www.CostaRicaTicas.com

Curious as to what other areas, if any, are good spots for the hobby in CR besides SJ & Jaco? I have been mostly researching beach towns on the western side. Tamarindo, Punta Arenas, Quepos, further south? Also general thoughts on those areas or best places overall on that side of the country would be appreciated, thanks!

Great places, but not for the hobby.

I have one in Quepos that is amazing to say the least, but she was a referral from a taxi driver.

Just wondering if I could get a discussion going on the west side beach towns from a non hobby perspective? Best beaches, beach towns, areas of interest? Perhaps places to bring favorites?

A friend of mine who was in Quepos in early March said he saw a 7 (cute but chunky chica) hanging out in front of the Best Western Hotel & Casino in downtown Quepos. He walked past and made eye contact with her and she gave him the "nod" indicating she was in play. He did not partake. He said the next night she was there again with 2 other chicas who he described as "scary looking".

One of my favorites is Santa Teresa.. it is mainly a surf/yoga retreat area, but very cool if you just want something more authentic. The main way to get there is to take the ferry from Puntarenas (especially if you have a rental car) Another way is to book the 'Taxi Boat' from Playa Herradura (next to Los Suenos) to Montezuma.. then take a taxi to Santa Teresa. Unpaved roads.. but super cool. ATV rentals are available in Santa Teresa (the best way to explore the area) I have stayed many times at Fuego Lodge

Thanks I look forward to researching Santa Teresa! Would you have any insight to Quepos/Manuel Antonio Park area? Considering making a day trip from Jaco

Definitely worth a day trip.. just watch out for (try not to piss off) the 'self appointed' parking control ticos

If you plan on going to the Manuel Antonio National Park, just be aware that it is closed on Tuesday and you have to get your ticket ahead of time.

https://manuelantoniopark.com/park-info/

There is bus service between Jaco and Quepos if you want to go the low budget route

Thank you, what are your thoughts on the park? Worth it to bring a favorite on a tour? Is Quepos worth visiting if you're not going to the park? Thanks in advance!

I visited Santa Teresa and Nicoya Peninsula last Nov. 2021 for 3 days and it is a surfer’s paradise as mentioned above also has some very nice sunsets.

Jonny99 thanks for info on the Water Taxi I was not aware of this option. I rented a car thru Hertz in Downtown San Jose on Paseo Colon picked it up day before my departure and bought my Ferry Ticket for Puntarenas online day before which was about $25 fee each way for a passenger car. From SJ it was about a 90-minute drive to the ferry port, now they do suggest online arriving 30 minutes prior your departure as well. The boat ride was about 80 minutes and I personally found it very slow but relaxing with some food and beers for sale to help pass time. Once we docked at Paquera, it was about another 90 minute very twisty drive before making into Santa Teresa.

Once we arrived at Surf Vista villas it was obvious that the need for a 4wd SUV was not only needed for the steep driveway up to our room, but the main roads in ST are horrendous with huge potholes everywhere, this road is 80% is dirt and very dusty but is main road for Santa Teresa. I found myself driving 10 mph it was that bad after mentioning this too our host upon arriving he suggested that almost all guests will rent a dirt bike, side by side or a ATV 4-wheeler set up for 2 passengers … I went with the latter $70 a day with a company he recommended, they even delivered and picked up upon departure. Jonny99 is right ATV is the best and only practical way to get around this area. The beaches are great as well you can ride the ATV withing about 30-40 yards of the beach in designated areas and park to gain Ocean access. The vibe was very laid back in ST and the food was very excellent as well (El Patio) was our favorite, lots of emphasis on the Organic and Vegan, healthy options which makes sense with all the Yoga lovers visiting.
I will return but plan on staying more than 3 days next trip.

I did also notice lots of younger cute European girls in Santa Teresa.

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Stay Humble Amigos !

the park is worth the trip I did it when I Visited Jaco my 1st time it will take up most all of your day between the park and traveling.

You mentioned this is your 1st trip and new to this, well that was myself as well not to long ago ... slow down and forgot about the Favorites, but maybe instead grab some Phone numbers and Pics of a few girls who you really like or Wow'd you this trip, maybe ask them back for 2nd visit and that goes well, when returning home on whatsapp send them a message few days a week to keep in touch and develop some sort of friendship mainly to develop some Rapport and also these girls numbers change all the time as well then build on that.

Just Don't send money and be 1 of these guys who was told by his Hovia the she has quit the business I have meet several girls with stories most would never believe but there's a sucker born every minute just don't be him

Take a notebook write down your daily adventures I do this every trip to reflect, things are gonna come fast and will probably seem overwhelming at times just keep reading older posts and gaining knowledge.

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Stay Humble Amigos !

Haha yes I am not planning on acquiring a favorite on my first trip, I am just over planning and very interested in these west side beach towns. My first trip I will prob stick close to Jaco and take it easy. I already see myself making multiple trips though , I really appreciate the notes on Santa Teresa as well!

From a party perspective Jaco can be awesome albeit pretty expensive. On the other hand it is arguably one of the worst beaches in Costa Rica. Dangerous rip tides make swimming difficult, the water isn't the cleanest and the beach itself is somewhat dirty. If hanging at the beach and swimming is your primary objective then Jaco would be on the bottom of my list.

The Northwest coast has some great beaches and some partying but no hard-core hobbying. Playas Flamingo, Tamarindo and Coco are all good.

As stated above, Manual Antonio is great but can get crowded on the public beach. The private beach inside the park is a little nicer and less crowded. When I go, I generally stay in Quepos as frequent cheap busses run to the beach quite frequently and at least Quepos has a few bars you can walk to.

Flights are available to Liberia, Tamarindo (northwest coast) and Quepos. Price will be around $100 each way. I believe luggage is limited to 30 or 40 kgs. Flight will also be less than 1 hour. Quepos is about 20 minutes.

Ground transportation is cheaper and I would recommend one of the shared van services like InterBus. Probably 4.5 to 6 hours to the northwest beaches depending on traffic and actual destination. Probably 2.5 to 3 hours to Quepos.

You are quite welcome TF74! The Zuma Tours (and I think one other) Taxi Boat departs from Playa Herradura (Los Suenos Marina) and arrives about 1 hour later in Montezuma on a beach. From the beach.. it is about 20 minutes in a taxi to Santa Teresa. I usually pay the taxi driver to wait while I check in to my lodging and drop off my bags.. then have the taxi driver take me to one of the ATV rental places in ST. The very best breakfast/lunch place (not to be missed) is The Bakery. Fu*king Awesome!! On the return trip to Jaco.. do the very same thing in reverse. Very many of the dudes I have met in CR never seem to make it outside of SJ and maybe Jaco. To not experience real Costa Rica is a crying shame! Another great day trip (from SJ) is the Rios Tropicales Paquare River Rafting trip. Class III/IV rapids.. rt transportation.. breakfast and lunch and about 3 hours on the river for about $110. Highly recommended!