www.CostaRicaTicas.com

This site has been extremely useful and extermely entertaing the short time that I have been on it.

I will be going to Costa Rica on May 18-25 and I was wondering if anyone can advise of the 3-4 best venues for each of the topics listed below.

I really appreciate all of your input and willingness to support a fellow hobbyist.

1. Massage Parlors

There are so many of them that it is hard to determine which ones are truly top notch

2. Strip Clubs

From what I have read, Le Grillon and Pantera Rosa are the ones that are recommended

3. I am intersted in doing a day excursion to do an ATV ride in the mountains

Any advice on travel agencies that I should look into when I get down there that are reasonably priced

4. Restaurants in San Jose or should I stick to some specific sodas?

5. Interbus transfer or Ticabus from Santamaria to San Jose, flight arrives at 09:35 am



Thank you all very much for your input and if anyone is there during my stay would love to get together and buy you a beer!

Rather than working with InterBus, suggest you use http://www.shuttlebus.co.cr/ . While this outfit will set you up with an InterBus transport, it's a lot easier and most reliable.

_________________
"Actual happiness always looks pretty squalid in comparison with the over-compensations for misery. And, of course, stability isn't nearly so spectacular as instability. And being contented has none of the glamour of a good fight against misfortune, none of the picturesqueness of a struggle with temptation, or a fatal overthrow by passion or doubt. Happiness is never grand."
- Aldous Huxley, Brave New World, Ch. 16

If you are not in a rush to get to your hotel, take the "Directo" Ticabus ($1) . It will take you to Tuasa terminal from there it's a 15 minute walk to the gulch or a $3 cab ride.

cheers,
Attila

That is a viable option for someone who has some knowledge and experience in Costa Rica. Not something I would recommend to a guy making his first trip.

_________________
Pura Vida
Only Irish coffee provides in a single glass all four
essential food groups:
alcohol, caffeine, sugar and fat.
Alex Levine

Did it on my first trip...to and from the airport. I don't speak a word of spanish but I absorbed a lot of info, from this board, before I made my first trip.

cheers,
Attila

The first time it is best you contact Puravida Transport or One Lucky Dog.
Both should be in the "Hotels and Transport " section.
Send them a private message and arrange a pickup from the airport. They charge the same as a taxi ( about $25 to $30) BUT you will get a reliable guide who will answer ALL your questions and make for a very enjoyable stay without making newbie mistakes.
I have has One Luck Dog pick me up and drop me back to the airport and have found it well worth the money.

_________________
Softbob

There is nothing either good or bad
but thinking makes it so.
HAMLET

Glad it worked for you but I still do not think it is a particularly good idea for a first timer.

_________________
Pura Vida
Only Irish coffee provides in a single glass all four
essential food groups:
alcohol, caffeine, sugar and fat.
Alex Levine

You are correct, it's not for everyone. It's an option for someone who wants to experience a bit of SJ, orientation of the city and save a few dollar.

cheers,
Attila

I honestly think even if your a seasoned traveler you should arrange private transport to and from the airport. Especially from the airport when you have a pocket full of chica money and don't want to have your fun money (and in some cases room money because they give discounts for paying in cash) taken from you because you actions and/or attire scream "mark", especially on a first trip where your direction and on the ground knowledge is minimal or non existant.

I could be wrong and partially paranoid but until I get my cash and valuables locked up I would by especially wary. Setting up private transport especially with a person you get to know ahead of time, give you much more feeling of comfort. At least that is my two cents.

Ricin

My first trip will be May 7 for 6 days ,mostly to scout it out for future trips ,I am coming in at nite ,I hired a transport because ,first I don't trust taxi, buses, walking, at nite in a new country,second If I have trouble with my hotel I can have my driver wait until I am check in or find another hotel third I dont have to ask strangers for directions

That's a really good point, Ricin. I agree.

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I fart in your general direction. Your mother was a hamster, and your father smelled of elderberries. Now go away, or I shall taunt you a second time!