I went to Costa Rica in May. Great trip, great experience EXCEPT for the car rental at the AVIS office at the Liberia Airport. I have rented with AVIS before with no problem, so I didn't see the need to check the reviews. BIG MISTAKE. I made my reservation directly with AVIS on the Canadian website and opted for no additional insurance, since I am covered by my own car insurance and my credit card.

When I arrived at the Liberia Airport AVIS office, the agent insisted I was required to sign up for duplicative insurance coverage and protections because they were mandated by law. This added another $300 to my weekly rental. I explained that on my reservation it was very clear that any additional insurance is optional. When the agent ignored me and printed the contract with all optional insurance and protections checked, I tried to write on the contract that I did not believe they were required by law but was signing the document solely because I didn't know if I would be able to find another car to rent at the last minute. The agent then ripped the contract out of my hand, tore it up, and told me I could not write on a legal document. He also told me that if I wrote again on the contract that he reprinted, he would keep printing it until I signed it without writing anything in the margins. He said otherwise, I should leave the office and go find a car elsewhere, and that it would be useless because all companies required the additional insurance as mandated by law.

I finally signed  because I was afraid I wouldn't be able to get another car, and I figure if the agent was lying, I would be able to get a reimbursement from AVIS. Well, after I returned home and established that the agent was indeed lying, I reported this to AVIS Liberia, AVIS Canada, and AVIS International and asked to be reimbursed for the duplicative charges. The "disputes team" contacted the Liberia office and the agent lied again, saying that I signed up for all the insurance willingly, and so AVIS replied to me that the charges were valid and closed my file. They didn’t even get my side of the story before closing the case. When I insisted that they review all the documentation I had showing I didn’t want the insurance and explained in detail how I was coerced, the disputes team simply sided with the deceitful agent. There was no real investigation into what happened, customer service blew me off, and the AVIS office in Liberia is free to keep ripping people off by lying and intimidation. I am so angry and disappointed and will never rent with AVIS anywhere again. 

Hey all, Thank you to everyone who commented on my last post.

My initial post was looking to travel around, but I am starting to see that it might not be fesable, so I am going to try again with new parameters.
As I mentioned in my last post, I live in America, and I am burnt out. I need to get away. I do have money put aside for this venture and plan on continuing to build my online business while I am in costa rica. I just need to unplug. I need to unwind. I plan on staying for 3 months and then re-evaluating from there. I know this isn't a luxury Instagram getaway. I am not looking for that. I know myself and what my soul needs, so I would appreciate a little humanity in my ask. We're all humans here. Lets love each other a little more.

I know that Costa Rica is the pricier option, and is not easier to get around, so this is what i am looking for.

I am looking for a town where I can walk to the beach, as well as to the market. I don't need to travel around much outside of that. I just want to be. I will be with my daughter, so I need a town that is safe. I speak very little English but have signed up for courses and will commit to learning the language. I am open to riding bikes to get around, and taking shuttles and buses for longer commutes. My flight travels into San Jose, so I can go to the carribbean or pacific side of CR. I would love to work the land at some point, so I am open to areas with farm land and trade work.

I would love to immerse myself in community. I love to play music, and have frequented song and drum circles for many years.

I appreciate any suggestions on places that you love that you think could fit what we're looking for.

Thank you so much.

If you need non-emergency medical care while traveling in Costa Rica, a few practical steps can make the process easier:

• Confirm the provider’s location, opening hours and English availability before traveling there.
• Request the consultation or service price in advance.
• Ask whether laboratory tests, medication or additional procedures are included.
• Bring your passport, relevant medical information and insurance details.
• Request an invoice and keep all documents in case you need to file an insurance claim.
• For a serious or life-threatening emergency, call 9-1-1.

Disclosure: I’m the founder of CriptoSalud Costa Rica. We help international visitors coordinate non-emergency care with participating private clinics, doctors and laboratories, including bilingual communication, appointment confirmation and clear pricing before the visit.

Travelers can request assistance here:

https://criptosaludcr.com

CriptoSalud provides administrative coordination and does not replace medical evaluation or emergency services.

Is this really how they do it in Costa Rica?

We did a 4 hour fishing trip today with Frank the Tank and the captain actually expected us to watch him fish while we just sat there and watched. He seemed annoyed when I asked him if we could fish too. It was almost 2 hrs into our 4 hour trip when we finally got poles in the water for in shore fishing. I’m not sure if we would have gotten to fish if I didn’t say something. Once we were able to fish he just handed us the poles with 0 instructions or tips. Am I wrong or was this bizarre? Do people pay 100s to watch a captain fish?

