is a 1 year old
pooch that lovesme to death. She follows me everywhere, waits for me
at the water and goes to dinner with me.
I posted a good number of new pictures and since picture tell a
thousand words please take a look in lew of a long lettertoday since
I need to do some more surfing and take a nap. I went out last night
with my buddies from the up front house Christopher and Anita. Their a
couple from New Jersey who travel around the world staying months at a
time. They even have houses all over. She is about 38 and he is
around 60. We smoked some weed, it was my first time ever, that they
bought here. Apparently they like to some because he bought 2 ounces
for the 2 months they are here. I was seeing monkey, toucans and
elephants after that. We went to a local restaurant called Los Olas
and had some killers local food. I bought them dinner and drinks. It
cost me 7500 colones, big dollars for dinner here but maybe not for
three people. We brought our own beer in to which was cool and we
smoked at he table while we watching in Gods hands, a killer surf
flick I HIGHLY recommend you see. Ok time to rest and surf some more.
Check out the new pictures at:
http://www.shutterfly.com/osi.jsp?i=67b0de21b34f48a145a0
(If you can't click on this link, try copying and pasting it into your
web browser.)
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through the 26th 2005 from my next adventure to Costa Rica. with photos.
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PS. I thought I wrote a long letter from Jaco to you all but I don't see. Maybe it was in one of weird dreams here...... I will look and if
not tell you about the crazy boat ride I took from Montezuma. Holyyyyy.
Love JD
Jeff Dean J3vip.com
sales@nitro-net.com Day 10, Playa
Hermosa Friday 3-12-04
I extended my stay in Playa Hermosa due to an enormous South swell
that came in. The long hollow tube rides here are hard to leave
behind as I am planning on traveling south towards Dominical tomorrow
morning with a one day layover in Manual Antonio to see someguaranteed monkey sighting and toucans. I have been hanging out a lot
with me new friends Christopher Gilmore, Anita and Will. Chris, I
have read and seen first hand, is an incredible writer. I am honored
for he gave me copies of all his writing since he got here, 14 pieces
in all. I was so thrown back by is action to let me read these
first. It was credit to my intelligence he told me. I am hoping he
will help me with my quest to be a writer. He and I are very similar
other than our ages, he is 64, and he does not surf anymore but rather
rafts. Its a crazy sport. I actually took one out in 12 footers this
morning and almost broke my lip on an inside bowl section that threw
over like a hammer. I took 3 nice size waves then jones for my board
to get some serious tube rides I saw others getting. I ran back to my
place, on the beach, got my stick and paddled out. The tide was going
down which made the surf pile high on the beach break and throwing out
the larges tubes I have ever ridden. I cant begin to tell the non
surfers out there what it feels like to pull into a backside standup
barrel and feel the water rushing before your face with the air from
behind pushing you forward like a turbine all at once. The sound of a
deep tube ride is similar to sticking your head out the window of your
car going 50mph. Its what we [surfers) seek out all their lives , give
up jobs for, lose women over, live in squalor for, move from families
and friends over and lose reality for. I feel at times blessed to be
a surfer and cursed at the same time. It is such a passion that
divides me from being all I can be or being all I want to be. Well, more writing will come. For now I need to get back in the
water, pray to Zeus for more waves and plan my next adventure south
tomorrow.
From paradise pura vida. 
I miss you all.
Jeff
Jeff Dean J3vip.com
sales@nitro-net.comz Day 13, Costa
Rica Dominical Monday 3-15-04
I took off for Quepos on Saturday morning and waited at the bus stop
for 2.5 hours, what a bummer, in Play Hermosa. A taxi would have cost
me $35 so I opted to wait for a savings of $30. I got to Quepos after
a 2 hour ride south down a nicely paved road. I sat next to a 76 year
old farmer from a little town called Paritta, 45 minutes north of
Quepos. I got the impression that his next stop was up everytime we
stopped as he would mumble something to the effect of "me alto es
grumble mumble" and point towards the driver. I assumed it meant he
was getting off so I was ready to move each time we stopped, but he did
not get off, rather he looked out the window and said it again at each
stop. After 15 or so stops I got the idea that he did not know much
about this trek south and I settled in for the long haul. The ride
south was beautiful, full of open forests of palms and farms and
little soda shacks (convenience stores).
I arrived in Quepoes and said to the nearest local, "Donde esta la
Playa"(wheres the beach) and was told to go to Manuel Antonio. So I
took the next bus south to MA to find that all the hotels were booked. I had a full backpack 70 lbs(JB, I owe you big time for letting me use
your backpack), a regular backpack, and my board bag. I had to walk
up a hill and around town drenched of sweat and pissed off at each place
that said they were full with a huge smile on their face, like I was
an asshole for asking. I told the last place to kiss my ass as I walked
away firing with heat exhaustion and ready to get in the water
somewhere, anywhere... I found a couple friends I met in Mal Pias
ironically and asked them to watch my things as I looked for a baracho
habitiones (cheap hotel), I even got a local to get on it for me but
after a short time I gave up, drank three Imperial beers on the beach
and headed back to Quepos to stay the night and head south in the
morning. I found a little cabina in a small, outside of town,
neighborhood for $18 with a fan. A local pointed it out else I would
have never seen it, nor would anyone else, how do they survive.
Partied out in town, drank more beer, ate a local style pizza, got
solicited by a hooker, paid 1600 colones for 2 beers and threw a fit
over the outrageous charge, the bartender got on the phone and pointed
my way, I paid and jetted home taking it as a sign it was time to
settle down for the night. Got up at 7, had breakfast, packed up and
just made my bus to dominical at 10am. I thought it got there at 10,
but it left at 10. Thank Zeus I made it. I took the bus south on a
dirt road for 2.5 hours through the most lush tropical forest you can
imagine. It was the best ride yet for me here. I took some of my
best shots yet, I think, of the people, sodas, and homes. Stayed last night in a $13 a night room the size of a closet with two
beds and a fan. The name of the place is Cocos. I found another
place called Tortia Flats that I negotiated for $20 a night with a bacony on
the beach over looking the best break in town. The name Tortia Flats
just sounds like a killer place, which it is. Clean, nice restaurante
and bar next door and did I mention it was on the best break in
Dominical? Oh yey baby,,, I am styling in a $150 night hotel (in the
USA) for $20. How can you go wrong with that? I am there for 6 days. Surfed some great waves last night at high tide, around 5pm till dark,
6:45. I went out with my new/old neighbors/friends who are staying at
Cocos to the local hangout called thrusters, 2 pool tables, fuzzball
and cheap drinks. I had 2 Bombay Saphires and tonic for you JB for
hooking with up with that pack :-)
The tide was high at 9am, I got up at 6 and surfed alone on some of
the best rides I have had here yet. Big hollow rights and left. I was on
fire out there by 8am. I found it was best to drop in late as
possible, since the winds were off shore, the waves held up all day
long. I would drop in as late as possible and ride the crest of the
lip for a fewyards before I would punch it down to the bottom and
then pull the board to the top for the sickest floaters I have ever pulled
off, snap the board back into the pocket for some speed, work the wave
a little like a skateboard(I always say skateboarding is the best
practice tool outside the water), pull the board to the top and float
the section or do a long cut back to the pocket again. I love the
water here. Its 80 degrees plus and it is so clean and refreshing.I am going to try and upload more pictures tomorrow for you all. I am
still in search of monkeys and tucans and Captain Gene Rogers. Non
yet but I am sure to find them on another journey. I am may go to Panama
next week to an island I heard about called Bocas del Toro on the Caribbean side. I am told you take a water taxi to the break for $1
and there is a place on the ocean for $5 a night. Its a full day and
a half trek by bus to get there from here so I am still contemplating
the idea but it does sound like a plan, I will have to skip Pavones
although but that is ok. I need to see some crystal blue water and do
some diving as well, none over here yet, argg. I am told it has been
raining there for 2 weeks now which is another bummer, but I may still
have to go. Read below:
http://www.bocasdeltoro.com Look at the map.
Archipiélago de Bocas del Toro
Several of the pristine islands of the Bocas del Toro Archipelago in
the Caribbean Sea are protected by the marine Parque Nacional
Bastimentos. The park offers great diving, snorkelling and swimming,
and its beaches are used as a nesting ground by several species of sea
turtle. The main town on the archipelago is Bocas Del Toro on the
southeastern tip of Isla Colón. The archipelago is off the northeast
coast of Panama and is accessible by plane from Panama City, David and
Changuinola, or by ferry from Almirante and Chiriquí Grande.
Miss you all, hope you are enjoying being my virtual companion on this
trip. Its half way over now :-( I am stoked so far.
Jeff
Jeff Dean J3vip.com
sales@nitro-net.com
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Dominical Day 14 - March 16, 2004
I found my Chi(center) today. It happened at 7:30am. I was out in
the water all by myself. The rest of the pack was about 50 yards away
catching smaller close up waves. I was all by my self invisible to
the pack since I was taking rights facing away from them that held up for
many yards. I took one wave that was perfect. It was a late take off
so I got tons of speed to make the face, I pushed my 6'8" round tail
forward and sucked into the longest/deepest right I have ever had. It
opened up to a long face that went for what seemed to me to be miles. I cut the lip, snapped it back to the white water and raced the
section till it closed on the inside. I remember the very instant it hit me. My body tingled like a cold breeze had come through and gave me goose
bumps. I paddled out the outside still tingling from my ride thinking
this is not right. As I got to the outside I looked around thinking
everyone is coming this way after that ride. I saw no one like I was
invisible to the world. At this point in the day the sun was still
rising and not so strong but rising from the south east so the crowd
could possible not see me. I sat there with a smile from ear to ear
thinking this is it, this is what I came to Costa Rica for. I found
my chi. I was and am at peace. I don't know what I am going to do with
this new found spirit but I have 2 more weeks in Costa Rica to explore
it. I can be loved again and I can finally give love. I am at peace.
I love you all, more to come on my new revelations.
Jeff Dean J3vip.com
sales@nitro-net.com
King of his own destiny!!!
New Images Dominical and Play Hermosa March 17,2004
http://www.shutterfly.com/osi.jsp?i=67b0de21b34ce462a4d1
New Images for your viewing pleasure. Enjoy.
Jeff Dean J3vip.com
sales@nitro-net.com Dominical -
Day 17 - March 18, 2004
Surfs been fun over the past couple of days. I took a hike the
other day in search of monkey and toucans but found none. I did find the
spider you saw in the pictures and some ants doing serious construction work. It was hotter than life going up the mountain. I was
told
not to do do to the possibility of heat stroke but forged on anyway. I never sweat so much in all my life. It was pouring off me like I
was in a overheated sauna. I had to hydrate and stop a good number of times. I got dizzy towards the top and rested for a spell to wake
up a 1/2 hour later bewildered and unfamiliar with how I got there. I
immediately picked myself up and trotted toward the bottom when I got my bearings. I fell once and rolled down the hill for a few feet.
Laughed it off screamed aloud to wake myself up made it to the
bottom then stumbled back to my place where I took a long cold shower,
drank a gallon of water and slept for 3 hours (5pm). When I woke I felt
like someone dropped a piano on my head. I got some local food at
Cocos
down the road, watched some football/soccer with the locals, had a
couple cervesas to dull bring me back to sense, took a couple flu pills
and went out on the town for a few more to make sure I was out and
about in the mitts of people in case anything went a rye with me.
All went well through the night. I got home at 10pm, slept till 8am,
surfed at 9am and got some more cash from the local
petrol station 2
km down the road. I found out about a buried treasure on an Island
off the coast of here called "Isle Del Coco".
http://www.geocities.com/TheTropics/3425/index.html
Legend has it, a Captain Morgan buried his treasure there in 1526
and forget about it after he reformed and was made governor of a Jamaican Island somewhere. He died before telling of its whereabouts but
was known to frequent the island to stash his treasures. He was a very
good pirate legend tells. I am researching the possibility of
going there. I may have to do a scuba tour and sneak off to do my
hunting.

Going surfing now. I hope this entry finds you well.
Miss you all.
Jeff Dean J3vip.com
sales@nitro-net.com
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Dominical -
Day 18, March 19, 2004
have decided after much
deep research to abandon my search for
treasure on Isle Del Coco this trip due to lack of equipment,
transportation and have found out you need to be a Navy Seal pretty
much to be able to survive there for days on end without lodging. Maybe some of you will do it next time with me. I also found out it
was the place Jurassic Park was filmed so that mystic is there as
well. It is guarded by three federations as well: wildlife
conservatory, government and International Parks. Maybe next time
when I am better prepared. Instead I have decided to go to the carribean
side to do some diving and big wave surfing at Salsa Bravo in Puerto
Viejo and Boca Del Toro in Panama. I am doing some indepth research
on weather conditions and lodging now:
http://www.puertoviejoweb.com If you see anything good let me know on that link if of course you
have the time and are still following my adventure in Costa Rica. I dont really know how many of you out there are even getting this since I
only here from a few of you regarding interest in my happenings. If
you are getting this message and want to opt out please email me back
and say so. I hate to send this to you if it has little interest to you. It is part of a work that I plan to try to publish after the
trip is all over and it is edited.Hope all is well. Back to my research and surfing. I am renting a
horse today for 3000 Colones(425c to 1 US dollar). I imagine that
will be an adventure.
Jeff Dean the Surfing machine.
Jeff Dean J3vip.com
sales@nitro-net.com
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Costa Rica. with photos.
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Dominical 3/20/04 - (Last day in Dominical, 11 days left on the trip)

I am looking forward to leaving Dominical tomorrow. I still have no
plans on where to go. I am not getting good word from the Caribbean
side on lodging for cheap but I think I will do the trek anyways. I am
leaving for San Jose in the morning. I will email you when I get
somewhere.
More pictures to share.
http://www.shutterfly.com/osi.jsp?i=67b0de21b34d5c5305c0
Surfs up here. Got to go hit it.
PS. I started a new way to send these message to not show all your
emails and assure they get through. For those of you who this is the
first time you seeing this, because I was blocked, please read down to
read all my logs.
Miss you.
JD
Jeff Dean J3vip.com
sales@nitro-net.com
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Day 20 - Puerto
Viejo, Costa Rica 30 kilometers from the Panama border.
Surfed at Cocos Beach today which is just south of the infamous Salsa
Bravo Break. A huge reef break that has taken the lives of many
surfers. I have seen war scars from the reef on many surfers in one
days time only. I am going to surf that spot, but it will be on a
small day for sure. If that happens here. Today it was 15 foot and
growing as the tide came up. I am satisfied so far with Beach Break as it
was breaking at 10 foot and on a sand bottom. I found the place I was
looking for in Costa Rica. This is is. Its tropical, and has the
feel of a Caribbean lifestyle, laid back, slow, and reggae music
fills the air everywhere you go. I am staying at a place called
Rocking J's tonight for $20 but found a deal for $10 a night in the
jungle just off the road. I am so stoked to move there in the
morning. I am sure I will see monkeys etc at my door step daily. I
saw one monkey in the trees today but he was not moving. It was
exciting to see either way. A car load of tourists from San Jose
spotted him and were whistling for him to move, very obnoxious Ticos. I stayed in a $13 a night hotel in San Jose last night. I went out in
town and got a little to drunk with a new friend from Nicaragua. He
was crazy. He carried a huge knife and showed it to me at the bar. He kept talking about the mafia in the bar, Black Men, and how he was
going to take them out. He also told me about a boat he has and would
be interested in taking me to Isle Del Coco, which is why I took so
much interest in him in the first place.
