Post: #1

Just wanted to say hello to everybody and have been following this group for several months. I am an old fart (51) but can relate to many of the good times that I spent working on the road while traveling the U.S. back in the 80's.

Planning on making a trip to Costa Rica this winter to enjoy the scenery and hopefully meet some nice company. Not a pussy run but would like to meet some locals, dinner and dancing and just hanging out. Plan mostly to hang in the Puerto Viejo coastal area. Will be flying into San Jose and renting a car is the plan right now. Open to suggestions but would like to stay close to the beech.

I recently picked up Pimsleur Spanish and was wondering if anybody familiar with the program could tell me how far this will take me as being able to converse while in the country. I am just starting on it but have about 4 hours a day during the week to work on it while driving.

Thanks

Post: #2

I really liked Puerto Viejo, but I recommend checking out two beaches that are national parks, one is Cahuita which is just north of PV and the other is Manzanillo to the south. Both are just a 10-20 min. taxi or bus ride away, and have more beautiful jungle/beaches, I would recommend staying a few nights in Cahuita as it has a few guesthouses/nice restaurants, but Manzanillo would be better for day trip (as there aren't many amenities there). Puerto Viejo is the town with the most stuff going on with hotels, restaurants, bars, etc. (I really liked the reggae bar, I think it's called Bambu).

The Pimsleur Spanish should be fine, from my experience people speak pretty decent English in Costa Rica, or at least understand enough for gringos to get by fairly easily. Personally I didn't like San Jose at all, thought it was a shit hole and wouldn't recommend spending any time there, although some guys like it because there are the most women, best nightlife, and a p4p scene (if you're into that). One place I visited in Costa, which I thought was absolutely amazing was this national park called Rincon de la Vieja, by far the most amazing place I've been in the world for natural beauty (aside from the Sahara). The nearest town to the park is Liberia, which is a really Costa Rican town that doesn't see hordes of tourists.

Goodluck with your trip.

Post: #3

Puerto Viejo is GREAT! Hot as hell though, bring sun screen! I second the Manzanillo advice! That was by far the nicest beach I saw in Costa Rica. Be sure to walk up the beach to some wicked views! All these places on the Caribbean are small so finding accommodations will not be a problem. I actually rented a nice condo/house for 30 bucks a night! There is some cool reaggea type bars in Puerto Viejo with a wide range of people and age groups. Not sure if I would recommend renting a car. Roads can get bad as the carib is far less developed than the Pacific. To much hassle if you ask me. Better off taking a taxi or bus, everything will be in walking distance in PV. I would def recommend spending a night or two in San Jose. Hit up the Del Rey if you want to have some company with a 9 or a 10. Bring cash! lol

Enjoy your trip!