www.CostaRicaTicas.com

I was going to go to Rio in early May, but with the airplane
ticket being $1,000+ on the dates I wanted, I will instead
be returning to Costa Rica. I just can't see paying over $1,000
for an airplane ticket for a seven day trip.
Anyway, I know you veterans have gone to several beaches
in Costa Rica, bringing your own babe (BYOB) along,
but I was wondering, which beach, besides Jaco, can a
single guy, who doesn't speak much Spanish, go to in order
to find a girl for a few hours, or even night, for sex and fun?
I may just end up going back to Jaco, but I was curious if
any other place was available, which has girls available like Jaco.
Thanks,
ShyOne

I haven't found any that compare to Jaco--from Golfito to Flamingo Bay

If you make it all the way to Manuel Antonio...check out a bar called VikingO. On the night I was there it was ladies night, and around 10pm, about a dozen hookers wandered in. They were anywhere from 5-7 range...but there were a few doable. The two best ones latched onto the two old gringos pretty fast, and eventually they all disapeared.

_________________
ASTROGLIDE

Thanks for the info, I was thinking nothing was really
available outside of Jaco. I've already made reservations
at the Copacobana for my trip in May, maybe I'll head
up to Arenal for a day while in Jaco. Long range plan
would then be Puerto Viejo in September, most likely solo,
after the CRT party for about three nights and four days,
then perhaps to the Arenal area in early December.
After this year it may be a while before I can go
anywhere, due to work, so I need to see what I can this year,
because it may be a year to year and a half before I can get
anything scheduled in advance, as it pertains to vacation.
Thanks again,
ShyOne

Hey Shy One you picked a good month to go to Puerto Viejo according to the people at the B&B I stayed with over new years (about the worst month). They told me come back in September the beaches are deserted and the weather is nice and dry. I might even try it again around that time, though I will never go in late December again most likely.

I always go on trips like this solo for the adventure of it to see what turns up and seldom disappointed, but take my knocks with humor when I phuck up. Just so you know, Be Careful out on the Caribe there are enough hookers but no sorta self regulating atmosphere like at the Del Rey. Age for one thing and Watch Out they would just as soon leave you with pants down and empty pockets. If you are in control and like African Beauties it could be paradise but be prepared to deal in the seedy side of the culture, and take care accordingly.

If you are not the seriously adventures type and venture out to Caribe I would either: bring a date; go without and enjoy the coast or prey on the tourists. Most of All Have Fun it is very beautiful…If you are not a surfer and want to play in the ocean go out in front of Kayas if other people are swimming, or more safe take the Trail basically south about a klick more or less to Cocales where the lifeguards put the Green Flags where the surf is safe to swim. What stuck in my head is the frequency of the waves, much more extreme than the Pacific you will sleep good if you go for it. If you Are a surfer, the Salsa Brava looks like it would be a ride of a lifetime, experts only I think the reef kills and maims a good percentage of those who try. I'm thinking in September the ocean is calm though, big surf is around now. Pura Vida.

Novice--
I am a large fan of "African beauties", tending to look more for Dominicans and the Chocolate Colombianas. Could have something to do with growing up in Detroit with a beautiful black maid, who was more of a mother than my biological....but probably, my analyst should spend more time addressing this issue. So, of course, the east side of CR has always had an appeal for me. I hear such mixed reactions about the east side, both from Ticos and travel books. Issues like safety, number of providing chicas, nite life, and did I mention safety. My main attraction for going there would be in this order: #1-Chocolate chicas, #2-they speak more English, #3-Chocolate chicas #4-Cheaper #5-Carribean music/ nite life.
My surfing days have long past and I don't need to look at white beaches,....I guess that I am just really concerned with with hot black women and a party. Could you shed any light on the cravings of this depraved monger-- be specific, if you can.
Gracias

Diablo, you asked for it so…

If you love the women and reggae music the East Side is for you. And parties the rastas love them too so there is usually something going on in the nights in town, just follow the music. Be prepared for a mix of the locals, a bunch of punk surfers (there is a ton of low rent hostel type places in Puerto Viejo), older gringos with mid-life crises and yes hookers at the parties. The dances and beach parties are the best bet for the hookers IMHO. There are some real lookers and you can get to know them a little - grab a beer and to get away from the loud music walk out to the beach for a while. Again keep track of your shit and surroundings.

