www.CostaRicaTicas.com

Virgin Post - Virgin Trip - Coming in June 11th - 19th

Wanting to go out and about for 4 - 5 days to the small towns around San Jose and also up to the north Pacific beach area. Would like to hire a driver (english speaking guide) rather than taking the tour trips that have set itinerates. I guess the idea is to see some of the regular tour sites but also do and see things the tours don't have time for or do/see things that would have never been done without the guide. Not sure if this is even a good idea.

My first question is with the cost of this type of trip. Planning on staying at the SL for the first couple days. Would it work trying to arrange this type of trip with recommendations now or just wait until I get in - or just shut up and take the tour.

Jahinor,
First off, welcome to the board. You've done the smart thing by already getting your VIP membership! I'll take a stab at your inquiry.

But I'm a little confused as to what you're looking for. Exactly what do you want to see? Or where do you want to go? Do you even know yet? Please don't take it the wrong way, as I'm not trying to be harsh. I'm just trying to give you some info, so you don't get phucked on your 1st trip to the "other side".

If you hire a private driver / guide for a few days, expect to pay around $75 - 100 per day, plus all of his expenses, i.e., gas, food, beverages, hotel, etc. And he'll definitely need to know where you want to go (or what you want to do) so he's not driving in circles around the countryside. Otherwise, if you leave it up to him, he might take you to places that don't interest you.

This is your 1st trip to CR. IMHO, just go with the flow. Costa Rica is a beautiful country, with an incredible diversity in the sights, sounds, locations, activities, weather, cuisine, chica's, flora, fauna, etc. And you haven't experienced ANY of this yet.

Since you're going in June, it is the "off-season", so you should be able to see or do (almost) anything, without prior reservations. Besides that, you'll be staying in SJO for your 1st couple of days. After you get a taste of some of the finer "cultural" activities in SJO, you might not ever want to leave. This might sound crazy, but it's your 1st trip. You won't understand what I'm talking about until you step foot into the gulch.

By making all sorts of plans and reservations ahead of time, you'll be making commitments. Do you really want to commit to anything at this point? What if you plan a day tour ahead of time, but then you meet that "special" chica that you want to take with you, but she doesn't want to go? What will you do? Stay in SJO, keep banging her, and lose your deposit? Or throw her back in the pond for everyone else while you go on your tour?

Of course the above scenario is hypathetical, but I'm just trying to make a point. If you're thinking about going to a beach in the North Pacific (Guanacaste) area, then you've got some travel options. But do you know what your options are yet? You could take a 35 minute flight, or a 5 hour drive, or a 7 - 8 hour bus ride, or rent a motorcycle, or take a taxi, or take a shuttle, etc, etc......

My friend, don't try to over-think your first trip to paradise. Get your flights to SJO, and make tentative hotel reservations. Most hotels let you cancel within 72 hours without penalties. Once you get your feet wet in SJO, then (and only then) you can decide what you want to do next, or where you want to go next, or who you want to go with, or how you're going to get there.

Last but not least.....you asked about how much your trip might cost. Noone can give you that information, because noone (including yourself) has any idea what you'll be doing, or where you'll be going, or WHO you'll be doing! Either bring plenty of money, and lock most of it in your hotel safe, or bring an ATM card and a couple of credit cards.

Also, if you don't know any Español, you've got some time to learn. While it's not critical for you to know Spanish, it helps tremendously, and you'll have a much more enjoyable trip.

Hope some of this helps. I'm sure other members will chime in here also with some good advice for you. Keep reading the board for the next 3 months, and you'll know just enough to make you dangerous in CR!

Pura Vida,
Mucho Gusto

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

I would not recommend venturing out off the beaten path to a rookie. I'd go with one or more of the day trips or even the 2-3 day overnight trips they offer. They aren't cheap though. The day trips usually run up to $100pp. I have no idea what the 2-3 day trips cost since I've never had the desire to take one. You can google it and you'll get all kinds of companies that set up these types of excursions hiking up in the mountains, biking, rafting, or just looking at trees, etc..

For a first timer, I'd stay in San Jose and if you really want to get out of the city, take a guided group tour (like those I mentioned above). Hiring a personal driver or tour guide to take you outside of SJ would be expensive, and a waste of money, in my opinion.

Guess I was trying to force the issue. I'll make the reservations at the SL for the first 3 days and see what comes up after that. Hopefully I will run into a few of you at the SL.

Will it be a problem walking in and getting a room at one of the discounted VIP places in June or should I make the reservations now and cancel within 72 hrs if needed?

You should probably make the reservations now, then you can always cancel if you decide to go somewhere else. It doesn't cost anything to make reservations with SL's toll free number, and it won't cost anything if you decide to cancel ahead of time.

Also, Father's Day 2007 (in the U.S.) is on Sunday, June 17th (which is also mi cumpleaños!), right in the middle of your trip, so there might be a few extra gringo's in town for that weekend. What better gift to give yourself, than a hot little chica on your lap for Father's Day! Just a thought......

MG

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

I would do the guided day trips to get familiar with area first. To reach the water by taxi your looking at 2 1/2 hours. If your heading North you could be looking at 5+ hours of driving. That's a half a days worth of driving??

I think some day trips are a good idea for a first-timer as it worked out well for me. The Arenal volcano trip is an all-day affair and then some, but is worth it, especially if you happen to catch the volcano on a clear night.

A river rafting trip is also pretty awesome. These trips aren't cheap (approx $75 - $95 all-inclusive), but offer some memorable experiences.

I would resist temptation to spend all your time in San Jose (and you WILL be tempted), because Costa Rica is such an amazing place you should really see other parts.