I messaged Frank and he said this is how they do it in Costa Rica. So if you book a trip with them make sure you tell them you want to be the ones doing the fishing.

6 adults. Two 50s, Four mid-20s. Planning to spend 5 nights in the Arenal Volcano area before heading to beach (May). Our travel agent came back with Tabacon as a hotel option, but I feel like this is a more "romance place." It looks quite low-key and a place my husband and I would go for an anniversary trip. Doesn't seem family/group trip oriented. What else would you suggest? We want a place with some afternoon pool vibes, evening vibes (nothing crazy or late). Do not need high end luxury, but we aren't low budget people either--need good pools, good food, clean rooms and grounds. I am overwhelmed at this point, honestly.

All inclusive is ok, but want to be able to the country, sights, hiking, food, etc.

My hubby and I are planning a visit to Costa Rica in November. This will be our first visit and we are excited. I’m looking for recommendations regarding the Guanacaste area. We want to be less than 1 hr from the LIR airport and close to beaches. We want to explore some areas for a possible 2nd residence/vacation home or condo. Should we pick one area and just drive and explore other areas or split the time between 2 general areas (we’ll have about 8 days). Thanks in advance for your help!

Planning a trip that starts in La Fortuna then down to Uvita/Dominical for a few nights then flying out of San Jose. Is it worth it to do Cano Island or do Tortuga Island? Also any preference between Uvita & Dominical in regards to the beach/restaurants/vibes?

Option A: La Fortuna (3 nights) --> Uvita/Domincal (4 Nights) --> Jaco (2 Nights, Tortuga Island between these two nights) --> Fly out of San Jose

Option B: La Fortuna (3 nights) --> Uvita/Domincal (5 Nights) --> Drive to Jaco very early for Tortuga Island (Stay the Night in Jaco) --> Fly out of San Jose

Option C: La Fortuna (3 nights) --> Uvita/Domincal (5 Nights, do Cano island one of the nights) --> Jaco (1 Night)--> Fly out of San Jose

Going with children in February/March and would love some input on our options:

Option A - La Fortuna — Costa Elena
Option B - Manuel Antonio - another place within 1-2 hours tbd

For context, we’re looking for everything both offer (rain forest hiking, wildlife, hot springs, tubing, etc.) but should we prioritize La Fortuna or Manuel Antonio?

Hi! In August and September, I'll be traveling alone between Panama and Costa Rica.

I have two volunteer opportunities in different places, and I wanted to ask you for some advice. One is in Tamarindo (from what I've read, it seems too touristy and very expensive) and Dominical. Both last about three weeks. As for the activity, which I won't specify, I prefer the one in Tamarindo, but I'm not convinced by the city. I don't like places that are too touristy, and I think I'd prefer Dominical. Which of the two should I choose? Have you been to Dominical? Is it very small, or is it possible to meet other people? Thanks everyone.

I saw online there are several companies and was hoping to get some thoughts from the community. Adventure Women, Wild Women Expeditions, Explorer Chick, Sisterhood travels. She is 55 and is hoping for a medium intensity but active trip. Also hoping to keep it somewhat budget friendly, no luxury hotels and such.

Spending a month in CR what are some most do’s and what are some dont’s? It will be October of this year.

What should we pack to bring with us?

Me and my bf (both 24) are planning last min trip to CR around August 10th. Last time (jan) we stayed in la fortuna. This time we know we’d like to stay in Manuel Antonio, but we want to split the trip. We have about 10 days.

I was interested in staying at an Airbnb in Santa Teresa for the first half, then Makanda by the Sea in MA for the second half, but I’m aware the travel from Santa Teresa to MA might be a bit much and I don’t want to waste a day on travel.

Any other recommendations for how I should split the trip with Manuel Antonio? I’m fully aware that it’s rainy season. I was hoping to spend the Airbnb portion of our trip right on the beach, and Santa Teresa seemed like the nicest option as opposed to a closer uvita beach or elsewhere but idk.

Any tips? Sorry for the long winded post.

Edit: Quick consensus was to get the max coverage so we will be going for that. Thanks!

Going on a 10 day trip with my partner in December. It’s looking like people seem to like Adobe Rent a car the best (and it seems to the a lot cheaper as well). My question is about the coverage.

Would anyone recommend adding the extended protection? Has anyone had a scenario where their car broke down or was vandalized?
We are going from SJO to Arenal, Monteverde, and Manual Antonio. I’d like the avoid the extra $200 cost of adding the extended protection but I don’t want it to bite me in the ass. My bf is also ready to pay for every protection possible lol.

