www.CostaRicaTicas.com

How safe is it to walk to the Delray after dark from the Presidente. I know it is not safe after dark in many area but since it is such a small distance, what is your experience.

My GF and I walked the route several times with absolutely no problems other than being hit on by some street beggars in front of The Presidente. Just ignore them.

Two years ago one of our CRT V.I.P. members was robbed and brutalized by two men wielding machetes immediately across the street from the New York Bar, at approx. 2:00 a.m. Be careful.

Both sides of calle 9 between the del Rey and Presidente offer hiding places for bad guys. Several of our members have been robbed along that short route, although I'd have to research the forum to find more cases.

If you've got street smarts, don't carry a lot of cash, don't flash jewelry and are more or less sober, I think the walk might not be as ddangerous as it is in other parts of the city, but please do be cautious.

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Pura Vulva! Wandering through the dark, I am El Ciego.

My two cents, I have stayed at the Presidente about 10 times. If it is late I always take a cab. If you jump in a cab right outside the DR they will try to charge you a $4.00 minimum, I always just hold up $2.00 or 1,000 colones and get a ride. Way better to be safe than sorry. Dont gamble on your safety.

Loco Mike has it right. Do not walk after dark.

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PacoLoco: "You pay for it one way or another."
Ace: "Rent everything, do not buy in Costa Rica"

It is safe before 10pm or so when there are still many people out.

The person El Ciego was speaking of had expensive gold jewelry on if I remember correctly- something that might represent six months income to someone desperate and said he was visibly intoxicated. It was also very late(or early), like after 2am. Do not wear jewelry down there. You don't want to be an easy target.

The dangerous part is going up or down the hill.

I agree with Loco Mike....just pay the $2 and get a cab after dark...don't take a chance.

Maybe better to say it is safer before 10, a few of those robberies were early evening while the buses were still running. Get a wingman!

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Living well is the best revenge
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MwUtj_YnNoY

I have walked back and forth between Presidente and the Del Rey many many times between 1am and 4 am. I walk fast, don't let anyone get close enough to touch me and wear no jewelery. I feel safer doing this than getting in a taxi. Never had any problems.

Rule #1: Never walk with a Chica.

I walk in San Jose after dark all the time (I live here and keep and apartment near the gulch) and I have never had a problem.

Truth is the Taxi drivers are not all that safe either, besides being somewhat of a pain in the ass.

A lot depends on you I am convinced.

I met gentlemen last week that was robbed 3 times in 3 days.

He was over 60, well dressed, distinguished looking with the classic executive gray hair. The guy looked like he had money. It was interesting because this was a very well traveled guy. He admitted that he really wasn't paying attention to what was going on around him. In one instance it was after 2 AM, another he was in a bad area, the third, he was not aggressive enough with some Tranys that had approached him. He was very matter of fact about what he had done wrong.

I am 40 plus, 6'3", 220 and I don't dress flashy. I have a wingmen of similar stature and he does the same. Neither of us have ever had a hint of a problem.

For me, after dark is not that big a deal, especially before 10PM. After 2 AM, it is a more risky proposition. I usually cab it if it that late.

I am convinced that they look for easy targets that present themselves like they have money. If you are wearing resort wear, take a cab. Long pants, a non-descript collared shit, simple shoes and just about anyone can blend in. Take you watch off and put it in your pocket. Walk with a purpose, always beware of you surroundings!!! Don't be shy about crossing the street. If you are drunk, don't screw around, take a cab.

I do not like that route in front of NY Bar. If I am going to walk that direction I head toward the Morazon and make a left at that corner.

Yes! I have walked both routes - first to the south and then west to the Prez or first to the west and then south. When it is later in the night I walk in the middle of the street. I wiggle my fingers and flap my hands like I am getting ready for a fight and I look around constantly. I am more afraid to hop in a potentially bad cab than just to hoof it. I am also young, 6' and 200# and tend not to wander around drunk. I might also add that I have gotten in the habit of trying to look like a Tico. I have dark hair and eyes and if I don't wear shorts and keep to simple black shoes I see a sigificant difference in how the locals react to me, which is usually unremarkable. If I wear shorts and sandals then I see a real difference in the numbers of people who appraoch me looking for money (in daylight) as is it obvious I am a gringo.

You are probably safer in the cab, but I share my thoughts as they relate to my own experience.

That's where Latinoheat got jumped by 2 punks.

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Living well is the best revenge
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MwUtj_YnNoY

Why is that? Does it make you more of a target because they see you have the money to pay a woman? Or are the women just slow walkers in those heels and thus they make you more of a sitting duck?

Also, some of you guys have been saying that it's almost as dangerous to take a taxi to the Presidente as to walk there. What do you mean? Do these taxi drivers rob you, or just gouge you?

Inquiring minds want to know, as I have a reservation there next week! I'm not a late night person, so I wouldn't be heading back much later than 10:00 or 11:00.

Now when I move on to the SL, I think I'll take some shortcuts through the parks at night. You know, it's dark there and they'll be less likely to see me.

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Join me or die! Can you do any less?

Walking down the street with a prostitute is just as offensive and obnoxious in San Jose Costa Rica as it is in San Jose California.
The locals participate but are VERY discrete . Thats why the Eden Hotel is so popular. Many of the locals still do not like it open in public and will not be sympathetic if you are robbed while walking with a girl dressed as such. . I think taxis are a good idea not just for safety but for consideration and discretion . IMO, anyone that walks down the street with a girl in prostitute clothes is asking for it.

Bah, if they don't want to see the visual aspects of prostitution then they shouldn't be anywhere near the Del Rey/BM or any massage parlor for that matter.

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Join me or die! Can you do any less?