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DoomBringer321
09-15-02, 05:02
san jose

overview:

prostitution in costa rica is both abundant and legal. unlike the us where the government decides career choices for it's citizens rather than letting the citizens decide for themselves, the costa rican ladies are free to offer their services of sex without the government poking their noses into their bedroom windows to see what they are up to. while many women in the us and other countries become sex workers because of drug and alcohol addictions, rarely is that the case in costa rica (with the exception of the streetwalkers). most ladies of the night in costa rica are there to better their economic situations and care for their families. some will work only a few days per month, while others make it a career choice. you will find women from nicaragua, argentina, venezuela, columbia, dominican republic and even nevada working the streets and, bars and clubs of san jose. light skin, dark skin and everything in between. there are 4 sources of women: escort services, bars, adult night clubs, and massage parlors.

what to expect:

generally, the ladies of the night are very professional which means you get right down to business when they come to your room and once paid, they are out the door. you won't find the affection and attention you get from, for example, the bar girls of the philippines who appear more interested in love and romance than money. the costa rican women are passionate in bed and will put on a fairly good performance. most if not all will insist on condom usage, which is a good idea. don't expect to fall in love or find a girlfriend or wife out of the bar girls. you will not find a bustling nightlife like you would in bangkok, but there are enough places (bars, strip joints, massage parlors, free lancers) to keep a single man happy. certainly, if you come to costa rica, you can expect to have no problems getting laid 7 days a week, 365 days a year. sex is both legal and quite available in costa rica.

women:

you can find all types of women in costa rica. besides costa ricans, or ticas as they are called, you will find filipinas, russians and other europeans.

sex tours are illegal, escort services can be dodgy and not recommended. it is hard to get a girl out of a high class topless bar for less than $300. "$50 for a quick lay" -- an hour in some places; a quick lay costs more like $13.15 right now. ok, precisly $13.15.

colombianas and other south americans are more likely to speak english than ticas or nicas. and the local independent contractors who learn english do so for one reason only: so they can work the high-priced ($100) gringo bars.

costa rican women come in all shapes and sizes and can range anywhere from busty blondes to petite brunettes. you will find girls with blue, brown, and green eyes. some dye their hair blonde to attract more attention. few costa rica women speak english well, so a brush up in your spanish before you arrive will make conversation with the fine ladies go a long way.

cost:

the price for sex varies from girl to girl, but the average cost for a hooker out of the bars is about $50 for a quick lay. this price can double or triple if you take a girl out of the strip clubs or higher class bars. a street girl may go with you for as little as $20 to $30.

legal:

prostitution in costa rica is legal - though pimping and the prostitution of minors under 18 is not, even though it is primarily catholic country. in the u.s. mainly, sex workers (we prefer the use this term rather than prostitutes) have a negative connotation, whether it be streetwalkers, massage girls or escorts. in costa rica, ladies are free to work and without harassment. and while many women in the u.s. and other countries become sex workers because of drug and alcohol addictions, rarely is that the case in costa rica (with the exception of the streetwalkers). most women in costa rica are there to better their economic situations and care for their families. some will work only a few days per month, while others make it a career choice. be sure not to just ask the age of the girl you just met, but to give you proof of age. in costa rica all costa ricans of age will carry a "cedula" with her picture and birth date. for foreigners ie. nicaraguans, panamanians, etc. ask to see her passport.

note that prostitution with a minor is illegal and the costa rican government under pressure from the us has announced new policies to strictly and severely punish those that practice this form of behavior. while the chances of finding an **** prostitute is rare, if you happen to come across one, it's in your best interest to move on to someone else.

drugs:

marijuana is decriminalized, a dismeanor for which you get a ticket. but you would not be able to leave the country if you get one, so drugs - often sold on the streets in gringo gulch - are not a good idea. the other kind of "blow" is also cheap, but cocaine is a felony. avoid drugs here and in fact any country where it is not legal.

SnapperTits
01-21-03, 04:31
ENTRY AND EXIT REQUIREMENTS: Effective May 1, 2003, the Government of Costa Rica will require that all U.S. citizens present passports valid for at least ninety days in order to enter Costa Rica. The Government of Costa Rica has advised that, until that date, adult U.S. citizen will be permitted to enter Costa Rica upon presentation of a U.S. birth certificate and photo identification. The Government of Costa Rica has further advised that minors who are traveling with both parents will also be permitted to enter Costa Rica upon presentation of a U.S. birth certificate and photo identification. Minors traveling alone or with only one parent will need to present a passport.

Jaimito Cartero
01-02-04, 15:39
i just got back from san jose, and thought i'd mention a few things if you're going to drive in costa rica or go to the beach areas.

the main highway is usually in good shape. i still don't think i'd drive at night. be prepared for heavy fog if you're going over any high mountains. make sure your lights are working correctly. my car had only high beams, and are pretty useless in fog at night.

watch for speed signs. cops usually set up at the bottom of hills, or when the speed limit drops dramatically (like when entering a small town). many ticos call the police "chorizoeros", because they want money. i've acted like i don't speak spanish and they've let me go.

really watch for this sign: reductor de velocidad. usually some sort of speed bump. some of these are super nasty, and you can barely get a small rental car over them.

even worse - sometimes there is no sign. on the way to samara beach (nicoya peninsula), halfway between the city of nicoya and samara there are two unmarked huge speedbumps. the first one is going downhill, just before a bridge. you will see my skid marks (and those of many others) before it. i still hit it at about 40kmh, which isn't real good for the car.

the smaller beaches will have badly paved roads, if any. you'll be lucky if you can go 30kmh on these roads.

i felt i got much more value from the smaller beaches. the bigger ones seemed to be more of a ripoff mentality. at samara $100 a night for a room. no tv, and the a/c barely cooled the room.

playa tambor has some nice places (inexpensive and expensive). you might get a better deal through a travel agent on some of these places. if you go with a tica, you might try having her check you in. costa rican nationals often get discounts of up to 50%!

Blind Lust
04-23-04, 18:32
I began researching a mongering trip to CR a couple months ago, and thanks to this Forum (thanks Jackson!), I have found many answers to my questions. In the interest of helping newbies, many of whom may not be adept at searching on the Internet, I offer the following brief summary of my knowledge. Keep in mind that all of this is academic knowledge gleaned from the Internet and this Forum and has no support in real-life experience. I may or may not be able to visit CR within the next six months, until then I'm as much a newbie as any other starting their search for knowledge about CR.

1. Costa Rica is a nation about the size of W. Virginia, bordered by Nicaragua on the north, the Caribbean Sea and Atlantic Ocean on the east, Panama to the south and the Pacific Ocean to the west. As Central America goes, it's a pretty friendly country to gringos, although the usual rules of street smarts apply here. Crimes against tourists (including mongers) seems to be on the increase, although most of the crime is of the pickpocket/purse snatch type. Nevertheless, violence towards Americans has increased a bit over the past five years. Be careful.

2. You _must_speak some Spanish. Yes many ticos speak a bit of English, but sometimes it is helpful for both of you to know some of each other's language. This helps clarify answers to questions and avoid misunderstandings. Your local community college probably offers evening classes on Spanish for beginners. Take one.

3. Marijuana is decriminalized, cocaine is plentiful and inexpensive by U.S. standards. Avoid drugs at all costs. Even with marijuana, you could be detained in the country for a long time until your case is heard. Contrary to what you may have read or been told, you get more than a parking ticket for pot. Avoid the hard drugs. Possession of even a tiny quantity of cocaine can get you seven to ten years in a Costa Rican prison. The Embassy will only offer _very_limited help, should you be arrested. Don't count on Uncle Sam to get you out of trouble with the law.

4. All cities of any size, including San Jose have downtown areas that are laid out in a grid. In all cases, avenues ("avenidas") run east-west and streets ("calles") north-south. Both the x-axis and y-axis of the grids (remember your 7th grade math?) are called "central," i.e. Avenida Central is the east-west avenue which divides the downtown's northern and southern halves, Calle Central is always the north-south street which divides the city's east and west sides. This is very handy to know. If for instance you find directions to a massage place that says, "av.9, entre de calles 7-9, you know for sure that the place you're seeking is in the NE quadrant of the city. And, if you're in a taxi going to that address and suddenly notice that you're at Avenida 12 between calles 12-14, you know that the cabbie has either misunderstood your bad Spanish or else he is seriously trying to rip you off. Write down the directions clearly on a piece of paper or note card and give it to the cabbie, if you're uncertain about your ability to give directions in Spanish.
Adding to the confusion is that Costa Ricans don't use street numbers/addresses. They do refer to landmarks, which may or may not still be standing. The meter ("metro") is the standard unit of measurement when giving directions. One city blockis more or less 100 meters. Be prepared to find locations b ased upon measurements, street/avenue intersections and local landmarks, rather than U.S.-style street/house numbers.

5. The monetary system is the colon. As I write this, US$1.00 = 428 colones. Bills come in ten thousand, five thousand, two thousand one thousand, 500 and 100 colon denominations, coins come in lesser amounts. Be careful to pay in colones when you can; the fluctuating exchange rate can often yield a lot of purchasing power. In the Blue Marlin bar and many other places, dollars are actually preferred, but you may end up paying too much for the convenience of using U.S. dollars. However, if you keep track of the exchange rate, you can often swing a sweeter deal by using your greenbacks. Use common sense when carrying and spending money, don't be afraid to bargain/haggle, especially when you're buying a service.

While we're on paying for service, tipping of waiters is not necessary, as a 10% service charge is added to every restaurant bill. If you do tip, tip with praise and thanks as much as with coin, and keep your tips small (less than 2% of the check). This is a good place to dump some of the 50 centavo coins that merchants will continuously thrust back at you. You can tip taxistas, especially if they've spent a lot of time driving you around. Or if you puked in the taxi. Tip bellboys at $1.00 per suitcase. Room maids get between $.50 and $1.00 per room, per night. Barbers/hairstylists and tour guides are also customarily tipped. And of course, las putas.

While we're discussing money, there are a couple good ways to save some in San Jose. If you're accustomed to taking urban mass transit where you live, the SJO buses are cheap and easy. The 200A bus runs from in front of the airport to just west of the CocaCola bus station, and costs 50 cents U.S. Contrary to popular belief, you won't be sharing the bus with piglets and chickens. Watch for carterristas (pickpockets) who work the buses with more dexterity and skill than you can imagine.

I'm running out of space for this report, so I'll close. If I have made any substantial errors in the report, please post corrections and/or your own opinions. Remember, the above is what I have searched out on this Forum and the Internet and not from real life, but I thought that other beginners might benefit from my research. -BL

Ace00
07-12-04, 15:10
For the exchange rate see

http://www.xe.com/ucc/full.shtml

Change your money at the bank in the airport for the current rate. Slightly less favorable at hotel, and casinos.

See this:

Ace's Five Day Visitors List for San Jose:
Input from CostaKid, Shamas, Nononsense & others:

The following is a list of what to bring with you
on a five day trip to San Jose, fishing for "pink snapper"
and receiving "massage therapy".
It is designed for a first time visitor, and it is expected
that a veteran visitor will have made personal adjustments.



Cash: (cost is $ 800-1400 plus air)

10 one dollar bills, perfect, unmarked, untorn
5 five dollar bills, perfect, unmarked, untorn
5 ten dollar bills, Perfect, unmarked, untorn
10 twenty dollar bills, untorn, unmarked, perfect
9 one hundred dollar bills, perfect, unmarked, untorn
Travelers checks instead of hundreds are ok, but pain to cash
One credit card. ATM card is optional, in lieu of hundreds
Leave extra credit cards at home
The above cash assumes you will pay cash for your hotel.
If you charge your hotel and meals, deduct that sum from the
cash requirement.
Bank Exchange rate is about 438 Colones for 1 US dollar,
( C10,000 = $22.81 ) ( C1000 = $2.28 ) ( C500 = $1.14 ) as of July 2004 -
Changes every day, less favorable at hotel and casinos.
Check the exchange rate before you start the trip. www.xe.com/ucc/full.shtml

Other:

PASSPORT, TICKET, MONEY, carry on board
Photo copy of passport
Drivers License as backup ID & for car rental
Print out or copy of hotel reservation confirmation.
Secure Money belt or secure neck pouch, under shirt. Use in transit
for passport, ticket, money.
Camera, film or media cards, extra batteries, recharger, carry on board.
(I use FilmShield film bags for film).
Ballpoint pen, needed on board for immigration forms.
Sunglasses. Folding umbrella April thru December.
Map of SJO printed out from net, see www.**************.com ,
General Information, A Link Guide, by CostaKid for Lumps map
and other valuable links and info.
See www.dongordo.com
Do your research first.
List of essential names, telephone numbers, e-mail addresses.
Remove non-essentials from wallet and leave at home.




Clothing, year round:

2 pair pants: 1 khaki, and 1 khaki or jeans, (shorts at beach)
Short pants versus long pants a matter of choice. I like long
3-4 shirts: 1 long sleeve, 2 short sleeve (warm days, cool nights, hot bars)
1 old tee shirt, which can be soiled by baby oil, for Park Hotel show
1 light nylon jacket or light jog suit top for mountain touring
1 pair all purpose walking shoes
Socks and underwear for 5 or more days
Swimsuit for beach or jacuzzi, 2 or 3 if rafting or multiple jacuzzi parties
NO (expensive) jewelry
Cheap, but reliable watch, waterproof is best


Toilet stuff

Usual shave kit and toothbrush, etc
Favorite Shampoo, (3-4 mini hotel size containers of same)
(Shampoo may or may not be available at hotel.
Hotel will have soap, but no small wash cloths)
Condoms, dozen of your choice, flavored if desired for CBJs
Vitamin V , for get up and go
KY jelly or liquid, small size, transport in leakproof plastic ziplock bag(s)
Extra toothbrushes for new friends.
Buy mouthwash at local Max X Menos store. Safety caps leak
Asprin for hangovers, Pepto Bismol liquid or tablets for stomach.
Sunscreen for beach or mountains.

Medicines, carry on board:

14 days supply, in case of being stranded by whatever
(It happened to me flying stand-by)
Extra contact lens set, fluids, case
Glasses and Reading glasses, if needed


Optional:

Calculator, ziplock quart and gallon size bags for everything,
Cheap pocket knife & corkscrew in checked luggage,
Plastic cups, inexpensive gifts like perfume, lingerie.
Mini massager, small note pad, small Spanish dictionary.
Portable cheap radio-CD player for room,(leave it to new friend).
Special CDs, book. Small alarm clock. Hat or cap.
Austin House travel neck pouch, or money pouch under belt for around town.
Money clip instead of wallet. Leave wallet in room safe.
Note: reasonably priced booze and mixers are available in stores and at airport.
Roll of USA toilet paper, box of Kleenex
Your health insurance card is probably useless in CR
Cigarettes and lighter for smokers, small candles for atmosphere.


Budgeted expenses for 5 days:

Taxi to hotel $12 (can be shared)
Tips to bell hop $2 arrival and $ 2 check out
Tip to maid for extra towels $ 2
Tip to maid on check out $ 5
Water in bottles $ 4, from bakery next to Presidente hotel
Taxi to airport from hotel $ 12 (can be shared)
Departure tax $ 26
Hotel $ 297 incl tax and safe box key charges (w/ CRT discount)
Food $ 100 - 200 (assumes no "entertaining" ) ?
(Big buffet breakfast included in room rate at Hotel Presidente)
Bar expenses, including drinks for "friends" $ 100 - 250 ??
Fees paid for "massage therapy" and "fishing" $ 200 - 500 ???
Taxis around San Jose at night $ 10 (500 colones each way)
Airport (home) parking $ 40

Optional expenses:

Breakfast or drink at airport $ 7
Drinks on plane $ 8 optional
Cigars $ 50 - 100?? Street vendors sell fakes
Gambling money $ ??
Worthess souvenirs, T-shirts $25 from Central Market
Tours $ 50 - 130
Booze, mixers $ 15
Internet Cafe fees, $ 0-5
Telephone $ ? (buy local prepaid card for long distance at hotel)


Remember that your passport, ticket, money and credit card
are the essential items to keep safe at all times.

_________________

and this:

Ace's Top Twenty Tips:

1. If you change money upon arrival at the airport, it takes 30 min and you must go upstairs in the airport. Travelers Checks are a pain. Use an official orange airport cab. You prepay for the ride. Tip if you wish although it is not required.

1.5 Remember to get your credit card back from hotel check in. Ask for an upper floor for less noise. Tip the bell boy US $2.

2. Get a safe key and or instructions on how to operate it and the A/C.

3. Change some money at check in at the Presidente. Change it at the casino at the Del Rey. Or ask about a real ATM.

4. Find out where to buy bottled water although tap water is safe. The store, one block north of the Del Rey sells it. The bakery next to the Presidente sells it.

5. Have some one dollar bills available for tips. Have a lot of US $1 and 5 bills and a few $10s. All your US dollars must be in perfect condition to be accepted. No tiny rips. No marks. Perfect. Take only perfect bills.

6. Ask the maid for extra towels. Tip her $US 3. Your girl guests will use them for everything.

7. You can buy some booze, snacks and sodas at the nearby Mas x Menos store. It is three blocks East of the Presidente on Ave.Central. Booze is reasonable except for whiskey. No need to bring liquids.

8. Taxis are US $12 from the airport into town, and US $12 for the return taxi ride to the airport. Keep the US bills in reserve for that purpose.

9. Keep US $26 for the airport tax. Buy the tax stamp IN the airport, not at the curb.

10. Keep C500 and C1000 colone bills available for the taxi rides. Cab drivers never claim to have change. There were some new C500 coins the size of a half dollar.

11. Keep your passport, air ticket, wallet, jewelry, medicines and money in the safe. Only carry what you will spend. Use a money belt. Most experienced travelers there do that. Don't bring expensive jewelry or watches. Some travelers carry a photo copy of their passport and their entry stamp as well as a 5000 colone bill for a bribe if needed.

12. Bring extra US made condoms. The little Korean made ones sold in CR are sized for Asian guys with tiny weenies. Bring lubricant. Girls like the liquid type.

13. If you bring a folding umbrella in the rainy season (April - Nov.) pack it in your CHECKED bag. You cannot carry it on the plane from San Jose. Different rules there. Yes, true. Do not ask why. Also no aerosols or matches on board. You may wish to bring a ballpoint pen and small note pad. A ball point is needed to fill out immigration forms on board.

14. Before you go, download and print a map of the action spots in San Jose. See DonGordo.com

15. In general don't wear shorts unless at the beach. Only tourists wear shorts and you will stand out. Try to blend in for less hassles. On the other hand sometimes they are fun to wear in a bar with the girls... Generally cotton pants and jeans are acceptable everywhere. T shirts/ polo shirts or short sleeves in the day and long sleeves at night. One pair shoes should do. Light jacket for the mountains. I bring 2 pants, 4 shirts, 1 pr. shoes, light jacket, and underwear -total for one weekend or one week. Add swimsuit if the beach or jacuzzi is planned.

16. A safe place to exchange money is the Hotel Del Rey casino. You may or may not be able to change Colones back to US Dollars when you are ready to leave. Use them to pay your hotel bill and charge the rest if you wish.

17. Be alert walking the streets at all times- Especially Central Ave and Second Ave. Watch out for pickpockets and being stopped and talked to by strangers for ANY reason. Be aware of who may bump you and who is following you and why. Do not wear a fanny pack as it is a pickpocket target. Don't stop and give to street beggars. Do not buy cigars from street vendors. Do not even think about buying or using weed or drugs unless you want to spend a year in jail awaiting trial, just for starts. Never walk the streets after dark. Never. Do not ever be drunk in public on the street. Taxis are cheap, even from the Blue Marlin to the Presidente after 10 PM. Always take a taxi to the Idem bar, and to and from the Park Hotel after dark. Most chica bars/places are in bad neighborhoods, so you have been warned.

18. Learn the going rate for girls. Do not pay asking price at the Blue Marlin. Negotiate down. Speak Spanish, even a little. Explore alternatives to the Blue Marlin. Be a good Gringo and not a bad example. TREAT ALL GIRLS WITH RESPECT at all times. You will be repaid tenfold.

19. Tip the girls for a good time. Suggested gifts include perfumes, lingerie, condoms, cosmetics, and cash.

20. As of 9-03 the exchange rate was $1 = C438. Or C1000 = $ 2.28 Thus a beer for C900 is about $2.00. Thus, a quote of C10,000 (diez "dee-ess" mil) is $22.81.

NastyBoy
07-10-05, 18:03
Nice post Ace and thanks for the tips.

Tip 12 in your top 20 is really funny. I usually do bring my own, LifeStyles ultra thin, but I let one girl use one of hers and you are right it was tiny. And it was even thinner than mine. I tried it and it was ok because it didn't cover the entire phallus, it was really thin, it covered the most important part and it stayed on. She said she could get me more, but I never saw her again.

Tip 12 reminded me of that. Really funny.

NB

Ace00
07-11-05, 15:59
Thank you NastyBoy.
Some of my advice is a bit dated.
The exchange rate is now about $1 equals C477.
The Park Hotel is now closed.
A good map can be found at
http://www.**************.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=531&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=15

One hundred dollar bills are hard to exchange due to suspicion of being fake.
ATMs work well for cash. There is a real one upstairs outside the entrance to the airport that you can access when you arrive. The change booth in the baggage claim area is a ripoff.

A duty free store in the airport sells Stoli for $7 a liter which you can access in the departure and arrival areas, before you clear immigration upon arrival and after you clear immigration upon departure.

And yes condoms in CR are smaller.

NastyBoy
07-12-05, 02:10
Great map...best I've seens so far. I'd like to find one that shows the flow of traffic. There are so many one way streets, it's really hard to tell until you come up on them.

Appreciate the map. Maybe now I'll make it to Oasis.

Thanks.
NB

Prolijo
07-12-05, 03:43
Thanks for letting the cat out of the bag, Ace. Unfortunately if you guys want to access my website you'll need to check out CRT first.

Nastyboy, great minds think alike. I've thought about adding arrows to GR's map. Maybe we'll have that on the next edition. BTW, did you get a chance to try clicking on any of the map icons? If you had you would have seen pop-up pictures of all the places indicated. Yet another cool feature.

Ace00
07-12-05, 17:22
Sorry Chase Star,
I did not intend to let the cat out of the bag.
I changed the link to the standard CRT map.
Ace00

NastyBoy
07-13-05, 00:51
Sorry, no, I did not notice the mouse over feature. Shit. Greed got the better of me again. All I did was download a copy of the pic. Now I don't know how to get back to it since the link now goes to a message board. But it's still very helpful.

The arrows would be great since that would help me with directions for the taxi drivers who don't know how to get where I'm going.

One cool thing I learned about taxi driver "speak" on my last visit was to ask for "the Maria". I always had a small problem getting to Zona Blue from Downtown Best Western even though it looks like it's only seven blocks away. As we approach there is a new street not listed on the maps called 3B and we have to loop around the one way streets to get there.

Ace is right on about the street beggars and tourists wearing shorts. I wore some the last time and the minute I hit the sidewalk, bang! there she was...asking for money.

Thanks guys. Got another visit planned and all this will help make me feel like a veteran.

NB

NastyBoy
07-13-05, 22:40
Ok Chase...found my way back and man that is one hell of a map...thanks for the directional arrows on the streets too....that is very helpful.

You must be a programmer to get all those features working. If you could convert it to a downloadable java ap for small devices you could probably sell it.

Great work.

NB

Trottle Buck
07-15-05, 17:00
I'll be in CR in August the 3 first week. , any one around that time?

NastyBoy
07-23-05, 01:09
I never said I didn't like the tour itself...although the river was kind of tame...it was walking down the mountain to the river that caught me by surprise.

Orgasm Donor
07-23-05, 15:35
I have had no problem finding Durex Comfort condoms (made in Canada) in Costa Rica, as long as you go to a drug store. A lot better than the "compress-wrap" condoms you get from Ticas or for cheap. A little more circulation room for us larger guys, a little more safety margin. I usually bring Trojan Magnum condoms, but dont get the ones with weird lubes on them. From the expressions on the Ticas faces, they must taste terrible! Just get the plain Magnums.

So if you are burnin' more rubber than you planned, this is a good choice.

O.D.

Jaimito Cartero
07-27-05, 19:13
AA seems to be blowing out some sales to CR. Especially from Orlando. Dates are August 29-Nov 11. Here's the email from travelzoo.com

Here are just a few sample roundtrip fares:

* Orlando - Costa Rica ..... $126
* Tampa - Costa Rica ..... $155
* Charlotte - Costa Rica ..... $237
* Boston - Costa Rica ..... $267
* Hartford - Costa Rica ..... $274
* New York - Costa Rica ..... $274

So far I've only found the fares on aa.com - They may show up on other booking engines soon though. Add about $70 or $80 for taxes and fees.

KYJ
08-19-05, 13:29
Because of the elections on Feb. 5, Costa Rica will prohibit the sale of alcohol that day and the preceeding one. Thus on Superbowl weekend, Costa Rica will be dry.

The bars can open but no booze is sold. Only cokes and so on. Some bars choose not to open.
Last election even Idem was closed.

Plan your trip accordingly.

Jaimito Cartero
08-19-05, 19:31
I've heard that some bars, especially gringo orientated ones have gotten around this in previous years. While I wouldn't count on it, there is a lot of "getting around" this regulation.

You can always stock up in your room, I guess. :)

Dr Travel Man
08-24-05, 16:02
Hello gentleman,

I have been to LOS several times. I have been to the DR twice. I was planning to go back to LOS on the 8th of Sept for a couple of weeks. Unfortunaltley, my business may not allow it. I have 2 questions I need help with. First, I want somewhere nice to stay that is girlfriendly so I am thinking the DelRey. But I am curious about the sportsmanlodge and information on it would be appreciated.

I also am changing my trip so I will only be there Sunday thru Wednesday. Will I have a great time being there but not on a weekend?

Thanks for any advice in advance.

ThunderPants
08-24-05, 17:52
The Sportsman Lodge is a better choice than the Del Ray IMO, rooms and service are better. During my last visit July 18 Monday - Thrusday the bar offered a fine selection of ladies every night. The ladies were better dressed an less agressive and semed friendlier or should I say less business like.

Music and food were excellent.

It is a short walk to Del Ray and gulch or a cab ride is less than $5.

Carnal1
08-24-05, 18:54
FYI,, Sunday thru Wednesday should be fine. Alot less competition for the girls so the prices and availability will be on your side. Monday night may be the slowest of all the nights but really, no worries,, may have a choice of only 50-60 girls instead of 80-100 like the weekend BUT will be alot less men as well.