Its been a fun trip, I cant believe I only have 9 days left. I am
going to go to Panama while I am here in Puerto Viejo. Its only a
couple hours away and maybe stay at Boca Del Toro, at that place those
Canadians raved about. I may do a two tank dive off a boat as well
if the weather is right for $60.
I will write more after I get settled in my new place that I am really
looking forward to. It a small cabina all alone nestled in a grove of
palms and a flower garden. I think it will be my best accommodations
so far, for $10 how can you go wrong either way. Miss you all. Californians, we will have to get together so I can
show you all my images and talk stories.
Jeff Adventure
Jeff Dean J3vip.com
sales@nitro-net.com Day
21 Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica
I am uploading more images but you may not want to look if you have
not taken a vacation in some time. This place is the dream place I
have been looking for. Its warm, sunny and totally tropical here. Banana trees everywhere, palms everywhere and the smell of good ganja
fills the air along with cool reggae music and the vibe of the Rasta. I saw Cheech & Chong up in smoke last night at a local outside bar. Had a few Imperials to thank them for the free movie. I love that
flick. If you haven't watched it for a while pick it up. Its freakin
hilarious. Surfed some of the kindest waves today at Coco Beach. Ate
a full plate of fruit with granola and yogurt this morning. Moved
into my new cabina. This is the best place I have stayed at yet.
CHECK OUT THE IMAGES, and its only costing me $10 a day. That's right
I said $10. I plan to got to Panama and leave my stuff here for a
couple days. I am going snorkeling after this. Am I making you jealous
yet? Well get here. Next time we all have to come here as I know
where to go now, for cheap. I think this place is the best I have
found so far although, Puerto Viejo area. Oh yeah I broke loose and
rented a vehicle. A 2 year old beach cruiser with a basket. It is
needed around here and besides it only cost me $3.40 a day. This
place is so freakin cheap, I love it. Ok uploading images (multitasking, disc burn of images from camera is
complete) I need to work fast here so that I can get back to the surf
Its taking wayyyyyyy to long to upload the images right now so I will
do it when it gets dark. Maybe they will upload on there own as I am
keeping them uploading but it may get cancelled as someone may sign on
and kill it.
Latersssssssss
Jeff Adventure.
Jeff Dean J3vip.com
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Day 22 Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica
Holy no good rastas this place is paradise. I cant believe all the
bad hype I heqrd about this place and the crap lore that its expensive
over here. I am paying $10 a night for a cabin nested in the jungle. Its so freakin beautiful here I
don't want to leave. The surf, ahhh
the surf, well that bring tingles to my dark tanned skin, it has been
firing here. I love the surf here, so much more than the other side. Oh my god I have been getting such incredible waves at Beach Break
(Cocos). It was been going off. Large drop in barrels and floaters
like I have never pulled off before. I am so stoked. Looking for
propert after I go offline here. I am not leaving this place, at
least in mind, anytime soon.
A rhyme I am making up in salute of this adventure ENJOY== "Rasta
Rasta Rasta, get off me I am gunna busta lip, snack the top and get
off the back for I am hitting it harder than the legit mister. Tube
time I am not coing out, its deep in here, I am flippin my lid. Oh
yeah thats the face coming at me, back off I am going smack you. Oh
that water is so refreshing back to you the outside for another
blessing"
Got sick as a doggie last night. I saw Mr. Hankie 5 times today and
did not eat but once in the am (fruit plate) due to it and surfed
most of the day so I did not care much about food just water. Around
6 I took some pepto bismo thinking it would help, smoked some of the
local tobacco, drank some fruit juice, chilled and went to eat at 7:30
with 9 hours of no food in me. When I got there I began to feel
violently ill so I ordered a Imperial, of course, and asked if she could
bring me some rice and beans right away to help me out. She said they
only had full plates so I ordered a bean burger. I got up to use the
toilet because I felt naucious, then ran to the beach to let it out. I was about to vomit, finger in mouth, when a local came up and said
hey bro, dont vomit there, use my shirt. I looked at him like I was
going to rip his head off, he walked away. I proceeded to let it
out. After I felt dizzy, sweating, major stomach cramps and felt like
I was to pass out. I went back tot the bar, cancelled my order and
rode my bike back to the cabin as fast as I could to make sure I was
in a safe place. Got to the cabina, crawled up the stairs laid on
the bed then sat up in fear of pássing out, drank a lot of water, ate
a cliff bar, very slowly. I am ok
Images on the way getting booted here.
Puerto Viejo Images
http://www.shutterfly.com/osi.jsp?i=67b0de21b3726c69e409
Take a look at my place here in Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica.
I love it. More images on the way.
Jeff Dean J3vip.com
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Day 23 in paradise. Puerto Viejo
(I never sent this sorry. Another is coming to day
as well to catch you up)
I love this place. Got some of the best waves of my life yesterday at
Beach Break. My neighbor promises to show me the ropes at Salsa Bravo
as soon as it goes off again. I was waiting all morning for him to
find me but it never happened, apparently he drank to much last night
too. I thad a 2 hour surf session, go out early to take a bunch of
pictures of the locals tearing it up.
Rode to Manzania south from Puerto Viejo today to do some diving, it
was about 12 kilometers (1 mile 01.61 kilometes) It was such a killer
ride through the lush jungle by the beach. I was in aww of the
vegetation, filled with palms, nut trees, fruit trees, tropical flowers
and banana groves. I found a piece of land and collected all the
fruits of the land to give to each of you as gifts. Dont worry they
are dried. I am not sure what the fruits are but will after taking
them to a nearby horticulturist.
I told you about the book I read here called "In Search of Captain
Zero" about a guy, Allan, from Montauk NY, where I lived last in search
of his lost friend Christopher. The story is a true one, yet I found
out was embelished upon. Its about a guy named Allen and his friend
Chris´s drug smuggling adventures across the globe. The storystarts
as Allen leaves NY in search of Chris who is supposed to be somewhere
in Central America. He writes about his adventures through Mexico,
down to Costa Rica where he finds his buddy Chris in Puerto Viejo. It
was one of the the reasons I came here, to find Chris. Well I met
Captian Zero last night. He was cruising in front of me on his bike
flashing his light back at me so I would not run him over then in front
of him to avoid the pot holes. I made a comment that we needed full
suspension bikes, he said "these are the worst roads in the world",
then I replied, "do you know that from experience", he said of course
and then I moved in front of him to move on down the road. I thought,
what a crazy gringo.... I was going to a restaurant to watch a movie, Bedazzled and to, of course, have a few Imperials. I sat down began
the drink fest when I saw the old man walk and sit next to some German
girls. He said I am hiring and need to give you a drug test, because I
need to make sure you are doing drugs to work for me. He then laughed
and said, seriously do you need anything? I saw him glance my way as to
say you are next buddy. I waited as in que for him to come over and he
did. He stood next to me by a pole and said, hey do you surf. I
said, "does a dog have fees in Costa Rica". He chuckled then said, "I
am Captain Zero". I looked at him and for sure he had the age down to
be him. He had a NY accent and for sure this was him. I
said, "Christopher"? He smiled from ear to ear and said YES YES YES
that's me I am him. Oh my god I cant believe you know who I am". I
told him how I was in search of him, and he went nuts with excitement. It was as if I gave him a million dollars. We talked all night about
Montauk, about writing a sequel together, buying homes, do some
internet stuff, etc. I was just so in ahh to be hanging out with him
that nothing mattered. It was like hanging out with a cartoon
character. We promised to hang out more, I want to know more about
HogFish Ranch and what he has been up to. I want to verify some of
Allen's Drug smuggling stories. I think I rode to Panama today. That trek
down south was so awesome. I
cant go to Panama after all since I don't have a paper airline ticket
since I changed it over the phone. You need to show you are leaving
Costa Rica within 3 months to enter. Its not a problem to leave Costa
Rica to go to Panama just to come back in. Maybe I will try and jump
the fence tonight and sneak over the swim back. LOL.
Next time I a come to Costa Rica I will be here first and maybe only so
that I can visit Panama and those Boca Del Toro islands which might
escape me this time. I am told of treasure there and to ask for a guy
Chris told me about, written at my cabina, who knows of it and has
transportation. He may be interested in splitting the finds with me as
trade. I will search more and maybe bring my own diving equip next
time prepared to do it right.
Pura Vida.
Miss ya. JD
Jeff Dean J3vip.com
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Sorry about yesterdays bad spelling I was rushed to send and so I could
not proof it before I sent it out. :(
Puerto Viejo, 3-27-2004 - Day 25
I surfed early in the morning at 6:30am yesterday so I could rent a
scooter for the day ($20)and take another ride down to Monzania to see
some monkeys and toucans. I also took a bunch of pictures of my land so
you can see how truly incredible it is. The hike was rooty and wet and
many times mud was the main terrain. I saw a Toucan for the first time
about 1.5 km into the hike. He was a top a large nut tree. I barely
made him out at first. I don't know why I looked up at that point since
it was difficult to navigate the trail without watching where I was
going. He was a huge bird, I would guess he stood 2 feet high and his
beak another foot long. He was an impressive sight to see in the wild
like that especially after all my searching to finally see one, you can
only imagine my excitement. I almost fell off the cliff when I saw
him. I got my wits about me and was able to snap off a shot of him
before he jumped to another tree out of my vision. I sat there for many
minutes waiting to see him again but he did not return. I even made
crazy bird sounds that my Dad taught me in the boy scouts to leur him
closed but nothing worked. I ventured on. The trail came to a beach
then up a mountainside and back into the jungle. It was now 11:15 and
since I only had the scooter for 8 hours beginning at 9am I decided it
was best to walk back on a parallel trail used for horses. It was
muddy and very difficult to walk through. I walked a few yards before
I realized it was to difficult and began back to the other trail when a
huge black snake hissed and skated off into the woods. I passed this
snake only seconds ago. I wondered since I was looking in the trees for
more Tucans if I could have stepped over him. Scary. I now thought I
need to keep my eyes more aware of my surroundings to be safe since
there was no one close by to help me should I need emergency
assistance, although I did have my snake bite kit and a knife in case I
needed to cut off a limb or defend myself against a puma. Hahaa
Took the long beautiful road back to Puerto Viejo, stopped off at my
land to take some pictures, got my scuba gear and headed North to
Curita. It was a long ride and when I got to the park they wanted $6
to enter. I decided to look for another way in but was closed out on
when I did not find a way. I rode back to PV and took a dirt road just
north of town that went along the beach. It was an unexplored area
with land for sale that I am confident will be worth big dollars down
the road. I am going to go there on my bike after this and get some
phone numbers. I plan to call both parties today or Monday and get
some numbers. This is the place to buy land and to settle down. I
love this place.
Got up late today as it was Reggae night at Bambu last night. I think
its reggae night every night but last night the entire coast showed
up. It was a huge party. The streets were packed with cars and
people. The music was loud and everyone was dancing. I got searched
by a police officer and luckly he did not find anything. It was
another smack in the face reminding me not to let my guard down again
and to be extra careful since I am traveling alone. I had something in
my pocket to. I am a bad boy. A very bad boy...... Never again
though....
Surf was firing today. I GOT THE BIGGEST STAND UP BARREL OF MY LIFE
TODAY. The great thing was that the local crew saw me and gave me
respect for it. I was so stoked I stayed out for 3 more hours. I got
a few really good tube rides after that as well. It was the fact that
I got respect for that large stand up and that I was allowed to take
off more often due to the earned respect that cements that ride in my
head forever. I saw a local look at me in the tube and give me a shaka
too. It was a long time to be in the green room as it just threw over
and over. The waves were so on today. Even though I got out there at
9 it was still firing and it may have been better at 9 than at 6. I
found it breaks better with a little less water and a little offshore
wind on it.
I am going to burn all my images so far on a disc today and upload some
more later at another internet cafe. I want to show you a photo of
Chris/Patrick and I, the scooter I rented (Hey Jackie, maybe I can be in
your club now, lol), my land and the surf since I took a bunch of
photos seeing that I did not have any. Its hard when its breaking good
you want to be out there, not taking photos of it.

Ok I am outssss..
Later Skatersssssssss.
Rasta Jeff
Puerto Viejo, 3-28-2004 - Day 26
New Images today:
http://www.shutterfly.com/osi.jsp?i=67b0de21b372c628e41d
My Land, Captain Zero, rented scooter, Tucan sighting, Monkey
sightings, Puerto Viejo Surf,
JD in the place to be.
Jeff Dean J3vip.com
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Day 27 - Puerto Viejo.
I am sad to leave this place tomorrow. I will have spent 9 days in
Puerto Viejo in total and 29 days in Costa Rica. I am already missing
it here and I am still here. I had the best time in Costa Rica. We
all have to come back together next time. I have my board up for sale with the local surf dudes at Salsa Bravo. I have my board and bag up for $140 total for both and the body board
for $20 with bag as well. Its a great deal but since its Monday and I
did not put it up till 3 it wont sell. I surfed till 2 and could not
get out of the water, it was so fun. I am taking it back at 6pm and
surfing in the morning. I guess she will be coming home with me after
all. Oh well. Its only another $60(6 days cabina lodging here
although). I am sort of looking forward to going back to reality with
a new set of eyes on the world and life. I am excited to tell my
stories and photos. I am planning got have Jeff's back from Paradise
party and show all my photos next weekend. This is my last entry as I will be too busy and traveling over the next
two days to write again. Its been a strange crazy exciting trip. I
hope you all enjoyed the entries. I wish I could have wrote longer
stories as I did not cover much. I am glad to have met so may new
friends, blessed to have had sunshine every single day, gotten some of
the best surf, safe travels, spent little money and got much for my
colones. I hope my heart will never forget the pura vida experiences I
will take from here. I hope I will return and I hope you will come
along with me next time.
Until the next adventure.
Jeff Adventure in Paradise, Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica 3-29-2004
Jeff Dean J3vip.com
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Final reflections:
Total Cost: 29 days - $2,179
Hotel:
$444
Food:
$350
Bus:
$25
Gift / Misc: $273
Beer / Guaro $152
Internet:
$60 |
Taxi:
$152
Boat Fares
$52
Airfare:
$475
Surfboard Fees $120
Extended Stay Fee $100 |
Most Memorial Moments:
Best of:
Place: Puerto Viejo (Caribbean side)
Cabina/Hotel: Luna Tica - Puerto Viejo
Food: Pasta Bolognese - Dominical Soda Rest.
Longest Surf: Mal Pais - road down from
Franks Place
Best Surf: Beach Break, Puerto Viejo
Time: Stand up tube ride at Beach Break in front of all the
locals, earned respect and wave ride order.
Drink: Imperial Cervesas
Purchase: Hammock in Jaco $16
Most Memorial Moments: Worst of:
Place: Quepos (dirty, crime ridden, unfriendly)
Food: None, loved it all
Surf: Montezuma, None to speak of
Time: Ride from San Jose to Montezuma, ride from hell.
