Costa Rica No Longer an Island Inhabited by Dinosaurs and Plundering Pirates

By Chuck Spicer

Travel Editor

Forgotten Coastline & www.forgottencoastline.com

 

(This article originally appeared in November 2007)

When I first started writing about Costa Rica some seven years ago, it was obvious from the majority of emails that I received that readers, even with access to the World Wide Web, didn’t know a whole lot about the country. And a great deal of what they “knew” was more appropriate for movie scripts than guidebooks.

And what truly accurate information they had gathered, they didn’t know whether or not it could be believed.

It has long ago been revealed that Americans aren’t too sharp when it comes to geography. Many who communicated with me didn’t have a clue that the country is located in Central America (that’s between North & South America) and can actually be reached by car. But I don’t recommend the drive. .

It is located about eight degrees above the equator and the flight time from Atlanta to Liberia Airport is three hours and 37 minutes. Yes, you need a passport. No, you don’t need any shots. Yes, you can drink the water; use electric appliances and have access to flush toilets.

NOT AN ISLAND

Still another group of emailers had long ago been mistakenly convinced that Costa Rica is a tropical island. Nope! Although it is bordered on two sides by large bodies of water.

Others had watched one too many Jurassic Park movie and were certain that rather mean-spirited prehistoric dinosaurs were wandering and winging their way around the place. Admittedly the country sports some rather unique “wildlife” but I have yet to encounter anything (or anyone) with Jurassic Park attributes.

And somehow, someway lots of folks had the impression that there are pirates roaming around the place. Just waiting to pounce on unsuspecting tourists.

Costa Rica has some commercial fishing boats plus private and charter recreational fishing vessels. But surprisingly few of them. Likely because owning a boat is both expensive and a serious pain in the neck. A “real” marina is rare. As are boat “ramps”. A majority of boats must be permanently moored in ocean inlets. Hauling it out on a beach is a considerable chore.

Pirates don’t like to work that hard!

Besides, where the heck would they go with their ill-gotten gains?

THE REAL COSTA RICA

Costa Rica is a genuine paradise. Much like Florida’s Forgotten Coast. That is likely why we have found that those who love this coastal region of Florida also adore Costa Rica. The bio-diversity is similar in both areas. Both cater to the ecology minded. With tons of outdoor recreational activities on the menu.

Unlike the Forgotten Coast, Costa Rica has at least a half dozen climatic regions. The higher you climb, the lower the temperatures. The capitol of San Jose, in the Central Valley region, is relatively cool throughout the year. Some mountain regions actually require a jacket. The Pacific Northwest, where I most frequently visit, has a climate similar to that of Florida. Except less humidity. During the “Green” or “Wet” season it enjoys a rain pattern similar to that of the Sunshine State. It rarely rains during the “high season.” Total rainfall is about 100 inches a year. Travel further south in the country and the rainfall increases about 33% to 150 inches a year.

Obviously, with a pleasant climate year-round, some rain is of little concern. After all, you are already in a swimsuit or very casual clothes. The rain is also an excellent excuse to take cover at a local “soda” (restaurant) for some bocas (appetizers) and beverages.

SODA ON EVERY BLOCK

There is a “soda” on just about every block in the country. There are very few governmental restrictions when opening one so many “Ticos” (the locals) own and operate friendly, neighborhood “sodas” attached to their homes. There is no air conditioning (only fans) and the sides are almost always open to the street.

Even if you can’t speak a word of Spanish and they “no habla English”, you will figure out a way to communicate. On my second visit I really needed to find a bathroom (banjos) but didn’t know the word. My body language would likely be considered “X” rated or even inappropriate in the USA but the locals simply chuckled with the old gringo and pointed the way.

Costa Ricans are free spirits and truly open-minded. They much prefer “making love and not war”. There is no military. It was eliminated in the 1940’s and the President (each elected to one four-year term) received the Nobel Peace Prize. The USA keeps an eye on things.

Nothing is illegal in Costa Rica unless there is a specific written law prohibiting the activity. A single male can always find company and you can always find a Texas Hold Um game. There’s plenty of music, dancing and laughter. A fistfight is unusual.

The lovely Virginia and I drove into the sticks during a 2002 visit. We got hungry and stopped at a remote “soda.” Naturally, the menu was all in Spanish. Performing our best impressions of a chicken and a fish, we received exactly the meal we desired.

Now I’m an old pro and can order at least six different meals.

PLENTY TO DO

What’s there to do in the country? Like the Forgotten Coast, nothing or everything.