Try the Presidente's newly refurbished section. I have heard good things and will personally visit them next week.

Have fun

Rabo Verde
08-24-05, 19:08
Absolutely the Sportsmens, no question.
Be sure to make reservations as soon as possible, as they are getting very popular!

Lorenzo
09-08-05, 07:14
I am posting this here because Costa Rica appears to be the most frequently posted Central American site. Here is my question: I have never been to Central America, although I am a veteran Brazil monger, and I speak pretty good Spanish. I am thinking about taking a mongering trip through Central America during the (North American) winter, visiting all 7 countries. After doing a Google search, I found Tica Bus, http://www.ticabus.com/index.php, which appears to have luxury buses going to every Central American country except Belize. My idea is to fly to Guatemala, take Tica Bus from there all the way to Panama, then back to Honduras, then find a way from Honduras to Belize, then fly home from Belize, of course sampling the pussy in all 7 countries and duly filing reports. I hope to do this in a 30 day period. I'm retired and have plenty of money (yes, I'm a dirty old man), so I'll probably stay in first class hotels, unless I see a monger hotel specifically recommended.

So back to the question: what do those of you experienced in Central America think of this idea, especially the Tica Bus part? Their rates seem reasonable and the buses look good. My only concern is safety, since I am an obvious gringo. I have heard of buses getting highjacked, and I know that bus stations are often dangerous places, although I plan to arrive during the daylight hours whenever possible. So what do you mongers think? Is this a crazy idea, or would you wish me well and tell me to give it a go? Any feedback would be appreciated.

Lorenzo

Prolijo
09-08-05, 16:17
Lorenzo,

I haven't been to all of Central America but I have been to a few different places there and have traveled by bus. So here are a few of my thoughts. The short answer is definitely yes. What you roughly describe is certainly doable though I might have reservations or questions about certain aspects of it.

First regarding safety & crime, I've also been to Brazil and would say this if you're a veteran of the streets of Rio and survived you probably have enough street smarts to survive traveling by bus through Central America. Obviously, there are certain aspects of bus travel that are unique. The bus terminals are nearly always in the not so safe parts of town. If you arrive anywhere after dark, which is not uncommon, be even more careful. Always keep as close a watch as possible on your luggage. Try to get off the bus ahead of the rest of the crowd or someone might "accidentally" grab your bag by "mistake". Of course, traveling on the TicaBus direct "luxury" routes will probably put you in with a slightly wealthier crowd than with local buses, but I assume you'll also be taking some local buses to get around to see some of the countries you visit beyond the capitals and I wouldn't really let my guard down on ANY of the buses you take. Finally, it should be noted that Nicaragua is the one country that is particularly noted for bus pickpockets, perhaps even on par with the pickpockets of Rio.

The other aspect of safety is that of traffic accidents. From what I've seen the TicaBuses are well maintained, but they still have to travel on the roads of Central America which are not always in the best of repair. You might be tempted to take some night routes, given the number of hours you will be spending on the roads, but that is not always possible or desirable when it is for good reasons. Driving at night is even more dangerous than driving during the day. Most of the TicaBus route from Guatamala to Panama is during the day with nightly stops in El Salvador and Nicaragua. The notable exception is the final 18hour leg from San Jose to Panama City, which leaves SJ at 10 at night (although from what I understand of the Cerro de Muerte section of road, you may be better off being in the dark about where the driver is steering). I've also seen a report that the border crossing at Paso Canoas is a bureaucratic nightmare, even by central american standards. For that part you might consider either springing a little extra to fly (safer and quicker) or breaking up your trip by going a different route (with stopovers in Cahuita/Manzanilla CR & Bocas del Toro, Panama since you'll have only seen the Pacific Coast by that point)

The other thing that struck me about your itinerary is that you plan on spending a full 43 hours on the road between Guatamala and Panama, not including any road delays, getting to and from the bus terminals, arriving early at the terminals and waiting, delayed departures and more waiting, etc. Travel by bus may be cheap and TicaBus may make it more comfortable than local buses but there is no getting around how timeconsuming it can be and that goes beyond the scheduled travel times. I'm not saying you shouldn't do it. I'm saying you should be prepared for that. But getting back to what struck me is why would you repeat the bus journey all the way back to Honduras adding yet another 45-50 hours of road time? Thats close to 100 hours of road time total. If your travel days averaged 8 hours each that would mean you'd be on the road at least 12 "vacation(?)" days of your 30 days. Not a great ratio. And that doesn't even include any bus time to get to see the many sights that are not at the primary bus stops along the Pan American Hwy. I'm sure there are better ways to do it that would still incorporate plenty of low cost bus travel.

You could use more air travel with little if any extra cost. First, you want to check into what they call an "open jaw" ticket. You don't have to leave Central America from the same city that you arrived. Consider flying into Gutemala City (GC) or San Pedro de Sulas or Belize City and fly out of Panama. Second, it is possible you could do a free stopover. If your flight to GC goes by way of San Pedro de Sula or Belize they may not care whether you leave on the last leg on the next flight 2 hours later or take the same flight 2 days later. Third, on particularly long legs of your journey, that you can't break up with stopovers, or gaps where there is little of interest to you or simply to avoid having to travel on dangerous roads at night, you might want to consider splurging for the cost of a local jumper flight.

As an example of that last case, consider this. After you arrive in Guatamala but before you start your TicaBus journey, you'll probably want to check out the area. Most of the more interesting parts of Guatamala are pretty close to the capital - Antigua, Lake Atitlan, etc. The big exception is Tikal which is north of Flores. You could take one of the local buses that stop at every town and which jam your knees into your chest (no exxageration, I've taken other local buses there). The luxury bus to Flores leaves at 7:30pm and arrives at 7am and cost $22.50. Personally, I shelled out the extra cash and flew there in an hour or two. The road from Flores to Tikal is very smooth and you can also take a bus to Belize from there that takes about 5-6 hours. Or you could fly into Belize and do that itinerary the other way around.

As for land travel between Belize and Honduras, I'm not sure if that can be done or at least how easily. At the very least you would have to pass back through Guatamala. Most land transportation routes in Central American countries are focused on their capitals. If you have to pass through Guatamala, I'm willing to bet it will be much easier to get between Belize and Honduras by way of GC. You will probably be best off doing a stopover if you can in San Pedro de Sula or Tegucigalpa on your way to GC, doing a Tikal/Belize loop with a flight between GC and Flores and/or a one way flight back from Belize. Also consider doing a side trip from GC to Copans in Honduras (5.5hrs each way). Or if you stopped over in San Pedro in Honduras you could go to Copans by express bus (3 hours each way). Or even better, whether you can work a stop over or not, fly into San Pedro and go by bus to GC stopping at Copans along the way and then do the Tikal/Belize loop before hopping on the Tica Bus to El Salvador and beyond. And fly out of Panama City to get home.

I hope this was at least a little help.

Lorenzo
09-08-05, 22:29
Chase Star,

Many thanks for your very thorough response. Your point about spending so much time on the bus, including the inevitable delays, is well taken. I actually do plan to buy an open jaw ticket, arriving in Guatemala City, then departing from Belize. The reason I had planned on taking the bus back from Panama City to Honduras is because the Tica Bus route from GC to Panama City doesn't go through Tegucigalpa, and I thought it might be easy to get from Teg to Belize. After thinking it over, it might be better to fly into Belize, then get from Belize to GC somehow, take Tica Bus from GC to San Salvador, then detour to Tegucigalpa, then get from there to Panama City via Nicaragua and Costa Rica, flying home from Panama City. One way or another, I'll work it out.

As general rule, if I'm not pressed for time and it's not obviously dangerous, I generally prefer traveling overland to flying, for a number of reasons. You get to see the local towns, and it is always possible to get into a conversation with locals. I never miss a chance to hone my language skills.

Anyway, thanks for your thorough response. Be assured that there will be reports from me--monger related and otherwise--once I commence the trip.

Lorenzo

Jaimito Cartero
09-08-05, 22:40
I've taken the Ticabus from SJO-MGA a time or two. While I think "luxury" is a bit overstated, it is a nice bus. Last time I took it, it was about $20 RT. You do need to watch your bags, and some of the stations aren't in the best neighborhoods. Just remember not to sit within a few rows of the toilets.

A couple of options for flights. You can either use some miles for an award, which can be just 10k or 15k within Central America, or get an open jaw. For some reason, many of the inter-CA flights can be expensive for actual purchase.

Prolijo
09-09-05, 01:11
Lorenzo,
I think you still might not be getting my points. Even leaving out of Panama City, you will still be spending a LOT of time getting to the terminal early so you can get a good seat, waiting for the buses, time spent on the route, possible traffic delays, tailoring your schedule to fit the buses departure times, lost time due to unpublished scheduling changes, missed connections etc. At some point you are going to go off the Tica Bus route. What happens if at some point you get on the wrong bus or the local instead of the direct or miss your stop? It sounds stupid, but such things are easier to have happen than you would believe. I'd worry about things like that far more than getting hijacked. If you have tons of excess time built into your "plan", you can just go with the flow when things go wrong. If you're on a tight schedule, such things can really mess you up. And you sound like a guy who wants to put together a fairly tight plan.

I'm NOT saying not to travel by bus. I LOVE to travel by bus for the same reasons you've stated: opportunity to view the country from the ground, pass through towns I would not have seen otherwise and a chance to practice my language skills with locals. I had an excellent multi-hour conversation last trip with a tico, he in broken english and me in broken spanish, about everything from US foreign policy to soccer.

What I was trying to say is that you might be trying to bite off too much for just 30 days. Even without time spent in transit, 7 countries in 30 days comes out to only a little over 4 days per country, basically just a sampler of each country. Presumably you're going to want to break up your bus journeys into no more than 4-6 hours chunks as much as possible. Each chunk will take up the better part of a day, with all the time spent as described above, finding and getting to your hotel and getting settled etc. That means close to a third of your time will be travel days and essentially shot. True the time spent looking out the bus window has some value, but not as much as time spent on the ground. None of this is to say this would still not be worthwhile, but IMHO, it is getting to be close to the borderline and there is little room for error. The only ways to increase ground time (meaning on the ground rather than on a bus or a plane) is to either take a longer trip, cut out some countries so less bus time is required or substitute 1 or 2 of your longer bus segments with a much quicker air flight.

The other thing that struck me about your posts is that you seem to be relying on the internet for your planning. The internet is a great tool but it is not all that is out there, particularly when you are talking about third world bus travel. Most operators have little if ANY web presence. Most of those with websites don't update them and the schedules and rates may have changed radically. Ticobus is one of the few that markets heavily on the web and is more up to date, which is why you were able to find it. It is also why more Gringos find it. There will be plenty of locals on the TicoBus, but being an international through bus you will find a much higher percentage of other gringos than you would on the real local buses. If you have to have your whole route planned out and timed before you go than TicoBus is definitely the best way to go, but it might lead you into schedules and itineraries that might not be the best if you left yourself open to other possibilities (such as how to work Honduras into your schedule without backtracking all the way back up the isthmus).

This isn't the Belize section or even the Guatemala section, but let me say this if mongering is your goal, Belize seems to get by far the least postings here of any country in Cental America. And if you will be getting better mongering elsewhere on your trip, why are you going there other than to just be able to say you were there? Most people go to Belize for the cayes and snorkling, diving or fishing rather than for mongering. If you're planning to land there and spend one night or two before hitting the road for GC, you might as well skip it, since you won't really have enough time to get out to one of the cayes and will just be adding a lot of extra drive time.

If that hasn't dissuaded you. Here is some info I found that might help. I can't swear how accurate it is. "There is an express bus from there to Flores or Tikal everyday at 9:30 AM or 3:30PM. It costs $20 US one way and takes 3.5 hrs to Flores. You can call them direct at 011-501-227-2599." I've heard other reports that this route normally takes 5-6 hours including border crossing. You also might be able to book on a faster shuttle bus to Tikal with one of the tour agencies in BC. You could also check with Lineas Dorado http://www.tikalmayanworld.com/reservations/index.htm. For some reason their website only lists their schedule from GC to Belize, but obviously they go both ways. Their "tourist" class bus between Flores and Belize is $17 o/w and their "luxury" (notice JC that I've been using quotes too) bus between GC and Flores is $30 o/w. Figure at least 2 nights at Flores or nearby Tikal so that you have at LEAST 1 full day to explore the ruins, otherwise you're just running through it, plus the big thing is to catch the sunset and sunrise from atop one of the mayan pyramids which requires at least 1 night stay by themselves. You can begin to see that if you don't stop at various places along your route to get out and explore areas (that you may never return to) you'll really be missing a lot.

As for El Salvador>Tegucigalpa, you might try Crucero del Golfo 33-7415 does the 7hr (ie 2 days out of 4 in travel) trip for $15 each way, but that is OLD OLD info. Interestingly, although it looks much further it actually is also only a 7 hour trip to Teguc from Managua, so if you could probably as easily do a loop from there. Or, if you decide to cut out Belize and Tikal, instead of a loop from El Salvador, you could go from GC to the Copans Ruins like I said before, take a 7 hr bus to Teguc and then to El S and hook up with Tica Bus there. Only about an extra 1-2 hours of drive time and you get to see some other important Mayan ruins. For 3 more hours of drive you can even go from the ruins to San Pedro de Sula before going to Teguc.

These are all just my opinions, for whatever they are worth. Others are certainly free to disagree. Also apologies to everyone else here for going so far off the subject of CR. Lorenzo, if you would like any more advice from me, feel free to PM

Grand Pollo
09-09-05, 01:57
..... I'm retired and have plenty of money (yes, I'm a dirty old man), so I'll probably stay in first class hotels, unless I see a monger hotel specifically recommended.

You have got a lot of advice but here it is. Fly. Between TACA, Tikaljets, and some of the smaller carriers you are not out all that much and you are going to waste hours and hours bored to death on the buses which are not the safest things in the world anyway. The crossing at Nicaragua/Costa Rica can take 2 or 3 hours in contrast to the hour or less to fly. Just fly. If you have plenty of money then spend some, and the adventure I think you crave will turn to exhaustion after the first half of the first trip.

Lorenzo
09-09-05, 05:04
Once again, thanks to everyone for all the good advice and valuable information. I'll definitely give more thought to flying, at least through some of these destinations. I probably mention that one of my goals is gaining membership in the Travelers Century Club, which requires having visited 100 or more countries. This may explain why I want to go to Belize. I have about 30 more to go; visiting all 7 Central American countries will narrow it down to 23 more. Thanks again, guys. I'll be sure to post.

Lorenzo

Rabo Verde
10-27-05, 01:20
BOY THAT MUCH TICABUS would be a nightmare! The buses are O.K. but the ROADS are a nightmare. Sign up at www.taca.com and then book BY INTERNET a MULTI-CITY trip. You should be able to fly to just about every C/A country for less than $1,000, and get AA miles I believe. This only works if you sign up as a member and book online.
http://www.taca.com/eng/res/ronl/ronlmulcit.asp
Sounds like a fun trip, by the way, if you want company, PM me.
Also see:
http://www.exitotravel.com/flights/multi_country.htm
http://www.gapadventures.com/tour/JSC
http://www.gapadventures.com/tour/JCS

Travel Fun
11-11-05, 00:05
Anyone traveling from San Jose to Panama City by bus should know that the border crossing at Paso Canoa is indeed a confusing mess. I did it last year, and found out that spending $5.00 to hire one of the touts that linger around was well worth it.

First of all, there are at least three different places you have to go to to get across legally. And you have to get off of your bus, which then drives away! I was thinking, oh shit, now what?

Second, you can cross the border and get deep into Panama (or CR) without making the proper connections and getting your passport and visas straight. That will cause you grief downstream and severe headaches.

Third, your guide will make sure you get to the front of the lines by pushing his way up there. All you have to do is act stupid and follow him along and the locals will not make a scene.

The way it happend for me was a guy started trying to help me by telling me where to go. As soon as I started agreeing with him, he took over the whole process, walking with me to each stop and waiting for me to get through. I never mentioned payment to him, and he didn't ask for any money upfront. But by the end of the process, it was so clear to me that he had earned a tip that I paid him $5 with pleasure. I spoke with another person on the same bus who paid $8, but that seemed a bit much to me. It took about a half hour of his time, and $10 an hour is a pretty good salary in CR.

I never gave him any money until I was next to my bus again, which I would never have found in time without the guy's help, I might add. The bus only waits about 45 minutes, and you know how much concern they have for a late gringo! Frankly, if I took the same bus again, I would probably pay a tout again because it's too hard to remember where everything is.

I started from San Jose in the morning, and it was a very scenic ride all the way to David. I laid over in David and went up to Boquete for a couple of days, which was very quiet and restful. Then I proceeded to Panama City. The ride in Costa Rica is on crummy roads - CR has a terrible road system. The ride from the Panama border to Panama City is almost all on a divided four lane highway - I suspect courtesy of US tax dollars some time ago. But the Panama government seems to be spending the money to keep the roads up, so it's quite a difference from most other CA countries.

So the bus ride between Panama City and San Jose is not so bad, but it will take about 20-24 hours all told.

WilliamWalker
11-13-05, 19:54
Travel Fun, how about this report from another:


In case you ever consider a bus trip to or from Panama ...:

From Inside Costa Rica Aug 3, 04:


No Mans Land, Paso Canoas, Costa Rica
By traveler: chefortune

The border crossing between Costa Rica and Panama has to be the least hospitable in Central America, if not in the entire continent. Today I crossed it on bus for the second time in a place called Paso Canoas (the passing of canoes) and I really wish I was passing gently down a serene river on a canoe instead of going through the red tape mayhem they have set out for tourists here.

The first time around, I was heading northbound with all my luggage from Panama City to San José, and I hit the border at around 5 a.m., after roughyl 8 hours of overnight travel. All 60 passengers disemabarked and grabbed their luggage from the underneath compartments, then were ushered into a dingy room and made to wait for more than an hour until the border patrol opened up. Then began the search...a three-ring circus that began with them strategically positioning us in various parts of aforementioned dingy room, whilst having us line up the luggage in neat rows. In came a drug sniffing dog that merrily leapt and sniffed among the rows of bags as we looked on. All except for a blind man on the bus who was rightly wondering what the hell was going on.


After the pooch was taken back out, we were asked to orderly line up to have our bags searched. Thus began the frenzy of everyone trying to find their cases in the rows and get back in line to have one of the two officers massacre their neat packing jobs with grubby hands, throwing books, sunscreen and lingerie flying in all directions on the worn counter. Every bag was gone through in this manner, by only two officials. So for 60 people, times at least two cases each, plus backpacks, purses and the odd bodybag (ok, not really), there were more than 200 pouches of crime in all to be sifted through. When it came to my turn, the flary-nostrilled cretin beholden to the search of my boxers and socks had trouble figuring out why I was Irish but lived in Argentina. This conundrum, which one could physically see being twirled around in his head, came out in the eloquently grunted question,"Are you an (expletive) gaucho?" Having answered in the negative, I could see he was pained to have to think once again. His next ploy was to try and figure out how it could be possible that the person in front of him, frail and tired at 5 am after a long bus ride, could be the same person in the passport photo of what was surely a happier moment several years earlier. "You used to be fat," was his epiphanous summation of this mental puzzle. After several minutes of such pithy conversation with the official, I was on my way.


The fun was far from over yet, though, as the bus took off with our luggage to the other side, while we were left to deal with Panamanian immigration. AKA the place where you buy a $1 stamp which was the brainchild of a local politician, for the sole reason to make him money. Ingenious.


After this, we had to enter the obstacle course of the physical border crossing--a stretch of a couple hundred metres of dust, potholes, a giant truck wash and seedy looking businesses. Then the mirror process of immigration lines and bag searching began on the Costa Rican side.


Nearly a full four hours after arriving 200m down the road, we headed off once again, only to be stopped three more times on the road for passport checks done by police. At one of these, two unsuspecting Jamaican ladies who had forgotten to get the Costa Rican stamp were hauled off to be carted back to the hinterlands of the border crossing.


A month later, I was hurtled back into this fray once again, this time consolidating my luggage in hopes of a smoother time. However, the wily border crones had a better scheme set up for me this time, which was a crossing in broad daylight. As soon as we disembarked and lined up on the Costa Rican side, we were flanked by a crowd of K*ds offering to show us the way to the Panamanian side. Since there is only one road in Paso Canoas, and only one direction to get to the other side, this seems like a no-brainer and the K*ds are usually shooed away at first.


But the knee-high knowitalls are persistent and follow you all the way down, and they actually become useful after a while, when you buy your $1 useless stamp and face off with the growling border official who persists to ask you a series of questions despite having all the answers in front of him on a piece of paper you just handed him.


At the end of this process, they tell you that they decided you have to buy a tourist card (only sometimes and for some travellers, apparently depending on their mood--two Canadians travelling on my bus needed one also, but two Brits did not, even though they tried waving money to buy one, just to be safe, but were refused). This is where the pestering K*ds actually became useful, dragging us off to a little hidden away office where the toursit cards are issued.


Here I was pitted against another official who asked all questions whose answers lay right in front of her. When she asked which Ireland I was from and I told her, I was told it didn´t exist. Silly me, there is no Republic of Ireland, just South Ireland. South Ireland is my new citizenship.


Anyway, after forking over my $5 for this completely useless bit of paper saying that this poor schmuck from South Ireland can have 90 days in Panama, I returned with my pint size guides, whom I was kind of warming up to at this point.


Back to grunting official number one, who, despite the lack of a queue at this point, waited a good 2 minutes before talking to me. Then he told me I needed another piece of paper that the previous official hadn´t given me.


A mad dash back through the dust, and the paper was there. "It must have dropped" she told me. Right. Back for a third time to the grunter, who by this time was actually gone. In his place was a border official who was all smirky and persisted in calling me Fortune, as he asked me a series of questions, the answers to which were on the papers in front of him.


Then, escorted by the lollipop guild representatives, I went to have my bag examined, hauling it up and proudly unlocking it and opening it up ready for inspection. The official took one look at my passport and asked, though the answer lay in front of him, "Where are you from?" South Ireland I responded, then he handed the passport back and told me to go ahead, I was finished. He didn't even bother to see that I had packed clean underwear this time.


The K*ds all lined up around for their reward for a job well done, more joining up with the two who had helped me out from the start (or more accurately, bugged the hell out of me in the start, then helped me later on). Apparently all the town were their cousins and felt that through their blood relation were entitled to some contribution on my part as well. Though they were happy enough to be told that I would look for them specifically on my next voyage through. Next time, however, it will be a serene passing in a canoe.

Lorenzo
12-10-05, 07:29
Greetings Gentlemen,

Those of you with long memories may remember that I posted a request for help a few months ago when I was considering traveling through Central America by Ticabus, and I asked if others thought this would be doable on a 30-day trip. I received several excellent responses, especially from Chase Star, who was especially generous with his time, and from Grand Pollo. In addition, there were very interesting reports from Travel Fun and William Walker, not posted in response to my request, discussing the nightmares encountered in crossing from Costa Rica to Panama. In response to this sage advice, I have decided to take what appears to be the only sane option: to fly. Since the coming months appear to be high season in CA, I decided to book well in advance, so my trip will be in March and April.

Now although I am an experienced traveler and monger, I am new to CA. Consequently, I was astonished to find out how really cheap it is to fly within CA (I emphasize WITHIN CA; the international flights are still on the pricey side). For the benefit of those who may be interested in jetting around this part of the world, I'll post a little information. I'll be arriving in Belize City March 10 and departing from Panama City April 9, exactly 30 days. During that time I'll be taking the following flights: Belize City-Guatemala City, Guatemala City-Flores, Flores-Guatemala City, Guatemala City-San Salvador, San Salvador-San Pedro Sula, San Pedro Sula-Tegucigalpa, Tegucigalpa-Managua, Managua-San Jose, and San Jose-Panama City. The total cost of these flights: US$1056.90. When you consider that there are a total of 9 flights, this turns out to be quite a deal, an average of $117.43 per flight. It makes me wonder why I considered taking the bus at all. That's about the equivalent of what I have paid on each leg of an airpass in Australia, India, and South America. I booked it through Exito, www.exitotraveltravel.com. However, anyone considering a trip of this complexity would be well advised to call them at 1-800-655-4053. I suggest that you have your itinerary already in hand when you call, and just rely on Exito to book the ticket.

I was not so fortunate in finding a good international rate. For the open jawed ticket I wanted, I couldn't find anything under $800, even from a consolidator, and frequent flyer seats weren't available.. Since a business class ticket was only $400 more, I said WTF and booked a business class ticket on Delta for $1200. Maybe others could do better as you get closer to departure time.

Now I don't know if I'll be mongering in all of these countries, but I certainly plan to in most. From my research on this forum, pickings appear to be slim or nonexistent in Belize; Honduras and, especially, Nicaragua don't appear especially inviting. On the other hand, Costa Rica seems to rival Brazil as monger heaven, and surprisingly El Salvador appears to be an excellent spot for mongering, at least judging from the reports on this forum. Guatemala and Panama appear to be somewhere in between. Needless to say, I plan to submit reports as I go. This forum has been of immeasurable help to me, so I hope this and future reports will be helpful to others. I'll kepp you posted in the future.

Lorenzo

Jason
12-12-05, 22:33
Lorenzo,

Not to worry my friend. I took a similar trip two summers ago but the reverse-
Panama (5 days) to CR (10days), CR to Nica (6days), Nica to Guatemala (6 days); Guatemala to Honduras- (got the hell out of Tegi and went to Roatan and Utilia for 4 nights); then to Belize City- (4 days) and finished at a friends wedding in Oaxaca Mexico. Your trip is totally doable and it's all up to the person that you are how much you love or hate your trip.

The countries are all unique but there is less disparity than traveling from country to country in South America.

Sure thats a lot to do in 30 days but Man, i applaud you for not only jumping into Central America, you decided to jump full in! This part of the world is very unique and i hope you love it as much as I do.

I will highly recommend the Bay Islands of Honduras if you have a couple days, its worth skipping the rest of Honduras in my opinion, but then again you are going to Belize and that is similar.

Traveling by air was similar to a low cost airline in the states with the exception of being on time. be prepared to wait, miss your connections or worst yet, loose all your luggage- that should give you good tip right there, take only a carryon backpack, its not hard to have your clothes washed throughout the trip.

Like Chasestar said, mongering is less affluent in Belize, Guatemala; and becareful in Honduras.

Other than that, just keep reminding yourself of Pura Vida and you will enjoy your trip.

Best of luck amigo.

