www.CostaRicaTicas.com

Hello all,

I just booked tickets (great price of $263 after tax with TACA out of Dulles) to CR for the first week of November, and I am already getting pumped up for my first trip, thanks to the fact I stumbled upon this site a few days ago. I'm 26 and haven't been out of the country in about 10 years, so what better way than to head down to San Jose for a week. Obviously, I'm going to be purchasing the VIP card soon, but I've got a couple things to get squared away first.

A few questions:

Recommended hotels for a first-timer? I am looking at the Amistad and Dunn Inn at the moment since I'm not looking to spend more than 60 or so a night, and those look the best. I think Amistad has a 25% discount off weekly stays (which I'll be doing for 7 nights), so that might be a better option. How are their locations relative to the gulch? I've read I'll need to definitely check out Del Ray if its my first time. I'm a fairly quiet and laid-back guy and not as loud and obnoxious as some from my age group, and I tend to fit in better with the older crew, which led me to think Dunn Inn might not be a bad option either.

I plan on doing some non-gulch activities like day tours to check out the coffee plantations, volcanoes, parks, and the Pacific coast. I'm guessing both of those hotels run these kind of deals? I'll probably do about a 50-50 mix of gulch/non-gulch activities.

How is this time of year? I believe its around the end of the dry season, so I'm hoping for at least decent weather. Should I get hotel reservations ASAP or just wait a month or two?

I'm a big fishing guy, especially off-shore, so I'm wondering if anyone would want to join in on a trip to the coast to do some of that one of those days? If not, is it easy to find trips that a solo guy can join in on? What are the prices on those usually per person?

Thanks a lot, and I'm counting the days already.

jdbean,

Welcome to the board. I hate to say this, as it is a common response, but it definitely applies here. Read, read, read and read some more. I know that you've just joined this site, but every one of your questions will be answered with a little reading. I'd answer them individually, but I'm too lazy to type all that, and all the info you're looking for is already on this forum.

You're gonna have a great time. Just do your homework, and get ready for a life altering trip!

MG

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You ALWAYS have an option ....... "NEXT" !!!

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It was either gonna be TACA or Copa or AA. I just picked the first. I'm not a big Delta fan, especially in my state. I've heard Take A Coffin Along, too, heh.

I did a good amount of researching today and found most of my answers. Those stickies in the Newbie section and in the VIP area helped out a great deal. I've got plenty of time to answer the rest I'm sure.

A lot of people haven't posted that far ahead, but I'll be sure to keep an eye out so I can chat it up with a few vets in the area when I visit.

A queen room at the Amistad with the 25% discount is $51.75, $58 and change with the 13% tax. A great value, the Amistad now has a bar and restaurant, all that's missing are the hookers, and you can hop over to Sportsmens for them.

Early November is still in the rainiest part of the rainy season. You could luck out and have some dry days, or it could rain hard all day every day and even into the night.