Friends from Sopchoppy spent a week in the country and spent almost the entire time doing the “zip lines” through the canopies. An Indian Pass couple I know spent their entire week snorkeling in eight-feet of crystal clear ocean water right in front of their rented condo at Los Almendros de Ocotal.

A couple buddies from Panacea have but one objective once they arrive at Liberia International Airport (about 20 minutes from the Pacific Northwest Coast). And that is to catch the really big one. They charter fish nearly every day and when not fishing they are eating fish.

An Apalachicola couple I know decided to rent a four-wheel drive and wandered the foothills just south of Nicaragua. No incidents and no problems.

None of my personal friends are surfers so I don’t have testimonials. But, reportedly, Costa Rica is rated about the fourth best surfing spot in the world. Most of the really young folks head for Flamingo and Tamarindo on the Pacific coast.

If you are into really neat pottery there is a little community you really should visit. It’s near Santa Cruz (there are six cities with the same name). The local pottery artists create their history-rich works right before your eyes and, if your timing is right, will even sign them.

You can take a tour to one of several volcanoes or visit a coffee or butterfly farm. Many spend their entire vacation diving while others prefer visiting the many souvenir shops and varied ethnic restaurants.

SPEND A WEEK OR TWO

You can sort of tell from the long list of potential activities that I never recommend anyone stay less than a week. Two weeks is considerably more appropriate.

Because I have answered thousands of email questions over the past seven years I pretty much know what you are going to ask in advance. If I don’t answer your particular questions in the next few paragraphs, contact me at and I’ll try to answer them.

As mentioned previously you can fly to Costa Rica from Atlanta in about three and a half hours. Flights are originating from all over the USA and Canada. A ticket from Atlanta usually runs $600 to $800 per person. You should fly to Liberia Airport in Guanacaste Province and generally should try and avoid San Jose. It takes another five to six hours to reach the beaches from San Jose.

You can stay (for instance) at a 2/2 beachfront condo (up to four people) for $942 a week (plus tax) during high season (Dec. 1-March 31 & July 1 to Aug.30) or $714 a week (plus Tax) during the rest of the year. The only exception being Christmas and Easter weeks. The rates soar during these two weeks and it is not the best time to visit as most services come to a screeching halt as the locals enjoy their holidays.

The currency in Costa Rica is colons. But you really don’t have to exchange much of your American money as it is relished at most places of business. I always recommend that you carry lots of $20 bills. Be certain to call your credit card company in advance of any trip and make them aware of your intentions. Money orders are a real pain. Merchants and banks don’t really want them as they take so long to turn to real money. It is also a whole lot easier to bargain with American cash than with a credit card as businesses pay upwards of 7 percent when you use a card.

Tips are included in your restaurant bills but most all of us tip another 10%. Entrees run from $3.50 at a “soda” to $10 at the most restaurants. And then there are the really upper class places with nothing printed on the right side of the menu. Yes, there are a now quite a few “sky’s the limit” spots. Like “Four Seasons”.

Frankly, I believe that those who go to a foreign country and spend the entire week at an all-inclusive resort are just wasting their time and money. Why bother? Where is your sense of adventure? Curiosity?

If you like rum, give Flor de Canas a try. It’s made in Nicaragua. Imported liquor is expensive as are most imported items. Sometimes you can locate American beer at the grocery store. Most everyone drinks Imperial Beer (tastes somewhat like Miller Lite) and Pilsen. Many drink their beer over ice.

AN EARLY START

The sun rises and sets around 5:30 so the Costa Rican day starts early.

Many of the young Costa Ricans speak English. The literacy rate is outstanding. As is the national medical system. Don’t be afraid to get dental or eye work done. Plastic surgery is about one-third the cost of that in the USA.

You don’t necessarily need a rental car. The country has a great mass transit system as well as reasonably priced cab rides. And a typical highway can feature bone-jarring potholes. Posted speed limits are lower than in the USA and roadside radar guns are plentiful.

If you do rent a car, take pictures of it (at several angles) before leaving the rental agency.

Most importantly of all, don’t leave your brains at home or the office. Just like at home, you should lock your doors and not leave valuables lying around the porch, swimming pool or beach. And just because they talk funny, it doesn’t mean they are hard of hearing or less intelligent than you. Be courteous to your hosts and I’ll guarantee they’ll be some of the finest, fun-loving folks you’ll ever meet.

By the way, you’ll likely also notice that a great number of Costa Ricans want “to be like Mike.” Many envy and adore the American lifestyle, liberties and attitudes.

Please don’t spoil it for the rest of us.