r/CostaRicaTravel

Making this post mainly so that people are aware when planning on driving this route.

Short version: A guy on a red motocross bike overtook us on the way up to Monteverde from Mirador de Candelaria, pulled halfway in front of us to stop us and then tried robbing us. Since I saw no weapons, I drove off. If you plan on driving here: Daytime, full tank, don't stop for anybody.

Long version:

Today, my wife and I were going up to Monteverde from Mirador de Candelaria by car. We unfortunately misjudged our fuel, so we turned back to get gas to avoid running empty on the way up, costing us around 30-40 minutes. This caused us to go up during sunset/dusk.

Going up the way, approx. 30-35 minutes away from our hotel in Monteverde, we saw the beautiful sunset with the mountains and stopped shortly near some house for a photo. While I was doing that, some vehicle passing nearby yelled something from their car or bike, but it was inaudible so no clue if this was related in any way or if it was even targeted at us (since there was a house nearby). I didn't think much of it and got back into the car. Time was around 6 pm, still lots of light.

Continuing on for maybe a minute or two, there was a bend which looked like a viewpoint on the mountains and someone on a red motorbike with his helmet on, looking down at us while we went up. I somewhat jokingly told my wife "Hm, that looks like a scout for a robbery" to which she laughed and told me something along the lines of "this is Costa Rica, stop worrying, he's probably just looking at the sunset".

We went past and continued for a minute until suddenly the bike speeds up next to us, pulls up slightly in front and forces us to stop. I'm thinking "well this is Costa Rica after all, maybe he just wants to warn us for some danger ahead". I slightly lower my window and he goes "Give me all your money". I scan him briefly and see no weapons, so I tell him no and raise the window as I start driving off. He tries reaching into the window as it shuts, then tries aggressively opening the door (which we always keep locked, luckily - although I'm not sure what his game plan was) as I go.

Luckily the part we were at wasn't one of the super bumpy parts so we didn't have to slow down, but I don't think he tried following us for long anyway (if at all). Thought maybe ahead there would be more of them or some blockage or whatever, but when we saw some more houses and a bus parked with some tourists next to it after a while we figured the danger was over.

We called the police thinking maybe someone could at least check if that bike was still there trying to rob others. A Spanish operator redirected us to an English speaking operator who unfortunately didn't seem to understand English well. She kept thinking we had an accident and needed a tow until eventually the connection dropped. We'll try reporting it again tomorrow, no idea if there is a point in it though.

In retrospect I know I shouldn't even have lowered the window, probably should have just gone on as soon as he rolled his bike back to our window. But having been to many other countries, some of which we had similar moments that turned out to be the complete opposite (trying to warn us of danger etc), it made me lower my guard here.

Oh well, I hope this was just an opportunistic moment and nobody else has to experience this. Maybe this post helps someone in the future. And yeah, we shouldn't be suspicious, but when in doubt, better be safe than sorry I guess. Rest of the trip has been mostly great so far.

I’ve been to Costa Rica once before and absolutely loved it. Me,my fiancé, and a few friends have decided to go there next year for a vacation. The places we want to go require a car rental(or we’d be spending half of the trip waiting for rides). Need some advice on car rentals! There are 6 of us total, youngest will be 22 and oldest will be 25. Anything you have to offer is appreciated:)

Black Women Healing Retreats

I honestly never thought I would be writing something like this, but I feel people deserve to know before booking with BWHR.

I booked this retreat expecting healing, peace, community, and an experience I had been looking forward to for months. Like many people who invest in retreats, I planned my schedule, finances, and emotional energy around those specific dates. This was not a casual purchase for me — it was something I deeply looked forward to.

Then, only weeks before the retreat, it was postponed.

What hurt the most was not just the postponement itself, but how powerless and dismissed I felt afterward. Future dates were offered as if people can simply rearrange their lives, work schedules, finances, and commitments with no issue. Most people do not book retreats expecting that the entire experience could suddenly be moved weeks before departure.

I tried to resolve this respectfully and privately. I attempted disputes through my bank and communicated directly, but the matter still remains unresolved. At this point, I no longer even want to attend future dates because the entire experience has left such a negative impression on me.

