Costa Rica

[Mahi]

I spent 3 weeks there. Drove all over the country in a Land Cruiser (errr... Toyota Prado) and flew a few times in a Caravan. I highly recommend Tabocon Resort and Hot Springs at the Arenal Volcano. 5 stars! Not exactly cheap but OMG the springs are amazing! You could take a lot of stress out of the trip if you take a shuttle (or Sansa airlines or Nature Air) instead of drive. The roads are pretty hairy, the cliffs high, pedestrians everywhere, and the drivers are madmen. But you will see much more. The Marriott San Jose is a nice place to stay the first and last nights. Get out and see the country!

This is a pretty laid back and passive culture. Hell, they don't even have an Army. Never raise your voice or act aggressive, you won't get anything you want. Many speaks English, expats are everywhere. CR is the most educated and wealthiest country in Central America. Biggest crime is theft. Aggressive crime is very rare. Computers and internet access is readily available. Water is safe to drink.

You will soon learn to live on "Tico Time"! Can't wait to go back.

 

[blzr]

Does anyone have info on General Aviation at Manuel Antonio (MROC). Our trip co-ordinator needs some basic info to arrange our transportation to Puntarenas.

Do we go through customs at the main terminal or is there a GA building to get processed. If so, anyone have the name?

 

[ultrarunner]

Blzr, I fired you all that info in my first post to you.

 

[blzr]

To everyone that has contributed to this thread, Thanks so far for your help. This thread has been indispensable to our upcoming trip. The info shared here is why this website is such a great tool for all pilots and makes all the other stuff on here bearable.

Thanks again everyone!!

 

[Mahi]

Not sure about customs in San Jose. I went commercial. I did fly into Manuel Antonio on a Caravan however. I think it's about 3000' and barely enough room to turn around. Tall trees on each end. I took some video of a Navajo taking off because I thought I was going to have some evidence of a crash. Didn't happen, but the "terminal" is an open air restaurant...... that's it. Arrange transport with the place you are staying. Oh, and pack light... You pay by the pound on the regionals.

 

[johnt1969]

I just got back from Costa Rica last week. If you have to stay in San Jose then try the Grano de Oro. It's a very nice place with a great restaurant. If you don't have to stay in the city then get out and see what the country has to offer.

In the Manual Antonio area I really like the Hotel Costa Verde. Moderately priced, clean and huge rooms. It's set right in the jungle and great views of the ocean from the rooms. There's monkeys all over the place. Get a room in the "CV" building if you can. The adults only pool and bar is right below. Si Como No, La Mariposa and Makanda by the Sea are nice hotels in the area as well. El Avion restaurant is a neat place with decent food. You can't miss it. There's a giant C-123 sticking out the front of it. There's great views from the this place as well. http://www.costaverde.com/avion01.htm

If you can only go a relatively short distance away then go to the Arenal Volcano/La Fortuna area. The vibe is completely different (better in my opinion) from the costal areas and it's incredibly beautiful. I stayed in the Lost Iguana resort in that area but there's lots of nice hotels. The Lost iguana is another place that's set right in the jungle so you'll see lots of wildlife. All the rooms have a great view of the volcano. There's a ton of other nice places to stay in the area including Tabacon and Paraiso.

If you go to the Jaco area there's a some nice resorts over there as well. I stayed in the Villa Caletas. It was amazing. Even if you don't stay there you should definitely go up and see the sunset from the ampitheatre. The Los Suenos Mariott is super nice and has a real fun golf course. There's a bunch of nice resorts in that area. The best meal I ate in Costa Rica was at the restaurant in the Hotel Posidon in downtown Jaco. Good stuff.

Definitely go take some tours. Zip lining, Canyoning (my fav), hiking in the Arenal park... all that stuff. You'll see all kinds of beautiful animals.

Don't expect much from the dining and stay away from the beef. The beef is tough because there's no fat on the animals there. The cattle ranches are all up in the mountains so everything is lean. We found a few good reataurants but for the most part just be happy with rice and beans. The food isn't what you're there for anyway.

I have tons of pictures. Feel free to take a look if you want.

http://picasaweb.google.com/johnandtracy223

 

[blzr]

Hey Ultrarunner, and everyone else that have contributed to this thread, Costa Rica is AMAZING! I have 2 more days to go, and I don't know if I want to go back to the States. The Banana Republics are just fine with me.

The zipline tour we did today was awesome, the food is good, and the locals really do a good job of making you feel welcome. Thanks again everyone for all the info you have given our flight department. I believe that your help has made this trip one to remember for a long time!

Now I am going back to the casino to lose more money at the Blackjack table!

 

[sleepy]

I have stayed in the Grano de Oro and Si Como No. Both great places, I would stay there again.