Lorenzo
12-13-05, 23:39
Jason,

Thanks for the good words. I nearly always take only a carry on bag, for the very reason you mention. Aside from avoiding luggage being lost, it also saves an incredible amount of time. There are few experiences in life more miserable than waiting interminably at a luggage carousel. As you said, clothes can always be laundered. More to follow as I take the actual trip.

Lorenzo

Sun Devil
12-27-05, 17:47
I am planning to go to San Jose from February 1 to 9, which is the week of the Super Bowl. I am just wondering whether the game will be shown there on TV.

Also, I have heard that the presidential election will be held on February 5th, the day of the Super Bowl. Will all the bars be closed during that time? If so, what are my options in catching the game while having the ability to purchase some alcohol.

Spike9
12-27-05, 23:30
I do believe you will catch the game, depending where you are.

People go there to have super bowl parties.

But as you said, if it is election day some places may be closed.

I actually read on **************.com , "I have an open bar for about 10 hours in a city that will not have any bars open."

Try to find someone in the reports who was there last year during super bowl.

Prolijo
12-28-05, 05:56
Yes, the Superbowl will be shown on TV.

Alcohol is another story. It is illegal to sell any alcohol during elections which means you'll be on your own for 2 days from Saturday at 12:01AM to Sunday midnight. That will shut down most bars, but the BM might be semi-open since its part of the HDR but its liquor and booze will be locked up tight. A wise man will stock up as much as he can on duty-free booze when he arrives in CR and should be very popular whereever he goes (unless he runs out). You might also stock up ahead of time at one of the local stores, but again not during the weekend. And there will be a number of private parties where drinks will be available. However, many of those may already be fully booked up. I believe the one at the SL already is, but you could check with Bill.

Johnny Sax
01-06-06, 10:45
I hope this post is appropriate here...

I am wondering how Costa Rica mongering compares to Panama City or other parts of Panama? I'll be making my first trip to Panama soon and my inquiring mind wants to know. Yes, I have looked at the Panama forum, but I'd like to hear specific comments on how these 2 countries compare in terms of mongering.

I am VERY familiar with San Jose. My favorite places are those like Zona Blue where you can go in, spend $45 or so, get a solid hour to spend as you please, in a sauna, getting a massage, or doing sexy things in a private room. I also like playing the game at the Blue Marlin, even though it's often difficult to get a good price there; but it's fun to see all the girls and flirt with some, and maybe get lucky and find one who will go back to my room for $50 or $60. I've only paid more than that, once, and that was for a gorgeous and very nice Dominican who spent the entire evening and all night with me.

So anyway, now that you know what I like... is there anything comparable in Panama? I looked at the Panama section of this forum and did not see anything comparable posted, and Panama seems to be higher priced in general, except for street walkers. Is this an accurate impression?

So any of you who have been to both Panama and CR, can you please "compare and contrast" CR and PC for me?

Johnny Sax
01-06-06, 10:50
Anyone traveling from San Jose to Panama City by bus should know that the border crossing at Paso Canoa is indeed a confusing mess. I did it last year, and found out that spending $5.00 to hire one of the touts that linger around was well worth it. ...

Hey thanks to you guys for the bus reports; I plan to cross the border soon, for the first time, and this helps me a lot!

By the way, the border crossing near San Vito in the middle of the border, is said to be super easy and mellow. However, it leaves you of course far from David, it is more towards Volcan. I hear you can get a bus from San Jose to there, I believe it is called Rio Sereno, and then get a bus from there to David. Might take longer but is a lot more mellow... from what I hear...

Please see my post about comparing Panama and Costa Rica in terms of mongering, and answer if you can... also feel free to PM me...

Johnny Sax
01-17-06, 10:19
AirPanama is currently (01/17/06) offering flights between San Jose, Costa Rica and David, Panama for $99 each way. Mon, Wed, and Fri only.
http://www.turismoaereo.com/tickets/

I assume you still have to have some kind of round trip ticket, or show proof of a ticket out of the country before they will let you into Panama...?

Piper1
01-20-06, 13:55
Hi Guys - I have the opportunity to stay in San Jose for about a week in May. Checking flight options on the net, it seems like about 36 hours travel time and a number of connections from Dubai - too long for a brief visit. I can take a direct flight from Dubai to Europe or New York - but are there no direct flights from Europe or New York to San Jose?

Also, the place I would be asked to stay is the Golf Resort Hotel - I'd prefer to stay where the real fun is, and leave the chasing of little white balls to others. Is the golf resort far from the city centre?

Bandy
01-20-06, 18:59
.......but are there no direct flights from Europe or New York to San Jose?.....
Golf Resort Hotel - I'd prefer to stay where the real fun is, and leave the chasing of little white balls to others. Is the golf resort far from the city centre?
Piper1,

LACSA has a daily direct flight from New York (JFK) leaving around 5:15 AM and arriving San Jose (SJO) around 9:45 AM. (Flying time around 5 and a half hours). American Airlines may have a direct flight from JFK on some specific days.

Golf Resort Hotel is far from the "action" places. Places to stay near actions have been discussed extensively in the main sections. As a hotel, Del Rey is barely a two star facility, but that is the epicenter for all actions.

Bandy

Tuna Man
01-20-06, 19:47
Lacsa has the only nonstop flight JFK-SJO that I know of. All AA flights stop in Miami. Newark, NJ has nonstop to SJO on Continental.

Jaimito Cartero
01-20-06, 19:53
Yes, the Superbowl will be shown on TV.

Alcohol is another story. It is illegal to sell any alcohol during elections which means you'll be on your own for 2 days from Saturday at 12:01AM to Sunday midnight. That will shut down most bars, but the BM might be semi-open since its part of the HDR but its liquor and booze will be locked up tight. A wise man will stock up as much as he can on duty-free booze when he arrives in CR and should be very popular whereever he goes (unless he runs out). You might also stock up ahead of time at one of the local stores, but again not during the weekend. And there will be a number of private parties where drinks will be available. However, many of those may already be fully booked up. I believe the one at the SL already is, but you could check with Bill.

I've seen a number of bars that cater to tourists that will discretely make booze available during elections. While your approach of stocking up is best, there are often options during this time.

Player2
01-21-06, 05:02
I liked the Presidenty hotel very much.
There restaurant on the ground floor is great for chica watching all day.



Hi Guys - I have the opportunity to stay in San Jose for about a week in May. Checking flight options on the net, it seems like about 36 hours travel time and a number of connections from Dubai - too long for a brief visit. I can take a direct flight from Dubai to Europe or New York - but are there no direct flights from Europe or New York to San Jose?

Also, the place I would be asked to stay is the Golf Resort Hotel - I'd prefer to stay where the real fun is, and leave the chasing of little white balls to others. Is the golf resort far from the city centre?

Piper1
01-21-06, 07:47
Thanks Bandy - good info. I've done my research on the hotels, and I'll make sure I don't have to stay in the golf resort.

cheers

Piper
Piper1,

LACSA has a daily direct flight from New York (JFK) leaving around 5:15 AM and arriving San Jose (SJO) around 9:45 AM. (Flying time around 5 and a half hours). American Airlines may have a direct flight from JFK on some specific days.

Golf Resort Hotel is far from the "action" places. Places to stay near actions have been discussed extensively in the main sections. As a hotel, Del Rey is barely a two star facility, but that is the epicenter for all actions.

Bandy

Love Seeker
01-21-06, 16:33
What cities and airlines have direct flights to San Jose, Costa Rica? What are my best options? I live in NW Ohio. I am about 2 hours drive from the Detroit and Columbus airports, 2 ½ hours drive Cleveland and maybe 5 hours drive from Chicago.

I have checked priceline and hotwire and they show no direct flights. That my be my only option but I hate airline travel and making connections. Any direct charter flights?

Thanks for any helpful information

Lorenzo
01-21-06, 17:13
I hate airline travel and making connections.

Probably your best bet is to stay home.

Prolijo
01-22-06, 02:09
I hate airline travel and making connections.There's no reason to just stay home. Not nearly as inexpensive as CR but still much cheaper than the US and, for you, no flight connections or even any expensive flight is involved if you head north to Toronto for your mongering instead of down south. Just another possibility. Otherwise, I'm sure you'll manage to somehow overcome the slight inconvenience of how you get there for the much more significant advantages over mongering at home.

Jaimito Cartero
01-22-06, 05:56
I have checked priceline and hotwire and they show no direct flights. That my be my only option but I hate airline travel and making connections. Any direct charter flights?

Well, you probably need to move if you only want a direct flight. Normal direct flights originate at: EWR, IAH, MIA, LAX, PHX, ATL and DFW. I'm sure there are a few more, but these I know off the top of my head, since I've flown them all.

I thought there might be one from ORD, but couldn't find it. UA has cut back on service to SJO. I find a direct flight from ORD to LIR (Liberia), which is in the Guanacaste region. Sometimes these flights are seasonal only. I picked a date in March, and couldn't find a direct flight.

Willy 1
02-02-06, 11:27
I thought there might be one from ORD, but couldn't find it. UA has cut back on service to SJO. I find a direct flight from ORD to LIR (Liberia), which is in the Guanacaste region. Sometimes these flights are seasonal only. I picked a date in March, and couldn't find a direct flight.


United used to have a direct flight on Saturday's now gone.

US Airways has added a flight on Saturday morning only, Depart ORD 6 AM, arrive SJO 1:35 PM, outbound through Philadelphia, return through Cahrlotte.

Got very lucky and am paying $ 397 for my upcoming trip....

49 hours until liftoff

Travalot
02-05-06, 05:29
I have been to CR many times, but never to any beach other than Jaco once. A hypothetical question to all of you. If money were no object, you had 3 nights in CR. Where would you go. Presuming that you were me, I like fine women (cheap is okay), fine dining (expensive is good), I like good bedding and air conditioning. a beach would be great, good drinks are great. I can't take the craziness anymore of del rey, presidente.

Opinions matter.

any info on heminway inn? sportman lounge and hotel? where to find the non agressive tica types to hang with for a couple of days. Not a late night person, not into loud clubs. Willing to even rent a house on the beach if available. just trying to relax, eat well, monger a bit, sleep well and chill.

NastyBoy
02-06-06, 02:27
If money were no object, you had 3 nights in CR. Where would you go. Presuming that you were me, I like fine women (cheap is okay), fine dining (expensive is good), I like good bedding and air conditioning. a beach would be great, good drinks are great.


Interesting question and wonderful to ponder. If money were no object???? Oh yeahhh.....

If money were no object, I would, first of all, stay at the Marriot. It seems like the most upscale of all the hotels I have seen in San Jose so far. I'm sure they got AC and comfortable beds as well as a beautiful courtyard and it also looks quiet which I prize.

I like my women young, 18-20, and beautiful, and talented. I have always had good success with those requirements at Oasis.

On my last trip I had a cabbie drive me up to Alejuela so I could take pics of the valley. We ended up at a place called The Mountain of the Cross. I asked for a resteraunt where I could dine and enjoy the view. The food was expensive, but downright fantastic...I think the name of the resteraunt was Balthazaaar or something like that. The view was nice and even though the food prices were steep, the waitress recommended a dish for two that was reasonable and more than sufficient. Did I say the food was delicious?

To be continued.....

NastyBoy
02-06-06, 02:58
If money were no object, you had 3 nights in CR. Where would you go. Presuming that you were me, I like fine women (cheap is okay), fine dining (expensive is good), I like good bedding and air conditioning. a beach would be great, good drinks are great.

As I was saying....

Beaches....The best beach I have found was on the tour with Calypso Cruises to Tortuga Island. It's small and somewhat private. The tour is first class. I also made it down to Manuel Antonio, but even though it was a bigger beach, I really didn't like it as much as Tortuga Island. Didn't look for any action while on those tours, but there was plenty to be had amongst the tourists. Unfortunately, she was younger than my requirements. Also, I think the pros hit Jaco, so maybe there is some action there. Just drove through Jaco...not long enough to get a flavor for the town.

Drinks...they are always good wherever I find them.

To be continued...

NastyBoy
02-06-06, 03:13
Unfortunately money is an object and I gotta budget my party just like I budget everything else. I do allow myself $200 a day for fun and pleasure and If I don't spend it that day, well then that's twice as much for the next day, :D.

I do have a 3 night adventure coming up again in the near future and I will continue with my usual routine. I stay at the Best Western Downtown in the Zona Roja. Approx $53 a night. More than comfortable and all the accoutrements. Noise is the only drawback. Location is perfect, no more than $3 by cab to Oasis and all the other spots are also close by. I now do all my partying at Oasis, and the newly discovered by me, Veronicas.

Further down the road, I hope to spend a couple of months in CR in which case I will be looking for long term lodging. On this next trip I will go scout Vista Linda apartments. Out of the way, but the price is right. If money were no object, Los Yoses would be the place imho.

Finally, if money were no object, I would keep a Lear Jet on stand by so I wouldn't have to pay these rising airline prices. When I first started these little adventures air fare was less than $200. Now it's more than twice that.

Too bad money is an object.

Hope this helps.

NB

Member #2041
02-06-06, 07:52
nasty boy, the beach you took the photo of at Manuel Antonio is the ugliest beach in the area - the big one right outside the park entrance. The ones inside the park are MUCH nicer, and in fact look very much like the nicest photo you took of Tortuga island #2. I hope you didn't travel all the way to Manuel Antonio and then not go inside the park - where the beautiful beaches are. The small beach on the far end of the Park is one of the most gorgeous ones I've ever seen, and it's all the more interesting when you consider that you will be sharing the beach with numerous monkeys (white face, howler, and squirrel monkeys all inhabit the trees by the beach), as well as aardvarks, tree sloths and iguanas, among other wildlife.

As for action, plenty of it in Jaco, centered around the Beatle Bar, as well as some pretty unappetizing action in Quepos (town near Manuel Antonio)

NastyBoy
02-06-06, 22:47
You're right about that ugly ass beach, I was really disappointed once I got down there. You're the first one to tell me about beaches inside the park. Not even the guy collecting the money told me about beaches in the park. And I really wanted to see those damn monkeys too.

When I first saw the entrance to the park, it looked like rather rough terrain and I had on beach flip flops so it didn't look like I had the appropriate foot gear. I didn't go in. Plus, I hired a private ride to go down there. Didn't do the tourist group thing and unfortunately my guide didn't really know shit. Oh well, you win some, you lose some. Next time I'll suffer through the turista thing. Thanks for the heads up. I often wondered why everybody made such a big deal about that park. Guess I missed it.

NB

Mr Jetsetter
02-08-06, 00:39
Yes, Jaco beach leaves a lot to be desired, but the white-sand beaches just a few kilometers south of there, Playa Hermosa for example, are damn nice.

Prolijo
02-08-06, 01:49
JS,
The Playa Hermosa near Jaco is actually a black sand beach but there are other beaches near Jaco that are white sand including Playa Blanca, Esterillos, Agujas and the Beach at Punta Leona.

Tasty1
02-08-06, 02:55
Always stay in Presidenete. They are booked. Any suggestions to choose between Clarion Amon and Sleep Inn will be appreciated. Read all postings and could not find answers.

Travalot
02-13-06, 00:37
The object is relaxation and physical pleasure for 3 days. I want two on a beach as nearby as Jaco, any recommendationf for hotels with A/C there, that are Chica friendly, on the beach, with good amenities. then a recommendation for a taxi driver to be my driver for 3 days, and lastly, the final night in San Jose- where should I stay. I don't want the DR , it is just a bit loud for me and crazy.

Ace00
02-16-06, 17:00
Tasty1,
I posted this elsewhere:

The Hotel Gran Via is three blocks from the action and is a bit noisy and older. It is cheaper but has little amenities. No guest fee. OK for an emergency.
The Sportsman Lodge is priced in-between the Del Rey and Presidente, but is hard to get to and from. It is a dangerous walk at night and taxi must be called to pick you up. It has an open air interior under a roof which I do not like. Bar but minimum restaurant. Friendly staff and some guys love it. Not air-conditioned. Multiple guests permitted.
The Hotel Europa is cheaper and has a minimal restaurant and is in a bad no walk at night area. Guest fee negotiable. Multiple guests permitted.
Hotel Morazon is cheaper, and very undependable for keeping reservations. Use in emergency only. No restaurant. Good location.
Hotel Castillo is cheaper and guest friendly but is in a no walk at night area.
Hotel Balmoral is more expensive and has a $20 guest fee. Emergency use only. Good location.
Holiday Inn is nice and expensive and has a $20 guest fee.
Sleep Inn is nice and expensive ($100) and has a $25 guest fee.
Some other hotels in area prohibit any guests. All except for Sportsman Lodge and Europa prohibit multiple guests at same time.

The Clarion Amon is fine but pricy. The Sleep Inn is beautiful if you can afford it.

Jaimito Cartero
02-22-06, 15:33
Fares for San Jose have been fairly high the last 6-9 months. I just spotted a $219 RT fare (About $290 with taxes) on American Airlines. They seem to be attacking America West and US Air, as they have the lowest prices at three of their hubs.

Q fares, return as early as the following Sunday, travel and return by June 15th. Up to 120 day stay. Dates around Spring break are tough, and June seems to be pretty full (from Phx anyway).

Sun Devil
02-22-06, 15:57
I just checked the flights coming from Sky Harbor to SJO around the middle of March. Indeed, the cost is $291 but the time of the trip is 10 to 13 hours since one has to have a stop over in Dallas and wait there for about 5 hours for the plane that is going to take passengers from DFW to SJO.

For $404 total, a little more than an extra $100, I was able to buy a non-stop US Air fare from Sky Harbor to SJO, with the trip about 5 hours long.

If time is not important, AA is indeed offering a bargain, at least from Phoenix.

Jaimito Cartero
02-22-06, 16:15
I just checked the flights coming from Sky Harbor to SJO around the middle of March. Indeed, the cost is $291 but the time of the trip is 10 to 13 hours since one has to have a stop over in Dallas and wait there for about 5 hours for the plane that is going to take passenger from DFW to SJO.

For $404 total, a little more than an extra $100, I was able to buy a non-stop US Air fare from Sky Harbor to SJO, with the trip about 5 hours long.

If time is not important, AA is indeed offering a bargain, at least from Phoenix.

I found that by booking on Travelocity (for $5 more), I was able to get flights with only a normal (90 minute) stopover.

Johnny Sax
03-08-06, 05:32
Tasty1,
I posted this elsewhere:

The Hotel Gran Via is three blocks from the action and is a bit noisy and older. It is cheaper but has little amenities. No guest fee. OK for an emergency.
The Sportsman Lodge is priced in-between the Del Rey and Presidente, but is hard to get to and from. It is a dangerous walk at night and taxi must be called to pick you up. It has an open air interior under a roof which I do not like. Bar but minimum restaurant. Friendly staff and some guys love it. Not air-conditioned. Multiple guests permitted.
The Hotel Europa is cheaper and has a minimal restaurant and is in a bad no walk at night area. Guest fee negotiable. Multiple guests permitted.
Hotel Morazon is cheaper, and very undependable for keeping reservations. Use in emergency only. No restaurant. Good location.
Hotel Castillo is cheaper and guest friendly but is in a no walk at night area.
Hotel Balmoral is more expensive and has a $20 guest fee. Emergency use only. Good location.
Holiday Inn is nice and expensive and has a $20 guest fee.
Sleep Inn is nice and expensive ($100) and has a $25 guest fee.
Some other hotels in area prohibit any guests. All except for Sportsman Lodge and Europa prohibit multiple guests at same time.

The Clarion Amon is fine but pricy. The Sleep Inn is beautiful if you can afford it.

I would add that the Hotel La Gran Via has gone downhill - not totally down hill, but downhill - over the past 2 years. My room had a shower that the cold water did not work in, so it was so hot I could not stand under it. The guy at the desk and/or the maid screwed up and did not get my laundry back to me in time, thus delaying my leaving early in the morning, even after I told them I MUST get it back, or else did not want it done. I will no longer stay there except in an emergency.

The Morazan does have a buffet in the bar area, at least they did 2 weeks ago when I was there for several nights. Also has problem with rooms. One room stunk, another room was musty, another room had a stopped up toilet. The fat guy at the desk who helps with bags and cabs and stuff is very pushy and pissed me off on several occassions, also charged us extra for our room because "they only had a couple left", when we returned from a several day excursion. Bullshit. They also promised us better rooms and then never delivered. Oh, and their free internet: the keyboard is on its last legs and god knows when they'll splurge on the $10 to get a new one.

I think the Presidente is by far the best bet if you join ************** and get the deal through them.

Too bad there are not more good choices in the Del Rey area. Next time I'm going to stay at the Presidente if I can get reservations.

By the way, does anyone here remember when the Presidente used to be just another semi-run-down musty dusty hotel in the $45-50 range, much like the Morazan or the Gran Via? (back in the 90's) They have sure improved it!

Patbutter
04-26-06, 06:48
Could someone point me to where I can learn the Spanish phrases for some of our favorite activities: eg BBBJ, CIM etc?

Thanks

Grand Pollo
04-27-06, 00:46
Do you know any Spanish at all? If not you need some basic Spanish , like I want you to (do this or that). Never "will you do (this or that)? Since the easiest answer is no fucking way, gringo.

BBBJ can be for example, Quiero una mamada sin condon (or condom or protectivo depends where you are). Or Quiero que me chupes sin condon...etc. Or just chupame. When the rubber comes out, say no. I am zero for about 200 on this subject, e.g. zero rubbers, 200 girls. However I would not haggle on this point first anyway. Usually they are worried about your #2 example so you have to be able to say you won't CIM, even if you plan to do it anyway. Then you can say "Whoops, sorry about that".

Note : chupes is the subjunctive form of chupar, to suck, and there is no need to say suck what. Mamada is a blowjob in many places.

CIM - Quiero venir (or terminar, depends where) en tu boca. Venir is come, terminar is finish. Or there's Quiero que tomes mi leche en tu boca. In this case tomes is the subjunctive form of tomar, which is take or drink, leche is commonly used for come (noun not verb). So I want you to take my cum in your mouth.

However if you can only say that much and nothing else communication is going to be a chore.

Subjunctive has come (vino) up since when you express a desire (I want that YOU do something) you use that form of the verb.

There are some books you might use, TSM used to give one away with membership call Hot Spanish , I think. The girls would laugh reading it out loud. And at the fact that people would negotiate with a sex dictionary in front of them. I gave it away to someone who could not remember how to count to 5 in Spanish.

Basically learn some basic Spanish and then ask for what you want, chupar, venir, terminar are all just verbs. Coger or chingar is fucking depends where you are at the time.

Someone posted a LONG list of expressions in one of the other forums, I think in Curacao maybe, it is really badly written and I don't recommend it. I corrected it twice in two times it was posted IIRC and am tired of bothering now. But asking in this manner " I would like to put my penis in your anus" is too clinical and nobody would talk that way, which was the problem. It was a nice attempt but you don't want to come off sounding like a doctor with a patient. And asking, as I say, leads to NO easier than YES.

Or find a girl with some basic English there are more than a few at least fuck, suck, come, etc., they have heard it before. I spent last week with a English speaking Nica girl from Miami who insisted on this type of talk, e.g. if you want me to suck it, tell me, "suck it". "Kneel down there" "Bend over" etc., and she brought her sister over for a 3-way. Rather interesting time with her if you like to talk dirty as she did it was great. The sister liked to talk dirty as well.

Patbutter
04-27-06, 18:40
I do speak some basic spanish, which I earned in Community College class - but they didn't teach the monger vocabulary in class. The Brazil thread has a nice primer on useful Portuguese phrases - it would be nice if there were a similar Spanish guide here. Fortunately I found that my Costa Rican phrase book includes some of the relevant vocabulary.

BTW I've just arrived in San Jose. Before coming here, read a guidebook which suggested walking up to Holiday Inn to get lower rate - it worked: $75 as opposed to $90 quoted on the internet. There is an ad at the airport for Holiday Inn saying one can just go there and get a room - if a room is not available, the 1st night is free (don't know how that works). Haven't taken a tica back to the room but another monger at hotel told me they are charging $25 to bring a girl in - ridiculous. I've never paid anything in Thailand.

Prolijo
04-28-06, 03:11
You might want to also check out this site with spanish slang for many countries (mostly mexico):
http://www.notam02.no/~hcholm/altlang/ht/Spanish.1.html

Patbutter
04-28-06, 19:47
Chase - Thanks. That´s excellent

Prolijo
04-29-06, 01:18
...The Brazil thread has a nice primer on useful Portuguese phrases - it would be nice if there were a similar Spanish guide here. ....

BTW I've just arrived in San Jose. Before coming here, read a guidebook which suggested walking up to Holiday Inn to get lower rate - it worked: $75 as opposed to $90 quoted on the internet. There is an ad at the airport for Holiday Inn saying one can just go there and get a room - if a room is not available, the 1st night is free (don't know how that works). Haven't taken a tica back to the room but another monger at hotel told me they are charging $25 to bring a girl in - ridiculous. I've never paid anything in Thailand.
BTW, for all you multi-cultural mongers if you check around that site you will see that it covers virtually every other language known to man including Portuguese http://www.notam02.no/~hcholm/altlang/ht/Portuguese.1.html

As for the Holiday Inn offer, that is probably pretty safe for them to do since they probably always have vacancies at this time of year. If you don't mind going to CR without a reservation and you want to take advantage of local rates, you could also try the Morazon. It is only 1 short block from the HDR/BM/KL (and not across the sometimes dangerous after dark Morazon Park like the HI is). Also they only charge a much more reasonable $3 chica fee which the'll often waive if you negotiate that in advance when you check in (or bribe the nightclerk the first night you bring a chica back). Any monger that stays at the HI and pays $25 chica fees should have his head examined (right before he hands in his international monger ID card). And finally the Morazon has local rates as low as $35/night for rooms that are just as nice as those at the HDR for $55/night (and probably nearly as nice as the $75/nt rooms at the HI). What's the catch? If you try to reserve a room there ahead of time, they've been known to screw up the reservations. However, if you're just planning to show up there anyway, what do you really have to lose. The worst that will happen will be that they don't have a room and you're no worse off than you were before. After all, there's always that room at the HI. During the rainy season finding a room somewhere is never the problem. Rooms at the more popular monger hotels such as the HDR, Prez, and SL are what usuallly require reservations

Travel Addict
05-14-06, 06:09
TRAVEL FROM SAN JOSE TO CARTAGENA OR ISLA SAN ANDRES CHEAP!
A Tico friend pointed me to
www.destinostv.com
TRAVEL FROM SAN JOSE TO CARTAGENA OR ISLA SAN ANDRES CHEAP!
If you want to see Costa Rica AND Colombia, here's a tip:
A Tico friend pointed me to
www.destinostv.com

They often, but not always, have super-cheap charter flights and packages to Cartagena & Isla San Andres.