Drink: Tropical fruit drink. I got sick twice on them.
I will never forget all the awesome friends I made in Costa Rica, the warm
surf, the sounds ands smells of the tropics on the Caribbean side, the
adventures, the bus rides, the delicious food, the Tico people and the
reminder that life is a one way road. We only go down this road once,
make the most of it before it comes to a dead end.
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This was my planned trip before I left Jeff Dean's Trip to Costa Rica
March 2004
Click on the destinations to see full details
 |
|
| |
http://costa-rica-guide.com/CR0104.pdf |
|
- Tide Table
Packing
- Bus Travel Info: Bus Travel info:
http://www.costaricabybus.com/beaches.html
Web Links
Real Estate
Bus Schedule
- 750 PUERTO VIEJO DE TALAMANCA (express bus from
San José) - DEP. ev. day from Terminal Caribe at 6:00, 10:00, 13:30, 15:30;
RET.: 7:00, 9:00, 11:00, 16:00; 215 km; 4:30 hrs. You can buy tickets in
advance. $4.42 ** Auto-Transportes Mepe S.A. company. Tel. 257-8129
725 PUERTO VIEJO DE TALAMANCA from Limón - DEP. Ev.day from Radio Casino at
5:00, 8:00, 10:00, 13:00, 16:00, 18:00. RET. 6:00, 13:00, 15:00, 16:00,
16:30, 1:30; 1.5 hrs. $1.07 ** Auto-Transportes Mepe S.A. company. Tel.
758-1572
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Money Conversions
U.S. Dollar Exchange as of February 18, 2004.
Buy: 422.57 CRC per 1 U.S. dollar
Sell: 424.10 CRC per 1 U.S. dollar
Day 1,2,3 - Mal Pais
March 2,3,4
Back to Top
Transportation to:
Direct bus service from main bus station
in San Jose to Puntarenas leaves every hour. Then board ferry to Paquera. Once
in Paquera take other bus to Cobano once in Cobano board local bus to Mal Pais.
Best to depart San Jose at 8a.m. Most travelers take the
ferry
from Puntarenas to
Paquera
and either drive directly to Mal País or head first to Montezuma and
then take buses to Mal País. From Montezuma, take the
bus to
Cóbano
(15min., 6 per day 5:30am-4pm, ¢200) and catch a connecting bus from the
same stop to
Santa
Teresa via
Mal País
(1hr., 10:30am and 2:30pm, ¢500). Return buses start in Santa Teresa and
pick passengers up at the main crossroad by Frank's Place before heading
back to
Cóbano
(7 and 11:30am).
Hotel:
Mal Pais Surf and Sport Camp ($15-$50/night; ph: 642-0296, USA:
954-583-5560)
http://www.malpaissurfcamp.com
Email: surfcamp@racsa.co.cr
Santa Teresa Cabinas ($20-$30/night) closest to the surf. About a
mile north of the crossroads
Frank's Place Request sent 3/23/04($25-$60/night; ph: 640-0096; email:
playamalpais@hotmail.com
Rancho Ituana ($40-$60/night) is a clean, friendly choice, with 4
breezy cabinas (w/kitchens, if you're inclined).
Hotel
Surf The Place
$60 Rancho Style Bungalow (506) 640 0001 Email:
theplace@caramail.com
http://www.theplacemalpais.com/rooms.html
Surf:
A beach
break that peaks with some rock reef . This wave offers a long right wall and a
shorter left breaking over a sloping sand bottom. When these breaks get big, try
the nearby reef breaks in Manzanillo or to the south of Carmen. Best on
west/southwest swell.
El Carmen: A long right and a shorter left surfing over sand.
Santa Teresa: Usually bigger than Carmen and better on low tide.
Playa Hermosa: Beach break lefts and rights.
Playa de Los Suecos: a lefthander with a fast take off followed by a long
workable wall. Gets hollow with size and offshore winds.
Punta Barrigona: A long lefthander wraps round the point turning into a
great hotdog wave as it moves through the inside. Needs a lot of swell to work
properly.
Conditions: Surf El Carmen, Santa Teresa, and Playa Hermosa when it's small,
Playa el Suecos and Punta Barrigona when there's a swell.
Day 4,5,6 - Playa Negra
March 5,6,7
Back to Top
Hotel:
Pablo Picasso's Request sent 3/23/04
http://www.pablosplayanegra.com
Email: pabloscr@hotmail.com
Phone:
A/C $25, No A/C $20, Flintstone Room $10
Aloha Amigos
(658 8023), a 15min. walk down the main road (do not
go left at the first fork) beyond the soccer field. Owned by friendly Hawaiians,
this hotel offers a few airy, clean rooms with shared or private bath,
kitchenette, and loft, plus washing machine and hammock on the back porch. The
complex centers around an inviting rancho with open kitchen and
restaurant meals. US$10 per person with shared bath; 2-person cabins US$30 per
day, US$50 for up to 6 people.
Juanito's Ranchitos
(658 8038), next door to Aloha Amigos, offers lots
of free extras including bikes, snorkels, surfboards, and Happy Hour.
Renovations in progress. Call for availability. US$25 per person; US$10 per
person for groups of 3-4.
Kon-Tiki
(658 8117), on the main road just past the turnoff
to Aloha and Juanito's, is a cheap tree house-like place with good group rates.
Rooms sleep up to 6 people. Shared baths are dark but not cramped, and there's
space for hammock-lounging and surfboard-storing. Breakfast ¢1000; lunch or
dinner plate ¢1800; there's also a kitchen. US$10 per person; US$8 per person
for groups larger than 4.
Pasta Mike's Hotel
(658 8270) the first place you come to on the road
from Paraíso, is another good budget option with three basic, buggy rooms and a
vegetarian restaurant with tantalizing meals. Surfboard rental US$5 per day.
Singles US$10; doubles US$15; quads with private bath US$25, with A/C US$40.
Mono Congo Lodge
(fax 658 8261) nearby, is soothing and elegant:
invitingly dark and cool. All wooden, with tall, solid white beds, a shared
hot-water tiled bathroom, and hammocks lining a wraparound terrace. The living
room, community kitchen, BBQ, and restaurant are well-integrated. Tennis courts
available. Horseback tours US$15 per hr. Surfboard rental US$10 per day. Doubles
US$30 including breakfast, US$45 in high-season. Guesthouse with 2 rooms,
kitchen, and bath US$85 for up to 12 people.
Hotel Playa Negra
(658 8034; fax 658 8035;
www.playanegra.com;
playanegra@co.cr), take a left
(coming from Paraíso) at the first fork in Pargos. Comfortable beachfront
bungalows perfect for the surfer dude/dudette. Bungalows have 3 beds and private
tiled baths with hot water. The restaurant features a wide-ranging menu.
Spaghetti ¢2700. Surf lessons US$20 per hr. Board rental US$20 per day. Horse
rental US$12 per hr. Doubles US$50, high-season US$60; triples US$55/US$70;
quads US$60/US$80. AmEx/MC/V.
Surf:
Epic right-hand reef/point break. Very
consistent, perfect and powerful, known as one of the best breaks in Costa
Rica. Playa Negra starts to really turn on when it's a couple feet overhead, and
can hold almost triple overhead without closing out. Very playful and fun
surfing when its around head high.
12 kms south of
Tamarindo offering a rock-reef right break that is fast & hollow at low tide
creating a picture perfect ride.Best conditions in the morning with a mid tide
going out. Negra will pick up swell from many directions and crowds can be a
factor.
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Day 7,8,9 - Tamarindo
March 8,9,10
Back to Top
Hotel:
Cabinas Doly ($20-$30/night) on the beachfront.
Cabinas Marielos (Singles US$20-30; with A/C US$35-45 ph.653 0141 AmEx/MC/V. across from Cabinas Doly and next to Iguana Surf
Frutas Tropicales (653 0041), 900m north of the circle, about 100m south
of the Best Western. Behind the popular fast-food restaurant, 3 tile floor rooms
with TV and hot baths. Doubles US$20; triples
US$28. AmEx/MC/V.
Cabinas Marielos (653 0141), across from Cabinas Doly and
next to Iguana Surf. On the high end of budget deals, but worth a splurge.
Super-clean, cool cabinas are set far back from the main road. Rooms
have sparkling private baths, powerful fans or A/C, safes, and access to a
fully-stocked kitchen. Some rooms have balconies. Surf and boogie boards for
rent from helpful staff. Singles US$20-30; doubles
US$30-40, with A/C US$35-45; triples US$40-50. AmEx/MC/V.
Hotel Milagro
Request sent 3/23/04($30-$60/night; ph: 653-0042; email:
flokiro@sol.racsa.co.cr ,
which has a groovy, native vibe and some hammocks;
Hotel Pueblo Dorado ($40-$60/night; ph: 653-0008) on the north end
Hotel Zully Mar ($40-$70/night; ph: 653-0140 AmEx/MC/V.)
www.tr506.com/zullymar;
zullymar@co.cr
La Palapa ($40-$70/night; ph: 653-0362) has some great beachside rooms.
Cabinas Pozo Azul (653 0280), just north of the Best Western. An
excellent deal---each clean, spacious room has a private bath, fridge and stove.
There is also a pool and long porch. ¢3500 per person; July ¢5000.
Cabinas Coral Reef (653 0291), 50m up the road from the Centro Comercial
Aster. A good budget option, with clean dark wood-paneled rooms. Communal
fridge, surf lessons, and massage available. ¢2000 per person.
Costa Rica Conexion (ph: 653-0496),
Surf:
Playa Grande: Probably the most consistent of all Tamarindo's spots, even
though it's a 20-minute drive or 30-minute hike north of town, Playa Grande is a
cooking beachbreak, especially on a good south swell. It's a somewhat flat-ish
beach, so it has the tendency to close out at low tide, but at mid-high tide,
it's all close-to-shore, a-frame tubes -- the best (and most crowded) peaks are
right in front of the Hotel Las Tortugas. Always bigger than town -- if
everywhere's flat, Grande will have something to ride, and it's especially good
when an off-season south combines with wintertime offshores.
El Estero (Tamarindo Rivermouth): Not a totally classic rivermouth setup,
but a damn good wave when the sand settles just right, which it can for weeks at
a time. Rights on the south side and lefts on the north. It's at the north end
of town, across and down from the Best Western, and as such, can get really
crowded. Watch out for fisherfolk.
Tamarindo Beachbreak: Average beachbreak that's never as good as Playa
Grande, but it has the advantage of being right in town -- that walk/drive to
Grande twice a day gets old pretty quick. Lots of beginners here, so you get a
chance to show off your closeout maneuvers.
Pico Pequeno: Right lava reefbreak that can get absolutely insane -- it
seems to favor a southwest swell and a mid-high tide (low tide is sketchy and
shallow), but as it's right in the heart of town, everybody's on it when
it's on. As it's also a one-peak sort of wave, the crowd is especially difficult
and can be dangerous
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Day
10 - Jaco' Beach
March 11
Back to Top
Hotel:
Cabinas White House (643 1140), 100m south of the bridge, has
enormous rooms with private cold water bath, 2 double beds, couch, fan, and a
small fridge. The rooms can get a bit stuffy even with the fans, but the sweet
Italian owner Paula will try to make your stay as comfortable as possible.
Guests get discounts at a few nearby restaurants for breakfast and lunch.
Laundry US$4. Rooms for 1-4 people US$10 per person;
larger, fully-equipped apartment for 4 people US$50.
Jungle Inn (643 1631), 100m south of the bridge on the first
street leading west. Colorful jungle murals, a well-kept pool, and Jane/Tarzan
themed bathrooms in the courtyard spice up the simple, but spotless, rooms with
private hot-water showers. Safe deposit box, night guard, and jacuzzi. Singles/doubles
US$25-40.
Chuck's Rooms and Boards (643 3328), 700m north of the bridge; turn
toward the beach at La Hacienda Restaurant; Chuck's will be on your left. The
hundreds of surf-slang bumper stickers are proof that almost all surfers crash
here for a night after a rough day on the waves. Relax in the courtyard or rest
in the hostel-style rooms. Dorms ¢2700 $6; doubles with private cold bath ¢6000
$14; 1 triple with A/C and private hot-water bath US$30;
1 cabin with full kitchen, A/C, private hot bath, and TV US$50.
Hotel La Cometa (643 3615), 150m north of Banco Nacional, across
from Centro Comercial El Paso. Simple, clean, quiet rooms with fans and hot
water in shared or private baths. All rooms share an airy courtyard with
hammocks and a kitchen. Singles ¢4500 $11, with private
bath ¢7000 $17; doubles ¢5000/¢8000 $12,$19; triples ¢6500/¢9500.
Surf::
Jaco -- the main beach town just north of Hermosa -- is apparently Costa
Rica's "Surf City", but the surf is rarely good as the sand is pretty flat and
doesn't seem to ever form good banks -- which is fine if you're a fan of
closeouts. If it's decent in Jaco, there's a good chance it's firing at Hermosa.
In between Jaco and Hermosa are a couple bigger-wave reef breaks, and south of
Hermosa are some gentler, mellower beach breaks.
Day
11,12 - Playa Hermosa March
12,13 Back to Top
Surfers at Hermosa who never leave will tell you to skip Jacó entirely and head
directly to this idyllic miniature surf community. Hermosa is virtual paradise
for those seeking long, quiet days, lazing away in hammocks on beachside patios
or catching the near-perfect waves that roll onto the long, black-sand beach.
After high tide drags back a piece of the shore for the last time each day, the
town's sprinkling of locals and a handful of mostly American visitors meet at
one of the charming beachfront restaurants or bars to enjoy the evening. Life
here is as laid back as the surfers who live in it.
Hotels:
Costa Nera Bed and Breakfast (643 1942), just north of Cabinas Las Olas,
has fresh, new rooms with private hot-water bath and a beachfront terrace.
Singles US$20; doubles US$30-40; large room with
kitchen US$45-55. Discounts for long stays.
Cabinas Vista Hermosa (643 3422), near the south end of town,
offers large, apartment-style suites for two, four, or eight, with a fully
equipped kitchen, private bath, and two swimming pools.
Singles US$15-20; doubles US$20-25; quads US$35-40; 8 people US$50-60.
Good discounts for surfers.
Rancho Grande (643 3529), made of upright wooden logs, is cozy and
uniquely decorated like a tree house. Cool rooms are large and have private
hot-water bath, but most guests spend their time enjoying the view from the
large patio or playing with the friendly owners' adorable children. Communal
kitchen available. US$10 per person.
Cabinas Las Olas (643 3687), near the center of town, is an
amazing value for larger groups planning on staying a while. Wooden ladders
grant access to second-floor private bungalows; 3 smaller cabins sleep up to 6
and have small patios and A-frame upstairs lofts. For a real treat, the skybox
suite is a luxurious third-story bungalow with a breathtaking view. All rooms
have tile floors, private hot-water baths, fans, fridge, and kitchen. A small
pool and beach front sitting are perfect for breaks between the tides.
