I am not sure how anyone can not like Costa Rica. The weather, the people, the scenery. The chance to explore jungles and ocean in the same day makes it a true gem. Sitting in a pool on the massive private deck of our Airbnb, I marveled at the beautify of the ocean and then turned my head to see a howler monkey hanging from a nearby tree. I suppose there are times when an all inclusive resort works but Cost Rica is certainly not the place. What I didn’t know was how wrong so many people were about a lot of things related to this incredible destination. In fact, so many of my expectations about Costa Rica were wrong that it made me more convinced than ever to face each trip with an open mind and add just a small dose of reality/safety awareness.
SJO AIRPORT A NIGHTMARE - FALSE
You will be in line for hours!!!. This was the rage online by travellers. How does 20 minutes from walking off the plane to sitting in our hotel room sound? It happened. No line ups at airport through customs, hotel shuttle waiting outside door and hotel a three minute drive away. Walked in and handed a key and then we are clinking glasses to celebrate our arrival with a cool frosty local beer.
DON’T DRIVE
I admit I had a few sleepless nights before we arrived worried about being lost or stuck in the jungle and kidnapped by strange beasts that lurked in the shadows. Well mostly just worried about some scary/unsafe drives. Yes, there were a few minor moments where the roads were a bit nerve racking, but if anyone has driven along the Pacific Coast towards Jaco or even beyond to Utiva you will soon learn the roads are well paved and easy to navigate. Renting a car made a big difference in our ability to discover hidden gems on the beach and move from town to town to explore more of this lush country.
Airbnb too risk - FALSE
I admit I had never tried this service, but I can assure you we will from now on. We stayed at three different properties and each was breathtaking, unique and completely exceeded our expectations. A romantic tree house in the jungle, a beach house that was literally on our own private beach and a two story house with massive balconies and a pool to cool off and drink in the ocean and the jungle. I will confess that I slipped in a night at a beautiful resort - the Cristal Ballena - and glad I did. The pool, the view from the terrace and being able to stroll to breakfast and dinner was a nice bit of pampering. But the trip would not have been nearly as memorable if not for the Airbnb experience.
Cost Rica is getting dangerous - maybe on the petty crime
I had read reports about how violent Costa Rica was becoming. Fortunately for us, we met with some of the kindest and most generous people I have ever encountered on a vacation. That said, I was glad my husband reluctantly agreed that we take turns swimming on a beach when in the Jaco area. As I frolicked in the water, a man on a cycle arrived from no where and sped towards my bag. When he saw my husband he quickly took off. Sometimes it’s just common sense. Don’t leave belongings unattended. And especially not on the beach.
So if heading to Costa Rica, embrace the adventure, don’t be afraid to try something new but always travel smart. Then just treasure the memories.