They charter a whole TACA jet a couple of times a week, and sell packages with hotel for much less than the airfare would cost you otherwise. The plane stops each way in Cartagena and Isla San Andres. You do pay airport tax coming and going CR and Colombia about $25 each. They also have some other interesting specials on the website to various destinations. Highly recommended. You have to pay with credit card or bank transfer, and you don't get your ticket til you get to the SJO airport, which made me nervous. But they have a stand right next to the TACA counter on days they do flights and everything went as smooth as butter. They handed me my boarding passes and vouchers. The "all-inclusive" hotel was right on the beach in San Andres, and had once been once, but was really run down (no hot water, phone broken) and the "all-inclusive" meant stale sandwiches and for some reason all you could drink OLD MILWAUKI beer, LOL, but heck it was virtually free. Isla San Andres is a beautiful tropical island which belongs to Colombia, very small, mostly black people who speak some English. No major action there, pretty much BYOG. VERY few gringos, mostly Colombians and Panamanians on vacation. completely safe they search the fuck out of you when you arrive to keep weapons off the island. Check it out.

Rzoll77
05-14-06, 15:41
I bought a package to san andres in March. It would have been 200$ for 3 nights at the cheapest hotel. Hotel Tone, but I read about it on the internet and decided to upgrade. Extra 100$ but not on the beach, close though. Sol del caribe.

I am glad I went by myself because I never got so much free p#ssy in my life. A 25 yr old colombiana at the hotel pool swam up to me and said we are the only single people here. Medellin

She left the next morning and that afternoon a beautiful 40yr old colombiana by the pool. Cali

The next morning troling the beach a 34 yr old colombiana waved me over. Bogota.

And all the women wear the dental floss thongs.

Talked to another gringo here in san jose and he got alot of free p#ssy there also.

Good place to go to renew your visa but leave the novia at home

Ace00
05-15-06, 15:28
Sad to report the Hotel Gran Via is now closed. Not that good anyway from recent reports.

Ace00
05-15-06, 15:29
Recently there has been a number of street armed robberies between the Blue Marlin Bar in the Hotel Del Rey and the Presidente Hotel two blocks away. They have occurred aside of the Horseshoe casino on Calle 9 between Ave 1 and Ave Central across or in front of the New York Bar. They happen at 8:30 at night or later. Recently at 8:30 PM. Three or four thugs surround the victim who is robbed at the point of a machette or pistol.

So take a taxi or walk in a large group but do not walk alone or ever when drunk.

And of course never carry your passport or valuables or wear expensive jewelry. Carry only the cash you need for the night. Leave your gold watch at home and wear a cheap watch. I carry a dummy wallet to throw away.
I also use a neck pouch.

If you have to use an ripoff taxi parked outside the Hotel do it. Try to set the price first. Or try to catch one on the street outside. As much as I do not like to do this, even I will change my habits.

UPDATE AS of MAY 21:
The situation is even worse than I could believe. More armed robberies on the streets. Everywhere downtown in the popular areas. At night for now.

It is a war zone and no police to be found patrolling the areas where we would walk.

Johnny Sax
05-17-06, 09:56
Due to circumstances beyond my control I could not book a room until tomorrow, and I arrive in San Jose next week (the 22nd).

Any ideas on a chica friendly hotel at this late date? I know most are full at this point?

Anyone know if the Gran Hotel (not the Gran Via, but the old famous Gran Hotel next to the theater) allows chicas? and at what price?

I may have to stay at a non-chica hotel.

Any ideas on hourly rooms to use? I mean, besides the Hotel Asia?

Thanks for any ideas!

Prolijo
05-17-06, 14:28
If by most you mean the DR, Pres or SL, you're probably right, but it doesn't hurt to check as there may be last minute cancelations. It also might help if you told us what places you have already tried. For example, have you tried the Clarion Amon Plaza? Its a bit further out of the Gulch (but then so is the SL) but is definitely chica friendly. How about the Castillo? They have summer rates as low as $51 INCLUDING tax and if you finally bite the bullet and join CRT as many here have been suggesting you can get a discount of as much as 35% on top of that. That's a $125 savings just on your hotel bill if you're there for a week which would easily offset the $39 cost of membership a few times over.

Did you happen to read the series of posts just a few messages down on arriving in SJ w/o reservations and the Holiday Inn and Morazon Hotels? My understanding is that the Gran Hotel is not particularly chica friendly (though I have no idea what chica guest fee they charge). I've also heard their rooms inside look far less "Gran" than the hotel does from the outside. Since you're now well advised to take a cab when going to the BM after dark where-ever you're staying it really doesn't matter quite so much how close to the gulch you're staying and in fact might be a bit safer the less time you spend hanging out in that particular part of town. There are no shortage of monger alternatives in and about downtown. You could also try the Hotel Europa, Hotel Doral or even the BW in the zona roja.

As far as the pay by the hour places. I sincerely doubt you'd want to rent any of them by the day. The Motel Eden on the Tibas Hwy rents out 6-12 hours at a time and has been suggested as a very nice place that might make for good overnight stays, but I don't know whether they'll let you check in to the same room 24/7. What are you going to do if they won't, pack up your bags and move to another room twice a day or worse carry your bags around with you until they reopen for the day? To be completely honest, I really don't know if its possible or not. Check it out and let us know what you find out as I know there are many others who have wondered about that.

Member #2666
05-17-06, 19:01
Don't underestimate or discount the Hotel Asia.

They have done extensive renovations and have brand new clean, tiled,
rooms with hot water and towels , televisions and a lock box for $11.00 per day...that's all day as in 24 hours.

It's a real Hotel!

The new lobby is clean and on the first floor...with 24 hour security and most importantly... chica friendly..

This is a real deal!

Johnny Sax
05-17-06, 20:02
Don't underestimate or discount the Hotel Asia.

They have done extensive renovations and have brand new clean, tiled,
rooms with hot water and towels , televisions and a lock box for $11.00 per day...that's all day as in 24 hours.

It's a real Hotel!

The new lobby is clean and on the first floor...with 24 hour security and most importantly... chica friendly..

This is a real deal!

Wow, I'm amazed.
And they also still offer the rooms on the first floor to street hookers and such, for $6 or so per hour?

Anyone know if the Hotel Principe over in the "other redlight district" has finished renovating? Years ago, it was my place of choice to stay because I was living in CR on the coast, had little money to spend, but occasionally came into SJ for some fun. Stayed on the top floor of the Principe for $14 and although noisy it was above the street noise to some degree.

I checked it out in March and they had changed the desk to a "cage" style which told me maybe the area had gone further downhill, crime wise, (it's just up from the Caribe club (club with private rooms)). But they were renovating which made me wonder how it might be to stay there once they are done, and how much it would cost.

I have not heard back from Sportsman's lodge, Morazan and Castillo, am waiting for a return e-mail. At this point I STILL do not know for sure if the deal is on or not, so I am just doing exploratory inquiries. I did hear from some other guys that many of the hotels are full, and a quick check of the Sportsman's Lodge site showed it was full. Though as you say, there may be cancellations and what not.

I liked it better back in 94, when I had Costa Rica to myself! (-;

Ace00
05-18-06, 21:52
Another fall back is the Hotel Europa Central.

Ace00
05-31-06, 14:17
Some pointers for newbies.
Chase Star is the expert advisor about the scene in Costa Rica especially San Jose. Mark his every word.
RBrandon is the expert on saving money in San Jose. Listen to him and his places to go.

Now to become your own expert:

Here is a quick tip.
Every evening at 5 P.M. sit down at a table near the door to the street at the Blue Marlin bar in the Hotel Del Rey. Hotel of the King.
If you see some guy or guys sitting near you ask them:
"See our tea?" Yes, CRT. Like in Costa Rica Ticas. Google that and follow the links. Free.

If they do not know what you are talking about, forget them.
If they say YES, then strike up a conversation and buy them a round. It will be the best contact you can have there. Be friendly and learn the ropes from them. There is a Costa Rica Tica club called VIP. It costs $39 but is well worth it in your contacts with others, alone. Also you get substantial discounts at the ZB and Prez and elsewhere. So go the the google link, read the discussion board and join in. Keep reading the discussion board for good information. Do more reading for every question is answered there. The same guys posting info here are there under similar names like RBC100 and Prolijo.

Superman06
10-21-06, 15:28
Not having much luck in finding a cheap flight to SJO from the Washington D.C. area. Hoping to find a charter if possible. Very flexible on when I travel after Jan. 2007. Any help appreciated.

Jay Max
11-06-06, 00:59
This question is for anyone that's been to Jaco- me and a few buds are going down soon and I was wondering how safe the area is. I read where tourists were being held up at gun point or roughed up by thugs for cash (mostly San Jose). Any general tips other than the obvious pointers? Like, are there any particular bars we should definitely avoid? What's the latest time we should be out and about? Do any of the Ticas have "pimps" to look out for? Are police even visible?

Thanks

Stevewxly
11-06-06, 03:54
Pimping is illegal in Costa Rica...and not necessary, as prostitution is legal, and the girls who engage in this line of work do not have a need for pimps.

You will encounter touts - guys who are working the streets who will offer to find you a girl, or most anything ..... for a tip.
But because there are so many working girls in plain site - you will have no need for a tout. Most of these guys are just beggers anyway, so stay clear of them.

Taxi drivers on the other hand can come in very handy when you need advice or help finding what you want to find. Usually a ride in their taxi or a small tip - if you don't take their taxi, is all that is needed.

General rule for safety in Central America - Stay out of the known bad areas, don't act like an idiot, and always (near or after dark) take a taxi, in lieu of walking.
If on the other hand - you are going only a couple of blocks and have 2-3 guys in a group, then you can usually walk without incident, as there is usually safety in numbers.

Jaco is very safe. I have not heard of any incidents like muggings or holdups, or anything like that going on there. But again just use good common sense and you will be OK.

San Jose has had a few incidents of late, but those victums were perhaps in the wrong place at the wrong time, and probably did not follow good common sense rules about safety in a foreign country.

I have had my pocket picked (once) while walking through the park adjacent to the Morizan Hotel (just to the North), but I was walking alone, at dark, and was a victum of my own stupidity. (( I lost $only 30.00 but now know better )).

But again use your head (the big one), be cautious and careful, and don't ask for trouble or put yourself in 'harms way'.... and usually it won't come looking for you.

Rio Joe
11-06-06, 21:03
Guys,

I'm thinking of making my first "PP" (pussy pilgrimage) to SJ in mid-December. Is that generally a good time go, in terms of quality/quantity of girls, weather, prices?

Thanx.

Dsinhou
11-07-06, 22:23
As a simple means of warning some that may read this, and other forums about Costa Rica, the positive comments commonly seen are not entirely the case, at least from my stand point. First, the girls are not (at least on the day that I was in the BM) all 10's. A few, maybe, but many in the 5-7 range, with some below that. Little to even less of english speakers. Plus, the dance that you see at the BM is the same dance that you see in a decent mens club in Houston. The girls make the rounds, smile, start a conversation, and move on if there is nothing to be had. You see the same attitude as you do with the dancers, ranging from pissed off at all mankind to boredome to working.

Frankly, and I know I will get flamed, but, if you are in town on business, it is probably not a place for you. It is talked about negatively by the local businessmen. The desired clientel is not the businessman. It was very clear that the clientel was, for the most part, guys that come to town to spend time with girls for 100 bucks a pop. The actual visual of this is quite different than the imagined view. Actually, the scene is just different. Not that anyone would, but, if you could compare it to someplace where you would go with a client, you would not do it. It is not as good as a decent club in Houston. Cheaper, yes, but quality wise, better, no.

I found the BM to be, simply, a bordello, with the face of a bar. The girls don't want to get to know you, nor do they care. This was the biggest difference I saw, when comparing the BM to say, Treasures or Centerolds in Houston, was that there was no desire to talk or visit. Not even an attempt.

To some, Costa Rica may be heaven. However, as far as I can tell, I am the first, or likely one of the very few, who has come on here with a not so positive review. If all you are looking for is wham bam, it may be for you, but if you are used to something a little more, and a little better, it may not be.

I only write because there hasn't seemed to be anyone who stepped out from the norm, and said, hey, wait, this may not be the dream that you think it will be.

I did not go down for the BM. Although, I did go to it one evening. I don't know if I would go back.

Rebad
11-08-06, 16:08
Houston Please...................

Everytime I visit I get a nasty sinus infection.
Houston is a polluted, overpriced, traffic jam.

Those of us who frequent Costa Rica and have time to get to know the girls and establishments know better.

Sorry you had a bad trip.
Your experience is not the norm.

Jaimito Cartero
11-08-06, 18:15
A girl in a US strip bar, is going to try and get as many drinks and tips out of you. You're out $150 at the end of the night, and what do you have? Nothing.

I really don't think that anyone has portrayed the BM as anything with all model quality girls. They're all independents, so practically anyone can walk in the door. You're in a spanish language country, why would you expect them all to speak english? Yes, they want your money, what else is new?

If you want a high end strip club, there are some in San Jose. Let the champage flow! [CodeWord140] (http://isgprohibitedwords.info?CodeWord=CodeWord140) away all your money. It sounds like you're looking for romance or something. Go to Puro Platino, Tango India, or other strip clubs. Throw money around, and you'll get lots of attention. Pump that ego up.

Lima Busy
11-08-06, 19:04
Not that

To some, Costa Rica may be heaven. However, as far as I can tell, I am the first, or likely one of the very few, who has come on here with a not so positive review. If all you are looking for is wham bam, it may be for you, but if you are used to something a little more, and a little better, it may not be.

I only write because there hasn't seemed to be anyone who stepped out from the norm, and said, hey, wait, this may not be the dream that you think it will be.

I did not go down for the BM. Although, I did go to it one evening. I don't know if I would go back.
Dsinhou,
Most guys on this board will agree with you! The reason you do not see any negative reports is that "seasoned mongers" simply do not go. I occasionally read this board as I have a friend from Lima who lives there now. It is understandable if you have to go there on business or are stuck there on your way to Quepos (still great charter fishing).

I myself used to stop by for 4 hours every couple of months on my way to the states when Taca used to give me free upgrades to first class for the SJO-EWR leg.

I would hire the taxi for the four hours, shoot into SJ for a quickie over to the hotel for a shower and change then down to the hotel bar for lunch and a few Jack's and back to the airport feeling rejeuvenated!

LB

Dsinhou
11-08-06, 19:10
LB,

That 4 hour plan, I can understand.

Unfortunately no fishing, or golf this trip, just hotel car conference room, and repeat.

Jimbo 69
11-10-06, 00:04
I will be going to San Jose the week after thanksgiving. First if there are any americans going that week that want to be a wingman give me a shout. Also a little help. I have been once before and have a small understanding of what is going on. I have going to Jaco for a couple days Tues-Thurs and would like some GFE. I love the Columbian girls with the huge Tits. How is the best way to get one to go with me. I want some variety in SJ but would like the GFE in Jaco. How do I best hookup? How much do I pay for a couple days or should I pay at all, if I am covering expenses. Any tips would be appreciated.

Member #2964
11-10-06, 13:43
JIMBO. You say you like the big titted Columbian girls and wonder how you can get GFE for a few days at the beach. Well buddie $200.00 a day shoud do it if you really want to throw your money out the window.

Or. just go to Jaco and pick a girl out of beetle or monkey bar for $100.00.
Anyway you do it you will be helping to upset the price structure.

With a little work you can get a woman GFE to the beach for $50.00 a day.

Remember if she has children in SJ and no family she has to pay a Baby sitter / naneria. Even if she has family she has to leave money for the food and expences of the children.

If she is from COLUMBIA. with BIG SILICON TITS then its $100.00, $200.00, $300.00 even $400.00 a day.

Good luck

Rebel Monger
11-10-06, 23:09
I will be going to San Jose the week after thanksgiving. First if there are any americans going that week that want to be a wingman give me a shout. Also a little help. I have been once before and have a small understanding of what is going on. I have going to Jaco for a couple days Tues-Thurs and would like some GFE. I love the Columbian girls with the huge Tits. How is the best way to get one to go with me. I want some variety in SJ but would like the GFE in Jaco. How do I best hookup? How much do I pay for a couple days or should I pay at all, if I am covering expenses. Any tips would be appreciated.Jimbo, you can't buy GFE, those just happens!

Jimbo 69
11-15-06, 23:38
I heard about a new place in San Jose called Pirates. Anyone know anything about it, and where it is?

Prolijo
11-16-06, 01:55
I heard about a new place in San Jose called Pirates. Anyone know anything about it, and where it is?I believe it is the old Bar Dandy which is located on Avenida 10 between Calle 10 y 12. Be forewarned its in kind of a seedy area and the security is very tight at the door but once you get inside it is very safe. They opened around the end of August and are owned and operated by two gringos (Dale & Dave?) who reportedly really seem to know what they're doing. The whole place has been remodeled and done up in a pirate theme. Early reports on the quality of the chicas were mixed but is reported to be getting much better. The best comments about the club are that the chicas are very friendly there and down to earth and you can easily hang out there and mix and have a good time. If you want to go for a session in the back, I'm not sure of the current price as they've also seemed to be adjusting that as they work out the startup kinks, but I believe it is either $75 or $100 for room and chica. If you're VIP card-carrying member of CRT the cost is only $50/hr. This is all 2nd hand as I haven't had a chance to check it out myself yet but I definitely will when I go down next week.

Not much yet at their website but for what its worth: www.pirateclubcr.com

Taxi directions: Avenida 10 frente de agencia del carro KIA or if you call them up at 233-2688 they'll come pick you up with no obligation to do more than check them out.

ChiliMike
11-16-06, 03:02
I have been there 3 times. The first time was on the opening day, my wingman who knows everything about san jose, said lets check out this new place. What chase said. Is true (how he is right on, on places he never been at. Blows me away)they did start out as 50. 00 for the room and 50. 00 for the girl but as chase said "with the crt card its 50. 00 total. The girls are hit or miss but it all my trips I have seen 3 they were above a "6" most were chain smoking girls and sit at the tables or dance with each other. A few came on to us. And seemed nice, but on any of my visits I didn't pull the tigger. But the place is clean, bartenders not pushy and the rooms look like something you have in vegas. (very nice, owner took us on a tour) I think its worth checking out. And if the girls find out they can make money. The pussy should get better. Chase. I see you are in town next week. I am sorry to say I can't make it. But please shoot member 2666 a pm and I hope the 2 of you can hook up! That guy knows everything about san jose. And how he finds mp's its like magic. Hope you have a great trip. I am still searching for my "soup" girl. I went into key largo every nite on my last trip. And never seen her. Called her cell phone and her father picked up. So I did what any chicken shit gringo would do " I hung up"

Usboys
11-16-06, 04:06
This is my first post. But I have been going to Brazil for 12 years and wanted to try something new. Here is my take.

To me it is like being DC Latin night club or Adams Morgan at night. It dies out at 1 in morning. But you get something though 24 hours day with out looking hard (one central location).

Is it a Rio NO, comparable to any other City in Brazil NO. Brazil is still the best in terms of women and probably culture. But can not judge culture on one trip. What it has is more chicks with Visas to US or Canada. Closer culture to U.S.. Is only 6 hours plane ride, melting pot for Latin Americans Ticas. Don't think I make all the countries in Latin America, but can sample them all at the Del Ray. Play Golf or other actitives during the day.

Did I have fun Yes. I will be back it part of rotation. I believe I will be back before February, but am going to DR first.

The Golf was great and probably better than the Ticas.

My top 5 ranking of Ticas or Chicas by countries in Del Ray. Top MP was in the Blue Building one block Holiday Inn ( forgot rest of name). Thought New Fanasty was little low class or like Asian MP in DC.

Colombians
Costa Rica
Dominicans
Nicaugran
Honduras

----- Original Message -----


LB,

That 4 hour plan, I can understand.

Unfortunately no fishing, or golf this trip, just hotel car conference room, and repeat.

Doc Bill
12-07-06, 09:35
Forgive my ignorance, but what is a CRT card and how does one get it?

FoxCrusader
02-18-07, 21:14
Which is a better option, stay at ZB or the penthouse at sportsmens?

Any advice would be appreciated.

Blue Jazz20
02-18-07, 21:56
If you are going with either of those two options, I would always pick ZB because you can get any of the ZB girls for $20/hour if you stay there but also bring girls in from the outside so if you see a girl at any other place, bring her back to ZB, but for $2o/girl. You know what's going on in this head.

ThunderPants
02-18-07, 22:56
I prefer the Sportsmens lodge penthouse. It is biggerand has 2 hot tubs with great views of the city. It has more and bigger TVs. There is a good on site resturant serving breakfast lunch and dinner. The bar is friendly with a pool table. A nice variety of chicas althought the Zona Blue has more chicas at a lower price.

At Zona Blue you have to walk to the Amon Plaza for breakfast and there is no food at the Zona Blue, bar is nice but is for conducting business with the chicas and has a more transient crowd.

Either place is nice but for a stay of more than 1 night I suggest Sportsmens with visits to the Zona Blue.

Blue Jazz20
02-19-07, 12:03
Hey TP. Those are pretty good points. A hot tub would have been nice at ZB but I did really like having my own sauna in my room.

Ultimately, it depends on what Fox requires and his priorities of amenities. Food or Sex, hot tub or sauna, pool table or $40 threesome. Okay, I know that's a little underhanded but hey, I'm not trying to pick a fight.

Fox, depending on how many nights you are staying, why not spend a couple of nights in both and get the best of both worlds?

BTW. If you do stay at ZB, todo la noche with one of the girls is $125. Talk to Eddie and tell him what you are looking for and he'll point you in the right direction. The staff will even tell you who is available at what time so that if you are interested in a particular girl, you can be her first of the day. Also, setting up a threesome is so easy it's not even funny. Those are some general pointers on ZB but I have met many from SL and they love it there as well so depending on your likes, you really can't go wrong with either one.

FoxCrusader
02-19-07, 23:28
My buddy here swears that the Oasis is the best MP in San Jose but I've never been there. I frequent the ZB and NF the most. Any tips on the oasis and other MP's in San Jose? Which have the better lookiong girls. Also, what is the name of a strip club whose main door is off a parking garage. Was there about 10 yrs ago and don't know if it's still around. We will be in town the week of March 20th if anyone would like us to buy them a beer and swap stories.

ThunderPants
02-21-07, 18:56
OASIS is off Paseo Colon 1 block from Kentucky Fried Chicken across from Machu Pichu resturant, one of the best sea food places in San Jose.

Oasis is open from about 10 A.M. til 6 P.M. usually has a line up of 10 - 12 girls most are above average on the times I have been there. Price is about $21 for 1 hour. Facility is very clean rooms are small and have a massage table rather than bed.

There are several other massage places in the area Josephines used to have a 2 for $30 deal that was nice.

FoxCrusader
02-26-07, 22:52
I saw a photo of a zb girl names Lauren. A blonde. Wow, she is the bomb. Any info on her?

Piper1
04-03-07, 13:31
I thought this was the travel advice section ...

Anyway, here's some travel advice if traveling from the land of lust in the dust (Dubai).

Previous travellers have told me they had to make 2-3 flights and about 30-hours travel time to get from Mid-East to San Jose. Because of timing of connections, this is usually true. However, I did a bit of research. Multiple flights can be avoided with a layover in New York - in effect, a one-stop journey.

You can fly direct to New York, have the layover (I chose a two-night layover, as there fun to be had in NY), then a direct flight from NY to San Jose. I'll be in San Jose for 5 nights mid-May. Thanks to reports by fellow hobbyists on this site, I'll stay at Presidente Hotel (Junior Suite - well, work is paying for it).

Ace00
04-19-07, 00:06
Good for the next 10 months but buy today. This will not last long.

ATL - SJO $515 RT with taxes and fees.

IAH $599

IAD $415

DFW $599

EWR $480

YYZ 699CAD

YYC 814 CAD

Use the Delta website.
Check from your city.

Black Dak
04-19-07, 10:26
My recently single bud and I are heading south for our 1st trip to CR. We are planning 2 nights in SJ, then 2 nights in Tortuguero for jungle tours and fishing. Then it's back to SJ for our last night of partying. I think we have a handle on the jungle resort and a high end hotel for our last night. But was wondering what some of you thought to be THE BEST deal for us on our first 2 nights? I have read much regarding location and amenities. But this bar fine or chica fee thing really bugs me. Any input on what the best chica friendly hotel is? Really important for me is bed size, as I am 6'3.

Also wondering if you guys can give a newbie some tips on must go clubs, bars, or MPs.

Thanks in advance!

Oh, BTW my bud and I will be in SJ from May 27 ~ 29 and again on the 31st. Maybe some of you will be in town on the same dates?

Qncterra
05-06-07, 03:04
Good for the next 10 months but buy today. This will not last long.

ATL - SJO $515 RT with taxes and fees.

IAH $599

IAD $415

DFW $599

EWR $480

YYZ 699CAD

YYC 814 CAD

Use the Delta website.
Check from your city.

AA has a sale until around 6/25/07

Piper1
05-06-07, 13:53
I have my Dubai-NYC tickets booked and paid, but not my NYC-SJO tickets. I'll be spending a few days in NYC first - not sure how many days, so I want to keep the SJO flight dates flexible (will probably be a last-minute decision).

Would I be stupid to simply turn up at JFK on the day and hope there's a seat available to SJO? (around May 20). There are several airlines servicing NYC-SJO (several flights per day), so my guess is it should be safe.

Similarly, I probably won't book my hotel until the day I arrive. Again, I'm guessing there will be a place available somewhere in SJ.

Correct me if I'm wrong, as I have no idea when hi-season is in Costa Rica.

Member #2041
05-06-07, 17:54
Would I be stupid to simply turn up at JFK on the day and hope there's a seat available to SJO? (around May 20). There are several airlines servicing NYC-SJO (several flights per day), so my guess is it should be safe......

Correct me if I'm wrong, as I have no idea when hi-season is in Costa Rica.
Not stupid neccessarily, but certainly much more costly to not book these tickets at least 1-2 weeks in advance.

Member #2964
05-06-07, 21:22
Piper. Its High season when the sun is shineing (Nov - April: Summer) and its Low season when its raining (End of April-end of October; Winter).

Just spoke to a amiga in SJ an hour ago and she tells me its raining and chilly for the past week.

Bring a sweater and long sleave shirt. You can buy an umbrella on Ave. Central for under $8.00.

I have to agree; last min. day of flight coach tickets are sometimes as much as a pre-booked first class ticket.