Reservations recommended. Singles US$25; doubles
US$40; triples US$60; 6 people US$110; large rooms in main building sleeping 4-6
people US$80-90. Significant discounts in low season and for long stays.
Surf:
A long stretch of
beach offering some of the most consistent conditions on the Pacific Coast. A
variety of sandbars have formed creating a pounding and tubular beachbreak. The
following are the breaks that line this beach:
a. Terraza - a fast, hollow right breaking
in front of a group of visible rocks. Several other breaks just south of this
break offer less punishing waves breaking over a sandbar. Best on a
west/southwest swell from low to mid tide incoming.
b. Backyard - a very consistent sandbar located at
the entrance to the dirt road in Hermosa. This wave breaks close to the beach
and is generally hollow with rights and lefts. Best conditions on a
southwest/west swell at mid - high tide incoming.
c. Almendro (Almond Tree) - breaking in
deeper water than most of the hotel breaks, this break also offers a sandbottom
with rights and lefts. Best conditions on a south/southwest swell at mid- high
tide incoming.
d. Corners - breaking in even deeper water creating
a little more size, more sandbottom rights and lefts. Generally bigger than
northern breaks of Hermosa. Best conditions at low to mid tide and a
west/southwest swell.
e. Tulin - located in front of the Soda Tulin about
10 minutes south of the Backyard, this break is consistently a few feet bigger
than the hotel breaks. There is also a rivermouth break further south (w/
crocodiles) with a perfect line-up in ideal conditions. Best at low tide on a
west swell.
- Day
13,14 - Quepos March 14,15
Back to Top
Hotels:
- Cabinas Mary (777 0128), on
the main road across from the soccer field, is for those who prefer to be
away from the noisy bars. Clean rooms have powerful fans and private
cold-water baths. Parking available. ¢2000 per person in rooms for up to 4
people.
- Cabinas Hellen (777 0504),
150m west of the soccer field on the main drag. Clean rooms with fridge and
private cold-water baths in the yard of a friendly family. Chat up the
parrots in the courtyard. Singles ¢5000 $12;
doubles ¢6500.
Mar y Luna (777 0394). With your back to the bus station, walk
right to the end of the block, turn right, and then left at the next corner;
Mar y Luna is a few meters down to the right. Friendly and helpful owner
Alvaro maintains plain fan-cooled rooms in cheerily painted hallways with
super clean bathrooms. The best features are the common area with TV, the
upstairs balcony, and the small courtyard where breakfast is served. Laundry
¢650 per kilo. Singles ¢2000 $5; doubles with private
bath ¢4500 $8; triples ¢6000.
- Hotel Malinche (777 0093),
across from Mar y Luna. Larger, modern rooms have efficient fans, furniture,
and big clean, cold-water private baths. Credit card phone available in
lobby. The Barco Bar next door can be a bit noisy. Singles ¢3500; doubles
¢7000; triples ¢10,300; quads and quints ¢13,500.
- Hotel Ramu's (777 0245), a few
doors down from Mar y Luna, across from Barco Bar. The hallways are a bit
dark, but the small bedrooms are clean and have two fans. ¢2000 per person.
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Adventures:
Pacific EcoTours Corporation S.A (777 3030 or 777 1924;
www.canyoningtours.com/dreamforest). Excellent canopy tours on steel
cables hovering over 100ft. above the forest floor and extending up to 600m
between trees (US$60). The more daring should try their canyoning tour
(US$60), a thrilling experience descending and ascending rushing cascades with
safety lines and belts. Includes breakfast, lunch, drinks, and transportation.
Fourtrax Adventure (777 1829), near the southeast corner of the
soccer field, 50m past the lavandería. Offers exhilarating full-day ATV tours
(US$95) to the town of Londres in the mountains. Open daily 7am-9pm.
Iguana Tours (777 1262 or 777 2052;
iguana@co.cr), at the southeast corner
of the soccer field. Arranges hiking and horseback tours of Parque Nacional
Manuel Antonio (US$37), boat trips to Damas Island (US$60), and kayaking tours
(US$65). Experienced guides specialize in rafting trips on Ríos Naranjo,
Parrita, and Savegre (US$65-90). Prices for full-day trips include a rescue
kayaker paddling alongside you at all times. Second location at Manuel Antonio
(777 2746). Open daily 7am-7pm.
-
Day 15,16,17,18 - Dominical
March
16,17,18,19
Back to Top
Nestled at the foot
of a beautiful little mountain and four or so hours south of San Jose, the
mile-long stretch of sand that fronts the town of Domincal offers up some
fine beachbreak -- maybe not as hollow and A-Framey as Playa Hermosa, but
on a high tide and a head-high-plus south swell running, there's more than
enough to satisfy the most rabid wave seeker on holiday.
The only problem is that the sand is kind of flat, which can turn the best
swell into a series of closeouts if you're not careful; fortunately,
there's a river at the north end of town that breaks up the sandbars a bit
and the best peaks are generally around that area.
Dominical is one of the first beach towns in Costa Rica to employ
full-time lifeguards, which should tell you something -- the rips that
form along its stretch can be serious. The good news is, if you're a good
paddler, you can hang at rip's edge and pick up little corner peaks.
The town of Dominical is an easy place to spend some time -- the hotels
are fairly cheap and walking distance from the surf, there seems to be a
steady influx of travelers keeping things interesting, and there's a
hearty ex-pat population, meaning you'll have access to gringo food,
internet connections and can get by pretty OK speaking English. (Though of
course you'd already brushed up on your Spanish before you came, right?)
Lots of folks have come for a couple weeks and ended up staying for a
couple years -- it's that kind of place.
Hotels:
Cabinas El Co-Co (787 0239), at the south end of the main
road. Run by Luis García, it has the cheapest cabinas near the
beach. Rooms are basic but comfortable. ¢2000 per person $5; Dec.-Apr.
¢3000 $7. Nice rooms
facing the beach with private baths for ¢7000 $17. AmEx/MC/V.
- Cabinas San Clemente (787
0026), toward the northern end of the beach road, is wrapped in outdoor
jungle decor. Luxurious rooms, spacious tiled floors, and small tables.
Rent snorkel (US$10 per day), boogie (US$7 per day), and surf equipment
(US$18 per day), or take surf lessons (US$35 per day, board included). You
can also exchange US dollara and traveler's checks. Laundry service ¢800
per kg. Doubles with fans and cold water US$20,
with hot water and A/C US$40; Dec.-Apr. additional
US$10.
- Posada del Sol (787 0085 or
787 0067), 30m south of the Dominical School, just before the fork in the
road. Quiet and clean with private baths and firm beds. The owners,
Leticia Porras and Mariela Badilla, want to create a family atmosphere in
this small place. Their garden is closed for all but guests and features a
beautiful array of flowers and porch side hammocks.
Singles US$15-20; doubles US$17-35; triples US$22-40. Apartment
with kitchen US$500 per month.
- Tortilla Flats (787 0033),
north of the side street on the beach road. Its newly redone, spotless
rooms and tiled bathrooms with hot water make it one of the most popular
places among those with money to spend. Rooms facing the beach have
balconies. Others include a private outdoor hammock.
Rooms with double beds and fan ¢8500 per person $14, with A/C ¢10,000 $24;
triples ¢10,000/13,000. Credit cards accepted.
Surf:
Strong beach break with lefts and
rights. Fairly consistent break, located about 45 minutes south of Quepos.
The northern end of the beach offers bigger sets while the southern end is
better for intermediate surfers. Best conditions at mid - high tide.
Real Estate:
Century 21/DHR Realty
(ph: 7870138;
www.dhrrealty.com) deals with Dominical to Quepos
South Coast Realty (ph: 787-0005;
www.southcoastrealty.co.cr).
Dominical Realty (ph: 787-0223;
www.dominicalrealty.com). Don't
expect to find the $4000 beachfront lot anymore, though.
Day
19,20,21,22 - Pavones March
20,21,22,23
or till when ever.
Back to Top
South Africa has J-Bay, Indonesia has G-Land,
Australia has Kirra, Europe has Mundaka, California has Rincon, and Costa Rica
-- god bless it's Tico heart -- has Pavones. It's been called the longest left
pointbreak in the world, and though Chicama in Peru probably holds that
distinction, a good wave at Pavones works your legs more than an hour on any
bloody stairmaster ever would. Rides of three minutes are possible on a solid
south swell -- and that's three minutes of full-on, down-the-line,
zero-cutback surfing. It's the kind of wave that -- especially if you're used
to surfing beachbreaks -- will expand your whole scope of riding waves. Your
bottom turns are extended 30 yards and top turns can last longer than some TV
commercials.
Transportation:
All buses pick up in front of the school along the shore. Two
buses per day run from Pavones to Golfito (2hr.; 5:30am and
12:30pm, return 10am and 3pm; ¢550 for the bus, ¢30 for a ferry ride en
route). The bus heading to Golfito stops in Conte, where you
may catch a daily 4:30pm bus to Playa Zancudo (¢300). On the
weekends, an 11:30am bus also runs from Conte to Zancudo.
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Hotels:
Cabinas Esquina del Mar is a true surfer hangout
with a popular cantina. This bar is open irregularly, and is
always blaring music in the daytime. Nightlife in this town is lacking, as
tourists wake up early to surf straight through the day. Rooms here have
dying mattresses and boxy but clean communal bathrooms.
Bring a mosquito net, as there are no
screens on windows. Ask laid-back surfer owner Billy for room #1, the most
popular suite. (383 6737. ¢2000-3000 $5,$7 per
person, negotiable for students and longer
stays.)
Hotel Maureen High, varnished-wood ceilings, fans,
and spacious floors. Communal baths are in mediocre condition, but are not
unpleasant. (Singles ¢2000 $5,
negotiable for longer stays.) The restaurant
downstairs offers a limited selection (Casado ¢1100; open daily
5am-10pm), but the attached store offers lots of packaged food. (Open
daily 3pm-7pm.)
Cabinas Cazolas 1, a block from Hotel Maureen on
the road perpendicular to the soccer field, offers neat, homey rooms.
(Laundry ¢100 per piece. Check-out 11:30am. No noise after 10pm. Access to
family's kitchen. Surfboard rentals US$10 per day.
Rooms US$8; with sparkling, tiled bath US$10.)
Cabinas Willy Willis 2, next door to Maureen, is one of
the cleanest, most newly-renovated hostels in town. Each room has a
private bath and has two wooden beds. (US$20 per
room, no discounts.)
Cabinas Celeste 2, up the street from Esquina La Plaza,
has huge beds, spacious tiled floors, and communal bathrooms. (Shared
double US$8 per person,
negotiable for longer stays.)
Surf:
Pavones is one of Costa Rica's most famous surf breaks offering one of
the world's longest lefts which, on a good day, can connect for 2 -
3minute rides. The wave has several sections which allow for carving,
pumping and, of course, showing off for the folks sipping on their
Imperials at the Cantina at the end of the break. This area is extremely
remote and if you can catch it on a good day, the logistical nightmares
surrounding your arrival will be well worth it. However, there are many
things to consider before traveling to Pavones. Due to its location on the
interior of the Golfo Dulce, it is blocked from many swells and can go for
weeks with no surf. Moreover, once the swell hits, it is common to see a
large crowd of international travelers (+ the protective locals) battling
for position. We recommend not going here until you know there is
surf...once you get there, it is a long way back! There are very few
hotels in the area and almost no services.
| Day |
High |
Low |
High |
Low |
High |
Moon |
Sunrise |
Sunset |
| Mon 01 |
|
04:10 AM / 2.15 ft |
10:38 AM / 6.02 ft |
04:23 PM / 2.73 ft |
10:56 PM / 6.70 ft |
|
05:53 AM |
05:49 PM |
| Tue 02 |
|
05:21 AM / 2.09 ft |
11:48 AM / 6.20 ft |
05:37 PM / 2.61 ft |
|
|
05:52 AM |
05:49 PM |
| Wed 03 |
12:02 AM / 6.88 ft |
06:24 AM / 1.78 ft |
12:47 PM / 6.64 ft |
06:41 PM / 2.19 ft |
|
|
05:52 AM |
05:49 PM |
| Thu 04 |
12:58 AM / 7.27 ft |
07:14 AM / 1.32 ft |
01:34 PM / 7.23 ft |
07:32 PM / 1.60 ft |
|
|
05:51 AM |
05:50 PM |
| Fri 05 |
01:46 AM / 7.75 ft |
07:57 AM / 0.80 ft |
02:15 PM / 7.86 ft |
08:15 PM / 0.95 ft |
|
|
05:51 AM |
05:50 PM |
| Sat 06 |
02:28 AM / 8.23 ft |
08:36 AM / 0.30 ft |
02:53 PM / 8.49 ft |
08:55 PM / 0.33 ft |
|
Full Moon |
05:50 AM |
05:50 PM |
| Sun 07 |
03:08 AM / 8.65 ft |
09:12 AM / -0.14 ft |
03:29 PM / 9.04 ft |
09:34 PM / -0.20 ft |
|
|
05:50 AM |
05:50 PM |
| Mon 08 |
03:47 AM / 8.94 ft |
09:49 AM / -0.46 ft |
04:06 PM / 9.45 ft |
10:13 PM / -0.56 ft |
|
|
05:49 AM |
05:50 PM |
| Tue 09 |
04:25 AM / 9.08 ft |
10:26 AM / -0.63 ft |
04:44 PM / 9.69 ft |
10:53 PM / -0.72 ft |
|
|
05:49 AM |
05:50 PM |
| Wed 10 |
05:04 AM / 9.03 ft |
11:05 AM / -0.61 ft |
05:23 PM / 9.70 ft |
11:34 PM / -0.66 ft |
|
|
05:48 AM |
05:50 PM |
| Thu 11 |
05:46 AM / 8.79 ft |
11:45 AM / -0.39 ft |
06:06 PM / 9.49 ft |
|
|
|
05:48 AM |
05:50 PM |
| Fri 12 |
|
12:19 AM / -0.38 ft |
06:31 AM / 8.39 ft |
12:30 PM / 0.02 ft |
06:52 PM / 9.08 ft |
|
05:47 AM |
05:49 PM |
| Sat 13 |
|
01:07 AM / 0.06 ft |
07:22 AM / 7.89 ft |
01:20 PM / 0.56 ft |
07:46 PM / 8.52 ft |
Last Quarter |
05:47 AM |
05:50 PM |
| Sun 14 |
|
02:03 AM / 0.59 ft |
08:21 AM / 7.38 ft |
02:19 PM / 1.14 ft |
08:49 PM / 7.96 ft |
|
05:46 AM |
05:50 PM |
| Mon 15 |
|
03:09 AM / 1.04 ft |
09:34 AM / 7.04 ft |
03:32 PM / 1.58 ft |
10:04 PM / 7.59 ft |
|
05:46 AM |
05:50 PM |
| Tue 16 |
|
04:25 AM / 1.25 ft |
10:53 AM / 7.04 ft |
04:55 PM / 1.67 ft |
11:22 PM / 7.55 ft |
|
05:45 AM |
05:50 PM |
| Wed 17 |
|
05:42 AM / 1.12 ft |
12:07 PM / 7.41 ft |
06:13 PM / 1.37 ft |
|
|
05:44 AM |
05:50 PM |
| Thu 18 |
12:32 AM / 7.81 ft |
06:48 AM / 0.74 ft |
01:09 PM / 7.97 ft |
07:18 PM / 0.85 ft |
|
|
05:44 AM |
05:50 PM |
| Fri 19 |
01:31 AM / 8.20 ft |
07:43 AM / 0.30 ft |
02:01 PM / 8.55 ft |
08:10 PM / 0.33 ft |
|
|
05:43 AM |
05:50 PM |
| Sat 20 |
02:21 AM / 8.56 ft |
08:29 AM / -0.08 ft |
02:46 PM / 9.02 ft |
08:56 PM / -0.08 ft |
|
New Moon |
05:43 AM |
05:50 PM |
| Sun 21 |
03:05 AM / 8.80 ft |
09:11 AM / -0.31 ft |
03:27 PM / 9.31 ft |
09:36 PM / -0.33 ft |
|
|
05:42 AM |
05:50 PM |
| Mon 22 |
03:46 AM / 8.89 ft |
09:49 AM / -0.37 ft |
04:05 PM / 9.41 ft |
10:15 PM / -0.39 ft |
|
|
05:42 AM |
05:50 PM |
| Tue 23 |
04:25 AM / 8.80 ft |
10:25 AM / -0.25 ft |
04:42 PM / 9.30 ft |
10:52 PM / -0.28 ft |
|
|
05:41 AM |
05:50 PM |
| Wed 24 |
05:03 AM / 8.55 ft |
11:01 AM / 0.04 ft |
05:18 PM / 9.02 ft |
11:28 PM / -0.01 ft |
|
|
05:40 AM |
05:50 PM |
| Thu 25 |
05:40 AM / 8.16 ft |
11:36 AM / 0.46 ft |
05:55 PM / 8.61 ft |
|
|
|
05:40 AM |
05:49 PM |
| Fri 26 |
|
12:05 AM / 0.38 ft |
06:19 AM / 7.67 ft |
12:12 PM / 0.97 ft |
06:32 PM / 8.10 ft |
|
05:39 AM |
05:49 PM |
| Sat 27 |
|
12:44 AM / 0.84 ft |
07:01 AM / 7.14 ft |
12:52 PM / 1.53 ft |
07:13 PM / 7.55 ft |
|
05:39 AM |
05:49 PM |
| Sun 28 |
|
01:28 AM / 1.34 ft |
07:49 AM / 6.63 ft |
01:37 PM / 2.06 ft |
08:02 PM / 7.03 ft |
First Quarter |
05:38 AM |
05:49 PM |
| Mon 29 |
|
02:19 AM / 1.78 ft |
08:46 AM / 6.25 ft |
02:34 PM / 2.48 ft |
09:03 PM / 6.63 ft |
|
05:37 AM |
05:49 PM |
| Tue 30 |
|
03:22 AM / 2.07 ft |
09:56 AM / 6.12 ft |
03:44 PM / 2.67 ft |
10:14 PM / 6.48 ft |
|
05:37 AM |
05:49 PM |
| Wed 31 |
|
04:32 AM / 2.10 ft |
11:05 AM / 6.31 ft |
05:00 PM / 2.50 ft |
11:24 PM / 6.65 ft |
|
05:36 AM |
05:49 PM |
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Packing
Lay out only what you absolutely need, then take
half the clothes and twice the money. If you plan to do a lot of hiking, see
Camping & the Outdoors, p. 28.