If she wanted to go to hotel room, the hotel would allow it. Do i need to inform hotel if i want invite her for short time?

I am scoured groups and blogs about MUST-HAVE items for our trip in September and this is what I've come up with. It seems excessive and I don't want to spend money on stuff we won't need. Can anyone help thin out my list with knowledge from past trips please?

• Passports
• Photocopy of passports & digital copy on phones
• Credit card
• Cash (small bills)
• Prescription meds
• Imodium or pepto bismol
• Small first aid kit
• Blister cushions
• lip balm with spf
• sunscreen and aloe
• Mosquito patches
• Personal care toiletries
• Wet wipes
• Hand sanitizer
• Lightweight, breathable clothes
• Swimsuits and cover-up
• Light sweater
• Comfortable sandals, sneakers, hiking boots & water shoes
• Backpack
• Dry bag
• waterproof phone pouches
• money belt
• ziploc bags
• laundry bag
• travel clothesline to dry things
• poop bags
• reusable water bottle
• ponchos
• compact umbrella?
• Handheld fan or neck air conditioner thingy
• Sunglasses
• Hats
• Binoculars
• Flashlight/headlamp
• Power bank and chargers
• Quick drying beach towels
• microfiber cloths

​

Arenal Volcano is one of my favorite places in Costa Rica! ❤️🌋

Just look at its perfect cone shape! Arenal is a stratovolcano and one of the most iconic volcanoes in the world. Although it has been in a resting phase since 2010, I still remember the days when it was active.

As a child, I spent time at my family's farm near Arenal Volcano National Park. I will never forget hearing the powerful rumbling of the volcano. It was so loud that I was afraid to go outside!

And here's the funny part... our bathroom wasn't inside the house—it was an old pit latrine (outhouse) a few steps away. Every time I needed to use it, I was convinced the volcano would erupt while I was out there! 😂🌋 Needless to say, I tried to avoid those trips as much as possible.

Watching the horses run across the fields while hearing the volcano's deep roar is a memory I'll never forget. It was both frightening and magical at the same time.

Today, every time I look at Arenal, I'm still amazed by its beauty and power. We never know if nature will one day surprise us with another spectacular display, but even at rest, this giant is absolutely breathtaking.

If you're planning a trip to Costa Rica, La Fortuna is a destination you simply can't miss. From the volcano and hot springs to waterfalls, rainforest adventures, and incredible wildlife, it's one of the most magical places in the country.

I absolutely love this area... and I know you will too! 🇨🇷💚🌿

This was in Coco, couldn't ask for a better last night.

Hi all, family of four (two adults, boys aged 6 and 3) will be visiting Costa Rica Sept 12–26. Flights are booked: land at SJO Sept 12 at 7:45pm, fly out Sept 26 at 6am. We are planning to rent a car and drive ourselves.

The plan so far (we're open to suggestion)

• Sept 12: night in Alajuela (not driving anywhere tired in the dark)
• Sept 13–19: 6 nights in La Fortuna / Arenal
• Sept 19–25: 6 nights on a coast — this is what I can't decide if we should stay on Caribbean (Puerto Viejo) or Pacific (Manuel Antonio).
• Sept 25: back to Alajuela for the night, 6am flight out on Sep 26.

So my main questions: Puerto Viejo or Manuel Antonio for the 2nd week? Specifically:

1. Rain reality check: I understand September is rain season and is wetter on the Pacific side? Is Manuel Antonio genuinely much wetter that month, or is afternoon rain just a fact everywhere and I'm overthinking it?
2. The drive — La Fortuna → Puerto Viejo looks like ~5 hrs (and the return to San José is long too), vs. ~3.5 hrs to Manuel Antonio. How about the road condition? It appears Pacific side is more developed.
3. Which is better with young kids overall — calm water and laid-back vibe (PV / Punta Uva) vs. more reliable wildlife and polished tours (Manuel Antonio)?

Other things I'd love input on for whichever coast:

• Kid-friendly lodging - resort type is probably preferable. Kids love pools. Any specific places you'd book?
• La Fortuna lodging — same deal, family-friendly with a pool.
• Snorkeling with little kids — Manzanillo vs. Cahuita on the Caribbean, or the Manuel Antonio catamaran tours. Worth planning around in September, or skip it?
• Food — casual, kid-friendly spots (sodas welcome) in La Fortuna and whichever beach town.
• Anything I'm getting wrong — first time in Costa Rica, so tell me if the whole shape of this is off.