At the low end of the spectrum is the Zona Rosa as you cross the bridge into town. Unless you are into bottom-feeders you probably don’t want to even go there. I had an acquaintance that I had actually met at school in San Pedro and ran into in Puerto Viejo, a black guy. I know about the Zona because he was into it and I walked through a few times on the way to eat at a great restaurant. There is anything you can think of and likely your worst nightmares there, as much of a sewer as you will find anywhere. Not my style I only mention it because you asked for specifics. If you walk the high street north out of town you will know when you get close take my word for it. I had no serious problems on the road, but I like to think I am a walker with places to go and wasn’t interested in all of the shit for Sale and Very assertive about that fact. FYI you are on your own.

Puerto Viejo in general I wasn’t really crazy about granted based on one trip over holidays: Bare in mind I am from the Left Coast USA and not at all racially discriminatory but there a lot of hard core dark folk there. Perfectly healthy strapping black males will approach you with the story that they are hungry - with the Phucking Jungle All Around Full of Shit To Eat…These are not little Tico beggers but people as stated, and can be intimidating if you let them be which I didn’t. Still I got robbed while I slept in one of the highest end rooms in town. Not to discourage you but you asked for specifics so again: Keep An Eye On Your Shit.

The coast is some of the most beautiful I have seen in Costa Rica and I have spent a couple of years exploring the Pacific side…The reefs are unique and fun to play around if you are a swimmer or just like to go in the ocean. They come right to the shore in many places and make little lagoons like the one in town which is a good place to get wet.

Next trip to Caribe I will probably get a room at Kayas (which is a little out of the crazy town but still handy with a fantastic restaurant) and jump on one of their bikes and ride toward Punta Uva and Mazanillo to the South. It is flat you can get moto scooters in town but I don’t think really necessary - get some exercise. Look at the stats and pick a dry month, wet means Really Phucking Wet. Bring the Deet personal spray because bugs are prevalent (another thing I don’t report lightly). Have a lot of fun which I did and am sure you will.

Tuanis,
Novice

I'd say Playa Cocoles, Punta Uva and Parque Nacional Gondoca Mazanillo are the best unless you are into the surf crowd. In my 3 trips there I always felt safe.

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Una mas cerveza por favor!

I;ve always felt safe in Puerto Viejo and quite honestly never been approached for handouts in multiple trips there. I spent 5 nights over the New years week with nere a fear or beggar. Not saying they arent there...guess I just look poorer than Novice .

Outside of PV there is hardly any night life...so if you're looking to hook up I'd stay near there. If you BYOB, then the beaches south are the best and relaxing to stay at...but you will probably pay more.

Plenty of tantalizing chicas of all colors there...and in my opinion, the afro caribbeans are more peaceful and cultured than most you will find in Detroit...

I agree with Novice about the dark population being rather frightening. A year and a half ago I was with 2 other people walking the short distance to the beach about 200 meters from the bar on the beach when a truck full of them started talking about killing us and seeming like they mean it. Good thing we only replied what way is the beach. I would never be alone in Puerto Viejo. In fact I won't generally consider going back there when there are other beautiful unsoiled beaches where you can wear dark sunglasses.

Thank you Davey I know I was not imagine this, in fact when I first wrote it I used a not real politically correct word for the ‘dark people’ which I changed. I guess T-man walk with that swagger like is ‘don’t even think about phuck w’ me.

