Guys; I live in Tampa Florida and I have been to Costa Rica several times. Below is some key information that I have learned. Sorry for the long post, but this is the kind of stuff I learned through trial and error. Maybe it will help you make a more enjoyable trip.

AIRLINES
I fly Martinair (http://www.martinair.com) direct from Orlando to San Jose for about $300 round trip. It is a Dutch Airline, reliable air service, terrible website, you really have to call them to book a flight.
I strongly advise against using LASCA or TACA airlines. I had a lost bag nightmare with them that left me in CR for a week with no baggage.

CABS
From the airport to the Del Rey will cost you $12 U.S. You can pay in dollars (I do not recommend getting colones at the airport, it is a hassle) but pay in dollars at the cab window before you get a cab. As everywhere, hailing a cab on the street can be risky.

CURRENCY
I always arrive with dollars only. I pay $12 U.S. at the cab window to go the Del Rey. The Del Rey casino is open 24 hours. You can get colones at the casino cashier at the going rate with no additional charges. In fact, I always go to casinos to change money in CR.

DEL REY http://www.delreyhotel.com
Everything they say and more. After 10pm or so there will be 100+ Ticas, though there are always some around. All are 7’s to 9’s and maybe some 10’s. Talent from all over the Caribbean and Central America. Most in tight jeans and not much make up. I found the Columbian Ticas to be beautiful but bitchy and often demanding more money. It is a buyers market, you will find something that you like. Our first trip in 2001 the best we could negotiate was $100, though of course they would try for more. Last trip I paid $40, take it or leave it. 4 out of 5 will take it. That gets you one hour, maybe more. About double that price for all night. The rooms are clean and reasonably priced. 24 hour casino and restaurant. Near everything.

Staying at the Del Rey an actually be overwhelming.

IDEM (pronounced eye – deem )
This is a brothel about a $4 cab ride form the Del Rey This is a good option if you are staying in a hotel where you cannot take a Tica. It is about 30 feet wide and 200 feet deep. There is a bar along one wall and about 20-30 Ticas sitting along the other wall. Drinks are reasonable. You simply pick one out and go upstairs for $40. Or if you do not see what you like you can leave. No hassling you for girl drinks. It is clean and you can take a shower afterwards. Ticas are 7’s, 8’s, and 9’s, but I swear they work harder here. Ticas here are less likely to speak English (perfecta!). My #1 session ever in CR was here.

Right across the street is Europa, similar set up, no bar, not as clean. I declined to shower here.

Cabbies told me about others and I visited some, but none stand out.

RENTAL CARS
We rented a 4-wheel drive on the first trip because we were going all the way up Rincon (great trip!) and it was a necessity. But on all other trips we have hired taxis or taken a Gray Line bus between cities/locations. I really think that a rental car is just one more thing to worry about.

Cabbies make an interesting ‘tour guide’ for the Monger as well. I think three of us got a cab from San Jose to Jaco for $75 total, one way. No worries, Jack slept off a hangover on the way. The cabbie even insisted we use him for the return trip. Three days later he drove all the way back to Jaco to get us, right on time.

I have also used Gray Line between cities. They basically run a nice airport-like van between all locations on a regular schedule. It is called the ‘Fantasy Bus’ (phone 232-3681 or 220-2126) and it was very cheap, $21 each San Jose/Jaco one-way. The Gray Line website does not list this service though, so ask the often clueless tour guides in the hotel. The Fantasy Bus is my preferred way to go. Here is the Gray Line site; http://www.grayline.com/franchise.cfm/action/details/id/35

SECURITY
Do not walk in San Jose at night. I am told the ‘Ticas’ working the parks are actually transvestites that rob tourists. Otherwise, standard traveling precautions apply.

SPANISH
Contrary to other posts I have seen, it is not necessary to speak any Spanish in CR. 99% of the people you meet in most tourist areas speak English. It is certainly not necessary to speak Spanish to negotiate with a Tica (I mean, how complicated is that discussion anyway?). A few Ticas do not speak English very well, which I consider a blessing.

TOURS
The tour desks in the hotels are pretty good, though they know nothing beyond their own tours. I think I have done every organized tour in Costa Rica, I have seen about 75% of the country. Here is a good operator http://www.expedicionestropicales.com. If you have a specific question, post and I will respond. I have likely been there.


Sorry - I have no pix that are not sexually explicit!!

Nice writeup Foghorn. I spent three months in San Jose back in the summer of 1982 living with a family in Tibas. At the time, I compared Costa Rica to living in the US in the 1940s.

Back then, to get to CR, you had to hit about three other Central American countries on the way down. Lots of take offs and landings--kinda scary actually.

I guess one of the main reasons I haven't been back all these years is because I always want to remember it how it was then. That and there are a zillion other destinations that I want to hit--Colombia and the DR are at the top of the list.

That price from Orlando is a great deal though...

Thanks Gregorio. One of the guide books described CR as 'what Hawaii must have been like 50 years ago.' That is somewhat accurate. Technology-wise they are right up to date. The country is amazingly beautiful but being developed quickly.

I considered moving to CR, but after investigating that on several trips I learned that CR is not much less expensive than here. So it will remain a regular holiday commute.

Foghorn,

I love Idem as well. Do you remember the name of your greatest session?

Rivelino; her name is Janet. Thin hips, real nice tits, and very dedicated to her work.

Here is another item to help the first timer - the Tico Times online www.ticotimes.net. This is a weekly English language newspaper that I found very interesting and informative. The classified ads will give you an idea about prices and they are very entertaing as well. I also strongly recommend the Tico Times book "Exploring Costa Rica 2005". It is the best, most concise guide book available. It is essential if you are considering moving to CR.

Great report Foghorn. I will be visiting CR for the first time in a few days and really appreciate all the advice from your report.

Fog,

Are Costa ticas known for having good bundas/butts? I looking for something at least close the Brazilian bundas?