Curtis, how did your trip work out? We have 8 nights in CR and I’d like to know your itinerary.. It seems we have the same things in mind.. Im interested in hearing about the rafting, volcanoes. and thinking of doing the beach first- we are staying in the Manzinillo Refuge and leaving from Liberia..

Can you cross from Puerto Viejo to Panama, maybe boca del toro? Or any suggestion on how to get from south of Costarica to Panama?

Thanks,

Heading to this region for 2 house sits, starting in 10 days. Thanks for the round up!

Ryan

Love your tips for CR’s Caribbean coast. I’m making my first trip this September and am following much of your advice. Within my two weeks I plan to land in San Jose, drive straight to Arenal where I’ll stay for two days, then plan to take a 2 day rafting trip down the Pacuare River that will bring me to Puerto Viejo. I plan to stay and surf there for about 4 days while hopping down to Manzanillo for a day as well. Then up to Cahuita for a few days to relax and snorkel, then Tortuguero for a few days before heading back to San Jose to fly out. Do you think I’m allowing enough time in each place? Is there anything else you’d highly recommend I sneak in?

Did you and your family make it there already? I would be very interested in hearing about your experience. Our family is planning on going in March and I would love to hear your thoughts / feedback.

I’m very sorry to hear about your daughter. A frustrating part of travel outside countries like Canada and the US is that law enforcement can be severely lacking.

However, after spending significant time as a digital nomad on the Caribbean side of Costa Rica, the threat again woman is not only from local men but travellers AS WELL. It’s not about race but about opportunity. Every expanding beach town faces the time, when the beautiful beach become more popular and a little less safe. I took precautions at night on the beach and walked in a group. Thankfully I didn’t see anything while there.

I would be extremely careful if I were you. I’ve spent considerable time on the C. coast in Costa Rica and I’ve heard of a lot of sexual related attacks by locals. Seems to be a bit of a sport to (you know what) a white woman. The police take little interest in crimes against tourists. My daughter was attacked and it took a huge effort to get them to “investigate” and only pressure from the locals got them to lay charges. And that was only because the guy had done it a number of times to a number of different women.

Hey I am planning on traveling to Costa Rica in late August. From what I’ve read it seems the Caribbean coast and Puerto Viejo would be the destination for me. I’d prefer a more lively atmosphere with beaches nearby and young people. Especially parties going on for more opportunity to meet people. In my late 20s & will be traveling alone. I need to see the world. I’m also interested in ziplining and doing a few tours but not necessarily every day. If the Pacific side would be better suited for me, any recommendations?