At the end of each trip we like to take some time to step back and examine how the “whole” visit worked. I think it’s important to do as it allows us to reflect on the big picture rather than what are usually short, fast-paced trips that can get tied up in every “detail”. Thus, I’m writing almost a week after our return and hoping to give some overall impressions in regards to our March Break visit to Costa Rica.
Accommodations: This was our fourth experience with VRBO/HomeAway, a web-based “warehouse” of accommodation / property listers, and we really can’t say enough about how this fundamental switch has changed the way we live while travelling. Options for stays are broad and cater to a wide set of requirements and interests. This time we searched specifically for beach or oceanfront properties, amenities such as Internet, three bedrooms, equipped kitchen, site security, shared outdoor pool, and had bonuses such as a clothes washers. With this type of accommodation, we have great independence and do what we want, when we want. I have to add, the rooftop terrace was a big draw and anytime we can make our accommodation part of the overall attraction we do. This property came exactly as described by text and pictures… No surprises! We know, as researchers, almost exactly what we are getting. Most importantly, each time we’ve done VRBO we find ourselves more embedded in the community (Paris, Puerto Morelos, Jamaica, Jaco) and really closer to how folks live from day to day! No problems recommending this property!
Transportation: Getting from “A to B” and back can make or break a trip. Being that there are no direct flights from Eastern Canada to CR, connections were going to be necessary. This trip had lengthy layovers, for which you can prepare “distractions” that help pass the time in busy air hubs. We had an unenviable long, nighttime layover in Montreal on our return that tested everyone’s patience… Not because it’s a layover, but more due to the lack of information in regards to where one is supposed to be and when to be ready. We did manage, as we got a little nap and found food. It was all unavoidable if we wanted to visit Costa Rica during the vacation period… Thus the trade off! In the end, we arrived safely in Moncton about 1/2 hour later than expected. That’s what we paid for! As a word of advice, Costa Rica looks small on the map but driving times are not like Canada and riddled with unpredictability (roads are narrow, busy, at elevation and often in disrepair). We met a local couple and they reported that they rented, drove, and found it all too much! Hectic driving, in a foreign country, on dangerous roads is not to be taken lightly. Knowing we were on the ground for a week, we opted to hunker down in a central, serviced location and were glad for it!
Culture: We spent the bulk of our trip in the Pacific coast community of Jaco, Costa Rica. It’s a surfer town, with beautiful rolling waves hitting the beach around the clock. The town has that laid back vibe where both locals and visitors cruise at their own speed, doing their own thing. Kind of an eclectic mix of older, very white (glow in the dark) tourists seeking warmth from the north mixed with young, very fit/tanned athletic backpacking enthusiasts here to take in all the outdoor attractions Costa Rica offers. We moved into and around the community at will, were always well received, and from grocer to restaurant we really felt as though we fit in. We did not feel unsafe, but did use common sense and didn’t roam in isolated areas after dark or put ourselves in positions where difficulties often lurk! Language, in this busy tourist town, was rarely an issue and we always met in the middle somewhere. We really have to comment that all we met were courteous, more than helpful, and always with a smile! Hola!
Attractions: We were entirely impressed with the level of attention our fees included for our attractions with Adventure Tours Costa Rica. We purchased on the ground in Costa Rica in $US and fees included guides and transportation. We traveled alone as a group with our incredible guides, and had never experienced that level of service during excursions (except in Mexico). There were a myriad of choices, from ATV’s and fishing charters, to waterfalls and volcanoes, and endless zipping through or above the rainforest canopy. Our trip was “low impact” in these terms… But I’m sure an absolute playground for the younger set! Our trips are often busier than this one, but I don’t think there is anything wrong with some “nothing” layered in!
Money/Cost: In my estimation we got great value for the dollar in Costa Rica. Flights and accommodation were in the expected range and we were very impressed with what our dollars purchased in regards to attractions. We spent on groceries in Jaco what we would’ve spent at home in Antigonish, and eating out (except for the bargain at “Sodas”) was comparable as well. Everything was bought with Credit Card / $US Dollars. I don’t think we exchanged any Colones we accepted… kept those as pretty money souvenirs. As a matter of where it fit in the scale of similar visits, I’d say overall it was less expensive than our Jamaica experience but more dear than Mexico (lots of variables so that’s kind of guesswork).
So… Would I go again? Most definitely. With only a week to explore and some March Break R&R a must, I can’t really think of much I’d change in this visit. However, as much as we enjoyed the ocean, surf and beaches, on a return trip I’d be switching up and getting deeper into the nature based opportunities for which Costa Rica is most known and experiencing a mountain region, or perhaps accommodations in/near the rainforest. It’s rare for us to visit somewhere twice anyway, as there are so many new places for us to see and explore. For any that read/followed along… Cheers. Hope that maybe we created a picture of what we experienced during our stay or tweaked your interest in coming this way! Adios…