What ever: High season or Low. Rain or shine. CR / SJ will make your day.

My motto is. "A rainy day in San Jose is better then a sunny day in the USA."

Kid Brooklyn
05-07-07, 03:08
Would I be stupid to simply turn up at JFK on the day and hope there's a seat available to SJO? (around May 20). There are several airlines servicing NYC-SJO (several flights per day), so my guess is it should be safe. .I've never tried that, seems risky. I usually book Taca a month in advance, usually pay under $500 RT.

Let us know how it goes if you do. Keep in mind, you usually need to pre-book a hotel room or you may be sleeping in the parque with the trannies. They have cancellation policies if you don't show up. If your last minute flight doesn't work out, you may be paying cancellation fees.

Piper1
05-07-07, 07:45
you may be sleeping in the parque with the trannies. They have cancellation policies if you don't show up.Trannies have cancellation fees? What is the world coming to? Okay, I'll take your advice and book. Thanks.

Member #2041
05-08-07, 16:57
Trannies have cancellation fees? What is the world coming to? Okay, I'll take your advice and book. Thanks.
Yes, they will track you down and stick their dicks up your arse if you cancel on them. LOL!

Red Alert
05-16-07, 06:12
Hello. This is for cats on the west coast. Continental has tics to San Jose, CR for $451.00 from LA and $445.00 from SFO. Just bought one for July from LAX. Hurry because these prices will not last. Im sure the fare will be similar from Seattle, SD or Portland. Delta Airlines or American.

Keep mongering. Have fun.

RedAlert.

Red Alert
05-16-07, 06:15
Continental too....My bad. For what its worth the tics are under 500 usd from the west coast. At this time if they have not gone up in the last 4-5 days.

Rolleratnight
05-21-07, 22:28
Had good fares I thought to San Jose, CR, depending on where you live.

Sponge Bud
05-22-07, 15:55
I live in Costa Rica and as frequent flyer between the US and CR. i have found that best rates as of late is Spirit Airlines. If Booked in advance you can fly Ft. Lauderdale to San Jose for $188 with taxes.

I have also taken notice that since we are in the Green (rainy) season here that airfares from other airlines arev starting to drop some. Not considerably but a little.

Monger#77
05-23-07, 01:09
How hard is it to get a visa (longer than the 3 month stay) for an American (US Cit) to Costa Rica? What's involved?

Toad Tamer
05-23-07, 03:58
Spirit Air use to be the cheapest when they first came out. (from LA) Curently it is Continental with the cheapest flights. I booked for August when Spirit didn't have landing permits in CR for $330 w/tax. Last week, I booked a quickie weekend for July. Continental - $450 w/tax. Spirit wanted $650.

Monger#77
05-23-07, 06:26
Another question? Has anyone ever taken the bus from the Airport to downtown San Jose? I'm told there is one, and I will only be carrying a light-weight backpack for luggage. So there shouldnt be any problems.

ThunderPants
05-23-07, 16:16
Another question? Has anyone ever taken the bus from the Airport to downtown San Jose? I'm told there is one, and I will only be carrying a light-weight backpack for luggage. So there shouldnt be any problems.

The airport shuttle from interbus is $6.00 and you can book reservations on line or by telephone from the US ( not sure if it is okay to post the web site as it states below "reports containing email addresses will be deleted without comment" ) a lot of people use it and it is dependable

Local bus is 355colones about 85 cents, you can catch it on the spur road eastbound side in front of the airport. This is a very good deal if you are going to other towns Heredia, Alejula etc. and with a transfer to almost any city in Costa Rica

Interbus also has nice buses to many locations such as Jaco at very reasonable rates have often used it to transport chicas back and forth from the beach.

Groups of three or more can use cabs or vans for lower cost than Interbus I have used vans from San Jose to Quepos or Jaco round trip for $100 plus lunch and tip as with any thing else treat the driver nice (buy his kid a present) and they have offered to provide night time treansport as a bonus for no charge,

There are a few lady drivers who offer $150 a day and FULL SERVICE is included.

Qncterra
05-24-07, 00:16
I just thought that I would check in. Got here on Monday and it rained all day. If you are going to be around Del Rey or News Cafe and want company watching the crowd just let me know.

Member #1088
06-04-07, 10:43
Hello fellow mongers,

I was just wandering if anyone have information about a reliable driver in Costa Rica. I would like not only to go around the city but also in the country side.

Thanks

ThunderPants
06-04-07, 17:26
The following drivers are honest reliable and excellent tour guides seem to know the best spots for mongers all speak excellent English, expect to pay about $100 per day.

Julio Solano 506 873 0391 or call Sportsmen Lodge (small car great fun to go clubbing with)

Jimmy Diaz 506 380 8132 new van great for Jaco trips or longer tours

Juan Carlos 506 358 3194

Duke of Earl 506 392 5660

Barbara call Sportsmen Lodge she drives and provides "full Service"

I have traveled with these drivers multiple times, but I have found almost all drivers to honest and helpful if you are nice to them.

Member #1088
06-05-07, 10:59
Hey Thunder, Thanks for the info bud,

Barbara seems the winner :P, but no contact info, can u pm with it?

Does she have a pic in the gallery section?

Any email for any of them?

Thanks


The following drivers are honest reliable and excellent tour guides seem to know the best spots for mongers all speak excellent English, expect to pay about $100 per day.

Julio Solano 506 873 0391 or call Sportsmen Lodge (small car great fun to go clubbing with)

Jimmy Diaz 506 380 8132 new van great for Jaco trips or longer tours

Juan Carlos 506 358 3194

Duke of Earl 506 392 5660

Barbara call Sportsmen Lodge she drives and provides "full Service"

I have traveled with these drivers multiple times, but I have found almost all drivers to honest and helpful if you are nice to them.

Elkappitan
06-16-07, 04:46
Prices for the following hotels and are they girl friendly? I read previous posts but some responses seem unclear.

Zona Blue
Hotel Presidente
Sportsmens Lodge

Thinking about making a trip by myself and wanted to hear others thoughts?

Dodger Bulldog
06-16-07, 07:49
I just booked on Spirit in July from Ft. Lauderdale to SJO for $134.42 including fees and taxes.

I had a $40 voucher from my last flight, so for a total outlay of $94.42 I couldn't resist.

Granted, it costs $10 extra if you want to check a bag and $1 to buy a Coke. Who cares about extras when you can save a few hundred dollars?

I'll see you guys on the 5th!

DB

Piper1
06-16-07, 16:29
Prices for the following hotels and are they girl friendly? I read previous posts but some responses seem unclear.

Zona Blue
Hotel Presidente
Sportsmens Lodge

Thinking about making a trip by myself and wanted to hear others thoughts?Must be a joke.

Member #2041
06-16-07, 19:07
Must be a joke.
He forgot to ask if there were any working girls at the Del Rey.

Elkappitan
06-18-07, 00:03
Must be a joke.No I was serious about pricing although I can understand how the girl friendly part seems like a joke considering the post regarding sportsmen and zb.

Better way of phrasing. Is the presidente still girl friendly?

How much does it costs to stay at any of these locations?

I've been to DR and Brazil, however costa rica is new to me.

Thanks

Mill Just
06-19-07, 15:20
Howdy guys,

Just doing some scouting for a future trip to Costa Rica. Here are two very basic questions for you:

1) How much per day would I need to spend on food? Personally, I'm more of a McDonalds and KFC guy, just out of fear of getting sick. I've been living in Mexico for the last 7 years, but I never got over the fear of getting sick, so I stick to the food I know will be ok (ie Fast Food with just the occasional taste of local fare). I recently went away on a trip to Ixtapa for 4 days with one of my favorite club girls from here in Morelia, but after sampling some local seafood, I was violently ill for 2 of the 4 days. Not fun, so I'll stick to Mickey D's.

So, in short, about how much on average would it cost for me to get 3 squares a day and the occasional snack?

2) How much is the taxi fare for locations within San Jose?

Thanks so much for the help, brothas. And if y'all are ever in Morelia, Michoacan, just give me a holler and I'll hook ya up.

Have Fun,

Mill

Tiny 12
06-19-07, 17:08
Mill Just, It would depend a lot on how much you eat and where you're going. But I'd guess $20 a day for food and snacks. You could do it for less if you're not a heavy eater or if you don't mind, for example, eating at some of the local fast food chicken places instead of KFC. You would spend a lot more if you eat at fancy restaurants or drink a lot. Cab fares are not expensive -- maybe $15 between the airport and your hotel, and from $1 to $6 around town, depending on how far you're going and how bad the traffic is. If your hotel is downtown, you could walk to some of the most popular places (Del Rey, Key Largo, Zona Blue, New Fantasy) during the daytime at least. I don't know Morelia, but San Jose is cheaper than Guadalajara and a lot cheaper than Mexico City.

Da Monger
06-25-07, 20:14
Finally I have the chance to make a trip. I settled for (CR) san jose after considering columbia and others. The forum has taught me that CR is the best place to go which speaks some english. I will be in san jose from July 22-28 and I was lucky to find non-stop business class tickets for oonly 60, 000 Freq Flyer miles. Now I have to book a hotel. Considering this is my first trip and I am travelling alone I have narrowed it down to 3 ZB, Del Ray or Sportsmens lodge. I need one with internet access and close to the action area.

I understand newbies asking stupid questions are not tolerated and I did read thru the forum but still couldn't pick one of the 3 based on the value it offerred rather than the price. Any advice?

Macmasher
06-25-07, 22:23
Da Monger,

For "close to the action" (take-out from BM and KL), the Del Ray is tops (but chica fees will add up fast). Personally, I'd choose the Presidente over the DR... despite the the fact that its a couple short blocks from the BM and KL.

But for a first timer, I'd opt for the SL. It's close to good massage places (NF and ZB), and has good, free wi-fi. Plus, there's the "karma" of like-minded travelers and great management.

SL to BM/KL is a pleasant 12-minute walk in daylight. But after dark, I'd suggest a taxi.

Enjoy!


Finally I have the chance to make a trip. I settled for (CR) san jose after considering columbia and others. The forum has taught me that CR is the best place to go which speaks some english. I will be in san jose from July 22-28 and I was lucky to find non-stop business class tickets for oonly 60, 000 Freq Flyer miles. Now I have to book a hotel. Considering this is my first trip and I am travelling alone I have narrowed it down to 3 ZB, Del Ray or Sportsmens lodge. I need one with internet access and close to the action area.

I understand newbies asking stupid questions are not tolerated and I did read thru the forum but still couldn't pick one of the 3 based on the value it offerred rather than the price. Any advice?

ThunderPants
06-25-07, 22:26
All of the 3 are near action.

Del Ray is center of action

Zonz Blue is about $200 per night but sessions are 20 for quests

Sportsmen my choice is 4 blocks from Zona and 3 blocks from Del Ray rates start at 50 and go up, IMO opinion the bar and food are good the prices are fair and the chicas are less expensive about $60 although there are not as many to choose from.

All are good choices

Bq Ribs
06-26-07, 01:14
Zonz Blue is about $200 per night but sessions are 20 for questsAre you serious? If so, I hope it at least includes a chica for TLN.

ThunderPants
06-26-07, 13:56
Are you serious? If so, I hope it at least includes a chica for TLN.

No TLN is 150, I think, but no limit on the $20 sessions

Da Monger
06-26-07, 14:20
ThunderPants amd MacSmasher - Thanks for the tip I have booked SL for $70 a night.

Zepplin
07-13-07, 00:38
... I'm more of a McDonalds and KFC guy, just out of fear of getting sick. I've been living in Mexico for the last 7 years, but I never got over the fear of getting sick, so I stick to the food I know will be ok ....

Mill


Well, there is a Wendys, Subway, Quisnos, Pizza Hut and KFC all on Paseo Colon within a couple of blocks of each other. Mickey D's all over the place.

Further out in Escazu, there is Outback and across the parking lot, a Hooters.

Denny's is next to Best Western in Irazú, on the highway out to the airport.

It's looking less and less like CR and more and more like.....

Z

Diesel E
07-27-07, 06:14
Stumbled upon a great deal from Ohare for a Christmas getaway if anyone is interested. Booked roundtrip on Taca for $247 for 12/25 - 12/31

Sun Devil
08-29-07, 10:23
I have not been to Costa Rica since June 2006, mainly because I have been focusing more on Colombia, having made about 7 trips to that country since then.

I am just curious as to how things have changed. Are the girls at the Del Rey still asking for cien, or has their prices gone down or up? What about Key Largo, are the prices around $60 to $80? What about the massage parlors like Zona Blue, Oasis, New Fantasy? Are Kamur and Pantera Rosa still operating with fairly good looking strippers?

I am planning a three day trip to San Jose CR at the end of October around Halloween to catch up with the bar girls at the Del Rey, especially Andrea the morena, Fernanda from Cali and the Russian chick who tends the middle bar at night. Hopefully I can meet some of you during that time.

Qncterra
08-30-07, 05:26
I have not been to Costa Rica since June 2006, mainly because I have been focusing more on Colombia, having made about 7 trips to that country since then.

I am just curious as to how things have changed. Are the girls at the Del Rey still asking for cien, or has their prices gone down or up? What about Key Largo, are the prices around $60 to $80? What about the massage parlors like Zona Blue, Oasis, New Fantasy? Are Kamur and Pantera Rosa still operating with fairly good looking strippers?

I am planning a three day trip to San Jose CR at the end of October around Halloween to catch up with the bar girls at the Del Rey, especially Andrea the morena, Fernanda from Cali and the Russian chick who tends the middle bar at night. Hopefully I can meet some of you during that time.

I was there in May and just booked another discounted fare w/AA for $149, plus $74 intaxes.. At DelRey, they still ask un cien, but many will vary depending on supply/demand. Fantasy is $40/hr, sligtly less in colones. Have not visited the others, but I understand that ZB is $42 w/CRT membership.

Qncterra
08-30-07, 05:40
So, in short, about how much on average would it cost for me to get 3 squares a day and the occasional snack?

2) How much is the taxi fare for locations within San Jose?



Mill

MJ,

I have been going to the city for ten years and have gotten sick, but there can always be a first time. Only once in the ten years has the hotel warned me about possible high levels of bacteria in the ice, due to a broken water line. In 1997, the Frommer's Travel Guide referenced rotisserie chicken at a Chinese restaurant, El Campesino, two blocks from News Cafe and I eat there at least once during each trip. The whole fresh seabass at La Princesa Marina is another favorite, but it's about 2100c to get there. If alone, you can seabass/sunshine at the Del Rey/DelMar for the cost of the taxi and the meal at La Princesa.

Almotu
08-30-07, 06:20
Stumbled upon a great deal from Ohare for a Christmas getaway if anyone is interested. Booked roundtrip on Taca for $247 for 12/25 - 12/31Will there be action available during Christmas time? I have heard much of the talent go back home for the holidays. I have been doing Thailand for the past 3 Christmases.

Dodger Bulldog
08-30-07, 22:58
Will there be action available during Christmas time? I have heard much of the talent go back home for the holidays. I have been doing Thailand for the past 3 Christmases.
Two years ago I arrived on Christmas Day and left on New Year's Day.

The action was light at the HDR on Christmas Day but was definitely available. December 26-30 was not a problem at all.

Some MPs and many restaurants starting closing on the December 30 and most all seemed closed on the 31st.

Unlike in the States, New Year's Eve is a family day in Latin countries, not a party day. So the BM was packed with gringos ready to howl while barely any chicas were in sight. Even the fattest ugliest ones were holding to cien that night, and getting it.

It is fascinating to watch the law of supply and demand at work as the market changes day by day and hour by hour at the BM.

DB

Diesel E
08-31-07, 06:11
Well this will be my first time to CR ( and for the most part my first crack at foreign mongering ) so I figured I can use the balance of the 25th to scope things out and get my bearings. It also works out well for me as my company is shut down around the Holidays so I wont need to burn any precious vaction days. So even if things are on the slower side I figured $247 for a Holiday trip is a great deal and any mongering is simply icing on the cake.


Will there be action available during Christmas time? I have heard much of the talent go back home for the holidays. I have been doing Thailand for the past 3 Christmases.

Stevewxly
09-01-07, 17:24
Hola Amigos,

I am getting ready for another trip to Costa Rica.....and am remiss in not having previously posted this report about some dental work that I had done while on my last trip there in April of 2007.

Before my trip in April to have my dental work done, my teeth were in pretty sad shape. I had 2 half-broken molars that needed crowns, and several other teeth that required some much needed work.

Before deciding and making my dental plans I scouted around on the net to find a good, reliable dentist in Costa Rica.

There seemed to be many good dentists expecially around the San Jose CR area....some came highly recommended by other Americans for their work. I chose the following dentist to do my work.

Dr. Sergio Chen (Pucci) who was in downtown San Jose, CR. I Emailed him first to get his prices, and more information prior to making an appointment.
He promptly Emailed back (in English) telling me that I could come any time....walk-in to the clinic, and that he could examine my teeth and if I wanted to go ahead with the work, he would schedule me in .....when I arrived.

Dr. Chen (actually the son of the older - now retired original Dr. Chen) is highly qualified and very personable, speaks fluent English, and as I discovered, is quite the nice, gentle, affable fellow.
He is very professional, approx. 45-50 years old, and has a very nice, clean dental clinic in downtown San Jose, with a full labortory upstairs - where they make all their own dentures, crowns, plates, etc. So there is no waiting for 2-3 weeks for a crown or anything that needs to be custom made....like at other dental clinics - who (many) send their custom work out....and some as far away as New York City, USA.

Some dentists have those items made in San Jose, but even then you have to wait 5-6 days for the crown, or denture to be made (off-site), then put into your mouth.

Anyway upon the first examination in his office, Dr Chen told me I needed full X-rays, a good through cleaning of my teeth, a flouride treatment, restorations on 5 teeth, and 2 full crowns.

He told me that he thought he could do all that in a 2-3 days with 2-3 visits, and that the price would be under $ 400.00 for everything. And that was the best news......for I had checked around in the USA and found out that it would have run me around $ 2,000.00 to have that dental work there.

The X-Rays,cleaning, and flouride treatment went well. About 1 hour in the chair. I had the X-Rays that first visit. He had other patients, and told me to come in again the next morning at 9AM.

When I arrived the next morning, I got right in, and he then proceeded to drill out my 5 teeth that needed restoration, and advised me that the more modern resin fillings is what I should have instead of the older technique of filling with silver amalgam. So I got the resin. That went well too. Next we examined my two partially broken molars that needed the crowns. He then proceded to grind those 2 teeth down to make a good "bed" to accept the new crowns, and fitted me with 2 temporary (overnight) plastic crowns, so that I could safely chew and eat that evening.

Next day I arrived again, got right in....and I noticed he had other patients waiting.
He mixed up a mixture of soft creamy stuff that they use to take a mold of your teeth .....for my 2 crowns. It took about 10 minutes for it to be applied and another 15 minutes for it to dry and set up. He then pulled those molds out of my mouth. Total time in the chair that day was about 2 1/2 hours - give or take.

I came back into the clinic next morning at 9AM again, and my new crowns were all ready. I had chosen to have them made of stainless steel for strength, with a heavy top layer of off-white porcelain to match the color of my teeth.

Dr Chen fitted them, one at a time, and asked me how they felt, and I said, "fine - no problems". I asked if my gums would grow up around the sides of the crowns, and he assured me that they would....and I should have a good fit with them.

I have to mention that 'his bedside manner' is excellent....as he is so polite and consiencious when he speaks to you. Every time he came in to meet me to start working on me, he would smile broadly, put his hands together like he was going to pray....and bow. He addressed me as " Mr Steve ", and I found that all to be very comforting. He is seemingly a very humble man, which is rather unusual for a highly paid professional like a dentist. I believe his dental business must be thriving there in San Jose.

Cost of the dental work:
The crowns were $ 100.00 each. ( I could have had solid gold crowns for $ 200.00 each...but I wanted something that was good and strong but still reasonable in price ).

The tooth restorations were about $ 20.00 each, and the full mouth X-Rays were about $ 70.00, and the cleaning and flouride treatment which was very through was about $ 30.00. My total bill was $ 380.00 ..... even less than the $ 400.00 he had quoted me on the estimate.
I think his 'office girl' perhaps forgot to add in one of the restorations.....so I got a real bargin.

Cha-ching:
I just saved over $ 1600.00 from what it would have cost me in the US. That more than paid for my whole 8 day trip down and back to Costa Rica.

My overall impressions of Dr Chen and the dental work he did on me:

Very, very good, and nearly painless (he gave me 4-5 prescription pain pills...but I only needed to take one of them - at his the office after having the crowns installed.)
He, his staff, and his entire office/clinic were very, very clean. His equipment was very modern. He used all the correct pain-killing stuff - novacain (sp), and such.....and it was just a very pleasant experience for me, from start to finish.

Now 5 months later, my teeth are still very good....I have had no problems at all....and I will be going back to see him for a quick 5-6 month checkup when I return to San Jose in about 3 weeks ...... and I expect there to be no charge for the 6 month checkup.

I would highly recommend Dr Chen to anyone who needs dental work. He seemed very competent, his work was very good, and compared to prices in the USA.....he was very inexpensive.

I have 100 % full medical care from the VA hospital here, so I do not need to try to search around for that (but I will bet it would be available in Costa Rica at a fraction of the price that you would pay here).

My VA benefits do not include dental care although.......And before going to Dr Chen , I think it had been about 6-7 years since I had been in to see a dentist. My teeth were in pretty sad shape ... but that was all resolved when I found Dr Chen.

Dr Chen's contact information:

Dr. Sergio Chen (Pucci)
Clinic/Office - Calle 6 - Avenida (between) 4 y 6 in San Jose, CR
Phones at Clinic - 222-0063 ; 233-2703
Home Phone - 222-7295
Email: schepu@racsa.co.cr

For reference - his clinic is about 20 blocks or so, from the Del Rey Hotel, and only about 7-8 blocks from the Royal Dutch Hotel/Casino.

If you contact him for dental work tell him that - Mr Steve from the US recommended him to you.

Pura Vida Steve

Dodger Bulldog
09-01-07, 17:57
In July I went to Dr. Sergio Chen for a basic checkup, cleaning, and flouride treatment.

My dentist in the States charges $167 for this, but Dr. Chen charged $25.

I concur with Stevewxly that Dr. Chen was very professional, polite, humble, and his methods and environment were completely hygienic.

My wingman also went for a cleaning at the same time and was just as impressed.

I do not hesitate to recommend Dr. Chen's services.

DB

Noguera
09-02-07, 05:16
I have been to local doctors throughout Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua ... actually, many times. Often these visits were for me while at other times they were for friends. Cardiologists, Gynocologists (not for me!), Obstetricians, Dentists, Gastrointestinologists, and GP's. I find most of the private guys to be every bit as competent as the Gringos, at pricing incredibly lower than in the States. I would not hesitate to ever go to a local doctor in Central America. Now ... the public doctors, clinics and hospitals are another matter. I have been in a lot of hospitals, but fortunately these were always for my friends. The hospital facilities are generally no where near as good as in the States, however, even the young, public doctors in the hospitals are pretty good. They just don't have the technology to work with.

Stevewxly
09-05-07, 17:56
Amigos,

I know that Jack from the Beatle Bar in Jaco has sold the place (Beatle Bar) and that it is under new ownership.....and it is rumored that Jack has gone up to Puntarenas and opened a similar place.

Any conformation on this from anyone, who has been there??

Steve

MCruddy
09-06-07, 02:40
Amigos,

I know that Jack from the Beatle Bar in Jaco has sold the place (Beatle Bar) and that it is under new ownership.....and it is rumored that Jack has gone up to Puntarenas and opened a similar place.

Any conformation on this from anyone, who has been there??

SteveBeatle Bar was owned by Beatrice, Canadian woman, in 2003. As of 2007, I learned from a second trip there that she sold it to some guys from Chicago and opened a restaurant called Happy Days in Puntarenas.

Dan D Dick
09-06-07, 22:12
Can anyone recommend a good dermatologist in SJ? My novia-du-jour has a few moles on her back that I think should be removed to pre-empt any sort of pre-cancerous changes. I'd like to treat her to a little health care if possible.


/Dan D.

Dan D Dick
09-06-07, 22:37
Back from six nights in SJO over the Labor Day weekend. My 7th trip since last October. Add to that more than 20 other countries hit this year. I say that so that you'll understand I might be a bit pickier than most when it comes to hotels. Down deep I'm a full service Marriott fan though the Marriott CR is simply too far from the action for my tastes (though it is an EXCELLENT hotel).

Booked through Nixon in the casino via e-mail. Upside - if you're going to bring putas back every night it's probably a little cheaper.

Downsides - it's essentially the same price as the government discount. You won't get a detailed receipt, just a crappy little charge card receipt. Getting a room with a king bed is more difficult - you'd better be clear up front. Solving problems is more difficult - I knew my novia-du-jour would be spending the night with me (actually, 6 nights). I registered her when I registered. On day 3 they wanted to charge me for her breakfast because the room was only for one person. Got it straightened out but it was a pain in the ass. And, possibly the biggest deal if you don't pay your credit cards off every month - your cc is charged by the casino as a cash advance.

Overall Upsides - fairly good location (not as good as Presidente). The dining room/bar is great. Great food, great waiters, no issues. The wireless internet was pretty reliable - I only had problems the first two days & they were rather minor. The beds are low which is a perfect height for doggy style. The A/C was good though the rooms (I reserved 3) were hot as hell when we arrived. The attached casino was nice. A loaner umbrella was available at the front desk & very much appreciated. The doorman Joaquin [sp?] is an excellent dude as were the fellows in the dining room at breakfast. The outdoorsy dining room was refreshing.

Overall downsides - The public PC & internet access in the lobby was pitifully slow. Ice is available only in the cafe/bar. There is not enough f**king light in the room! The pillows suck - too thick, too hard. The location is fair (excellent if you're going to frequent the Zona Blue & NF). The casino is pretty quiet. It would be nice if the bar were expanded with a few comfortable chairs instead of just dining-type chairs. The outdoorsy dining room was annoying with the traffic.

Bottom line: Overall I have typically been VERY disappointed with Clarion properties (remember - I'm a Marriott wh*re). Overall this was not a bad experience & I would revisit **IF** the SL and the Presidente were already booked.

/Dan D.

Crusader560
09-19-07, 00:02
Hi,

I have never been to Costa Rica, but I have been to dr, and the heaven of mongering brazil. I have a chance to try Costa Rica, but I am clueless about the place. I would like a place to stay at about $50 a night. Can be apartment of hotel, clean, and some what safe. I am not looking for the marriot. Where are the places to go in the day, and at night. And what is the going rate for short time, and what is it for all night? And is it better to stay at some place near the jaco beach area? I would not mind a guide for a day or so if it is reasonable. And would it be better to rent a car, or take taxi's? Any info would be great. I am thinking of going on Wednesday threw Saturday. Help! Thx.

