I have heard good and bad things about Costa Rica, so would people on this page please give it too me straight if it is a good place to live, we are thinking about...
Judy S. replied:
Definitely rent first. We first went for 2 weeks on the Guanacaste Coast at an all inclusive hotel.. It was very hot in January. You can't know C.R. by doing that. So we came back the next year and rented a condo for 3 months in the Central Valley about 10 minutes from San Jose. Love the weather there...about 75 degrees year round with lots of cool breezes. We used the time to travel to most parts of the country on 2 day tours. We didn't like the Caribbean side, again too hot. But there is so much to do and see with volcanoes, rainforests, beaches, quaint towns and mom and pop cafes serving local cuisine, museums as well as very modern malls and restaurants. You should definitely rent first. We rented from www.parklandscostarica.com. Their website has the phone # you can call free from the U.S. or Canada and talk with Paolo Wright. They have condos in the country near San Rafael and others near the Cariari Mall. We stayed in both for two different experiences. He can arrange tours, knows C.R. really well and was our constant reference when we had questions or problems. The great thing is that they give you a land line phone in the condos with free calls to the U.S. and Canada, another phone for local calls and a cell phone to carry with you if you get lost out there and need him to help or interpret if you don't speak Spanish. One day he asked if we would like to go on a day trip with him to Panama....a great landlord and helper. He now lives in Panama but still rents the condos in both Costa Rica and Panama. He can tell you about who to deal with regarding scams, car rental crooks, etc. He knows the country and speaks fluent English and Spanish. Tell him the Shinkles recommended him.
Ana V. replied:
Great properties and not too expensive in the San Ramon area. I actually have 2 which would be great for a bed and breakfast. I invite you to check our website www.crvistarealty.com. Thanks
Christiane G. replied:
Great place ! Love it ! It is hot, you sweat a lot, or you'll drown in the pouring rain, you will get mosquito bites, might get robbed one day, who cares, it's all worth it; I LOVE IT HERE ! But if you prefer trying it out first, rent a place and look at my site http://lagaritarealty.com