"Adventure in Paradise" a Costa Rica Travel Page by doogienj

Wow, what a destination Costa Rica turned out to be. My main objective was an adventure vacation, and I got it.

I went the last week in April which is right before the rainy season starts. I think I timed it perfectly, as the only time I had a downpour was when I arrived.

Some of the tours I did included class 3 white water rafting, arenal horseback riding, ATV, rain forest hanging bridges, canopy tour. I also visited the hot springs at Tabacon (where I stayed) and got a spa treatment to the sound of the rain forest at dusk. Talk about relaxing. See my Arenal Tamarindo and Playa Conchal page for more information.

You can use U.S. dollars pretty much everywhere. The exchange rate when I was there (late April) was araound 430. Which means that 100 USD, is equal to 43,000 Colones. I suggest exchanging colones for things you want to pay for locally in cash. This becuase if you pay a $12 purchase with a $20 bill, not only will they give you local currency in return, but a horrible exchange rate. Your hotel is a good place to exchange.

Credit cards are also widely accepted. Visa and Mastercards are the biggest. Don't expect ATM's everywhere.

For more details I will create seperate travel pages for the places I visited. Arenal, Playa Conchal, and Tamarindo.

I planned the trip to do the adventure part first with 4 nights in Arenal, and then relax and lick my wounds at the beach for 4 nights.

In retrospect I would have preferred 5 nights of adventure and rain forest, and 3 nights of beach luxury. It is really amazing how such a small country can be so diversed and include some many climate zones, and landscapes.

I also learned that this is not a good singles destination, as far as meeting people. 90% are couples, and the other 10% are families.

Oh, and I survived a 6.2 earthquake in Playa Conchal. Since it was my first, I have nothing to compare with. But roof tiles, plates and glasses were breaking all over the place. Nature can be the biggest adventure.

The Costa Rican food is not too exciting. If you care what kind of meat you eat, then stay away from the beef dishes. You don't know what kind of meat it is, and it's pretty tough and cooked medium or well done. Chicken and fish are better bets. I had lunch in local restaurants in La Fortuna a couple of days. Since I like to try new foods, I would order the "plate of the day" without knowing what it was. That will run you $6, and it comes with a drink. Food in general was better at the all-inclusive Paradisus Playa Conchal resort.

For drinks I suggest "Cristal" bottle water. The domestic beer "Imperial" is good, and they have several good coffee liquors.