It is incredibly frustrating to spend thousands of dollars on something meant to bring peace and healing, only to end up stressed, financially strained, and emotionally exhausted.

I completely understand that businesses can face unexpected issues, but customers also deserve transparency, professionalism, and fair resolutions when major changes happen.

Please do your research carefully before booking and make sure you fully understand what protections you do or do not have if plans change unexpectedly.

I will be traveling in Costa Rica for ten days (5 adults, 2 toddlers) and have read great things about Adobe car rentals from the LIR airport. here is the quote they gave me for a 4WD car and a regular car. Does this seem about right? Is there anything else I should consider insurance wise? Do I need to have my own insurance as well? Thanks for any advice you can give!

https://preview.redd.it/7kyvr5xhf42h1.png?width=1738&format=png&auto=webp&s=04e177ecaedea12429a9dabe83e43eb54b6a99d8

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I travel frequently and almost never leave negative reviews because I understand how impactful they can be to a business. Unfortunately, my experience with Jade Tours was one of the most frustrating travel interactions I’ve had.

Communication was extremely poor from the beginning. The company emailed asking for our location for pickup, and I replied the very next day with the information requested and also asked for our pickup time. They never responded.

As the tour date approached, we followed up again through WhatsApp because we still had no pickup details. We finally received a response at 6:00 AM the morning of the tour for a 7:30 AM departure, despite the company itself being located roughly two hours away from us.

At that point, neither of us had slept because we were anxiously waiting for information and trying to figure out whether the tour was even happening. When we explained that the lack of communication made the tour impossible for us to attend and requested a refund, the tone completely shifted. Instead of acknowledging the communication failure, they simply refused.

The entire interaction felt disorganized, dismissive, and incredibly unprofessional. I’ve traveled extensively and have booked tours all over the world, and I have never experienced such poor coordination combined with such unwillingness to take accountability.

If reliable communication and basic logistics matter to you while traveling, I would strongly recommend booking elsewhere

Hi, I’m headed to the final leg of my trip after staying in La Fortuna and Monteverde and looking for pure upscale relaxation and debating between Makanda and Arenas Del Mar. Being on the beach at Arenas sounds appealing but the rooms at Makanda look soooo much nicer and I do like to relax in my room.

Any reccos if you’ve been to both or either? I’m a solo traveler and I like to sit around the pool and/or beach and relax in between wildlife tours

I’ll be travelling solo, flying in and out of SJO. My entire trip (just one week) will be spent at one location about a 10 minute drive from La Fortuna.

My plan is to get a shared transfer from SJO to La Fortuna and then taxi/uber back and forth from town as needed. The main point of this trip is to sit in the forest alone looking at birds, so I’ll be going back and forth *at most* once a day.

Is there any compelling reason for me to reconsider this and rent a car?

Hello! One of the most common pieces of advice I see on here is "don't drive after dark" mainly due to no lights, fog, winding roads, etc. I wasn't really thinking, and I have a tattoo appointment booked at 4:30 in San Jose, meaning we will be driving 45 min through the city to go back to our hotel (also in San Jose) at night time. Does the no driving after dark rule of thumb still apply in the city? I'm guessing it still might, the tattoos are non-negotiable at this point so I'm just asking so I can be prepared/know what to expect.

Thanks!

In August my partner and I will be travelling to Costa Rica for 8 nights, we will fly in and out of San Jose and will be renting a car. Our main interests from the holiday include wildlife, hiking, beaches, nature and surf.

The current plan is:

- arrive into San Jose
- straight to La Fortuna (2 nights)
- Monteverde (2 nights)
- Manuel Antonio (4 nights)
- drive back to San Jose and leave the same day

Activities:

La Fortuna - Arenal Volcano National Park, La Fortuna waterfall, Hot Springs

Monteverde - Monteverde Cloud Forest national park, night wildlife walk

Manuel Antonio - Manuel Antonio National Park, relax on the beaches, mangrove kayak tour, potential day trip elsewhere in the car / explore / surf.

What do you think?
Is the day split ok?
Anything you recommend we do that’s not on the list?
Potential other places to visit instead?

Thanks all!