Luggage
If you plan to cover most of your itinerary by
foot, a sturdy frame backpack is unbeatable. Remember that
packs will be left on top of buses and otherwise exposed to the elements, so
bring along a waterproof pack cover or sturdy trash bags. Toting a
suitcase or trunk is fine if you plan to live in one
or two cities and explore from there, but a very bad idea if you're going to
be moving around a lot. Many travelers leave their bags in storage at hostels
as they make their way down the coast. In addition to your main piece of
luggage, a daypack (a small backpack or courier bag) is a
must.
Clothing
No matter when you're traveling, it's always a
good idea to bring a good rain jacket (Gore-Tex® is both
waterproof and breathable), sturdy shoes or hiking boots, and
thick socks. Flip-flop or waterproof sandals are must-haves
for grubby hostel showers. Hiking sands such as Tevas or Reefs are great for
water sports. You may also want to add one outfit beyond the jeans and T-shirt
uniform and maybe a nicer pair of shoes if you have the room. If you plan to
visit any religious or cultural sites, remember that you'll need something
besides tank tops and shorts to be respectful. A wide-brimmed hat
keeps the sun at bay. Costa Rica's highlands get quite cold at night---be sure
to take a sweater or medium weight fleece. Costa Ricans
generally value a neat and clean appearance and appreciate visitors who do
likewise. This is particularly useful when dealing with businesses and
officials. Not all local women dress conservatively but the female visitor is
advised to do so. For information on local dress, see Customs &
Etiquette, p. 66.
Converters & Adapters
The standard current is 110V AC---the same as
the US, Canada, and Mexico. The outlets take two-pronged US plugs. Visit a
hardware store for an adapter (which changes the shape of the
plug) and a converter (which changes the voltage). Don't make
the mistake of bringing only an adapter.
Toiletries
Toothbrushes, towels, cold-water soap, shampoo, talcum powder (to keep feet
dry), deodorant, razors, tampons, and condoms are often available but are very
expensive and may be difficult to find, so bring extras along. Contact
lenses, are also expensive and difficult to find, so bring enough
extra pairs and solution for your entire trip. Also bring your glasses and a
copy of your prescription in case you need emergency replacements. If you use
heat-disinfection, switch temporarily to a chemical disinfection system (check
first to make sure it's safe with your brand of lenses), or buy a converter to
110V. Sunscreen and insect repellent are essential. Many travelers also
suggest taking pre-moistened anti-bacterial wipes.
First-Aid Kit
For a basic first-aid kit, pack: bandages, pain
reliever, antibiotic cream, a thermometer, a Swiss Army knife, tweezers,
moleskin, decongestant, motion-sickness remedy, diarrhea or upset-stomach
medication (Pepto Bismol or Imodium), an antihistamine, sunscreen, insect
repellent, burn ointment, and a syringe for emergencies (get an explanatory
letter from your doctor).
Other Useful Items
For safety purposes, you should bring a
money belt and small padlock. Basic outdoors
equipment (plastic water bottle, compass, waterproof matches,
pocketknife, sunglasses, sunscreen, hat) may also prove useful. Quick
repairs of torn garments can be done on the road with a needle and
thread; also consider bringing electrical tape for patching tears. If you want
to do laundry by hand, bring detergent, a small rubber ball to stop up the
sink, and string for a makeshift clothes line. Other things
you're liable to forget: a mosquito net, an umbrella,
sealable plastic bags (for damp clothes, soap, food, shampoo,
and other spillables), an alarm clock, safety pins, rubber
bands, a flashlight in case of power outages, earplugs,
garbage bags, and a small calculator.
Important Documents
Don't forget your passport, traveler's checks,
ATM and/or credit cards, and adequate ID. Also check that you have any of the
following that might apply to you: a hostelling membership card, international
driver's license, and travel insurance forms.
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Realtors
http://www.orbitcostarica.com/real/013.htm
http://www.wannasurf.com/spot/Central_America/Costa_Rica/mal_pais/
Access Costa
Rica Real Estate - A selection of real estate brokers, private owners,
projects, and helpful articles.
Acquire Costa Rica
- Real Estate in Costa Rica's Northwest Pacific Coastal Region.
Alex's Wonderground -
With listings for beachfront, virgin forests for conservation, rural
properties, commercial properties and more.
Alpha Luz Real
Estate - Provides a searchable data base of Costa Rican real estate
listings with photos, helpful articles, and books.
American European
Real Estate - Costa Rica's ONLY Realtor Referral Network.
Best Value Realty - Broker offers properties in Costa Rica.
Bienes Raices B y C
- Terrenos, lotes, casas, construcciones y departamentos con el clima ideal.
Bienes Raices Chirripó
- Land for Business Development, Homes, Land for Building, Ocean View Lots and
More Properties in the Costa Rican Southern Pacific Region.
Cabo Blanco Propiedades
- Commercial, vacation and retirement properties on the southern region of the
Nicoya Peninsula.
Caracoli Real Estate
- Offers beach front properties, ocean view lots, and acreage at Playa
Dominical, Puntarenas.
Caribe Sur Real
Estate - Find you dream home, estate, finca, land or lot on Costa Rica's
Caribe Sur Real Estate.
Carico Real Estate of
Costa Rica
Central American Equities,
Inc. - Develops, owns, and operates ecological resorts throughout Costa
Rica.
Century 21 Aldesa
Century 21 DHR Realty -
Manuel Antonio & Dominical.
Century 21 Koberg
& Asociados - We are here for all your real estate needs in Costa Rica.
Century 21 Marina
Trading Post - Specializes in the Pacific Northwest.
Century 21 Nosara
Century 21 Quepos
Century 21 Tambor Hills
Real Estate - Ocean view lots in our gated community.
Century 21 Vía del
Este - Cambio de vía en bienes raíces.
CERPAS Real Estate
Coldwell Banker
Coastal Properties - Tamarindo.
Coldwell Banker
Coastal Properties - Flamingo, Escazú.
Contact Real Estate
- Listing service and property information at Playa San Miguel, near Punta
Islita, Guanacaste.
contactenos.net - Real
Estate in costa Rica, properties for sale / for rent.
Contactos BR -
Excelencia en bienes raices. Emilia Piza Escalante y M. Julia Esquivel Piza.
Continental
Americas Realty - Yor Costa Rica Real Estate Connection.
Costa
de Oro Real Estate - Located in Flamingo Beach, this agency helps to
purchase property in Costa Rica.
Costa Rica, Portfolio
Properties - Specializing in locating and marketing unique real estate
properties in Costa Rica.
Costa Rica
Investments - Invest in Paradise.
Costa Rica
Luxury Estates - GAP Grupo de Asesoría Profesional.
Costa Rica
Prime Properties - Real estate throughout Costa Rica to include homes,
condos, farms, lots, businesses and developments on the beach, in the
mountains, in the valley and the city. Many with creative owner financing.
Rentals available also.
Costa Rica PRIME Real
Estate - We are a licensed, professional and responsible firm successfully
marketing homes, lots, farms and businesses throughout Costa Rica since 1984.
We are proud to offer our invaluable PERSONALIZED CUSTUMER SERVICE PROGRAM to
help our clients accomplish their property purchasing and investment goals. Sitio
2
Costa Rica Real
Estate - Offered by Nirvana Corporación.
Costa Rica Real Estate by
Andres Zamora - REMAX REALTOR. Casas, Apartamentos, Condominios, Fincas,
Lotes, Proyectos, Comerciales e Inversiones en propiedades en el Valle Central
y las Playas.
Costa Rican Real
Estate
Dominical Realty -
Making your purchase Safe and Pleasant.
Ecolandia S.A. - Costa
Rica Nature Resorts. Super Land for Super People.
Ecotropica - How to own
a tropical paradise in Costa Rica.
El Bosque S.A. -
The best real estate deals in Costa Rica.
Emerald Forest
Properties S.A. - Share the tropical dreams.
ERA Realty - Live your
dreams in our Paradise.
Europimmo - Real estate
consultants on residential properties, development projects in beach areas,
and farms.
FINCASA
Futureland -
Beautiful land and properties opportunities in Costa Rica.
Global Net Group -
Your Latin American Connection in Costa Rica.
Gold Coast Realty -
Flamingo Beach, Guanacaste.
Golfo Dulce Realty
- *** Real estate and property development on the south Pacific coast of Costa
Rica.
Grupo L.A.
Grupo Lagos -
Corporación Inmobiliaria.
Grupo Plus Propiedades -
Your best real estate choice in Costa Rica.
Guanacaste Group - Real
Estate, investment and project development company specializing in the
province of Guanacaste.
Happy Whale Real Estate
- Specializing in the central/southern Pacific region of Costa Rica.
Hidden Coast Realty
- Luxury real estate properties in Tamarindo.
Hot Tropics Real Estate
- A small and highly personal real estate office, located in Costa Rica and
dealing in exceptional property listings: single family residences,
extraordinary homes, lots and homesites in the Central Valley and both the
Pacific and Atlantic beaches.
Hustler Real Estate -
Beach or industrial properties in Costa Rica.
Ihr Costa Rica Spezialist
Inmoviliaria m & j - Su más
segura inversión.
Inversiones y Construcciones
Gonza S.A. - House and apartments for rent or sale, staffing and
buildings.
ISM Costa Rica - Sportfishing,
real estate, golf.
Italcosta - Real Estate
investments in Costa Rica.
Jalapeño Realty -
"Hot" Properties.
JP Tropical Realty
- Properties from first level investors or original owners at Tambor, Bahia
Ballena, Puntarenas.
Jurado del Barco -
Bienes Raices / Real Estate.
Kanemambo S. A.
- La Cebadilla Farm for sale in Puntarenas, Costa Rica.
Karen Real Estate -
Real Estate including land, homes, businesses and more for sale or rent.
La Garita Realty -
*** Costa Rica has real estate to suit everyone's needs.
Land Assurance of Costa
Rica - Real Estate Management, Security and Improvement Company.
Limited Editions Real
Estate - Live your dream in Costa Rica, you deserve it. We're not your
ordinary real estate company. From your physical move to obtaining residency,
we assist you through it all.
M&j inmoviliaria - Su mejor
inversión.
MAPRO Bienes Raíces
Mar de Sueños del Pacífico S.A.
- Specializing in development on Costa Rica's "Gold Coast".
Marschu - We are your real
estate and investments information center in Costa Rica.
mapro bienes raices
- Mercadeo, asesoría y promoción.
Mary Marta
Costa Rica Real Estate - Displays a sampling of properties from all over
the country with photos.
New Life - Real
Estate Costa Rica.
Nosara Real Estate
- Your Costa Rica realty specialists.
Oasis Realty Costa Rica - If
you want to buy land, a house, a Bed & Breakfast or rent for your vacations.
Sitio 2
Oficina Ricardo Rojas
Díaz
OGL Propiedades
Osa Land Office -
Offering opportunities for land purchase in Costa Rica's last frontier and
best kept secret... The Osa Peninsula!
Paradise Estates
in Costa Rica
Paraiso
Real Estate - Real estate in Nosara, house for rent, information on
location and facilities.
Parolly S.A.
- Costa Rica Real Estate.
Peninsula Real
Estate - The best in real estate on the Nicoya Peninsula of Costa Rica.
Portfolio
Properties - Let us help you find the property for you. Since 1991.
PrimeCostaRicaProperty.com - We work with the leaders in Costa Rica's real
estate market to help you get more for your money.
Propiedades Info S.A.
- Belgian operated company with 7 years of activities in Costa Rica.
Properties in
Costa Rica - Company devoted to Real Estate.
Proyecto - Real estate
company that specializes in the develoment of beach projects and tourist
attractions.
Quepos Real Estate Co. - We
have homesites and development parcels available in the beach resort area of
Quepos, Costa Rica.
RE/MAX Líder - The
finest Costa Rica Real Estate. Central Valley.
