Agreed on PV. You'll get bored as fuck hanging out there for more than a couple days. I prefer the Caribbean "rasta" culture of Bocas del Toro in Panama. It's only three hours away from PV.
Must see sites/places in Costa Rica/Central America?
I've heard only good things about Bocas del Toro. I think I might go next fall. Too bad about the tourist restrictions in Panama though.
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I spent a week in Costa Rica a few months ago. I landed in Liberia and visited Monteverde, Arenal, San Jose, and Tamarindo (in that order) before returning to Liberia for the return flight. It's tough to give advice without knowing the recipient, but I can dump some info:
In general, Costa Rica is touristy in comparison to other S. American countries (secondhand info). I'm looking forward to visiting more of the continent, but Europe first.
Liberia - nothing in particular to see here. A few hostels, a bar, grocery store, bank, etc. The only thing noteworthy nearby is Rincon de la Vieja (as someone mentioned previously). Would've been nice to visit, but I wanted to get out of Liberia ASAP. Monteverde- nice scenery. Enjoyed the zip lining, coffee tour, rainforest preserves etc. There are a few bars in town, one of which has a dance floor with live DJ (and disco ball). It's a pretty lively place throughout the week, and you'll find locals and backpackers here. It's a couple minutes walk from the hostels. Arenal - the main attraction here is the volcano, but you can't see much. I passed. Instead, there's a rope swing/lake in town (ask the gringos who own restaurants). I'm sure you can find a way to work that into your pickup. Also, the hostels in this town are quite nice. San Jose - I got off the bus at the wrong town on my way there. Many hours and a few arguments later, I wasn't in the mood to go out, so I just shot the shit and drank with fellow backpackers at the hostel. Wandered the city the next morning, which I highly recommend. Visited the museums too. Tamarindo - definitely deserves the nickname "Tamagringo". Expect USA/Canada-level prices and tons of foreigners. The beach isn't bad though.
I'd be happy to answer any specific questions that you might have.
In general, Costa Rica is touristy in comparison to other S. American countries (secondhand info). I'm looking forward to visiting more of the continent, but Europe first.
Liberia - nothing in particular to see here. A few hostels, a bar, grocery store, bank, etc. The only thing noteworthy nearby is Rincon de la Vieja (as someone mentioned previously). Would've been nice to visit, but I wanted to get out of Liberia ASAP. Monteverde- nice scenery. Enjoyed the zip lining, coffee tour, rainforest preserves etc. There are a few bars in town, one of which has a dance floor with live DJ (and disco ball). It's a pretty lively place throughout the week, and you'll find locals and backpackers here. It's a couple minutes walk from the hostels. Arenal - the main attraction here is the volcano, but you can't see much. I passed. Instead, there's a rope swing/lake in town (ask the gringos who own restaurants). I'm sure you can find a way to work that into your pickup. Also, the hostels in this town are quite nice. San Jose - I got off the bus at the wrong town on my way there. Many hours and a few arguments later, I wasn't in the mood to go out, so I just shot the shit and drank with fellow backpackers at the hostel. Wandered the city the next morning, which I highly recommend. Visited the museums too. Tamarindo - definitely deserves the nickname "Tamagringo". Expect USA/Canada-level prices and tons of foreigners. The beach isn't bad though.
I'd be happy to answer any specific questions that you might have.
There are few Costa rica threads on here but this ones seems most relevant. I am heading out to San jose then making my way down to Boca de toras for a few weeks of Sun before I start my euro jaunts. Can I get any recent recommendations on where to stay in San Jose or where to go out at night? I was thinking of hitting up Puerto Viejo before Panama. Has anyone been there recently?
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