WHat is Costa Rica like?
My bf and I are planning a trip somewhere for one week in the middle of May. We are looking at Costa Rica as a possibility. We found a couple all inclusive packages to Liberia (Allegro Papgayo or Villas San Tol). We are just wondering what the weather, beaches and crime, wildlife and food is like there. Is it a good place to visit?? Has anyone stayed at any of the two resorts and if so how were they?
Costa Rica is a tropical paradise, plain and simple. It is also a Third World nation with lots of poverty. While crime is not rampant, you would do well to travel wisely. If you take a resort package, you are totally safe while on the premises.
I do hope you will take some side trips, though. The resort experience is very sterile and doesn’t truly give you a good sense of the people or the culture.
When you leave the premises of the resort, you should engage the services of a guide who can drive you and show you around. Check with the concierge to make these arrangements. Use common sense: do not venture into places that are not well populated; stay out of alleys and backstreets. Stay where you see tourists. Be mindful of your purse, camera, backpack, etc. Don’t lay things on the table at the cafe. Do not hang your purse on the back of a chair. Be wise and be careful.
There are a lot of websites that give loads of information about CR. You will find the people lovely and accommodating as tourism is a huge industry. The local cuisine incorparates a lot of local seafood and produce. (The fresh fruit is to die for and when you come home, you will no longer be satisfied by the rubbish we get at the supermarkets.)
The weather is fairly consistent: sunny, warm, pleasant with occasional rain each day. The beaches are pristine and unspoiled. Make sure you schedule a canopy tour in the rainforest. Spectacular fun!
I’ve not stayed at a resort anywhere and would not, simply because of the sterile environment, but I have traveled a great deal and am comfortable on my own in most places. Again, check the websites and check in with a travel agent to get more info.