So many things we'd like to do in La Fortuna (Arenal volcano tour, hot springs, mistico bridge, Rio Celeste, and the 12 Ziplines) but we are confused as to which company to book through for the best experience where it's not overpriced. Also any websites recomened to book through? (e.g. Tripadvisor vs GetYourGuide)

Hey y'all, trying to plan a trip with my family, we are planning on landing in San Jose in early June, going straight to la fortuna, staying there for 2 days, then going to either Manuel Antonio or Samara (family hasn't decided, but leaning towards Manuel Antonio) for 2 days. Then going back to San Jose Saturday, & leaving Sunday. The question is, do we go do a day trip in the monteverde area on the way to either beach town? Is there anything specific we should go out to do? I would love to hike around, but would be very tough with the whole family.

Also another question I just thought of, should we be Airbnbing in these cities, or would hotels be better suited in some places? Budget is about $200-300 night for all of us total.

A lot of people avoid visiting La Fortuna between June and November because they think it rains nonstop, but that usually is not the case.

Most days still have good windows for activities, especially early in the morning. Rain often comes later in the afternoon, although weather can change fast.

A few things that help a lot during this season:

• Start tours early when possible
• Bring a light rain jacket and closed shoes
• Use quick dry clothes instead of heavy layers
• Keep cameras and electronics protected
• Leave some flexibility in your itinerary

Honestly, rainy season can be one of the nicest times to visit if you enjoy greener landscapes, fewer crowds, rivers with more water, and good wildlife activity.

Also curious what surprised other people the most about visiting during green season.

https://preview.redd.it/lzj3knzktz1h1.png?width=1536&format=png&auto=webp&s=c6d4a15fd3d16cebe7bdfa2857c0d973602ded7e

I sustained a really bad injury traveling here. I was prescribed oxycodone but I can't find it. Is there anywhere to find this? Or any opiod?

Hi all— I’m hoping you all can help. I was thinking of going to Costa Rica in about a month for four or five days. I am looking for reset I think, relaxation, sound bath and nature. It will be a solo trip and I’m wondering where in Costa Rica you all would recommend? I was looking at Hacienda del Sol and The Retreat Costa Rica— something that speed, but I’m not limited to the areas where these hotels are. Any advice is appreciated! TIA!

Hi everyone!

My fiancee and I are getting married this August and are planning a honeymoon in Costa Rica in December and are looking for input and advice on how best to plan! (Mostly looking for booking advice but open to specific hotel/activity suggestions too)

For context, We've both been to Costa Rica separately in the past:

I went in high school on a family trip, Travel agent booked, all-inclusive resort in Guanacaste, did a couple day excursions like snorkeling, hiking, ziplining, etc. it was fantastic. (Flew in and out of Liberia)

She went in college as part of a biology class, they traveled around the country staying more at rustic lodges and really got to explore more of Southern Costa Rica from San Jose to Monte Verde and down to the Osa Peninsula. It was also fantastic! (Flew in and out of San Jose)

For our honeymoon, we're looking to combine the best of both worlds. We're looking at around 10-12 days, thinking the first half somewhere in the jungle/mountains enjoying wildlife, hotsprings, etc. and the second half down on the beach at a nicer resort (all-inclusive would be great but not required).

We're not sure the best way to go about booking this and getting the best bang for our buck. I've looked at a couple "tour sites" like costaricaexperts and their packages look nice, but they're all around 7-9 days, and are a little pricey (considering I don't think the prices include flights). We're open to booking everything ourselves to save money, I've booked international travel before through Expedia and it went fine, but it was just to one hotel. I think we're primarily concerned with coordinating rides to/from airport and between the two hotels and any activities we plan since there's some long distances to cover in Costa Rica.

For reference, I'd say we're looking for "deluxe-ish" accommodations, not quite luxury, but nice enough to feel special for our honeymoon! Our MAX budget would be about $10,000 total, (meaning if we used some sort of service that took care of all the planning/transit we could pay that up front if the only other expenses would be tips while we're there) if going the "book it ourselves" route, we'd want that to be quite a bit lower, maybe $8,000 total to account for paying for activities/travel once there.

Any insights or advice are much appreciated!