Here is a little blurboid to make my case: My girlfriend of the moment the Israeli and I are walking up the street which is very congested w/ cars scooters bikes suv’s walkers trucks you name it. A rastaman joint in one hand, one hand on the handlebar of his bike pass the van behind us and Ride My GF Down Into the Ditch I guess his choice as he perceived it was either her or me at the time. Now I laugh just an accident and to his credit he apologize but what are you going to say to a 6’3 AfroCarribean in the prime of his life?

Another: I am walking on the street past the Zona on the way out to Kayas (one of two ways to get there) The Brother of the First Rasta ride up to me on his bike. To their credit manual powered transportation is Big out there. Anyway he is like “How Do You Like My Street” again to his credit perfect English. The conversation started out amicably enough but soon regress to ‘Hey I am hungry you want a bitch drogas what?’ I do OK in most of these situations but I could see where others would be nervous he was pretty aggressive. Nothing that all that bad at the time but be assertive again I had no serious problems.

Do I get around too much or WTF? One more: I got robbed right in my room at a high end hotel right? Reported by 7 a.m. and the cop shop is three blocks away. Ten O:clock and the cop makes it by, the locals say call ICE when you have trouble they get there quicker!

Yes perhaps some of the females are cultured but much of the population are not there yet. I think the most intelligent of the women make it to the Del Rey they are Black and Beautiful and Easy to spot.

To their discredit and our benefit the natives don’t realize what they have there yet: A world class destination. As is my habit I checked out real estate while out there and was astounded. The prices on shit for sale are mind boggling for value, absolutely incredible. Water is a big issue surprising in an area with so much rain but be sure where it comes from before you sign. Wells and Septic Tanks are in a lot of cases only inches apart. A good reason to take showers in the rain and drink bottled water.

I know this got a little off topic Sorry but I had to relate these things, Thanks and Tuanis,

Novice--
Your info is much appreciated !! Altho I am well acquainted with the Pacific, the Carribean has remained a mystery. All your little tidbits are ever so informative. Have you found the chocolates hard to deal with, or did they have business agents , or what? If I head that way, I would like it to be as similarly rewarding as staying in SJ( to a point) ie. mucha chocolate panocha. Am I just dreaming?? What's up with you being robbed?

Novice,

When you wrote ICE did you mean OIJ?


ICE is the government monopoly that has the phone, electric & internet service.

OIJ are the judicial police force.

_________________
Pura Vida
Only Irish coffee provides in a single glass all four
essential food groups:
alcohol, caffeine, sugar and fat.
Alex Levine

I find this recent discussion a little disconcerting. I had envisoned a portion of my upcoming first trip to CR to include carefree days on the Carribean coast, relaxing while enjoying the warmth and easy going life style. Instead of living "Pura Vida" its sounding more like "lucha por vida". Granted, when traveling I understand one has to maintain their awareness of their surrounding. I've already done daylight combat patrols in this lifetime. I just want to kick back, nap in a hammock, drink some rum. Am I trying to live a fantasy in my head that is unlikely to become a reality? Kaya's Place was sounding sweet...until theses posts. I walk with a presence that generally does not make me look like a target. I speak a enough Spanish para comunicar con el gente. And people can phuck with you anywhere, I just haven't been phucked with in years.

Taking nothing away from Novices experiences...but in almost 3 years of going there I have NEVER had a scary moment. I have seen dealers and a couple "crank whores" on certain corners (I can show you SCORES of them here in downtown San Jose), but I just ignore them and they dont mess. I have partied with hundreds of afro-caribbean locals there with never an issue or uncomfortable moment. I'm blonde blue eyes and my girlfriend is Colombiana...so its not like we dont stand out . Perhaps being a Ch*ld of the 60s I am less threatened by color and other cultures and dont even see what some find scary. But in all honesty, I have been in Jamaica a few times, Bahamas, and other Caribbean islands...and I feel MUCH safer in Puerto Viejo...and even Limon though it is not a pretty city...than those islands.

In summary, if race threatens you, you will probably be uncomfortable on the Caribbean side. Embrace it and make some friends there...you will never want to go back to the Pacific side. Just my opionion...