RE/MAX Los Tres
Amigos - Properties in Playa Hermosa, Ocotal, Playas del Coco and popular
Papagayo Gulf locations.
RE/MAX Ocean Surf
- Real estate at Playa Tamarindo, Conchal, Flamingo Beach and popular Pacific
Coast locations.
RE/MAX Resort
Properties - Papagayo, Guanacaste.
Roy Real Estate -
Real Estate broker specializing in Tamarindo Beach properties. Especialista en
Bienes Raices.
Sarao Bienes
Raices - Bienes raices, playas, fincas, lotes, etc.
Sea to Sky Real
Estate - Offers properties on the south Pacific region of Costa Rica.
Sime & Alvarado - Costa Rica's Real Estate People.
SITSA - Servicios Integrados
Tropicales.
South Coast Realty
- Ecologically responsible broker specializing in the Pacific Coast, known as
the "Green Coast."
Stewart Title
T.K. Bienes
Raices S.A. - T.K. Real Estate invites you to learn more about property
and business opportunities, here in the Land of Eternal Spring.
Tarrazu.net - The only
internet-based realtor in the Tarrazu coffee region.
Tartan Real Estate - Dream living in Costa Rica...
The Costa Rican Real
Estate Group
Ticoland Real Estate
- Over 50 years of combined experience in Costa Rican properties.
Topos Real Estate -
Offering land, homes, and businesses on the Caribbean coast.
Toucan Properties
- Specializing in the south coast region, from mountains to the ocean.
Sitio 2
U y M Grupo Asesor -
Empresa de bienes raíces, asesoría y construcción. Brinda excelente servicio
en el campo de la construcción, igualmente en todo lo concerniente a la
asesoría administrativo/financiera. Se asesora en bienes raíces y avalúos
Unique Investing -
Real estate and project development company specializing in Ecotourism
properties and hotels.
V.E.A. Real Estate
Vivicom Grupo Inmobiliario
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Bus Schedule
Costa Rica bus schedule
How is the Costa Rica bus schedule information structured? - Route number -
Destination(s) from departure city - DEParture day(s) / time/ terminal - RETurn
times - distance - duration - Cost (** approximately costs, subject to change
without any advise). All routes are serviced by buses unless otherwise stated.
Ferries and boats are identified by ~~. Routes are presented in alphabetical
order according to their destinations. TIP: Refer to the buses according to
their destination and not by the route number which is not commonly used.
Careful with your luggage on the bus specially on the Limon, La Fortuna,
Puntarenas, and Monteverde-Tilaran routes. Last update: September 17, 2003. bus
schedule CostaRica
200(A,B) ALAJUELA / AIRPORT from San José - DEP. ev. day ev. 5 mins. A.2,
C.10/14 from 4:00 to 22:00; RET. from 4:30 to 22:00hrs; 17 km; 30 minutes. Tuasa
company, Tel. 222-5325
433 BARVA VOLCANO from Heredia - DEP. Mon.-Fri. from Central Market at 6:30,
11:00, 16:00; RET. 7:30, 13:00, 17:00. Sat. 6:30, 11:00, 16:00. Sun. 11:00,
16:00; RET. 1 hour later. Walk 6km to the park entrance, then 4km to the
lagoon.
725 BRIBRI from Limón - DEP. Ev.day from Radio Casino at 5:00, 8:00, 10:00,
13:00, 16:00, 18:00, RET. 6:15, 9:00, 11:15,12:30, 14:15, 16:15; 2hrs $1.35 **.
Auto-Transportes Mepe S.A. company. Tel. 758-1572
725 BRIBRI from San José - DEP. Ev.day from Terminal Caribe at 6:00, 10:00,
13:30, 15:30 RET. 6:00, 8:30, 10:30, 15:30 Auto-Transportes Mepe S.A. company.
Tel. 257-8129
223 BUTTERFLY FARM from Guacima Abajo in Alajuela - DEP. ev. day 1 block South,
1 block West from Tikal Supermarket at 6:20, 9:00, 11:00, 13:00; RET. 9:45,
11:45, 13:45, 15:45, 17:45; 22 km; 0:40 hrs.
750 CAHUITA (express bus from San José) - DEP. ev. day from Terminal Caribe at
10:00, 13:30, 15:30; RET. 7:30, 9:30, 11:00, 16:00; 195 km; 4:00 hrs. You can
buy tickets in advance. $6.00 ** Auto-Transportes Mepe S.A. company. Tel.
257-8129
725 CAHUITA from Limón - DEP. ev. day from Radio Casino at 5:00, 8:00; 10:00,
13:00, 14:30, 16:00, 18:00; RET. Ev. day 6:30, 7:30, 9:15, 11:00, 13:00, 16:00,
18:00, 18:15, 19:00; 1hr. $0.75 ** Auto-Transportes Mepe S.A. company. Tel
758-1572
501 CAÑAS (express bus from San José) - DEP. ev. day from just outside Terminal
Coca Cola at 8:30, 10:20, 12:20, 13:20, 14:30, 16:45; Fri & Sun also at 18:15;
RET. 4:00, 5:00, 6:00, 9:15, 12:15, 13:50 (Sun also 15:00 and 17:15); 188 km;
3:30 hrs.
300 CARTAGO (express bus from San José) - DEP. ev. day, ev. 0:10 from Terminal
Cartago from 5:00 to 24:00; RET. from 4:45 to 23:00; 22 km; 0:45 hrs. On Fri/Sat
buses also from 24:00 to 5:00 ev. hr. After 20:30 the bus leaves in front of
Grand Hotel Costa Rica (Ave 2, Calle 3/5). SACSA company. Tel. 233-5350
205 CIUDAD QUESADA (SAN CARLOS) (express bus from San José) - DEP. ev. day, ev.
hr. from Terminal Atlántico Norte from 5:00 to 19:30; RET. from 5:00 to 18:15;
110 km; 2:15 hrs. Atuo-Transportes San José-San Carlos company. 255-4318
500 COCO BEACH (express bus from San José) - DEP. ev. day from A.1/3,C.14 at
8:00, 14:00; RET. same; 251 km; 5:00 hrs. You can also take the bus from Liberia
to Coco Beach ev. day: DEP. 5:30, 12:30 (14:00) 16:30; RET. 7:00 (9:15) 14:00.
$4.50 ** Pulmita-Liberia company. Tel. 222-1650
610 DOMINICAL from San Isidro - DEP. ev. day at 7:00, 9:00, 13:30, 16:00; RET.
7:00, 7:15, 14:45, 15:30 Pulmita-Liberia company. Tel. 222-1650
610 DOMINICAL - SAN ISIDRO from Quepos - DEP. ev. day from Mercado Municipal at
5:00, 13:30; RET. 7:00, 13:30; 80 km; 3:30 hrs. Transportes Morales company.
Tel. 223-5567
599 FLAMINGO, BRASILITO AND POTRERO (express bus from San José) - DEP. ev. day
from ½ block west of Terminal Coca Cola at 8:00, 10:00; RET. 9:00, 14:00; 320
km; 6:00 hrs. $8.39 ** TRALAPA company. Tel. 223-5859
516 FLAMINGO, BRASILITO AND POTRERO from Santa Cruz - DEP. ev. day at 6:30,
15:00; RET. 9:00, 17:00; Potrero 64 km TRALAPA company. Tel. 223-5859
211 FORTUNA (Arenal Volcano) from San José - DEP. ev. day from Terminal
Atlántico Norte at 6:15, 8:40, 11:30; RET. 12:45; 14:45, 130 km; 4:30 hrs. $3.76
** Auto-Transportes San José-San Carlos company. Tel. 255-4318
286 FORTUNA from Ciudad Quesada - DEP. ev. day from Parada Municipal at
6:00, 10:30, 13:00, 15:30, 17:15, 18:00; RET 5:00, 8:00, 12:15, 15:30. There are
4 different routes and we recommend Chachagua at DEP. 6:00 and 10:30 and RET
8:00, 12:15. Ask for details at the station. 40 kms, 1hr. $0.95 ** Auto-Transportes
San José-San Carlos company. Tel. 255-4318
1202 FORTUNA from Tilarán - DEP. ev. day at 7:00, 12:30; RET. 8:30,
17:30; 101 km; 4:00 hrs. $2 ** Auto-Transportes Tilarán company. Tel. 222-3854
612 GOLFITO (express bus from San José) - DEP. ev. day from Terminal Alfaro /
TRACOPA at 7:00, 15:00; RET. 5:00, 13:00; 339 km; 8 hrs. $5.70 ** TRACOPA
company. Tel 222-2666
GUAPILES AND BRAULIO CARRILLO NATIONAL PARK from San José - DEP. Mon. to Fri.
from Terminal Atlántico Norte from 5:30 to 21:45 (ev. 0:30 hr.) Sat./Sun. from
6:00 to 21:00; RET. 5:30 to 19:00; 75km; 1:20 hrs. For Braulio Carillo, get off
at the Zurquí or Quebrada González Station. Wait on highway for bus to come
back. $1.36 ** Atlántico Norte company. 256-8963
400B HEREDIA from San José - DEP. ev. day, ev. 0:10 from Terminal Heredia from
5:00 to 24:15 and at night from 24:15 to 4:00 a.m. ev. 0:30; RET. from 5:00 to
23:00; 11 km; 30 minutes. You can also take a minibus (400A) on A.2,C.10/12 ev.
0:15 from 6:00 to 20:00.
307 IRAZU VOLCANO (express bus from San José) - DEP. Sat. and Sun. from
A.2,C.1/3 opposite Gran Hotel Costa Rica at 8:00; RET. 12:15; 54 km; 1:30 hrs.
You can also take this bus at Cartago ruins at 8:30.
655 JACO BEACH and Carara Biological Station (express bus from San José) - DEP.
ev. day from Terminal Coca Cola at 7:30, 10:30, 15:30; RET. 5:00, 11:00, 15:00;
102 km; 2:30 hrs. $2.11 ** Transportes Morales S.A. company. Tel. 223-5567
232 LAGUNA DE FRAIJANES from Alajuela - DEP. Mon.-Fri. 3 blocks west of Central
Market at 9:00, 13:00, 16:15, 18:15; RET. 6:00, 10:00, 14:00, 17:00; 15 km; 0:50
hrs. Sat. 6:30, 8:00, Sun. 7:00, 17:15. Fraijanes opens Tue.-Sun. 9:00-15:30.
336 LANKESTER GARDENS (bus to Paraíso, from Cartago) - DEP. ev. day, ev. 0:30
from south side of Central Park Cartago from 5:00 to 22:30; RET. same; 8 km;
0:15 hrs. Get off at the entrance of the Gardens (in front of Campo Ayala) and
walk ½ mile; open ev. day 8:00-15:00.
500 LIBERIA (express bus from San José) - DEP. ev. day from A.1/3,C.14 at 6:00,
7:00, 9:00, 10:00, 11:30, 13:00, 15:00, 16:00, 17:00, 18:00, 20:00; RET. 4:00,
5:00, 6:00, 7:00, 8:00, 10:00, 12:00, 14:00, 16:00, 18:00, 20:00; 217 km; 4:00
hrs. The 15:00 and 17:00 departing buses are direct; the 4:00 and 5:00 return
buses are also direct. $3.76 ** Pulmita-Liberia company. Tel. 222-1650
703 LIMON (express bus from San José) - DEP. ev. day, ev. hr. from Terminal
Caribe from 5:00, 5:30, 6:45, from 7:30, to 18:30 ev. hr; RET. 5:00, 5:30, 6:45,
from 7:30, to 19:00 ev. hr ; 162 km; 2:30 hrs. $2.86 ** Auto-Transportes
Caribeños company. Tel. 221-2596
1229 LOS CHILES Y CAÑO NEGRO (express bus from San José) - DEP. ev. day from
Terminal Atlántico Norte at 5:30, 15:30; RET. 5:00, 15:00; 217 km; 5:00 hrs.
Call the park administration for reservation of lodging and food, tel. 4601301;
boat to the park at 7:30 Tue. and Thu. Atlántico Norte company. Tel. 256-8963
750 MANZANILLO (express bus from San José) - DEP ev. day from Terminal Caribe at
16:00; RET 6:30. You can buy tickets in advance. $5.37 ** Auto-Transportes Mepe
S.A. company. Tel. 257-8129
725 MANZANILLO from Limón - DEP. Ev. day 6:00, 14:30; RET. 8:30, 17:00. 1:30
hrs. $1.56 **
675 MONTEVERDE (express bus from San José) - DEP. ev. day from Terminal
Atlántico Norte at 6:30, 14:30; RET. 6:30, 14:30; 167 km; 4.5 hrs. $4.56 **
Transmonteverde. Tel. 222-3854, 645-5644
625 MONTEVERDE (Santa Elena) from Puntarenas - DEP. ev. day from Terminal
Empresarios Unidos at 14:15, leaves Monteverde for Puntarenas at 6:00 am.
Transmonteverde. Tel. 222-3854, 645-5644
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~~MONTEZUMA AND MALPAIS BEACHES (CABO BLANCO NATL. PARK) from Puntarenas docks
by boat -DEP. ev. day at 6:00, 11:00, 15:15; RET. 7:30, 12:00, 17:00; 1:30 hrs.
Take the bus Paquera-Montezuma that is waiting for the boat; RET. 5:30, 10:00,
14:00. $1.79 **; to Malpaís from Cobano DEP. 10:30, 14:30; RET. 7:00, 12:00.
~~MONTEZUMA AND MALPAIS BEACHES (CABO BLANCO NATL. PARK) from Puntarenas docks
by ferry -DEP.ev. day at 5:00, 8:45, 12:30, 14:00, 17:00, 20:15; RET 6:00, 8:30,
11:45, 14:30, 18:00, 20:30
~~NARANJO BEACH, Nicoya Península (ferry boat from Puntarenas) - DEP. ev. day
from 1 block North Balneario/Ferry Salinero, at 3:15, 7:00, 10:50, 14:50, 19:00;
RET. 5:10, 8:50, 12:50, 17:00, 21:00; 1:30 s.
503 NICOYA (express bus from San José) - DEP. ev. day from Terminal Alfaro at
6:30, 8:00, 10:00, 13:30, 14:00, 15:00, 17:00; RET. 5:00, 7:30, 9:00, 12:00,
14:30, 17:00; 296 km; 6:00 hrs. Buses from Liberia to Nicoya: ev. hr., from 5:00
to 19:00; RET. same. Buses from Santa Cruz to Nicoya DEP. ev. hr. from 6:30 to
21:30; RET. same. $5.20 ** Alfaro Bus company. 222-2666
550 NICOYA from Liberia - DEP. ev. day at 6:00, 8:00, 11:00, 16:00; RET. 4:30,
5:30, 9:30, 14:30.
503 NOSARA from San José - DEP. ev. day Terminal Alfaro at 6:00; RET. 12:45; 361
km; 6:00 hrs. Alfaro Bus company. Tel. 222-2666
548 NOSARA, GARZA AND GUIONES from Nicoya - DEP. ev. day from Main Station at
13:00; RET. 6:00; Nosara 65 km.
