Costa Rica?

[Timebuilder]

If anyone has tips or experience flying to CR from the Northeast, please respond. Is this an "outlaw" country where we can make inadvertent and serious mistakes? Thanks.

 

[surplus1]

If anyone has tips or experience flying to CR from the Northeast, please respond. Is this an "outlaw" country where we can make inadvertent and serious mistakes? Thanks.

Havent been to CR in quite a while but believe I can still say that Costa Rica is about as far from being an "outlaw" country as all the other Latin American countries combined.

CR is the most "democratic" country in Latin America and it's not a new found democracy. It's people are not anti-American (definitely an exception in most of Latin America). The literacy rate in CR is higher than the equivalent in the US.

Ever since the US "exploits" in neighboring Nicaragua during the Regan administration, CR has been burdened with a huge influx of refugees from the Nicaraguan civil war and it's economy is in a shambles compared to what it used to be. As a result there is now a lot of poverty and crime in the capitol that did not previously exist. However, it's not worse or even perhaps as bad as a NY, Chi or LA. If you feel "safe" in Miami you can feel equally safe in the CR capitol, San Jose. Rural towns are of course better, just as they are here.

Costa Ricans are friendly people, who call themselves "TICOS", are avid environmentalists. If you're into natural forests and wild-life parks, etc., you'll really enjoy it. Lots of "exotic" birds, animals and so on. Surfing is great on the Pacific coast and fishing is excellent on both coasts. Costa Rica can also cater outstandingly to your prurient interests (assuming, of course that you have any such interests).

The country has no military, but does have a civilian police force. There are large communities of retired Americans in several locations and there is even an english-language newspaper published daily ... the Tico Times. There are good hotels and not so good hotels and in the capitol you'll find all the MacD's, Burger Kings, KFC's, etc., to make you feel at home.

It's a poor country compared to the US (which one isn't) but if you go without a chip on your shoulder, a visit to CR can be an interesting experience.

There was nothing unusual about the flying experience the last time I was there. The main airport sits in a valley surrounded by volcanoes that, depending on your aircraft's performance, might require a holding pattern climb out, in IMC conditions, to clear terrain but nothing "difficult". There is daily service by several US carriers.

Hope you enjoy your trip.

 

[Timebuilder]

Thanks.

It sounds as though CR is a big step up from Mexico, which is what I was concerned about.

 

[surplus1]

Well I sure don't want to offend the Mexicans, but IMO CR is quite different from the experiences I"ve had in our neighbor to the south. Of course, the language is Spanish just as it is in Mexico and (for some strange reason) the population tends to prefer to speak its own language.

The Costa Rican people are not descendants of indigenous Indians, unlike Mexico. There were very few indians when the Spaniards first came to CR. However, the influx of native Nicagraguans has modified the "look of the populace" a great deal. Excepting those of Spanish descent, a great many Ticos are descendants of the same European peoples that came to the US in the Ellis Island era, they just speak Spanish.

If you have a positive attitude, I think you can have a positive experience.

 

[ExAF]

Have a blast

Costa Rica is a great destination. While in the AF stationed in Panama, we used to vacation in CR. CR has a booming tourism industry. You can defintiely get by without speaking any spanish. If you have any free time there I would highly recommend a white-water rafting day trip. They pick you up at the hotel in a bus, drive up river, drop you off with all gear and a guide (english speaking if requested), you spend the day rafting down the river with a stop for a swim and lunch on the river, then bus back to the hotel in time for dinner (all for about $35 a head if I remember correctly). There are many other "tours" available and the prices are great. The beaches are great too, but we never went to the beaches since they were no different than what we had in Panama. I think you will find a trip to CR a very pleasant experence. Enjoy!

 

[RFtech]

I concur with all the above posts. (although, I prefer Colombia - very few gringos muching around)

Try and spend a few days if you can, have a great time!

 

[FL000]

The only problem with CR is that it's so civil, you might drop your guard when traveling to other Central American countries. They still have pickpockets and other small time crooks, but all in all, you should have no worries anywhere in the country.

Speaking of Colombia, I wish I had the balls to go. Any tips?

 

[RFtech]

"Speaking of Colombia, I wish I had the balls to go. Any tips?"

Come on down!

 

[surfnole]

Costa Rica is a fantastic country. I've been there three times for surf trips. I has grown/developed incredibly over the past 20 years.

On our first trip, someone siphoned the gas out of our car around midnight while we were in a bar. On the second trip a lady came up and starting groping my friend and solicited prositution as a ploy to steal his wallet. On the final trip a gringo busted into our car at the beach and stole some cash. We were stupid and didn't leave the car empty and unlocked. There is some minor crime like anywhere else.

The locals are very friendly, and the country is fantastically beautiful. You will pay US prices to stay at a US standard hotel. The Irazu is a few miles up the road from the airport. Its a Best Western and runs about 75 a night. They have a shuttle.

There is great surfing in Playa Hermosa just south of Jaco Beach, about two hours from San Jose.

 

[bart]

Just returned from CR Saturday

TB:

I just returned from CR Saturday and had a ball. Use Base Ops to handle you and it will be smooth sailing, they will tell you all that you need and their ground handler in San Jose is excellent. Make sure you have your Cuban overflight and landing permits (I know you won't land there, but if you have to due to unforeseen circumsatnces, the permit is a wise investment, versus paying the fine). You will also need a CenAmer overflight permit.

I am guessing you will refuel in Miami before leaving out. yYou will want to stay either at the Marriott near the airport (very nice) or for some local flavor I recommend the Hotel Del Rey Downtown. Bring cash (1s 5s 10s and 20s) as everyone accepts it. You will have a ball. PM me if you have other questions.

 

[Timebuilder]

Gracias!