www.CostaRicaTicas.com

Gringos!

Finally got my membership and only a couple more months til this unbelievable trip. Me and large group of friends are coming for a bachelor party, and believe, we are having a tough time planning exactly what to do. I have spent hours on this website to discover tons of helpful information, but was hoping some veterans could help me out with a few questions.

1. Most of us will be in CR for 7 days over Memorial Day weekend, and for all of us, this is our first time. We do not want to spend all our time in San Jose and want to hit up a couple beaches. For the beaches that are 5+ hrs away, if we fly, can we bring our original luggage that we brought or should we pack a smaller bag for a day or two (not sure if these airplanes would be able to fit all our bags, that's why I'm asking)

2. Some of us are interested in going to some Waterfalls and jumping off into the bottom. Has anyone done this before, and if so, which waterfalls can you do this at? Also, how safe is it, assuming we can swim.

3. For some of the popular day time activities (ATVs, Ziplines, White water rafting), is it suggested that we do all this from San Jose or would we be able to do any or all of these activities at any of the beach towns (Jaco, Tamarindo, Quepos, etc...)?

4. Isla Tortuga - I heard about this island through another book. Does anyone have experience bringing a chica there? When you get to this island, what do you actually do all day? Just relax? Is the island private enough to throw in a quickie or two with your chica?

5. Are the following water activities available at pretty much all beach towns? White water rafting, Jet skiiing, parasailing, scubadiving.


I look forward to hearing some good input or point me in the right direction.

Thanks,

Devantay

I took a 50 foot catamaran from Puntarenas in Nov for a day trip to a small eco island called Isla de Tortugas. The tour company also puts out a great lunch. The island is an eco preserve and al must leav at sunset with the exception of the 3-4 caretakers who live o the island. You could probably slip off into the bushes with your female friend if you are discrete, but toursist are supposed to stay in the beach/coconut treed picnic area.

Is that the same island you asked about? If so, it makes for a great day in CR.

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Providing humanitarian assistance to self employed chicas, one cash grant at a time.

I spent plenty of time in Tamarindo and love it there. Many have called the area one of the pretiest beach towns. It also large enough to have fun in. Great restaurants and bars open very late with a surfer party feel.

Fly and don't waste your time on a rotten 5 hour+ bus ride. The domestic airlines, NatureAir and Sansa, will charge you per pound for anything over their limit (about thirty pounds). Leave as much in San Jose if possible.

You will find all of your listed activities near the beach towns.

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I will travel the world over to find a better latina! Gringas have flat asses..

I'll answer the questions that I can.

1. I wouldn't plan on hitting a couple of beaches. Just plan on hitting one, they are too far apart and you are only going for a week to do more than 1. If chicas is not your primary concern, I'd recommend Tamarindo. It's a nicer beach, and it's nowhere near as humid as Jaco. I'd definitely fly, it's a 5 hour ride each way. Jaco is only 2.5 hours away but it's gross and the climate is not for everybody.

On Sansa, you are allowed 1 piece of luggage (max weight is 25lbs, I think). Remember, the plane only seats 12, and all the luggage is stored in a small compartment under the plane. You may be able to take more and pay a small surcharge, but it depends on available space. I assume you have hotel rooms booked for the whole 7 days. If so, leave your stuff there and just take a travel bag with enough for a couple of days. If not, I'd suggest booking 1 room for all of you for the days you'll be gone, and putting all your luggage there.

3. The tours can be done pretty much anywhere, not only in beach towns. There will be flyers at your SJ hotel reception desk for all kinds of day tours. They will come pick you up and take you to the tour and bring you back, door-to-door. You should try to work out a better deal than the posted rates, if you tell them you have a group of 7 going.

I'd recommend the ziplines (aka Canopy tour) and ATV tour. I was never big on water activities, but even less so since learning that the city's sewage goes into the rivers. Have fun white water rafting. (read this thread: https://costaricaticas.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=15882)

The zip lines cost about $70-90pp, depending where you do them. For ATV riding, CRT has a sponsor (see link: https://costaricaticas.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=7803). I'm not sure what the price is.

Your schedule sounds a little too busy for 7 days. Your first day is spent getting situated and aclimated to your surroundings and your last day is spent getting ready for your departure. Going to the beach is an all day affair. I'd say IMO to scale down your actvities to 3 or 4 major ones, save the rest for another trip.