339 OROSI VALLEY from Cartago - DEP. Mon. to Sat. ev. hour from South-west
corner of the Church ruins at Cartago from 8:00 to 22:00; Microbus 13:30, 15:30;
RET. same; 18 km; 0:40 hrs. Sun ev. 45 min. from 8:00 onwards. This bus will
stop in front of the Orosi look-out point.
601 PALMAR NORTE (express bus from San José) - DEP. ev. day from Terminal Alfaro
at 5:00, 7:00, 8:30, 10:00, 13:00, 14:30, 18:00; RET. 5:25, 6:15, 8:15, 10:00,
13:00, 14:30, 16:45; 258 km; 5:00 hrs. $4.42 ** TRACOPA company. Tel. 222-2666
570 PANAMA AND HERMOSA BEACHES (express bus from San José) - DEP. ev. day from 1
block south of Terminal Atlántico Norte at 15:20; RET. 5:00; 265 km; 5:00 hrs.
Connections from Liberia to these beaches DEP. 11:30, 19:00; RET. 5:00, 16:00.
TRALAPA company. Tel. 223-5859
~~ PAQUERA from Puntarenas by boat DEP. ev. day 6:00, 11:00, 15:15; RET 7:30,
12:30, 17:00.
601 PASO CANOAS (South Border) from San José - DEP. ev. day from Terminal Alfaro
at 5:00, 7:30, 11:00, 13:00, 16:30, 18:00; RET. 4:30, 7:30, 9:00, 15:00; 349 km;
8:00 hrs. $6.03 ** TRACOPA company. Tel. 222-2666
527 PLAYA HERMOSA from Liberia - DEP. ev. day at 7:30, 11:30, 15:30, 17:30,
19:00; RET. 5:00, 6:00, 10:00, 16:00, 17:00.
1241 POAS VOLCANO (express bus from San José) - DEP. Every day from A.2,C.12/14
(same as 200B) at 8:30; RET. 14:30; 55 km; 2:00 hrs
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699 PUERTO JIMÈNEZ (express bus from San José) - DEP. ev. day from just outside
Terminal Atlántico Norte at 6:00, 12:00; RET. 5:00, 11:00; 378 km; 10:00 hrs.
$6.26 ** Atlántico Norte company. Tel. 256-8963
PUERTO JIMÈNEZ from Golfito by boat - DEP. ev. day from Municipal Dock (Muelle)
at 11:00; RET. 6:00; 1:30 hrs. Puerto Jiménez is the gateway to Corcovado
National Park. First call park admin. office tel. 7355036.
406 PUERTO VIEJO SARAPIQUí (express bus from San José) - DEP. ev. day from
Terminal Atlántico Norte at 6:30, 8:00, 10:00, 11:30, 13:30, 15:30, 16:30,
18:00; RET. 5:30, 7:00, 8:00, 11:00, 13:30, 15:00, 16:30, 17:30; 97 km; 1:30
hrs; Buy tickets. This bus goes through Braulio Carillo Nat'l Park. Buses
through Heredia (scenic route - duration 4:00
hrs): DEP. Terminal Atlántico Norte at 6:30, 12:00, 15:00; RET. 7:75, 11:30,
16:15. $2.22 **. Atlántico Norte company. Tel. 256-8963
284 PUERTO VIEJO SARAPIQUí from Ciudad Quesada - DEP. ev. day from Parada
Municipal at 5:00, 17:30; RET. 5:45, 8:45, 12:15, 14:00, 15:30; 69 km; 3:00
hrs.
750 PUERTO VIEJO DE TALAMANCA (express bus from San José) - DEP. ev. day from
Terminal Caribe at 6:00, 10:00, 13:30, 15:30; RET.: 7:00, 9:00, 11:00, 16:00;
215 km; 4:30 hrs. You can buy tickets in advance. $4.42 ** Auto-Transportes Mepe
S.A. company. Tel. 257-8129
725 PUERTO VIEJO DE TALAMANCA from Limón - DEP. Ev.day from Radio Casino at
5:00, 8:00, 10:00, 13:00, 16:00, 18:00. RET. 6:00, 13:00, 15:00, 16:00, 16:30,
1:30; 1.5 hrs. $1.07 ** Auto-Transportes Mepe S.A. company. Tel. 758-1572
600 PUNTARENAS (express bus from San José) - DEP. ev. day, ev. 0:40 from
Terminal Puntarenas from 6:00 to 19:00; RET. from 4:15 to 19:00; 110 km; 2:00
hrs. Empresarios Unidos company. Tel. 222-0064
695 QUEPOS from Puntarenas - DEP. ev. day from Main Bus Station at 4:30, 10:30,
15:00; RET. 5:00, 11:00, 14:30; 231 km; 3:30 hrs.
613 QUEPOS AND MANUEL ANTONIO NATIONAL PARK (express bus from San José) -
DEP. ev. day from Terminal Coca Cola at 6:00, 12:00, 18:00; RET. 6:00, 12:00,
17:00; 145 km; 3:30 hrs. Indirect bus to Quepos (5 hours): DEP. 7:00, 10:00,
14:00, 16:00; RET. 5:00, 8:00, 14:00 16:00. $4.72 ** Transportes Morales
company. Tel. 223-5567
QUEPOS from San Isidro El General - DEP. ev. day from Main Bus Station at 7:00,
13:30; RET. 5:00, 13:30; 231 km; 4 hrs.
REFUGIO NACIONAL DE VIDA SILVESTRE LA ENSENADA (Puntarenas) - take bus to
Abangaritos DEP. ev. day from terminal Puntarenas at 10:45, 11:45, 16:45; RET.
5:45, 13:45; Hostel is available at $35.00 pp
548 SAMARA AND CARRILLO BEACHES from Nicoya - DEP. ev. day 3 blocks east of
Nicoya Park at 8:00, 15:00, 16:00; RET. 5:30, 6:30, 7:30, 13:30, 16:30; Samara
45 km.
503 SAMARA BEACH (express bus from San José) - DEP. ev. day from Terminal Alfaro
at 12:30; RET. Mon.-Sat. 3:45; Sun. 13:00; 331 km; 6:00 hrs. $5.95 ** Alfaro Bus
company. Tel. 222-2666
157 SAN IGNACIO DE ACOSTA from San José - DEP. ev. day, ev. hr. from A.12/14,C.8
in front of Baptist Church from 5:30 to 22:30; RET. from 4:30 to 21:00; 29 km;
1:00 hrs. This bus goes to Ram Luna restaurant in Tarbaca.
100 SAN ISIDRO (Chirripó National Park) (express bus from San José) - DEP. ev.
day, ev. hr. from just outside Terminal Coca Cola from 5:30 to 17:00 (two
different bus companies); RET. from 5:30 to 16:30; 136 km; 3:00 hrs. Buy ticket.
To get to the entrance of Chirripo Natl. Park, take the bus to San Gerardo de
Rivas from San Isidro at 5:00, 14:00; RET. 7:00, 16:00, costs $2.85.
204 SAN RAMÓN (express bus from San José) - DEP. ev. day, ev. hr. from
Puntarenas from 5:15 to 19:30; RET. from 6:00 to 19:00; 1:00 hr.
599 SANTA CRUZ (express bus from San José) - DEP. ev. day from ½ block west of
Terminal Coca Cola at 7:00, 9:00, 10:00, 11:00, 12:00, 13:00, 14:00, 16:00,
18:00; RET. 3:00, 4:30, 5:00, 6:30, 8:30, 10:15, 11:30, 13:30, 17:00; 274 km;
5:00 hrs. Buses from Liberia to Santa Cruz: ev. hr. from 5:30 to 19:30; RET.
same. $5.20 Alfaro Bus company. Tel. 222-2666
154 SANTA MARIA DE DOTA, los Santos (express bus from San José) - DEP. ev. day
from Terminal Los Santos at 7:15, 9:00, 11:30, 12:30, 15:00, 17:00, 19:30; RET.
4:30, 5:40,7:15, 9:15, 12:00, 15:00, 17:00; 65 km; 2:30 hrs. This bus goes
through San Marcos de Tarazú (buy ticket).
505 SANTA ROSA AND PEÑAS BLANCAS (from San José) - DEP. ev. day from 100 mts
north of Terminal Coca Cola at 4:30, 5:00, 7:00, 7:45, 13:20, 16:10; RET. 5:00,
7:15, 10:30, 10:40, 13:30, 14:45, 15:30. Only DEP. 4:30 , 7:00 and RET: 10:30,
13:30 are express buses. 293 km, 6:00 hrs.
608 SAN VITO from San José - DEP. ev. day from Terminal Alfaro at 5:45, 8:15,
11:30, 14:45; RET. 4:30, 7:30, 8:30, 10:00, 15:00. Alfaro Bus company. Tel.
222-2666
230 SARCHí from Alajuela - DEP. ev. day, ev. 0:30 from A.Ctl/1,C.8 from 5:00 to
22:00; RET. from 5:00 to 22:00; 52 km; 1:30 hrs. You can also take a direct bus
from San José to Sarchí DEP. Mon.-Fri.12:15, 17:30, 17:55; Sat. only 12:00 (1:30
hrs, 70km).
701 SIQUíRRES from San José - DEP. ev. day, ev. hr. from Caribe at 6:30 and from
8:30 to 18:00; RET. 6:30, and from 8:30 to 18:00; 100 km, $2.15. Linaco company.
Tel. 221-1334
750 SIXAOLA (express bus from San José - gateway to Bocas del Toro, Panamá) -
DEP. ev. day from Caribe at 6:00, 10:00, 13:30, 15:30; RET. 5:00, 7:30, 9:30,
14:30. 240 km; 5 hrs. You can buy tickets in advance, $6.00. Auto-Transportes
Mepe S.A. company. Tel. 257-8129
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750 SIXAOLA from LIMÓN- DEP. ev. day from Radio Casino at 5:00, 8:00, 10:00,
13:00, 16:00, 18:00; RET. 5:00, 8:00, 10:00, 13:00, 15:00, 17:00; 4 hrs, $1.90
Auto-Transportes Mepe S.A. company. Tel. 758-1572
503 TAMARINDO BEACH (express bus from San José) - DEP. ev. day from Terminal
Alfaro at 15:30; RET. 6:00, Sun. 6:00, 13:00; 285 km; 5:30 hrs; You can also
make bus connections between Santa Cruz and Tamarindo. The bus leaves at 20:30
to Tamarindo; RET. 6:45 to Santa Cruz. Alfaro Bus company. Tel. 222-2666
(signo mar) TAMBOR BEACH (ferry from Puntarenas) - See Montezuma and Malpais
beaches.
502 TILARÁN (express bus from San José) - DEP. ev. day from ½ block north of
Terminal Atlántico Norte at 7:30, 9:30, 12:45, 15:45, 18:30; RET. 4:45, 7:00,
7:45, 14:00, 17:00; DEP. 9:30 and RET. 4:45, don't run on Sun; 191 km; 4:00 hrs.
Buy ticket at terminal, $2.50 Auto-Transportes Tilarán company. Tel. 222-3854
.591 TILARÁN from Santa Elena - DEP. ev. day at 7:00; RET. 13:00; 40 km; 3:00
hrs. Auto-Transportes Tilarán company. Tel. 222-3854
302 TURRIALBA (express bus from San José) - DEP. ev. day, ev. hr. from Terminal
Turrialba from 5:00 to 22:00; RET. from 5:00 to 21:00; 65 km; 1:30 hrs.
Turrialba is the gateway to Guayabo National Monument. Buses leave on Sun. 9:00;
RET. 17:00. TRANSTUSA company. Tel. 222-4464
639 UVITA (Marino Ballena Nat'l Park) from San José - DEP. from Terminal Coca
Cola Mon-Fri 15:00, Sat/Sun 5:30, 15:00, RET Mon-Fri 5:00, Sat/Sun 5:00, 13:00;
7 hrs... Be at terminal 1 hr in advance (Durintg th summer the 5:30 bus runs ev
day), $5.00. Transportes Morales company. Tel. 223-5567
175 UVITA (Marino Ballena Nat'l Park) from San Isidro - DEP. ev. day at 9:00,
16:00; RET. 6:00, 14:00, 2 hours, $1.80.
214 ZARCERO (express bus from San José) - DEP. ev. day, ev. hr. from Terminal
Atlántico Norte from 5:00 to 19:30; RET. from 5:00 to 19:30; 77 km; 1:30 hrs.
This is the Ciudad Quesada bus that goes through Zarcero.
International Buses:
GUATEMALA CITY (express bus from San José) - DEP. ev. day from terminal Tica Bus
at 6:00, 7:30; RET. 12:00 (Guatemala); 60:00 hrs. Overnight stay in Managua and
El Salvador. Tica Bus company. Tel. 221-8954
TEGUCIGALPA HONDURAS (bus from San José) - DEP. ev. day from terminal Tica Bus
at 6:00, 7:30; RET. 7:30; 909 km; 48:00 hrs; Overnight stay in Managua. Tica Bus
company. Tel. 221-8954
MANAGUA NICARAGUA (express bus from San José) - DEP. Mon., Wed., Fri., Sun. from
terminal Sirca at 5:45; RET. 6:00; 450 km; 11:00 hrs.
MANAGUA NICARAGUA (express bus from San José) - DEP. ev. day from terminal Tica
Bus at 6:00, 7:30; RET. 6:00, 7:00; 450 km; 11:00 hrs Tica Bus company. Tel.
221-8954
MANAGUA NICARAGUA (express bus from San José)- DEP. ev. day from terminal
Transnica at 5:30, RET. 7:00; 450 kms, 10 hrs. Deluxe Service. Transnica
company. Tel. 256-9072
CHANGUINOLA PANAMA from San José - DEP. ev. day from opposite terminal Alfaro
(same as route 505) at 10:00; RET. 10:00; 225 km; 8:00 hrs. Alfaro Bus company.
Tel. 222-2666
601 DAVID PANAMA (express bus from San José) - DEP. ev. day from terminal Alfaro
at 7:30; RET. 7:30; this is an extra bus; 400 km; 9:00 hrs, $9.00. Alfaro Bus
company. Tel. 222-2666
PANAMA CITY (express bus from San José) - DEP. ev. day from terminal Tica Bus at
22:00; RET. 12:00 (Panama time); 903 km; 20:00 hrs; Buy tickets in advance. Tica
Bus company. Tel. 221-8954
PANAMA CITY from San José- DEP. ev. day 275 at 14:00; RET. 12:30; 225 kms, 18
hrs (pay at the bus), $43.00 Round trip.
|
Surfers' Advisory:
One-way airline charges for shipping surfboards between the USA and
Costa Rica vary from $22.50 (United Airlines) to $100 (Continental
Airlines, plus $300 for each additional board). Charges may also
depend on the length of the board. Ask when you book your flight.
Consider renting a board at the beach. For more information, click on:
http://www.wavehunters.com
Tips:
Petty theft is a
problem at beaches. Keep an eye on your belongings and never leave
valuables in a car; the Ladrones have keys to most models.
Beware of dangerous
undercurrents, especially at Pacific Coast beaches..