D Panda
09-19-07, 22:29
Hi,

I have never been to Costa Rica, but I have been to dr, and the heaven of mongering brazil. I have a chance to try Costa Rica, but I am clueless about the place. I would like a place to stay at about $50 a night. Can be apartment of hotel, clean, and some what safe. I am not looking for the marriot. Where are the places to go in the day, and at night. And what is the going rate for short time, and what is it for all night? And is it better to stay at some place near the jaco beach area? I would not mind a guide for a day or so if it is reasonable. And would it be better to rent a car, or take taxi's? Any info would be great. I am thinking of going on Wednesday threw Saturday. Help! Thx.I would NOT rent a car. They drive like crazy. Was in an accident in August when I was there in SJ. The Morazan is like $55 a night. No tica fee right down the street from HDR. My standard deal is 2 hours with EVERYTHING for $100. MP's are $40 or so. TLN depends on girl, time, day, business. Don't pay up front. Take toys with you! They love them. Look for Tatianna at Hotel Del Rey. Or Giselle. Look up my old posts fro different girls. No slugs in the mix there my friend. ENJOY!

Qncterra
09-21-07, 21:17
Crusader560,

Right now, rates are down on everything, from airfare to hotel. I came in on Monday with AA for $149+tax. Also, the Hotel Morazan runs regular ads in Tico Times for $35/night+tax. Morazan is making some additonal face lifts, oi.e. new carpet, restaurant, etc, and is one block from Del Rey The only rates that never seem to change are the massage parlors.

I'm not sure if it's the fallout from tropical activity moving from the Atlantic to the Gulf, it seems like it's the peak of rainy season now. It pours every afternoon now, but there are still good times to be had.

I will file a more detailed report when I return.

Enjoy.

DR Monger II
09-22-07, 15:17
Bar Idem has raised their rates. They raised it to 31000. Which makes it close to 60 dollars.

Kid Brooklyn
09-23-07, 23:20
Bar Idem has raised their rates. They raised it to 31000. Which makes it close to 60 dollars.

DO NOT give them any business. The owner has lost his mind if he thinks we are going to pay $60 Upstairs rooms) or $70 in the nicer rooms downstairs.

Kid Brooklyn
09-23-07, 23:55
hi,

i have never been to costa rica, but i have been to dr, and the heaven of mongering brazil. i have a chance to try costa rica, but i am clueless about the place. i would like a place to stay at about $50 a night. can be apartment of hotel, clean, and some what safe. i am not looking for the marriot. where are the places to go in the day, and at night. and what is the going rate for short time, and what is it for all night? and is it better to stay at some place near the jaco beach area? i would not mind a guide for a day or so if it is reasonable. and would it be better to rent a car, or take taxi's? any info would be great. i am thinking of going on wednesday threw saturday. help! thx.

here's something i found online:

so you made the decision to come to costa rica? nice! here’s some info to help you on your journey.

i will try to cover as many details of a trip experience as i can think of, all in one place, so you don't have to search and read through hundreds of threads. you should still read and read some more. the more you read, the more you'll learn from others' experiences (both good and bad). you’ll learn to avoid the scams and how to make the most of your time there.

being that you are here reading this, i assume you are going with the intention of hooking up working girls at some point in your trip.

before the trip

-read the forum as much as you can. many guys have asked the same questions that you probably have. also, use the search function to find information on specific topics/questions. if after doing an extensive search, you still don’t have an answer, post your questions and i’m sure somebody will be happy to help you.

-speaking spanish is not necessary, as most businesses have somebody that speaks english. many of the girls speak english well and the others will usually understand enough to get by.

-i assume you have your ticket booked or know how to do that, so i'll skip that.

-you do not need a visa but you must have a passport, valid for at least 30 days from the date you enter costa rica. those tourists from countries that require a visa to enter cr need to have at least 6 months left on their passport. my suggestion is that if your passport is expiring within the next 6 months, renew it before your trip so there's no chance of any problems. you need to carry a copy of your passport at all times. (and lock up your original in the hotel safe, along with the exit stamp if you purchased it coming in or in town. (thanks bd)) they can make you a copy of a passport at your hotel or any copy shop downtown for about $1-2. you need a copy of the picture page and also the page with the entry stamp to show the date you entered the country, in case you are asked to produce it. non-residents are only allowed to remain in cr for 90 days at a time.
us passport info can be found here: http://travel.state.gov/passport/passport_1738.html

-before going to cr, you should reserve a hotel room. while you may be able to get a room at many places just walking up, you will be locked out of the better (monger friendly) hotels. some of the popular hotels fill up months in advance. make sure the hotel allows female "guests" if you're planning to bring girls back to your room. some hotels do not allow working girls at all, others charge high fees.

-some of the monger and chica-friendly hotels include (incomplete list):
1. sportsmen’s lodge (sl) www.sportsmenscr.com $59-89/night sinle
2. hotel presidente (prez) www.hotel-presidente.com ~$85-125
3. hotel del rey (hdr or dr) www.hoteldelrey.com ~$70-90
4. hotel castillo www.hotelcastillo.biz ~$50
5. nuevo johnson (budget hotel @ $15/night) www.hotelnuevojohnson.com
6. clarion amon plaza www.hotelamonplaza.com $100+
7. hotel zona blue www.hotelzonablue.com $200+
8. hotel morazan www.costaricamorazan.com $35-45

-also be advised that some hotels charge a “guest” fee (aka chica fee) to bring up a working girl. it ranges from $0-40 each.

chica fee hotels:
-del rey ($10)
-amon plaza ($25)
-sleep inn (next to del rey) ($25?)
-holiday inn ($40)
-nuevo johnson ($3-4)

limit 1 girl per guest:
-hotel presidente-no fee, but you can only check in one girl at a time. so if you want a threesome in your room, stay elsewhere or go to short-stay hotel. they also have a dress code policy where the girl can't enter the hotel if they look too ****ty (no bare stomachs, shoulders, etc)

no chica fee hotels:
-sportsmens (sl)
-presidente (*see above)
-castillo
-morazan
-zona blue

hotels that do not want our kind of business are:
-sleep inn--will tolerate it with high chica fee
-radison
-hotel grand costa rica--working chicas not allowed
-holiday inn
-balmoral

-unless you are interested in touring the country, i do not recommend a rental car. the roads suck, the drivers are dangerous, and parking in san jose is a pain in the ass. plus, you pay high insurance deductibles if you have an accident or damage. taxis are cheap and everywhere. a taxi ride anywhere in downtown should be under 1,500¢ ($3). always ask the cabbie to use the meter (pronounced "maria"). if they don't use a meter ask the fare up front, and only proceed if you agree to pay it. some cabbies may ask for as much as $10 or more, if they think you are a newbie sucker and will pay it. do not take hotel taxis and those parked in front of bars, massage parlors, and hotels. they don't use the meter and will charge you double or triple the fare. step into the street or to the corner and you can flag down a passing taxi and pay the metered fare. it may not seem like a big deal, but saving a couple of bucks each trip (x 20 trips a week) will be enough for an extra session or two. only use licensed red taxis, take gypsy cabs at your own risk.

-cash-atm-traveller's checks... i always bring cash with me. as soon as i check-in, i lock it up in the hotel safe, only carry what i'll need for the day's activities on me. i try to avoid using my atm card, if possible. there's nothing wrong with using your card at banks and casinos, but i wouldn't use the atm's a some run down store or bar. traveller's checks... i haven't used them but i remember reading that they can be a pain in the ass.

-bring your own condoms (and lube), the stuff they have in mp's is garbage. some of the bm/dr/kl indy's don't even carry condoms. you can buy durex condoms in cr pharmacies or just buy condoms on the internet at a nice discount before you leave for cr, instead of going to your local pharmacy.

-get a good luggage lock. when having "guests" over, you should lock up all your valuables in the hotel safe. anything that doesn't fit should be locked up in your suitcase, just in case the girl has sticky fingers. here are a couple of places that sell tsa-approved locks (good for air travel):
http://www.ebags.com/search/index.cfm?fuseaction=endecasearch&n=0&ntt=tsa+locks
http://www.tamperseal.com/index.php?cpath=26&sort=3a&ad=gog_tsalocks

arriving in costa rica

-you will be given some forms to fill out on the plane. bring a pen on the plane and have those filled before you land. have them ready when you get to immigration.

-once you land, proceed to immigration as quickly as possible because the other 149 passengers on your plane are right behind you. immigration can get very busy at times (often 2-3 flights get in at the same time), so the quicker you get there, the faster you’ll be out the airport getting into your ride. there are 2 immigration lines: tourist (visitor) and costa rican citizens. you’ll want to enter the tourist line to the left. there is usually a monger’s dash to immigration on every incoming flight.

-just before you get in the immigration line, there is a small counter on the left side which sells the exit tax you'll need to pay before they let you go home. you do not need it until you are checking in to return home, so it can wait. if there is no line at immigration, you may want to do this before you get in line; one less thing you’ll have to worry about. if there’s a long line at immigration forget the tax, you can buy it at the airport before you check-in for your flight home.

-once you clear immigration, head down the escalator and wait for your luggage. you can visit use the atm (near carousel #1) and visit the duty-free before your luggage arrives (see next 3 bullet points).

-do not exchange money in the baggage claim area exchange window (their exchange rate sucks, it was 468¢ in july 2007). you will not need any colones until after you check-in to the hotel and are ready to go party. you can exchange money at any casino, bank, or even your hotel (not really recommended either). i would suggest a bank or a casino. you may need to show your passport when exchanging at a bank and the banks in cr are painfully slow. the current exchange rate has been holding steady for a few months now at around 515-520¢ per us dollar. some guys have mentioned that they exchange money at the airport upstairs (not in the baggage claim area). the rate you get there is very good.
one place that i like to exchange money is at sl. i know it's a hotel, but their rate isn't horrible. i was getting 510¢ in april. you are giving up 1.5%, chalk it up to a convenience charge. change $100, you lose less than $1.50. no biggie.

-if you want to have money before getting into the city, there is a good atm near carousel#1 in the baggage claim area.

-there is a duty-free shop in the baggage claim area. you can buy up to 8 liters of alcohol to bring into costa rica. (this is rare, as usually you are only allowed to take things out.) i have never bought anything myself, but i know that a lot of guys buy booze and smokes on their way in.

-grab your luggage and head through customs. i usually go through the nothing to declare line. you will be asked to put all your luggage through the x-ray machine. they don’t usually ask you anything. one time, i was asked to the side so they could check my bag. i had a metal poker chip case and they wanted to see what it was.

-once you clear customs, walk straight ahead outside. as soon as you get through the automatic doors, you’ll see a bunch of cab drivers, most have id badges around their necks. they will usually ask you where you want to go. many speak english, but it’s a good idea to have a printout of the name, address, and phone number of your hotel. once you tell the driver where you want to go, he’ll show you to a booth on the left where you will pay $18 or $19 to any hotel in the “gulch”. you can share a cab for the same price ($1. you can pay in us dollars, you don’t need colones yet. the "gringo gulch" is a tourist part of downtown san jose where many hotels, bars, and massage parlors are located within walking distance of each other. it takes anywhere from 20-60 minutes to get to your hotel. midday traffic in the city can be bad. the guys who stand behind the barriers are gypsy cabbies (in private cars). not recommended. take them at your own risk.

-once you check-in to your hotel you have to decide what to do next. this will depend on many factors: the time of day, your preferences, your budget, etc

during your stay

-you have several choices for where to pick up working girls. you have massage parlors (brothels), strip clubs, street (not recommended), and the world-famous hotel del rey. another option is the independents working out of the sportsmens lodge.

-massage parlors are a fixed-price option. the prices are set and non-negotiable. many guys prefer mp’s because of their lower price and no negotiating. the price includes the room and the girl’s fee for an hour or half. mp’s range in price from $10-50 per hour, plus tip for good service (10-25%). mp's are usually open 9am to 9pm, monday to saturday. zb is also open on sunday 10-6. at mp, you pay upfront, usually to the girl or receptionist.

-some of the most popular mp’s are:
1. zona blue (zb)
2. new fantasy (nf)
3. oasis
4. and several tico mp’s which are usually cheaper, under 10,000¢ (~$20) per half hour

-another day option (and an even better night option) is the hotel del rey (hdr or dr). the blue marlin (bm) is a bar inside the hotel. this place is the mecca of prostitution in costa rica and you must check it out at least once, even if you decide it’s not your kind of thing. at any given time (open 24/7/365, except for religious holidays and national elections) you will find 20-120 women, age 18-45, in all shapes, sizes, and colors, and from all over central and south america ready to offer their company. just walking through the crowd, you may get felt up. (unfortunately for me, only the ugly ones feel me up. ) once you agree on price and services, you can take them back to your hotel room or a short-stay motel nearby or right upstairs if you are staying at hdr. many speak enough english to get by, but if you can learn a little spanish, it’ll make it that much easier and more enjoyable. pretty much anything you can think of sexually can be gotten from the ladies there; you just have to find the right girl for what you want. most girls will ask for $100/hr, but many will lower the price a little with some negotiation, some will not. it’s up to you what you want to/can afford to pay. you can pay in dollars, colones, mp3 players (been done before), anything of “perceived” value to them. you should negotiate everything: price, time, services (bbbj or cbj, etc). don’t assume anything. pay after the service is completed, otherwise once she has the money she may lose her burning desire to please you. provide a small tip or cab fare where appropriate.

-across the street from dr/bm is key largo (kl), a nighttime spot. it’s basically a disco filled only with working girls and non-pros “visiting” their friends. usually the girls will make the rounds from bm to kl and back all night. it’s loud, you can dance and have fun with the girls, and then take them back to your room. same rules apply as above.

-another good option during the day and evening is the sportsmens lodge (sl). there is a bar/restauarant there which has pretty good food (breakfast, lunch, dinner) at reasonable prices. try the chicken burrito! it's awesome. there are independents working out of there. they usually hang around the bar and they are easy to spot. other than the employees, the women that hang out there are mostly working girls, especially if they aren't with a man. bar is open from the morning until midnight, girls can be found there anywhere from noon till closing. the numbers are nowhere near the del rey, you will have up to 15 at any given time. they are usually cute, provide good service, and until recently, the prices were lower than the usual $100 (cien) at the dr. you should still be able to negotiate them down to $70-80/hr.

-with the indy's, it's better to pay after she gets the job done for several reasons. before she actually gets the money, she's still "working" hard for it. if she gets the money before she renders service, she no longer has to "work" for it and may not give 100% effort. keep in mind, some will ask for payment upfront, usually ones that have gotten burned by clients in the past. if you agree to it, fine. if not, you can dismiss her. cab fare (no more than 2,000¢) is appropriate. it's a good idea to discuss that duirng the negotiation phase also. remember, everything should be negotiated, even when you'll pay. if you get to the room and she renegs on anything (agreed on bbbj and now wants cbj, demands money upfront, etc) or her attitude or demeanor goes sour, you can boot her right out of your room. no cab fare in that situation in my opinion.

-if this is something you enjoy, you can take any of the indy's out to dinner, dancing, a trip to the beach for a couple of days, etc. pretty much anything is possible, especially if you hit it off. but don't expect them to lower their price considering you bought dinner. this is actually something i did a lot in my early days in cr. i'd usually go out with one or two that i'd see regularly. now, i just go out with my novia. i always enjoy a good meal and conversation with a good looking girl. obviously, wherever you go, you'll usually be paying for everything plus a fee for her "time". always remember, everything is negotiable.

-escort services are available, but relatively few actually use them. it's so easy to just take somebody out of dr or sl, why bother with escort services... first, you don't know what you are getting. the person that shows up at your door maybe not be your type at all, and then they may have a bad personality or attitude. g&g escorts is one that has been mentioned before. it's about $150 for 2 hours, up to $250 for a 24 period.

-it's also a good idea to set up a little network of indy's that you will hook up with on future trips. it saves you time and energy looking for girls each trip, if you have a list of good ones. good to get their number and/or email address. but if you give them your info, you may receive an rfm (request for money)--see "after the trip" section for more on this phonomenon.

-street working girls are available, but not recommended. often times they are not exactly girls. most of the streetwalkers (usually at night) are transsexuals/cross-dressing men who will rob you if they get the chance. another reason that a woman might be working the streets is that she’s not allowed into bars/clubs. she may be **** (big no-no), a thief, drug addict, criminal, etc. avoid. streetwalkers are usually trannies. they like to gang up on unsuspecting gringos and go thru their pockets while they are distracted by the other "beauties". be careful around them.

-at night, after 10pm, you have another option, strip clubs. cr strip clubs are nothing like us strip clubs. i recommend visiting one just for comparison, and you will probably never step foot inside club at home again (been almost 2 years for me ). in cr, you can get fool around on the couch, then take her to a room and get laid, unlike most us clubs. here’s the way it works. some clubs have private (full touch) dances, but some don’t. first, you buy them a drink (4,000¢ or $ and they will “dance” for you. by dance, i mean they will grind on you, let you touch just about every inch of their body, make-out with you, even discretely play with your wee wee. then you can take them to a room onsite and bang them. prices for sex onsite range from about $35 per 20min (pr) to $75/hr (kamur). i don't know the other places.

-some of the popular clubs are:
1. d’pelufo’s www.dpelufo.com
2. pantera rosa (pr) www.pantera-rosa.com
3. kamur www.kamurnightclub.com
4. nightclub monaco

clubs to avoid: atlantis and elite, two well-known rip-off joints. also, don’t let a cab driver talk you into going to a particular club, bar, or mp. they get a commission for bringing a gringo and often you don’t even get laid, you just get phucked. avoid scarletts, hollywood, also.

-you need any "vitamins" (viagra, cialis, levitra) or any other "real" medications, you can pick them up at most pharmacies in sj (usually without prescription). the prices are better than the us. there is usually somebody there who speaks english and can help you.

-internet access... most hotels offer free internet access, wireless in the rooms or public terminals in the lobby. you can bring your laptop. (make sure you lock it up in the safe, if it fits, before bringing a chica over. other options include locking it up in your suitcase or buying a special laptop lock that attaches your laptop to a piece of furniture. let her try to walk out with your laptop connected to a drawer or a chair.

-what can you do besides monger?... there are many things you can enjoy aside from banging chicas all day. you can enjoy a nice dinner with a favorite chica or a buddy. there are a couple museums in the city for the cultural buffs. each hotel has brochures for various day trips from san jose. you can see the rain forest, a volcano, coffee plantation, do a canopy tour (zip lines thru the forest)--my favorite, atv riding in the mountains, a trip to the beach, among other things.

-one of my fave restaurants is la esquina de buenos aires. it's an argentinian steakhouse. dinner should run about $30/person. it's located detras de la iglesia de solidad (behind the solidad church)

going home

-arrange for a taxi to take you to the airport. the fare from the airport is fixed but to the airport is negotiable. you can get your hotel to arrange a taxi for you (but you’ll probably pay more) or just get a phone number from a taxi you used during your stay and negotiate a good fare. i always do that a day or two before i'm about to leave. i usually pay ~$12 (6,000¢ in july 2007), much less than coming in.

-before you go to check-in at the airport you’ll have to pay your exit tax. the cost is $26 and you can buy it at the airport. as you walk in to the terminal and just before you get in line to check-in, there’s a long counter on the right side, you’ll see signs. you can also buy it at the airport on your way in, at many banks, and the hotel prez (for guests only). you’ll need your passport (or copy) to buy it.

after the trip

-post a good trip report
-post some pics (if you received permission to do so and if you haven't promised not to post)
-start planning another trip
-you may receive an rfm (request for money) email from any girls you gave your email address to. do not send money! her mother doesn’t need brain surgery and her baby doesn’t have a rare disease which can only be cured for $600. she wants a new cell phone and more clothes.

safety tips

-like anywhere else, use common sense
-don’t act like an american asshole, we don’t need that image
-it's safe to walk around town during the day, be careful of pickpockets (keep your wallet in the front pocket) and watch out for scam artists on the streets who will try to separate you from your $
-take a taxi everywhere at night
-do not walk around the streets drunk-it's an invitation to get robbed and possibly hurt
-do not bring any jewelry. buy a cheap watch and bring it.
-if you get robbed, give up your stuff, do not resist, you can replace money or a watch (if you're wearing a inch-thick gold chain and you get robbed, i have no sympathy for you)
-safety in numbers, (if you are with somebody, they are less likely to phuck with you)
-do not wear any jewelry or flashy watch (you don't have to impress anybody!!!!)-buy timex on ebay for $9
-only carry a small amount of cash on you (what you will need for the mp’s or drinks at the bar)-avoid starting a tab using a credit card
-good idea to have a travel wallet (i carry some cash, 1 atm/debit card, my passport copy) and leave your real wallet in the hotel safe
-lock up all your valuable in the hotel safe, especially if you will be bringing girls over. this includes camera, laptop (if fits), mp3, wallet, all documents, watch/jewelry... anything that you don't want stolen. you can also lock up other things in your suitcase, see "before the trip" section of websites that sell luggage locks. some of the girls will steal anything that is not bolted down.
-when bringing girls to your room, keep an eye on them. do not leave them alone for even a moment. don't get me wrong, they are not all bad, but many are.

Sun Devil
09-24-07, 00:24
Since when did the Amon Plaza charge for chica fee? Then again, I usually reserve my stay with Nixon, the manager of the hotel's casino, and am a lifetime member of CRT. I have never paid for bringing up a girl to my room there. The only thing that they would not allow was me bringing two chicas at the same time.

Anyhow, overall great report, especially for those who are inexperienced with the ins and outs of San Jose. With the immigration line, I usually queue up to the line closest to that for the Costa Rican citizens. That way, once all the Costa Ricans are done going through immigration and when they let foreigners use it, I'll bypass the other non-ticos using the other lines.

Lh895
09-26-07, 05:57
Can someone give their assessment of which is truly the better experience as far as staying at the actual hotel? I'm trying to figure which of the two to book for my stay.

thanks
LH895

ThunderPants
09-26-07, 17:30
Sportsmen is better for me rooms cost less, girls cost less, no chica fee, food costs less.

Not as many girls but equal quality for less colones and $1 cab ride or 5 minute walk to HDR. Zona Blue and New Fantasy 3 minute walk away.

Lh895
09-29-07, 00:27
but i didn't realize how fast those fill up, and now every thing is booked except Clarion Amon and Sleep Inn. So between these 2 what is my best bet for quality, comfort and access to fun?

Thanks,
LH895

Prolijo
09-29-07, 01:39
Sleep Inn = $75/nt plus 16.39% taxes PLUS $25 chica fee every time you bring one back. Right next door to the HDR/BM and all the street riff raff that attracts.

Clarion = $75/nt including taxes and NO chica fee IF you book through Nixon at their casino ($110/nt plus taxes plus $10(?) chica fee if you book through the Clarion website, but why would you do that?) One block to Zona Blue, two blocks to New Fantasy, a 5-6 block safe daytime walk to the HDR/BM but probably a much safer $1 cab ride later at night, in a much quieter neighborhood with not nearly as much riffraff hanging out on the streets surrounding the hotel.

BTW, your options are much greater than just the 4 hotels you've mentioned (HDR, SL, Sleep Inn & Clarion Amon). For example, have you tried the Hotel Castillo?

Lh895
09-29-07, 02:35
I am a newbie to CR So I am looking to be in a comfortable and clean room with internet access and of course decent access to the chicas. also, i will be with group of about 6, all also newbies. So once the SL and Presidente were gone, based on rff, it seemed like Sleep and Clarion were the next natural choices.

LH895

Prolijo
09-29-07, 04:43
LH895,
"based on rff"? If you had really read the forum or at least my last post it would not seem to you like Sleep was a natural choice. That potential $25 chica fee really kills it. Also if you tried a search for "nixon" under the Costa Rica section, you'd know how to contact him.

Smokers Rule
09-29-07, 04:59
Ouch.

Harsh.

Lh895
09-29-07, 17:58
this is why i don't like emails, posts etc. they don't denote tone or emotion.

I was not being a smart ass. I truly come to this board in the spirit of humbleness. I was merely saying that, I had read it and based on that and due to my lack of planning, believed i was stuck with the four i named. . I am open to all suggestions. and if any offense was taken by my original response, none was meant. Thanks, for you help. I will search the forum and find the Nixon contact info.


LH895

Havahopeful
09-29-07, 18:28
Great report below Kid Brooklyn,

I'm planning a my frist trip to CR some time in the next couple of weeks. Whenever, I take these trips of course mongering is the primary purpose but I also like to go out with some local non pros as well and do some other touristy things. I have had a good deal of success doing this in Argentina and Brazil. I have lined up some non pros already that live in and around San Jose.

I wonder if I tell a local girl that I am staying in the gulch will it be instantly known that I am there to monger? Is it roughly the same as staying next door to Help in Brazil? Based upon the reports it seems clear that if you stay at HDR or Sportsmens any non pro will be turned off, is this also the case if you stay at Presidente or some of the other hotels listed below?

Any help is greatly appreciated

ThunderPants
10-01-07, 18:08
Amon (Clarion) is better for me, Nixon offers a good deal nice bar & resturant and casino located near Zona Blue, Jet Set, New Fantasy short walk to gulch.
Convient to Soda Peru, Sportsmen Lodge and Gardens @ Castillo also a good choice for hotel with a few on site ladies good bar acceptable resturant and good prices for rooms about $55. Amon area has several small but decent hotes at $50.

Sleep in no bar no resturant not monger friendly $25 chica fee

Mr Jetsetter
10-02-07, 00:49
Hotel La Amistad is offering a 35% discount for CRT members effective thru November. Their deluxe room, normally $60, is thus going for $39. Haven't stayed there in the past, but have 5 nights booked later this month. It is less than a block from the Sportsmens and is chica friendly.

Lh895
10-02-07, 01:39
I have solidified a suite at Clarion Amon thru Nixon ...I am looking forward to the trip. I have been to Rio 8 times but this will be my first of hopefully many trips to CR. I will certainly post my review in the appropriate location upon my return.

Thanks again,
LH895

PS. Any suggestions on daytime activities? dining?

Zeba8888
10-02-07, 18:31
Hey, I may be headed down to C.R. in a few days.

Anyone have a good dentist they could recommend for that One-hour teeth whitening procedure?

Any idea how much it costs?

