Written by the Warrior

 

Costa Rica literally means “Rich Coast”. The term was believed to have been coined by THE Christopher Columbus when he saw the quantities of gold worn by natives.

While no gold of appreciative quantities have ever been discovered in Costa Rica, Christopher Columbus was correct about the coast being rich. With a population of around 5 million, the rich coast packs in an incredibly rich biodiversity, a whole lot of happiness, kind people, an eco-conscientious attitude, amazing food, and loads of adventures in 51,000 square kilometres.

Our fifteen day journey from Alajuela (near San José) to La Fortuna (north), to Monteverde (north west) and Dominical (south west) barely scratched the surface.

Here are some of our experiences and observations during our travels…

  1. On travelling with children – Costa Rica’s travel infrastructure is well-developed enough that travelling with children is not too challenging. There are abundant activities to keep little dudes entertained, the roads are mostly good, there are plenty of transportation and eating options, and the bathrooms are (for the most part) not too weird.
  2. On whether car seats are needed for kids – During my research, car seats are required by law for youngsters, and we did bring booster seats for the Dragon and the Tiger Princess. However, using them was a bit of a challenge, since most of cars/buses that we rode in did not even have seat belts.
  3. On travelling without knowing the local language – In touristy regions of La Fortuna, Monteverde and Dominical, it was not hard to find guides, hotel staff, tour companies, and restaurant staff who are able to speak some degree of English. However, it is important to note that English is not widely spoken. Outside these small circles, even with customs and border officials, Spanish and hand gesturing are pretty much the only way to get by.
  4. On getting a taxi at the Juan Santamaría International Airport (San José) – Chaos and confusion was our experience. The owner of our hotel did instructed that when we are approached by airport porters on whether we need a taxi, we need to say “sí”. But we were dazed by the heat and overwhelmed by the sheer number of people at the airport that we totally missed them. Official taxis do not line up in cue, as we are used to. You need the airport staff to help you find them. Otherwise, be prepared to be inundated by unofficial taxis.
  5. On money matters – Costa Rica uses the colón (and accepts US dollars in many cases). It is much more expensive here than in neighbouring central american countries. For example, we paid $150US to travel by private van (with a broken air conditioner) from Dominical to the border town of Paso Canoas (2 hours), but it only cost $60US to travel 2 hours by a gorgeous private taxi from the border town of Paso Canoas to Boquete in Panama.
  6. A word about the border town of Paso Canoas – I have travelled through overland borders a few times in the past. From Canada to the US, generally involves driving along a road, where one encounters the kiosk of the country one is trying to leave and then the kiosk of the country one is trying to enter. Other experiences involve entering a big building, where one first walks through the kiosk of the country one is trying to leave and then the kiosk of the country one is trying to enter. Well, let’s just say that Paso Canoas is nothing like those experiences. First and foremost, it is a town. Hot, sweaty, dusty and in the middle of no where. It is choked full of parked cars, shops and people just standing around. While it is obvious where Panama stands – with its bright building and armed police guards, it took us a long time to figure out that the Costa Rican border kiosks were quite a distance away. And course the kiosk to pay for the exit tax and the kiosk to get the exit visa could not possibly be in the same building! Of course one has to pay with cash as there is no way to pay with credit card.
  7. On the national psyche – Ticos are some of the friendliest, most laid back people I have ever met during my travels. How they can accomplish this and still be on time and super prompt may be the greatest mystery of our time.
  8. Which leads me to restaurant experiences – Contrary to our experience in Panama, our restaurant experiences in Costa Rica were always very positive. The staff was attentive and the food always arrived promptly.
  9. On my favorite subject, food – Traditional Costa Rican cuisine is absolutely divine! However, with the exception of pizza, do not try foods that you have at home, like burgers, fries, or Thai food. You will regret it.