Manuel Antonio/Quepos (Province of Puntarenas -- Central Pacific
Coast)
Manuel Antonio is one of
the most popular tourist destinations in Costa Rica. For this reason
it can be overcrowded during the high season. Make your hotel and park
reservations well in advance. There are four beautiful beaches, one
public (no admission fee) and three within the park. The park is the
smallest in Costa Rica and is relatively easy to explore.
Quepos is a pleasant town
to stroll around in and it offers shopping, many hotels, and good
restaurants. At the beach, beware of aggressive monkeys (spoiled by
tourists), who may demand a share, if not all, of your lunch.
You can travel here via a
direct bus from San José, via the Carretera Costanera (the coastal
road), via a regular service bus that stops at towns and beaches along
the way, or you can take a bus whose destination is Dominical or Uvita
and get off at Quepos. To get here:
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Take a Transportes
Morales route 613 regular service or route 613 SD direct service bus
to Quepos/Mañuel Antonio from C16/A1-A3 ("Coca Cola") at 6:00 a.m.
(direct), 7:00 a.m. (regular service), 10:00 a.m. (regular), 12:00
noon (direct), 2:00 p.m. (regular), 4:00 p.m. (regular), and Monday
through Friday only at 5:00 p.m. Trip duration is 5 hours for regular
service, 4 hours direct. ¢1,280 regular service and ¢1,640 direct.
Buses return to San José from the station at the market in Quepos at
5:00 a.m. (regular service), 6:00 a.m. (direct service), 8:00 a.m.,
9:30 a.m. (direct), 12:00 noon (direct), 2:00 p.m. (regular), 4:00
p.m. (regular), 5:00 p.m. (direct), and on Sunday also at 3:00 p.m.
Tel: (San José) 232-1829, (Quepos) 777-0318, 777-0101.
Or, take a Transportes
Morales route 613 bus via Puriscal (the inland route) from Coca Cola;
¢1,280. This bus stops to take on or let off passengers at Puriscal
(¢480), La Legua (¢530), Santa Marta (¢570), Jilgueral (¢605), La
Palma (¢625), Salitrales (¢655), San Ramón (¢685), Santa Rosa (¢775),
Guarumal (¢775), Naranjal (¢805), La Gloria (¢835) , Los Angeles
(¢910), Vista de Mar (¢930), Chiris (¢960), Guacimal (¢1,040), and
Parrita (¢1,110). The minimum fare is ¢105.
You can buy tickets up
to eight days in advance at the Transportes Morales office inside the
market at Coca Cola.
Or, take a route 639
regular service bus via the Costanera bound for Playa Dominical/Uvita.
These buses pick up and drop off passengers at Quepos. They leave from
Coca Cola at 3:00 p.m. daily and also on Saturdays and Sundays only at
5:30 a.m. and arrive in Quepos about 2-1/2 hours later. They return
from Uvita at 5:00 a.m. daily and on Saturdays and Sundays only at
1:00 p.m., arriving in Quepos about two hours later; ¢1,455.
Tips:
Sportfishing (very
expensive unless you share the cost with a group) is one of the major
attractions here.
The route 653 shuttle
bus between Quepos and Manuel Antonio runs about every 20 minutes; 90
colones. Some hotels in Quepos also offer shuttle service.
The immigration police
are checking documents at popular tourist hang-outs. Estranjeros
(foreigners) without documents can be detained and illegal immigrants
and tourists who have overstayed are deported. Keep your passport with
you or in your hotel safe.
Lodging:
Hotel Arboleda (beachfronT), 777-1056,
Fax: 777-0092.
Hotel Villabosque,
777-0401.
Hotel Mar y Luna, Tel:
777-0394.
Cabinas Manuel
Antonio, Tel: 777-0212.
Cabinas Pisces, Tel:
777-0046.
Montezuma/Mal País
Beaches/Cabo Blanco Reserve (Province of Puntarenas -- Nicoya
Peninsula)
Montezuma has beautiful
white sand beaches and a "laid-back," latter-day hippie atmosphere. It
is also a convenient place to stay for visiting Reserva Natural
Absoluta Cabo Blanco.
Take the bus from San José
to
Puntarenas, then:
The new Tempisque River
Bridge connecting the southern Guanacaste beaches with the Nicoya
Peninsula is now open.
Or, the ferry to Paquera
leaving Puntarenas at 6:00 a.m., 10:00 a.m. 2:00 a.m., 6:00 p.m., and
10:00 p.m.; duration 2 hours. First class, adults 800 colones,
children ¢400; second class, adults ¢300, children ¢150, cars ¢3,00,
motorcycles ¢800. The ferry returns from Paquera at 4:00 a.m., 8:00
a.m., 2:30 P.M., 4:00 p.m., and 8:00 p.m. Tel: (Puntarenas) 641-0515,
dial 0 for schedule.
Tip: You may stand for an hour or more waiting to board. The new
bridge saves at least two hours travel time.
In Paquera, take the
route 631 bus to Cobano/ Montezuma leaving at 7:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m.,
and 4:30 p.m., and returning at 5:30 a.m., 10:00 a.m., and 2:00 p.m.;
duration 1-1/2 hours, 410 colones. Then, in Cóbano, take a taxi or bus
to Montezuma. Tel: 661-2830, 642-0219. The bus to Mal País on the
western shore of the peninsula leaves Cóbano at 10:30 a.m. and 2:30
p.m., returning at 7:00 a.m. and 12:00 noon.
Tip: Kayaking, snorkeling,
and horseback riding are available.
Lodging: There is one
telephone in nearby Cóbano. Your bus may not be able to go further
during the rainy season. The operator will connect you with your
hotel's extension:
Sano Banano - On the
beach with suites, a bungalow, and "dome huts" that can be shared.
Tel/Fax: 642-0068.
Hotel Montezuma, Ext:
258.
Huéspedes Alfaro, Ext:
259.
Cabinas Mar y Cielo,
Ext: 261.
Hotel Los Mangos, 642-
0076.
Playa Cahuita/Cahuita National Park
(Province of Limón -- Caribbean Coast)
The Caribbean coast was settled by
Jamaican immigrants and has an islands ambiance. Patois ("patwah"), a
somewhat modified form of English, is spoken here. If someone asks "Qué
o'clock mon?" they are asking for the time. Cahuita has three
beautiful beaches; one is black sand, the others are white sand. You
can also visit the national park, which is relatively small and easy
to access. Howler monkeys are often seen and heard here.
You can enter Cahuita National Park
through the Kelly Creek station at the east end of Cahuita Village or
take the early morning Puerto Viejo or Sixaola bus and get off at the
Puerto Vargas station at the south end of the park. To get here:
Take a Transportes Mepe
route 750 regular service or 750 SD direct service bus bound for
Sixaola from the Gran Terminal del Caribe on C Central/A15-A17 at
10:00 a.m., 1:30 p.m., and 4:00 p.m. Get off at Cahuita. Trip duration
is 4 hours (direct), 5 hours regular service; 1,975 colones. Buses
return from Cahuita at 8:00 a.m., 9:30 a.m., 11:00 a.m., and 4:00 p.m.
Tel: (San José) 257-8129, (Sixaola) 754-2097.
Tip: Direct buses between San José and
Sixaola normally stop in Cahuita Center but ask the driver to let you
off there.
Coopana buses from
C2/A5-A7 run continuously to the Gran Terminal del Caribe and return
to C2/A3-A5; 50 colones.
Or, take the bus from
San José to
Limón,
then a Transportes Mepe route 725 bus from Limón at Radio Casino, one
block north of the market, at 5:00 am, 6:00 am, 8:00 am, 10:00 am,
1:00 pm, 2:30 pm, 4:00 pm, or 6:00 pm; duration 1 hour; 405 colones.
Buses return at 6:30 am, 7:30 am, 11:00 am, 1:00 pm, 4:00 pm, and 6:00
pm. Tel: (Limón) 758-1572 or 758-3522.
Bus schedules to the
Caribbean coast change frequently because of poor road conditions. At
the time of this update, few buses were running due to heavy rain
storms causing mud slides in the road. Call Transportes Mepe, Tel:
(San José) 257-8129, (Limón) 758-1572 or Fax: 758-3522, (Sixaola)
754-2097, or Costa Rica's Caribbean Connection, 750-0128 (English
spoken) in Puerto Viejo to verify bus schedules before you travel.
Pick up their Cahuita Information and Services Guide at the ticket
window and visit their web site at www.puertoviejo.net.
Lodging:
Sol y Mar, 755-0237.
Cabinas Sunshine,
755-0368, Fax: 755-0024.
Cabinas Arrecife,
755-0081.
El Encanto B&B,
Tel/Fax: 755-0113. \
Kelly Creek Hotel,
755-0007.
You can camp on the beach near the Playa
Vargas ranger station at the southern end of the park. Basic
facilities (water, toilets, and showers) are available.
Playa Flamingo/Playa
Brasilito/Playa Potrero/Playa Matapalo (Province of Guanacaste --
Nicoya Peninsula)
Beautiful, white sand
Flamingo beach is highly developed, with (expensive) sportfishing,
boating, and glamorous hotels. It is popular with well-heeled tourists
looking for luxury. For more reasonable restaurants and
accommodations, try Potrero, the next beach to the north, or Brasilito,
to the south.
You can swim and snorkel
or visit nearby Las Baulas National Park to watch sea turtles and
explore mangrove swamps. To get here:
Take a Tralapa route 599
bus from C20/A1-A3 at 8:00 a.m. (via Liberia) or at 10:00 a.m.; (via
the Tempisque ferry). Trip duration is 6 hours. Playa Flamingo ¢2,130.
Buses return at 9:00 a.m. (via the ferry) and 2:00 p.m. (via Liberia).
Tel: 221-7202, 222-9557.
Or, if you want to visit
other beaches along the way, take the route 599 bus to Santa Cruz,
¢1,860, then a Tralapa bus, route 516, from the main station in Santa
Cruz at 6:30 a.m. or 3:00 p.m., returning at 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.;
Potrero ¢590, Flamingo ¢515, Brasilito ¢475, Matapalo ¢460. Tel:
680-0392.
Tip: The name of this beach derives from
blue spoonbills that were mistaken for Flamingos. There are no
flamingos in Costa Rica.
Lodging in Potrero:
Cabinas Christina,
Tel/Fax: 654-4006.
Palmyras Royales,
Tel/Fax: 654-4252.
Maiyras, Tel/Fax:
654-4213 (you can camp here).
Lodging In Brasilito:
Cabinas El Caracol,
Tel: 654-4073.
Cabinas Conchal, Tel:
654-4257.
Hotel Brasilito, Tel:
654-4013.
Playa Hermosa/Playa
Panamá (Province of Guanacaste -- Northern Pacific Coast)
These are popular beaches
for swimming, snorkeling, surfing and windsurfing, kayaking, and
sailing. You can rent the necessary gear. To get here:
Take the Empresa
Esquivel bus, route 570, from C12/A5-A7 at 3:20 pm, returning at 5:00
am; trip duration 5 hours, ¢1,855. Tel: (Panama Beach) 666-0042, Fax:
666-4006.
Or, take a bus to
Liberia,
then a route 527, 530, or 550 Empresa Esquivel bus from Liberia at
7:30 am, 11:30 am, 3:30 pm, 5:30 pm, or 7:00 pm, returning at 5:00 am,
6:00 am, 10:00 am, 4:00 pm, and 5:00 pm; ¢260. Tel: (Liberia)
666-1249.
Do not confuse this
Playa Hermosa with the other Playa Hermosa 5 km south of Jacó beach on
the central Pacific coast. There is another Playa Hermosa on the
Caribbean coast.
Lodging:
Cabinas Playa Hermosa,
Tel: 670-0136.
Playa Chorotega
Resort, Tel: 670-0492.
You can camp at Jardín
del Mar, Tel: (San José) 231-7629.
Playas de Jacó/Playa
Herradura/Carara Biological Reserve (Province of Puntarenas -- Central
Pacific Coast)
Jacó is a well developed
beach community and is the closest beach to San José. It is popular
with the Ticos and Ticas and has many shops, hotels, cabins, good bars
and restaurants, and at last count, four discos. It can be very busy
during the high season. If you want activity after the sun goes down,
this is your beach.
Empresa Jacó (a.k.a.
Garabito) buses, route 655, leave daily from C16/A1-A3 ("Coca Cola")
at 7:30 am, 10:30 am, 1:00 pm., 3:30 pm, and 6:30 pm; duration 3
hours, 1,020 colones. Buses return at 5:00 am, 7:30 pm, 11:00 am, 3:00
pm, and 5:00 pm. Tel: (San José) 223-1109, (Jacó) 643-3135.
Transportes Morales buses leaving San José for Quepos, Dominical, and
Uvita, and buses returning to San José, will stop on the highway at
the entrance road to Jacó to let off passengers and pick up passengers
if space is available. However, if you have heavy bags to carry, this
is not recommended.
The ticket office in
Coca Cola is open Monday through Saturday from 6:30 am to 12 noon and
1 pm to 4 pm, and on Sundays from 6:30 am to 12 noon. You can buy
tickets up to 15 days in advance. Buy your return tickets in the
office across from the Best Western Hotel. Tel: (San José) 223-1109, (Jacó)
643-3135.
Tips:
Playa Hermosa, just 5
kilometers south of Jacó, with world-class waves, is one of the best
beaches for expert surfers. Hire a four wheel drive taxi, stow your
gear in the rear, and ask the driver to return to pick you up at a
specified time.
Do not confuse this
Playa Hermosa with the other Playa Hermosa in Guanacaste on the
northern Pacific coast.
Carara is an easily
accessible reserve where you can hike through one of the last
remaining coastal forests, enjoy hot springs, and bird watch. There is
an abundance of wildlife that seek refuge here from the surrounding
developed areas.
The immigration police
are checking documents at popular tourist hang-outs. Estranjeros
(foreigners) without documents can be detained and illegal immigrants
and tourists who have overstayed may be deported. Keep a copy of your
passport with you and the original in your hotel safe.
Buses from Puntarenas to Quepos stop in
Jacó at about 6:00 a.m., 12:00 noon, 3:30 p.m., and 5:00 p.m.; ¢490.
Buses from Quepos to Puntarenas stop in Jacó at about 5:45 a.m., 8:45
a.m., 11:45 a.m., and 4:15 p.m.
Lodging: All have a pool
and A/C and are on the beach.
Hotel Marparaiso
* Tel: 240-4053,
Fax: 236-6826. E-Mail: info@hotelmarparaiso.com. Web Site:
www.hotelmarparaiso.com. Big rooms with fridge sleep 6 people and the
bus stops here. Special discounts.
Hotel Mango Mar,
Tel/Fax: 643-3670.
Apartotel Flamboyant,
Tel: 643-3146, 643-6032. Fax: 643-1068. E-mail: flamboya@sol.racsa.co.cr.
Copacabana, Tel:
643-1005, 256-3222. Fax: 643-3131. Web site: http://www.copacabanahotel.com.
El Cocal, Tel:
643-3067, Fax: 643-1201/3082.
Hotel Balcón del Mar,
Tel/Fax: 643-3251.
You can camp at Hicaco
off the road next to Panch Villas, at the beach next to the police
station, or at Herradura Beach, north of Jacó. |
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