Thanks. Zeba

ThunderPants
10-02-07, 19:09
Day time massage parlors on calle 6 open @ 9:00A.M other mps open about 12 noon

Machu Pichu across from Oasis and around the corner from Saphires also near other Paseo Colon massage parlors has very good sea food

Soda Peru across from Zona Blue and near several MP"s has great lunch

Steeda3519
10-03-07, 14:16
Heading to Jaco with a couple friends on December 5th. I am looking for some advice where to stay. My only requirements are that it is close to the action, has AC, and is Chica friendly. Also, if there any fisherman on this forum, I would love a some advice on choosing a charter. Offshore or inshore is ok. I would like to keep it around 600 bucks plus tip for the boat.

Thanks for all of your help guys!

Da Monger
10-31-07, 15:08
Anyone been to CR during Christmas? Dec 20-30? How is it like during this time? Any advice on planning a trip around this time is well appreciated. Thanks in advance.

Duniawala
11-04-07, 08:49
Will be going to CR Nov 15-24. Will be in Jaco 19-23 Nov. This is going to be my first trip and having done the RTFFs looks like the monger scene is ok. Apart from the mongering, any one there at that time would like to get a beer PM me. ANd if you are into fishing would be glad to share a boat.

Cheers

Duni

Dgfd
11-04-07, 14:06
Anyone been to CR during Christmas? Dec 20-30? How is it like during this time? Any advice on planning a trip around this time is well appreciated. Thanks in advance.Weather very nice. 20th-22nd might be real good as they seek their xmas money for regallos para ninos. then action slows considerably to hardly anything 23-26, as alot of them return to their distant familias and SJ chicks stay home. Christmas is big in CR culture.

Davidb3069
11-06-07, 01:54
Anyone been to CR during Christmas? Dec 20-30? How is it like during this time? Any advice on planning a trip around this time is well appreciated. Thanks in advance.

I would not recommend SJ during christmas for about the week before to 2-3 weeks after. Many of the girls travel home for the holidays and it's a near ghost-town at places like Del Rey. There will always be some girls but only a fraction of the normal number. They work up until the last minute for holiday travel money and you will probably get a good deal then. You'll also get a better deal when they first come back as they'll be broke and ready to make more $$. SJ/CR is fairly unique in that girls travel there from DR, Panama, Nicaragua and as far away as Colombia. And they go home.

Also... Costa Ricans celebrate Christmas on Christmas eve. They have a traditional Costa Rican meal. Christmas day is not as significant to them. You will NOT see Costa Ricans out Christmas EVE -- they will be home with their family. You might, however, see some of them working Christmas. New Years is a HUGE event there and don't count on getting much sleep. They'll be up partying and shooting off fireworks until early in the morning.

David

Davidb3069
11-06-07, 01:59
will be going to cr nov 15-24. will be in jaco 19-23 nov. this is going to be my first trip and having done the rtffs looks like the monger scene is ok. apart from the mongering, any one there at that time would like to get a beer pm me. and if you are into fishing would be glad to share a boat.

cheers

duni

that's not a bad length of a trip to jaco. more and you'd probably get bored. mongering is limited there. lots of hot nicas though. be careful, there are a lot more young, **** girls there working the bars then i've seen in other places in cr. check their ids for the age if you're not sure.

david

Dodger Bulldog
11-06-07, 04:30
Anyone been to CR during Christmas? Dec 20-30? How is it like during this time? Any advice on planning a trip around this time is well appreciated. Thanks in advance.I arrived on Christmas Day and had no trouble finding a hot girl at the Del Rey. Of course, things
got considerably better after that. You will have no problem throughout the week.

You are wise to leave on December 30. The MPs and some restaurants start closing two days
before New Years.

On New Years Eve there were probably 20 gringos for every girl working at the Del Rey, and
nowhere else was open.

Guys were fighting over girls. The fattest, ugliest chicas you can imagine were holding firm
to cien and getting it.

New Years Eve is a big family holiday in CR and the other Latin countries I've been to. Mongering
is just a waste of time on that night.

Dead, dead, dead.

DB

Stevewxly
11-07-07, 17:34
See my other report on.....San Jose- Current Reports.

Steve

Macmasher
11-07-07, 21:31
See my other report on.....San Jose- Current Reports.

Steve

... to see this in every active sub-forum. I'm posting this ONCE - because your house party has absolutely nothing to do with "travel advice."

Hope you have a great party and all, but a half-dozen party-related posts borders on forum pollution.

Stevewxly
11-08-07, 02:43
I am very tempted to give you my opinion about your complaint.....but I believe I am above doing that.....so I will let discreation be the better part of valor, and just respond by saying:

Pura Vida

Steve

Prolijo
11-08-07, 15:32
MacM,
I can see where you MIGHT say that BUT its NOT like Steve is doing this for personal enrichment (which I can say especially knowing Steve as we do) and is just seeking a response great enough to justify all the effort he is clearly putting in for all this. I feel he is just providing a useful service for the benefit of other members. And even IF that weren't completely the case, he has contributed MORE than enough to this forum in the past to earn him the right for us to cut him a little slack. I'm only sorry I won't be in town to take part in the party myself.

Steve,
Maybe I missed it, but why haven't you also promoted this on the other forum? I'd be willing to bet you'd get a bigger and more favorable response from those guys who seem always up for a party. Besides, it wouldn't be the worst thing for members of the different boards to mix a little more. I was going to say "cross-pollinate" but then thought better of it since the only "pollinating" that should be going on at that party should be with the chica "flowers", but you know what I mean.

D Panda
11-08-07, 23:51
Steve,

Wish I could change my plans and be there for the party. Naysayers aside I appreciate your invite and updates. Maybe next time.

Panda

Stevewxly
11-09-07, 01:06
Pro
Thanks for the kind words. My only objective for this party is to put some other people into this great house for a few hours to party and have fun....besides me.

Wish you were going to be ín town for it. If this one turns out well, I plan to have a similar fiesta about every weekend for a few weeks.

Thanks, Steve

Dick Rambone
11-11-07, 15:07
Steve,

I will be in sjo from Nov 29 to Dec. 4. Any parties then?

Dick

Stevewxly
11-11-07, 16:55
If my little house party is successful today......with some chicas coming out as well as some gringos....then yes, we may well have other weekend parties.

I am going to the super market now to buy groceries......I just hope that I dont have to personally eat all them for the next couple of weeks.....that we actually have some folks come out today.

PM me later.....or call me 876-2715

Steve

Davidb3069
11-12-07, 17:23
If my little house party is successful today......with some chicas coming out as well as some gringos....then yes, we may well have other weekend parties.

I am going to the super market now to buy groceries......I just hope that I dont have to personally eat all them for the next couple of weeks.....that we actually have some folks come out today.

PM me later.....or call me 876-2715

Steve

So did did the party go?

David

D Panda
11-12-07, 23:06
Steve,

What gives with the party info? And pictures? There must be pictures. I will be there Friday afternoon if you are nto all partied out.

D Panda

Stevewxly
11-13-07, 16:41
Hey,
My little swaree (sp) was not much of a success. Only three people showed up. One gringo, and two girls. But we had fun nevertheless.

Guess there is a trust thing that goes on in foreign countries.
People dont know me.....and therefore no trust....that sort of thing.

I spent about $ 150.00 for groceries and beer, and such....with most of it leftover.....but I will be eating well for the next week or so.

I guess I will just have to spend the time at my $ 300,000.00 manshion alone with my girlfriend....who is a registered nurse and paramedic here in San Jose.

Oh well........I was kind of tired of humping around the Del Rey anyway.......

I may think about another party later....but will perhaps sell tickets to the next one......to cover my ASS with the expenses.

Pura Vida

Steve

Prolijo
11-14-07, 03:02
You may have better luck trying it again over Thanksgiving weekend for your re-kickoff weekend since a lot of guys, especially the single ones, come down then to take advantage of the 1-2 days of paid time off during that week. The Sportsman's usually has a Thanksgiving dinner during that Thursday afternoon that you probably wouldn't want to compete with but I bet a lot of guys would be interested in a pool party that Saturday. Don't be afraid to expand your market to CRT and give them enough notice this time around. Once you get yourself established you can probably expect better turnouts relative to this past one but I wouldn't shoot for as many participants as you were unless its a holiday weekend with extra guys in town. Except for Thanksgiving weekend where you might be able to pre-sell a fair amount of tickets and other such occasions, I'd scale back your preparations to more like 6-10 guys and a similar number of chicas at best. But that is just my humble opinion.

ChiliMike
11-14-07, 07:59
Steve,

I think you meant well. As when I first read your post I thought it was some type of scam. Then you stayed with it and it look like you were really trying to get a party going. It seems you got lucky really. What if 20 or 30 guys did show up and you only had 2 girls. In my view like any bar that is first starting. Some of the moves you need to make. Pussy, pussy, pussy brings guys. Ladies drink free nites, no cover for the ladies, these are moves that new bars use so maybe you need to do the same. Where do bars like sportmens, hotel and others get the girls for special events those hotel m girls I see in the photos are girls I don't see in the gulch. Anyway if you throw one of these when I am in town I will be there.

Stevewxly
11-14-07, 17:09
Prolijo,

I was just kidding about the tickets. I dont think I would do that.....but it would be nice to get some support from my fellow gringos, to have a house party.

I think it is somewhat of a trust thing. Guys here just dont know me, and therefore perhaps dont trust coming out for something like that.....plus as you say, perhaps my timing was off some with not too many guys being in SJ before Thanksgiving.

I may try to have another one on Thanksgiving weekend, and also try to get the word out more.

I did list it on the CRT board....but did not have any response for there.

I have a new local girlfriend now who is tica, and is a registered nurse and a paramedic here in one of the local hospitals.
She says she is in love with me after only 7-8 days, and is crazy about sex with me.....so all is not bad with things here.

I think I will build up a core group of perhaps 2 to 3 gringo friends whom Ive met here, along with their girlfriends.....and when the weather warms up some, we should be able to have some nice.....very private parties at my house.....with skinning dipping in the pool, food, drinks, music, and lots of fun for all.

I guess I dont need to expect to entertain all the forum guys (gringos) at my house. And perhaps I was overexpecting things quite a bit, when I thought that I might get perhaps 20 or so guys and 20 or so girls to come out for a party on SUNDAY afternoon.....in the middle of Nov.

I will scale back things for the next fiesta.........

Lets hook up (you, me and some gals, of course) when you get back down to SJ.

Steve

D Panda
11-14-07, 21:09
Arriving Friday afternoon and missed the party! Just my luck. Steve if you want to do something this weekend I will bring a gal from town and we can have our own party, Wingman in tow with one of his own. PM me

Panda

D Panda
11-16-07, 16:04
I have been placed on the "unable to perform" list. No not E. D. Rather sprained MCL. So not trip this week:.P. Hope every there has a great time.

Vincity
12-15-07, 16:34
How far is Blackbeards from Hotel Del Ray and the other stuff?

I was thinking about staying at Blackbeards, then can always take a trip to Hotel Del Ray?

Professor 1
12-15-07, 22:32
How far is Blackbeards from Hotel Del Ray and the other stuff?

I was thinking about staying at Blackbeards, then can always take a trip to Hotel Del Ray?

I do not remember a Blackbeard's in SJO. One exists in the Costambar section of Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic, though. If you desire directions to that one, let me know.

Prolijo
12-16-07, 02:36
How far is Blackbeards from Hotel Del Ray and the other stuff?

I was thinking about staying at Blackbeards, then can always take a trip to Hotel Del Ray?that would be 1805.7 kilometers or 1122 miles to the North East, but you'll have an unbelievable lot of trouble finding a cab that will take you there.

Smokers Rule
12-16-07, 07:38
Priceless. Bring your swim trunks too ;)

Eddie1715
12-18-07, 15:46
Hey Mongerers,

I need some advice. I usually go to Laredo, but that idea has been dead for a while due to the scary environment. After reading your great reports, I would like to go for a week. Do I get a package air /hotel deal to the Del Rey or should I get the air and hotel seperate. What's the best way to get great deals from Houston?

Diesel E
12-19-07, 03:45
Hey Mongerers,

I need some advice. I usually go to Laredo, but that idea has been dead for a while due to the scary environment. After reading your great reports, I would like to go for a week. Do I get a package air /hotel deal to the Del Rey or should I get the air and hotel seperate. What's the best way to get great deals from Houston?Most of the packages you will see are for all inclusive places on either coast not for SJO. I am a cheap travel junkie and have found farecompare.com to be the best so far ( if your travel dates are somewhat flexible ). You can view a whole years worth of pricing and get historical pricing data in the "Top Deals" section http://www.farecompare.com/maps/compareDestinations.html?departure=HOU.

Only 6 more days in sex prison until a week of bliss in CR !! ( got airfare roundtrip from Ohare for $250 from farecompare.com )

Toadtamer2
12-19-07, 05:22
I don't think you will find a mongers hotel in a package deal. Book your hotel seperately. To get a good flight rate you must be flexible with your dates and be ready to book when you find the right place. Leaving mid week and returning mid week seems to work for me. Check this link out Eddie. The code for San Jose airport is SJO.

http://www.bookingwiz.com/air.asp

Eddie1715
12-28-07, 09:24
Toad. Good site. I think I will try to book the hotel del rey 1st and then get a flight that matches. Looks like the best flight round trip fron houston non stop is $590.

Eddie1715
01-28-08, 16:07
Kid, I want to thank you for your complete guide. I am now in my 5th day of my week trip and am looking forward to a longer stay next time. I am staying at Presidente and it is excellent, but the Blt at Sportsmens is better than the BLT at the presidente. The only thing I don't like is the street beggars but I throw them a quick 100 coin and they go away. I love to take pics of the girls in the room. And although there has been much discussion of it, I have them only for personal apppreciation. Very beautiful women and great conversations at the del rey and presidente bars discussing life, travel and girls. One problem- at age 55, I have a bad habit of overdoing it every day. I take a viagra and knockdown one then 2 and can't seem to stop even though the 3rd is a waste of money due to my own limits. LOL. Sounds like a terrible problem huh? Take care.

Thanks again

Superman06
01-30-08, 01:07
Eddie,

You're making me antsy to be in CR. I have a full month to go before I go on my first trip there. Please write a review when you get back. Sounds like your having a good time!


Kid, I want to thank you for your complete guide. I am now in my 5th day of my week trip and am looking forward to a longer stay next time. I am staying at Presidente and it is excellent, but the Blt at Sportsmens is better than the BLT at the presidente. The only thing I don't like is the street beggars but I throw them a quick 100 coin and they go away. I love to take pics of the girls in the room. And although there has been much discussion of it, I have them only for personal apppreciation. Very beautiful women and great conversations at the del rey and presidente bars discussing life, travel and girls. One problem- at age 55, I have a bad habit of overdoing it every day. I take a viagra and knockdown one then 2 and can't seem to stop even though the 3rd is a waste of money due to my own limits. LOL. Sounds like a terrible problem huh? Take care.

Thanks again

Diesel E
02-05-08, 02:07
Found some really low fares with Spirit Air out of O'hare. I wasn't planning on going back so soon but roundtrip including taxes was only $200. Could not even get to Vegas for that cheap! The one thing is you need to be flexible on the travel days, I got that rate heading out on a Tuesday and returning on a Wednesday the following week.

Canadian Cowboy
02-10-08, 23:02
I can be in this town as a friend owns a small INN was wondering if theres a lot of hot chicas here I don't see many reprots. Any where would I find them. Includeing MP or Houses. And whats the going rates around town.

CC

The Tax Man
02-13-08, 04:41
Gentlemen,

I am making my first trip to Costa Rica in June and plan on spending a total of three weeks. Although I plan to spend at least a few days playing in San Jose and a few days relaxing at a beach resort, I was thinking about getting away for at least a few days. I have been looking at short hops to either Panama City or Havana. Obviously, I am looking for the mongering scene, but a little sightseeing in the day time is always appreciated.

Also, I have been reading the other posts, but how would you compare the prices and talent overall to other places? Specifically, I have mongered in Tijuana too many times to count and other destinations including Bangkok, Pattaya, Amsterdam and Nuevo Laredo.

Are there any beachs in Costa Rica that are better for mongering?

Thanks for all of your advice!

Dgfd
02-13-08, 15:55
Gentlemen,

I am making my first trip to Costa Rica in June and plan on spending a total of three weeks. Although I plan to spend at least a few days playing in San Jose and a few days relaxing at a beach resort, I was thinking about getting away for at least a few days. I have been looking at short hops to either Panama City or Havana. Obviously, I am looking for the mongering scene, but a little sightseeing in the day time is always appreciated.

Also, I have been reading the other posts, but how would you compare the prices and talent overall to other places? Specifically, I have mongered in Tijuana too many times to count and other destinations including Bangkok, Pattaya, Amsterdam and Nuevo Laredo.

Are there any beachs in Costa Rica that are better for mongering?

Thanks for all of your advice!Only Jaco for that, and unfortunately not nearly a nice beach by CR standards. But, an hour south is Manuel Antonio, one of the nicest beaches, and a little action at nite at the bar Wacky Wanda and next door. Or, BYO.

Mr Jetsetter
02-14-08, 07:47
The beaches just a few kilometers south of Jaco are actually quite nice -- clean, packed white sand extending for what seemed like a goodly distance southward. I was quite impressed.

Prolijo
02-15-08, 04:52
The beaches just a few kilometers south of Jaco are actually quite nice -- clean, packed white sand extending for what seemed like a goodly distance southward. I was quite impressed.Where are the white sand beaches south of Jaco? Aren't Playa Hermosa and Playa Esterillos both black sand beaches? They are certainly very nice but I still prefer real white (or gold) sand beaches.

Mr Jetsetter
02-17-08, 11:15
Prolijo,

The beach area I was referring to is about 5-6 kilometers south of Jaco. I confess, your post has caused me to question my memory (and sanity). I distinctly remember how much nicer and cleaner this strip of beach was compared to the Jaco beach, and that its coloration was much lighter. I spent an afternoon there with my brother in a futile attempt to get up on my surf board for the very first time, but this was four years ago, and I was still trying to recover from a lengthy session at the Beetle Bar the night before.

Bottom line: I might be in error. I brought this subject up with my brother just yesterday, and he remembers the sand being packed and light grey in color. Oh well...

Prolijo
02-17-08, 15:01
That would be Playa Hermosa. When people say "black sand" beaches they don't really mean black like coal but rather various shades of grey (sometimes the more accurate term "grey sand" is interchangeably used). Similarly, there are many beaches that are not really "white", though those do come much closer to that than the "black" sand does to real black. And then there are "gold" sand which are not really bright "yellow brick road" golden but more of a pale yellowish or golden tan. The key is that the black or grey or whatever you want to call is really grey whereas the other type beaches have much more of a definite tan element in them.

I'm not sure but I believe the technical or geological difference between these is that the black sand beaches owe their origins to volcanic activity (igneous) and are some form of eroded broken down lava. Whereas the others come from some other origin such as the erosion of seashells (sedimentary or metamorphic?).

From a more practical standpoint, the differences relate to temperature. IMHO, the true white sand beaches are hands down the most beautiful. But go barefoot on one of those on a hot day and you can wind up with blisters on the soles of your feet the size of Texas. The darker the sand, the easier it is on your feet (or bottom if you lie down or sit on it). The problem that I have with black (or grey) sand beaches is that they also seem much dirtier. If you get white or gold sand on you, you can more easily brush it off or at least what you can't brush off is not nearly as noticable. That is not the case with black or grey sand. Of course, that is still better than beaches that are truly dirty in the sense of trash such as Jaco Beach itself.

And I haven't even started talking about the granularity of the sand. There are "powder" sand beaches which are either much softer or smoother (depending on whether you're talking about the hard pack down near the water or the upper part of the beach) but which are the hardest to brush off. White sand beaches of powder to fine light granular levels are known as "sugar sand" beaches. And then there are more heavily granular sand beaches all the way up to shell or rock beaches. And, finally, you got various combinations such as white fine sand beaches with broken bits of shell such as Playa Flamingo up in Guanacaste and all other sorts of combinations elsewhere (how about driftwood beaches?). BTW, if white sand beaches are what you're into then, in general, you'll find more of them in areas like Guanacaste and on Nicoya.

And there are many other factors. I won't go into surf which is a subject on to itself. But how about width, depth and angle of the beach? Think about it, east coast, Caribbean or Atlantic beaches are better for sunrises and morning sunning whereas west coast or Pacific beaches get better sun in the afternoon (when it doesn't cloud up) and much better sunsets.

How do I know so much about beach types? To us Floridians there are as many types of beaches as there are types of snow to an eskimo.

One last observation to help salve your damaged ego. Playa Hermosa is one of the best surf beaches in CR but it is NOT (IMHO) a particularly good BEGINNER beach to learn on, particularly the northern end which is aptly and scarily known as "Boom-Boom Beach". You probably would have had better luck getting up on the board if you started on the more "babyish" waves such as they have in town even though the beach itself is not as nice. I think you're brother might have been more interested in finding killer waves for himself than thinking what might have been better for you. But don't tell him I said that. I don't want to start a fight between brothers.

Mangey Scene
03-06-08, 13:15
That would be Playa Hermosa. When people say "black sand" beaches they don't really mean black like coal but rather various shades of grey (sometimes the more accurate term "grey sand" is interchangeably used). Similarly, there are many beaches that are not really "white", though those do come much closer to that than the "black" sand does to real black. And then there are "gold" sand which are not really bright "yellow brick road" golden but more of a pale yellowish or golden tan. The key is that the black or grey or whatever you want to call is really grey whereas the other type beaches have much more of a definite tan element in them.

I'm not sure but I believe the technical or geological difference between these is that the black sand beaches owe their origins to volcanic activity (igneous) and are some form of eroded broken down lava. Whereas the others come from some other origin such as the erosion of seashells (sedimentary or metamorphic?).

From a more practical standpoint, the differences relate to temperature. IMHO, the true white sand beaches are hands down the most beautiful. But go barefoot on one of those on a hot day and you can wind up with blisters on the soles of your feet the size of Texas. The darker the sand, the easier it is on your feet (or bottom if you lie down or sit on it). The problem that I have with black (or grey) sand beaches is that they also seem much dirtier. If you get white or gold sand on you, you can more easily brush it off or at least what you can't brush off is not nearly as noticable. That is not the case with black or grey sand. Of course, that is still better than beaches that are truly dirty in the sense of trash such as Jaco Beach itself.

And I haven't even started talking about the granularity of the sand. There are "powder" sand beaches which are either much softer or smoother (depending on whether you're talking about the hard pack down near the water or the upper part of the beach) but which are the hardest to brush off. White sand beaches of powder to fine light granular levels are known as "sugar sand" beaches. And then there are more heavily granular sand beaches all the way up to shell or rock beaches. And, finally, you got various combinations such as white fine sand beaches with broken bits of shell such as Playa Flamingo up in Guanacaste and all other sorts of combinations elsewhere (how about driftwood beaches?). BTW, if white sand beaches are what you're into then, in general, you'll find more of them in areas like Guanacaste and on Nicoya.

And there are many other factors. I won't go into surf which is a subject on to itself. But how about width, depth and angle of the beach? Think about it, east coast, Caribbean or Atlantic beaches are better for sunrises and morning sunning whereas west coast or Pacific beaches get better sun in the afternoon (when it doesn't cloud up) and much better sunsets.

How do I know so much about beach types? To us Floridians there are as many types of beaches as there are types of snow to an eskimo.

One last observation to help salve your damaged ego. Playa Hermosa is one of the best surf beaches in CR but it is NOT (IMHO) a particularly good BEGINNER beach to learn on, particularly the northern end which is aptly and scarily known as "Boom-Boom Beach". You probably would have had better luck getting up on the board if you started on the more "babyish" waves such as they have in town even though the beach itself is not as nice. I think you're brother might have been more interested in finding killer waves for himself than thinking what might have been better for you. But don't tell him I said that. I don't want to start a fight between brothers.I'm returning to CR with my wingman in April. I found the beaches in Jacó to be dirty, mainly from stray dog and horse manure. Where are the nice sandy beaches south of Jacó? What city is that? Any lovely girls and good monger hotels in that area?

Prolijo
03-07-08, 01:39
I'm returning to CR with my wingman in April. I found the beaches in Jacó to be dirty, mainly from stray dog and horse manure. Where are the nice sandy beaches south of Jacó? What city is that? Any lovely girls and good monger hotels in that area?Playa Hermosa starts around 5-10 minutes south of Jaco. What city is that?!? Hah, that is laughable. I wouldn't even call that area a village. Its more like a small string of little hotels and other beach tourism related businesses. Lovely girls? It does have some surfer related night life and some surfers are young women. So, yes, I suppose you could say it does have some lovely girls. but if you meant P4P, then you would be much better off heading into Jaco.

For most guys on this board, their best play is to stay in Jaco, where they can enjoy the more active nightlife scene and possibly even be able to walk back to their hotel or at least be able to walk somewhere for dinner other than just their own hotel's restaurant. During the day, if you want to go to a decent beach just hop in a cab and have him take you out of town. OTOH, if you're more about surfing or prefer staying in a more tranquil setting vs, having to be in the heart of the action, then staying outside of Jaco at someplace like Playa Hermosa might make more sense.

ILoveChicas
04-21-08, 23:12
Hey guys,

I'm likely to be in San Juan for 3 months or more so I'm looking for longer term stay situations and suggestions? I could probably do ok with a large room and would like to be in an area that's accessible for public transportation. It would be nice to be in a relatively safe area as well.

Any thoughts or suggestions would be great!

Later,

ilovechicas

LuvumBare
04-22-08, 23:18
Someone with you experience and obvious interest in our hobby (5 posts) should not be offended when we suggest the simple process of RTFF.

'bare

Prolijo
04-24-08, 02:09
Luvumbare,
I guess he WAS offended judging from the sarcasm in his response to your post.

Marketshare,
Since you still don't seem to "get it", the reason Luvumbare did not seem particularly helpful to you is that you weren't particularly helpful yourself. IF you had asked more SPECIFIC questions, I'm sure someone would have been more willing to help you out by posting answers even IF those answers were already buried somewhere back in the forum for you to look up and read on your own. But you didn't even do that. Instead, you asked what can only be seen as the most ridiculously generic questions one could imagine. Come on. "Hotels and especially chicas, tell me all" -on a monger travel forum where essentially every post from day one has already discussed that. What do you expect us to do? Guess what specific information you really want? Regurgitate everything that has already been posted? Or go through the effort of boiling down everything that has already been posted into a nice neat and concise little package all wrapped up with a bow? Why should anyone go through all that work when you apparently haven't even made the effort to use the search function and find at least some of the answers yourself? If you had, you might have evidenced that fact by asking something a little more intelligent that displayed you had made that effort.

