www.CostaRicaTicas.com

I was in SJ early in June this year for a week visited Del Rey and Sports Lounge but was there for more for a romance tour not sure was a good idea. I wanted to go to the beach but the weather was not good raining most of the time. Now I want to go the beach Jaco? I hear is to expensive and too much tourism. I want to visit Manuel Antonio beaches and Samara beach. Should I get a private tourist guide, I found one on Craig's list but he wants to charge me $150 per day. I think is a bit high for my budget. Please let me know if you know what would be a good place to stay at and if a private guide would be recommended. I have not book anything yet other than my airline ticket. Any suggestions will be much appreciated. I am running out of time.

I will be there during that time, and it is my second trip as well. My transportation and tours are going to be handled by One Lucky Dogg. Also, I stayed at SL last time and the Front Desk can help you make arrangements with that.

You can pick up a good guide at Manuel Antonio, right near the entrance. He is she will be way cheaper than $150.00 per day. This entrance is where people get dropped off to visit the park and where you pay entrance donation. There will be plenty of tour guides there, and they will walk you through, showing you the sites and provide wonderful info about the plants and wildlife. You won't need a guide for more than 1 hour imho. Then you just lay back in one of the coves and enjoy the rest of your day in one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Quepos is much cheaper that Jaco, but Jaco can be tons of fun if you are interested in meeting some of the natural treasures of CR. Yes it is more expensive than many places in CR, but not outrageous by any means. The beach at Jaco looks nice, but is filthy dirty due to raw sewage Locals hang on the beach, but I have never seen many tourists there. If you like to fish Quepos is far cheaper. I fish so I know. Herradura is near Jaco, and it is fun nice beach, and los suenos os there.
Pura Vida
Patron

Thank you for the tips and post Patron. That was very helpful. You have not said much about Samara Beach where I also would like to stay. Let me know if anything you know about the place. I don't go fishing but I like to eat them. BTW my friend gave me a bottle of Patron for Christmas how ironic.

I have never heard of Samara beach, so I can't help you with that. I can say that Dominican which is south of Quepos has a lovely beach. Dominican is very laid back and there are many cheap hostiles there. Many local artisans hang out near the beach selling their wares, and locals surf fish this beach area with much success. Tell me where Samara beach is located and I can tell you if I have been there.
Patron

I would suggest if you go to Samara Beach and have several days to go to Santa Teresa, and work your way up the coast to Samara, Nosara and then go to Tamarindo and Flamingo beaches--Jaco is a shit hole!

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I AM a Cien boy + Propina!

Santa Theresa is just north of Mal Pais, and I have been there 3 times. I will return there in Jan 2017. the beaches are fabulous. lots of surfers.
Patron

Thank you so much for the tip I knew Jaco is overrated. I will skip it for sure no need to waste my time over there. I wonder where is the best place to stay at Samara Beach

I don't know exactly where Samara beach is, but if it is close to St. Theresa, then it is also close to Mal Pais. You can walk from Mal Pais to St. Theresa. The coast and beaches from Mal Pais, going north all the way to the Bongo river are all the same. That is to say fantastic. Very well known for sunset gazing. If you were to stay in Mal Pais, I recommend the Mal Pais Surf Camp. They have all types of accomodations and prices. Plus a great kitchen and bar.
There are no ticas there where as Jaco is full. You will probably want to fly over there to Tambor, and then taxi to where ever. Nature Air and Sansa are the airlines.
Patron

Happy New Year!!
Thanks for the advice if I were to stay in either Mal Pais or Samara beach I will probably will have to bring a tica from San Jose I'm guessing. Most of the ticas in Jaco are working girls I've been told. I have not yet made reservations but I will plan to stay in San Jose two nights before I go to Samara beach and my time is running out. Decisions, decisions decisions

Yes, if you are going for the chicas, you will have to take one with you or pull one from Puntarenas. If chicas is foremost on your list, go to Jaco. I've been there many many times. Then take a side trip down to Quepos and Manuel Antonio. Stay down there for a night at least. You can pull from Jaco. It won't be happening with the other option. Unless you score a surfer girl.

Family Beach. Ok, not cheap. not much night life. good for couples

Family beach? good for couples? WTF? I"m a bachelor and I'm spending two days over there! I heard it was one of the best hidden gems in CR. Anyways wish me luck cos I'm on my way this morning to CR it's 3:45am in Maryland.