Costa Rica - Travel Advice

[Norman Stormin]

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.

[Prolijo]

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.

[Member #2964]

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]

“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.

[Sportsman]

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

[Sportsman]

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

[Breadman]

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.

[Member #2964]

“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.

[Prolijo]

See my revision below.

[J Europe]

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.

[J Europe]

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.

[Sportsman]

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.

[Prolijo]

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] 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]

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.

[Sportsman]

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.