You really have a lot of gall, not only to expect what you did with your initial post but then to react the way you did when you were rebuffed. I hope that no one answers you. You're clearly one of those guys that come to these boards only to be a taker.

Superman06
04-25-08, 12:10
Hey guys,

I'm likely to be in San Juan for 3 months or more so I'm looking for longer term stay situations and suggestions? I could probably do ok with a large room and would like to be in an area that's accessible for public transportation. It would be nice to be in a relatively safe area as well.

Any thoughts or suggestions would be great!

Later,

ilovechicasThough I'm sure some will disagree the Vista Linda is a great place to be for a longer stay. Carlos the owner is a very laid back guy. The bus to town is less than two blocks away and cabs always drive by. Lots of people stay there long term and are very helpful in showing you the ropes on getting around. It has wireless DSL, computer work stations downstairs, full kitchens and great security. The neighborhood is very safe in the daytime but like ALL San Jose neighborhoods it's best to get a taxi when traveling at night. The price to stay there and quality of the rooms is probably the best in the area. Yes, it's chica friendly. http://www.vistalindaapartments.com/main.html

Diver2
04-27-08, 16:24
I'm returning to CR with my wingman in April. I found the beaches in Jacó to be dirty, mainly from stray dog and horse manure. Where are the nice sandy beaches south of Jacó? What city is that? Any lovely girls and good monger hotels in that area?Not sure about Jaco, but Queapos is pretty nice.

ILoveChicas
04-28-08, 19:38
Though I'm sure some will disagree the Vista Linda is a great place to be for a longer stay. Carlos the owner is a very laid back guy. The bus to town is less than two blocks away and cabs always drive by. Lots of people stay there long term and are very helpful in showing you the ropes on getting around. It has wireless DSL, computer work stations downstairs, full kitchens and great security. The neighborhood is very safe in the daytime but like ALL San Jose neighborhoods it's best to get a taxi when traveling at night. The price to stay there and quality of the rooms is probably the best in the area. Yes, it's chica friendly. http://www.vistalindaapartments.com/main.htmlThanks for the suggestion - it's a place to start if nothing else.

Chercherfemmes
04-29-08, 01:39
I'm trying to figure out which hotels allow more than one female guest up to your room. I've been to San Jose a couple times now and found out (the hard way) that the Clarion Amon Plaza does not allow this. The Sportsmen's Lodge does allow more than one.

I know it's allowed at the Hotel Del Rey and Hotel Zona Blue, but I don't want to stay at those places unless I have no other choice.

It might be possible at these hotels:

Hotel M
Hotel Freebird
Hotel Casa Vino
Hotel Castillo
Hotel Freebird

Any help would be appreciated.

Sportsman
05-01-08, 04:04
I’ll be arriving this Friday to SJO for my second trip staying at SL. On my first trip in NOV 07 I arranged with SL for a driver to pick me from SJO for $18. I called today and was told the cost is $25 so I declined and planning to just take a taxi. I can speak passable monger Spanish and I have a map to SL so communicating should not be a problem. The question is what is the going rate for a regular taxi from SJO to SL? I seemed to have read it should cost about $12 but that price might be outdated. Any advice is appreciated.

Member #2666
05-01-08, 14:41
I’ll be arriving this Friday to SJO for my second trip staying at SL. On my first trip in NOV 07 I arranged with SL for a driver to pick me from SJO for $18. I called today and was told the cost is $25 so I declined and planning to just take a taxi. I can speak passable monger Spanish and I have a map to SL so communicating should not be a problem. The question is what is the going rate for a regular taxi from SJO to SL? I seemed to have read it should cost about $12 but that price might be outdated. Any advice is appreciated.


I'm not too sure of the current cost since they all went up recently but it's around $20-$25..

However for 60 cents you can take the bus which is on the other side of the main airport parking lot which will drop you in central San Jose and then grab a cab to the SL for about $2

It's really quite easy and you save enough for a good session in one of the many off the main path MP's

Nixonbd
05-01-08, 23:27
Whe I was there in 11/2007, it was $12 solo, I was with a buddy and we paid $19 total.

Tiny 12
05-02-08, 02:27
Hotel M and Morazon will allow it. I don't necessarily recommend either though -- Hotel M is overpriced, but they will negotiate. The Morazon is a dump. I don't know about others on your list.


I'm trying to figure out which hotels allow more than one female guest up to your room. I've been to San Jose a couple times now and found out (the hard way) that the Clarion Amon Plaza does not allow this. The Sportsmen's Lodge does allow more than one.

I know it's allowed at the Hotel Del Rey and Hotel Zona Blue, but I don't want to stay at those places unless I have no other choice.

It might be possible at these hotels:

Hotel M
Hotel Freebird
Hotel Casa Vino
Hotel Castillo
Hotel Freebird

Any help would be appreciated.

Paintergle
05-02-08, 22:14
I Was There Last Week The Airport Taxis Are 22 To The Sl Area.

And The Morazan Is Not A Dump Very Nice People The Rooms Are Ok And They Do Allow 2 In A Room I Have Stayed There For Years.

======================================

Hi Paintergle,

I sincerely appreciate your contributions to the forum, but...

Would you please refrain from capitalizing the first letter of EVERY word in your reports!

It's difficult to read, it's time consuming to fix, and it takes you more work to write like that.

On behalf of myself and your fellow Forum Members: Thank You!

Jackson

Member #2964
05-03-08, 21:44
While in SJ 15 April ( tax day it's best to be out of the USA) 22 April.

Airport taxi wanted $20.00. In 6 years I have never had a taxi charge a different / greater price for more then one person in a cab. It has always been a flat rate for 1, 2 ,3 or 4 people(tight squeeze) I stopped taking the taxi after it went over $14.00. The maria (meter) from the city is only $13.00

The bus is as fast, safe and costs 370 colones (65 cents). The bus station is at the end of paseo Colon- the begininning of 2nd Ave on the left just before the Telamanca hotel.

From there depending on the time of day and traffic it is 405 colones - 600 colones ( between $1 + $2 to the el Ray. you might have to wait all of 20 seconds for a cab at that location.

Prolijo
05-04-08, 03:08
I agree completely with both of these last 2 posters (and I never thought I'd agree with 2964 on anything :)).

The Morazon is certainly nothing fancy but I wouldn't exactly call it a dump either. It serves its purpose. Extremely close to the HDR (so close even the taxi to the Presidente guys would think twice about not just walking). Absolutely no hassles bringing chicas back (unlike the HDR which charges $10 each time you bring a chica upstairs). And rooms that are practically on par with the quality of the rooms at the HDR for not much more than half the price. Its hard to find a better value option in the Gulch.

And taking the bus into town is definitely the way to go unless perhaps you come in late at night. Some guys say that it is not worth the hassle because they want to get in and get right down to mongering as fast as possible once they arrive. But, come on now, taking the bus might take all off 20 minutes longer and probably not even that and for that you can save enough to pay for an MP session (at the tico places at least). For that I have no problem with it taking a little longer. the girls will still be there when you get there.

BTW, I don't think that Nixon was charged more for 2 people when he went with him and his buddy. $19 is now the normal rate for an AIRPORT taxi into town. Actually it used to be one flat rate before they raised it, but now varies +/- a buck or two depending on exactly what region of downtown you're going. The SL being a little further away might be $20. I'm not sure how he got that $12 rate "back in 11/07" but it was definitely not for an official AIRPORT taxi. It hasn't been that low for a real long time now.

Sportsman
05-05-08, 01:22
Arrived on Friday and used the "Official Airport Taxi" right after the baggage cliam before passing through the sliding door to exit the building. Paid the cashier at the window $25 for a ride to SL. The driver was standing right next to the window where I paid and carried my bags to his taxi which was parked right on the curb. The taxi had the "Official Airport Taxi" written on the side.

Would like to know where others have gotten $20 taxi ride to SL.

Sportsman
05-05-08, 01:50
I'm all down on taking the bus. $3-4 compare to $25 plus tip I just paid is a no-brainer. My flight usually arrives around 9:30 am so no need to get to the hotel the fastest way possible since my hotel room might not even be ready when I get there. As long as it is safe with minimal hassle as some of you have stated. Another 30 minutes won't kill me. However, would appreciate someone can provide detailed information how to do it. i.e.:

Where to catch it after exiting the airport building?
Is there more than one bus route at the airport? If so, which one to take and what is that bus route's number and/or destination?
How is the fare paid? Exact change only or can the driver make change?
How often does the bus run in the daytime?
Is it an express bus which only stops at the final destination? If not, where is the place to get off and catch a taxi.
Finally, on the return trip to the airport, what should one tell to the taxi driver for the bus station to catch the bus to the airport?

I'm sure many of us can benefit from this info.

Thanks for the help.

Prolijo
05-05-08, 03:32
Where to catch it after exiting the airport building?
Turn left and follow the road around the parking garage out to the main street that passes in front of the airport and then turn right and go maybe fifty feet just in front of the garage. If you're unsure if you're in the right spot, just put on your best dumb gringo look and sheepishly ask any tico that will probably be standing around "esta la parada por San Jose?" Not only will they let you know if you're in the wrong spot, they'll probably help by pointing out the right bus when it comes along.

Is there more than one bus route at the airport? Yes. In fact this is the same area where most buses stop on their way from SJ to other parts of CR north and west (such as Arenal/Fortuna, Jaco, Monteverde and MA/Quepos). But, except for the buses to Alajuela, those come by much less frequently.

If so, which, one to take and what is that bus route's number and/or destination? They don't really have route #'s per se, or, if they do, you're better off simply reading the name of the destination which is always on the front of the bus. Again, if you're still unsure just trot out that dumb gringo look again and as you poke your head in the door ask the driver "esta por San Jose?"

How is the fare paid? To be honest I'm not sure if they'll take dollars, but I'd guess they probably will (particularly if you hand him a dollar bill and tell him he can keep the change). I usually save enough change from my last trip. Alternatively, as long as you aren't in a rush to get downtown, go upstairs at the airport and change some currency at one of the bank booths that are on the far right (just past where you get your exit stamps. Their rates are perfectly reasonable and you could even pick up your exit stamps on your way out so you can save time when it comes time to return home.

BTW, there are usually a couple of bars that you walk between to get on the bus. These are there to count passengers, I guess so that the driver doesn't rip off the bus company. Whatever you do, don't stand in between the bars as you get out or wait for your change. That can throw off the counter and really [CodeWord140] (http://isgprohibitedwords.info?CodeWord=CodeWord140) off the driver. Instead, have your money ready and either hand him the exact change before you get to those bars or hand him your money and step all the way through while he gets your change and he will pass it back to you before he takes off.

Exact change only or can the driver make change? I guess I already answered this one. Yes, the driver can make change but I wouldn't push it by handing him a 50K colone note or other large bill

How often does the bus run in the daytime? Every 10 minutes

Is it an express bus which only stops at the final destination? I don't think there are any TRUE express buses in CR. The express buses just stop less often, much less, usually a few places towards the very beginning and very end of their trip. The airport bus stops at a few pull-offs along the highway into town as demand requires (sometimes at 2-3 places sometimes not at all) and then some more once it gets past Sabana Park, again as demand requires. This why it takes a little longer than a taxi that goes direct. Just relax and enjoy the ride. I've done the whole trip in as long as 35 minutes and as short as 25.

If not, where is the place to get off and catch a taxi. You can't mistake where you need to get off. The bus stops and just about everybody gets off and then the bus doesn't go anywhere right away as it did at other stops. You'll see a small park on the right hand side and as you get off the bus a church to your right and the hospital to your left. This is Parque Merced, which is near where Paseo Colon ends and the traffic veers on to Avenida 2, the main road through downtown. If you cross over the small park, you can EASILY catch one of the many cabs as it turns on to Avenida 2, but you may not even have to take that many steps from the bus.

Finally, on the return trip to the airport, what should one tell to the taxi driver for the bus station to catch the bus to the airport? It no longer takes off from the old bus station/lot but just a regular street side bus stop on the south side of Parque Merced (remember where you got off). Tell your taxista to go to "Parque Merced" or "la parada del autoboos por Alajuela", look for any bus with an Alajuela-Aeropuerto sign in the front windshield (there may be a couple waiting around) and ask the driver which one is next ("donday el boos proxima por el aeropuerto")

********
"Thank you Prolijo for the outstanding info. I keep my leftover cash for future trips too and I'll make sure I have a few 1000 CRC bills for the fare, may be even some 100 CRC coins just in case..." How much will this all cost you each way? Save your bills if you want, but a couple of 500c coins will probably suffice. The fare for the bus was only ~350c (around 70 cents) unless recent rising gas prices have forced them to raise it a bit. And the cab fare to the SL from Merced shouldn't cost much more than your remaining change or ~650c (or maybe also a couple of 100c coins because of rising fares due to gas hikes on that end).

Sportsman
05-05-08, 06:34
Thank you Prolijo for the outstanding info. I keep my leftover cash for future trips too and I'll make sure I have a few 1000 CRC bills for the fare, may be even some 100 CRC coins just in case. Unless I'm mistaken, the bus to take is one with destination San Jose written in the front. Will definitely try it in next trip. Thanks again.

J Europe
05-05-08, 07:22
I'm trying to figure out which hotels allow more than one female guest up to your room. I've been to San Jose a couple times now and found out (the hard way) that the Clarion Amon Plaza does not allow this. The Sportsmen's Lodge does allow more than one.

I know it's allowed at the Hotel Del Rey and Hotel Zona Blue, but I don't want to stay at those places unless I have no other choice.

It might be possible at these hotels:

Hotel M
Hotel Freebird
Hotel Casa Vino
Hotel Castillo
Hotel Freebird

Any help would be appreciated.None of the hotels you have listed will give you a problem. Casa Vino is actually setup to be a private residence so the only rules are the ones that you set for your self.

I think that Freebird charges an additional fee if there is more than 2 all the other places are good to go.

J Europe
05-05-08, 07:38
I'm all down on taking the bus. $3-4 compare to $25 plus tip I just paid is a no-brainer. My flight usually arrives around 9:30 am so no need to get to the hotel the fastest way possible since my hotel room might not even be ready when I get there. As long as it is safe with minimal hassle as some of you have stated. Another 30 minutes won't kill me. However, would appreciate someone can provide detailed information how to do it. i.e.:

Where to catch it after exiting the airport building?

Is there more than one bus route at the airport? If so, which one to take and what is that bus route's number and/or destination?

How is the fare paid? Exact change only or can the driver make change?

How often does the bus run in the daytime?

Is it an express bus which only stops at the final destination? If not, where is the place to get off and catch a taxi.

Finally, on the return trip to the airport, what should one tell to the taxi driver for the bus station to catch the bus to the airport?

I'm sure many of us can benefit from this info.

Thanks for the help.Don't forget about interbus www.interbusonline.com they charge $7 and pick you up from the airport($7 each way) they drop you off/pickup directly in front of your hotel. You must book them 4 days at least prior to your trip and they do have a 2 bag limit although each time I have taken them that has never been enforced.

Prolijo
05-05-08, 11:57
See my revision below.

Member #2964
05-07-08, 04:11
“Would like to know where others have gotten $20 taxi ride to SL”.

Walk across the street when exiting the airport; enter parking garage and immediately turn right and go up to the departing drop off area. Ask any RED taxi after he has dropped off his departing client; Quanta Questa (how much) Hotel so and so on so and so ave y calle?

He’ll say one thing and keep in mind that from The Theater on second ave it’s about $14.00 on the Maria (meter) to the airport. As was previously posted the official airport taxi is now #25.00, so negotiate the best deal for you.

“If you're unsure if you're in the right spot, just put on your best dumb gringo look and sheepishly ask any tico that will probably be standing around "esta la parada por San Jose?"”

Prolijo’s directions to the bus are correct but the above quote is not. There is a Bus Master or if you will a bus dispatcher / checker on the curb most of the time. He’s the guy with the pencil or pen and what looks like a book of paper slip tickets; You can ask him which “express” bus is heading back into SJ he will even put your luggage into a secure baggage compartment under the bus; just like Gray Hound does. If he’s not there fall back to Prolijo’s advice.

Coming from SJ to the airport the bus might open the door for someone if stopped at a light or if the traffic is bad take a different route out of the city skirting Barrio Mexico and stop and chat with his wife or GF for a min if he see’s her out on the sidewalk. I have never found any real non stop express bus from the airport back into the city. It stops along the Auto pista and Ave. Paseo Colon about 6 or 8 short stops.

With traffic as bad as any major US city at rush hour the bus is a very good bang for your 370 colone’s. Hand the driver a 500 colon coin and get change back. I have never on any public bus see a driver make change for American paper money; just as no public bus in the US would accept or change colone’s for the fare.

“Finally, on the return trip to the airport, what should one tell to the taxi driver for the bus station to catch the bus to the airport? It no longer takes off from the old bus station/lot but just a regular street side bus stop on the south side of Parque Merced (remember where you got off). Tell your taxista to go to "Parque Merced" or "la parada del autoboos por Alajuela", look for any bus with an Alajuela-Aeropuerto sign in the front windshield (there may be a couple waiting around) and ask the driver which one is next ("donday el boos proxima por el aeropuerto")”

Unless they changed the route in the last two weeks I have to disagree with this info.

There is a regular busy bus station Circa the Talamanca Hotel / north side of the park on Ave 2 with the bus master and a sign that shows the location of the express bus to the airport it’s the Alajuela bus that makes its first stop at the airport; Departs every 10 minutes. I Left at 11:39 A.M. and arrived at the airport at app 12:04 P.M. I had already bought and filled out my departure tax info sheet which I bought while out walking in SJ one afternoon looking at the COWS at the bank on Ave 4 that faces North to Park Central: so I had plenty of time to spare for my 2 PM departure.

If you plan on returning within 2, 3,4,5,6 months keeps a 10,000; 5000; 2000; a few 1000 colon bills and a couple 500 colone coins. The exchange rate is going down; 492 for 1 two weeks ago it will be less each month into the future. The taxi will still treat your bills as 500 to 1 so if you take a taxi and pay with colone’s at 500 to 1 you pick up 3-5 cents on a buck in 6 months time.

The fares from the Paves’ airport back into the city are an even bigger rip off. The Taxi wants $15.00 to $20.00 or $5:00 per person 4 people in the van and the bus is 170 colone’s The Maria is $7.00 from the city out to the airport. The bus leaves every ½ hour Monday to Saturday and Every hour on the ½ hour on Sundays.

Fore informed is fore armed. Have fun and enjoy the ride through the different neighborhoods and the chica watching.

Breadman
05-07-08, 21:38
Was curious if there were any hotels/rentals that would allow 2 or 3 guys to rent a large penthouse type suite? 3 private rooms but one large area with preferably a patio/balcony....

Im familiar with germany's fkk clubs and the scene in canada, figure id branch out and visit some area's to the south.

Sportsman
05-07-08, 23:43
Was curious if there were any hotels/rentals that would allow 2 or 3 guys to rent a large penthouse type suite? 3 private rooms but one large area with preferably a patio/balcony....

Im familiar with germany's fkk clubs and the scene in canada, figure id branch out and visit some area's to the south.Sportsmen's Lodge has a penthouse suite with two bedrooms and a fold out bed in the living room. I met a guy who just stayed there with two of his friends over the weekend and he loved it.
http://www.sportsmenscr.com/penthouse.html

Sportsman
05-10-08, 01:29
I didn't get a chance to try out the bus to SJO on my return trip this week because I had already arranged for a ride. I did some recon when I got to SJO and based on the info provided already, I put down some directions on the satellite photos.

1. SJO shows where to catch the bus at SJO
2. Merced shows where to get off the bus in town
3. Route shows the distance from Parque Merced to HDR, Hotel Presidente, and SL

Hope they are correct and useful.
Sportsman

Prolijo
05-10-08, 03:43
“If you're unsure if you're in the right spot, just put on your best dumb gringo look and sheepishly ask any tico that will probably be standing around "esta la parada por San Jose?"”

Prolijo’s directions to the bus are correct but the above quote is not. There is a Bus Master or if you will a bus dispatcher / checker on the curb most of the time. He’s the guy with the pencil or pen and what looks like a book of paper slip tickets; You can ask him which “express” bus is heading back into SJ he will even put your luggage into a secure baggage compartment under the bus; just like Gray Hound does. If he’s not there fall back to Prolijo’s advice...

With traffic as bad as any major US city at rush hour the bus is a very good bang for your 370 colone’s. Hand the driver a 500 colon coin and get change back. I have never on any public bus see a driver make change for American paper money; just as no public bus in the US would accept or change colone’s for the fare.

“... It no longer takes off from the old bus station/lot but just a regular street side bus stop on the south side of Parque Merced (remember where you got off). .... look for any bus with an Alajuela-Aeropuerto sign in the front windshield (there may be a couple waiting around) and ask the driver which one is next ("donday el boos proxima por el aeropuerto")”

Unless they changed the route in the last two weeks I have to disagree with this info.

There is a regular busy bus station Circa the Talamanca Hotel / north side of the park on Ave 2 with the bus master and a sign that shows the location of the express bus to the airport it’s the Alajuela bus that makes its first stop at the airport....
A) 2964 has never seen a driver on a CR public make change for American paper money. I've never seen a "bus master" out on the street-side sidewalk on the far side of the airport parking garage. What I have seen occasionally is a driver's assistant who rides along with the driver and hops off to direct passengers to his bus and who will open the luggage compartment for you if you have a lot of bags. Regardless of that, there is absolutely nothing incorrect about my quote. If you're looking for help and/or information, being nice, grateful, pathetic or whatever you want to call never really hurts in getting others to want to help you.

B) OTOH, I have seen bus drivers who have taken US currency on public buses in CR, admittedly not on that particular route, and admittedly not with any great enthusiasm and admittedly not 100% of the time (I've also seen gringos shut down flat). That is why I said "I'm not sure if they'll take dollars, but I'd guess they probably will (particularly if you hand him a dollar bill and tell him he can keep the change). This is not AT ALL like handing colones to someone in the US. That is a ridiculous analogy. Colones are not used anywhere outside of CR. Dollars are about as close as you get to an international currency and certainly in CR are widely accepted in place of colones (eg, have you ever seen a HDR girl turn down greenbacks?). The problem on buses is that the drivers won't know how deal with any change. That is why I would not even suggest handing him any US currency other than a dollar (coins would confuse him too much and larger bills would present problems in getting the right amount back) and even then I'd be prepared to tell him to keep the change if he balked (cambio no necessito). The worst case is that you will overpay your fare by 30 cents or a fellow passenger will come to your rescue and change your bill to colones for you or you have to go back to the terminal and do what you should have done to begin with, which is to exchange currency at the bank booth. Personally, I always bring colones with me so this has never been an issue.

C) The last time I took the bus that was the route it took and the place it stopped (on the south side of the park). When I was leaving I returned to the old bus station and found it chained off and no one there. Someone passing by on the sidewalk pointed me across the street and across the park. I quickly figured where I needed to go since that was where I had gotten off on the way in. Is this always the case? I sure as hell don't know. It always seems to be a little different each time I go (as to the route it takes, number of stops, etc.). Maybe it was closed because it was a Sunday or something. In any event, you have the same fallback options I've said before: a)remember where you got off the bus and most likely you will be able to get back on at the same place and b) if you know you're in the right general area, but still aren't sure where to go or which bus you need to get on, don't be afraid to just ask any tico that is nearby. One of the great things about CR is that the people are usually so nice and friendly and happy to help you out if they can (especially if you use the dumb helpless gringo face :) )

BTW, Sportsman, good job on the satelite pics. I always find those so fascinating. For whatever it is worth, in that photo of the Merced area you can actually see 3 buses in the bus station that 2964 was talking about and that I said was closed. They are the 3 short reddish lines in the block area above the park.

Member #2964
05-10-08, 12:56
Right on Sportman. A picture is worth a thousand words.

The Bus station is open and very busy. The bus's in the pic make a left hand turn off 2nd Ave then into the station lot. They then exit onto 2nd Ave and take the same left to start back out to the airport, as you can imagine it's a cluster fuck at rush hour.

From the sat pic all can see what a short 2-3 min. walk it is from door to bus stop.

Pro next time your in SJ ck out the major bus stops the one across from Costa de Sol is a good one. There are ck'ers at the stops who hand the drivers slips of paper for some sort of accounting.

370 colone's is worth the ride.

Prolijo
05-10-08, 14:32
Like I said, I was only reporting what I last experienced. I've also been dropped off at that bus station before, but the last time I went it was definitely closed. I'm not questioning what you experienced 2 weeks ago (OTOH, we have no idea how many months old those satelite pics are). The only thing I can figure is that maybe it was a Sunday or some other temporary thing. It just goes to show how variable anything having to do with buses in CR can be. The one thing that you can count on is that there are buses every 10 minutes that run from in front of the airport garage to somewhere around Merced Park. Exact routes, length of transit, number of stops, baggage handling is anybody's guess.

Back on "bus masters", but sorry I've never seen any at the bus stop in front of the Costa del Sol either (talk about cluster fuck, that area makes the Parque Merced area look like the open road). Of course, I'm usually getting off buses there rather than getting on. If I'm heading east, like on to San Pedro, I prefer to walk a block further and catch them where they stop on Ave. 2, since I know they're all heading in the right direction and there is also much less delay. But I've never seen a "bus master" there either. Also, despite my earlier comments, I wouldn't normally have to resort to asking a "bus master" for directions or look stupid since I DO know how to read the signs on the fronts of the buses.

Norman Stormin
06-14-08, 15:36
I've been to Costa Rica many times in the last ten years. Many 8 hour layovers on my way to Buenos Aires where I've hired a car and visited Idem. Many one or two week stays. Even a six weeker last summer. I've done all the day trips out of San Jose and even ventured out to Limon on the local bus for a day of sight seeing and puntang tasting. But, like most posters here, have really never ventured far from the comfort and security of San Jose.

In January, I coaxed a buddy to join me for a week. He went nuts over CR and wants to come back for a month. We're coming in August (rainy season). He's more adventurous than I and wants to rent a 4wd and do the outback. We want to do as much as possible of both coasts, and stay in low end Tico lodging with no reservations or specific itinerary. I'm up for it too, but from what I've gleaned from travel boards, this may not be the time of the year for such an undertaking. Besides the normal security considerations, driving conditions and general accessability sound bleak during the rainy season (Pan American Highway closed last week).

I know this is not "Lonley Planet", but thought there may be an off chance possibilty someone on this board may have had some experiences in this type of travel. Even hearsay would be of value. Your comments are appreciated.