Topic Wiki

List of TR's:
Fan Of Dan, BrooklynCPA, momo Part 1, momo Part 2, lechaim2life, eliteflyer, Pbaruch, Rcarentals (Guanacaste)

Bringing food/meat through the airports:
  • San Jose Airport SJO - customs are known to be ruthless here with meat. There are many stories in the forums and online of people having all their meats or kosher travel meals seized at customs.
  • Liberia LIR - Recent experiences were that LIR customs didn't check anyone at all.
The general advice which is the only method that seems to consistently work, is bringing in specifically USDA certified products. For example most hotdogs will have an actual USDA certification printed on the hotdog packet. Some companies like Teva, Agri in various supermarkets and most manufacturers have the USDA certification and approval number printed on the label. This is rarely the case for supermarkets who repackage and butcher things themselves and do not have a USDA-certified processing room.
There have been reports of stickers like the USDA organic stickers regularly used to label meats in supermarkets working as well if they look like THIS
In the most ideal world, your food has a clear description of: The product, the nutrition, and a USDA label on the manufacturer packaging.

In a worst case, food can be airshipped to anywhere for a fee - for example from one of the SJO kosher suppliers to Liberia for example the JW Marriott for around $400.

Kosher Food/ Restaurants:
  • SKCR/Super Kosher has takeout under the local Chabad rabbi.
  • The Israeli restaurant in Jaco may not be acceptable for many.  It is my understanding that while they get some meat/chicken from Chabad, they have no hashgacha.
  • Supermarket Automercado has pas yisroel bagels in the freezer per the Chabad rabbi in tamarindo - may or may not be tamarindo specific.
  • Walmart is 6 minutes from Liberia airport, and has tons of American, kosher products and snacks.

Synagogue:

Things to Do:

West side/Liberia

Hotels:
The JW Marriott Guanacaste has amazing suites. If you book there, it's worth speaking to the reservations department before or after to see if you can negotiate an upgrade for a small fee. They offered off the base room, an upgrade of $175 a night for a suite, or $200 for a suite with ocean view, and plunge pool.

Getting Around:
A 4 Wheel drive here is mandatory. Not just because the humidity and rain create muddy and slippery roads, but mainly because the potholes here, are really huge and bad, and your car needs clearance to drive... The roads in costa rica are absolutely terribly maintained. they are completely manageable with a SUV - but expect a ton of bumps and thousands of potholes - almost the entire country is made up of 2 lane roads including highways. All overtaking is done in the direction of opposing traffic. cars here are seriously used and abused - so when you pick up your car.. it's worth going for one with as low mileage as possible.


Notes:

ALL CAR COMPANIES CHARGE MANDATORY LIABILITY INSURANCE. This seems to be one of the biggest complaints from tourists who don't know and consider this a tourist trap - like Israel.
CDW here often REQUIRES the letter - more than Israel.. so have that prepared.


Author Topic: Costa Rica Master Thread  (Read 177410 times)

Offline sddd

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Re: Costa Rica Master Thread
« Reply #500 on: January 02, 2021, 10:29:18 PM »
Mini TR:

Went Sunday to Wednesday this past week. We mostly stayed near La Fortuna at an airbnb in the arenal Volcano region.

Flew into SJO. Customs: Possibly due to a distracted screener had zero issues with a nice amount of meat.

We stayed by Courtyart Marriot saturday night. Nice hotel.

Sunday - For $150 we got a private driver to take us from san jose to arenal. We stopped by La Paz which is basically a small zoo. Overpriced at $48 but still recommended since the birds are cool and the waterfalls are great.
Monday - Small Arenal Hike (nice) and Tabacon Hot Springs (Very unique and relaxing) They are the only hotel in the area with natural hot springs that are not pumped. They sell a day pass. If you decline the meal you can get it a little cheaper.
Tuesday - We did a hike/hanging bridges/tram/ziplining package at Sky adventures Arenal. Super worth it at $108.    Bridges and zipliing were super cool. There are 4 separate hanging bridges and 5 different zip lines, all included in the package.
Wednesday - Pacuare River Class 4 Whitewater rafting. The river is very scenic, with a few waterfalls and some wildlife. The rafting companies will pick you up from different areas and drop you off where you want so its very economical at $99 if you do not rent a car there. They picked us up from La Fortuna at 530AM and dropped us off in San Jose at 6PM.

On that note - its not an easy country to drive in by day and by night it's especially not recommended. Many twists and turns on non lit up roads, with many one way stretches.

Wednesday night: Stayed by Marriot in San Jose. Very nice hotel with golf, tennis, and 2 pools.
« Last Edit: January 02, 2021, 11:48:12 PM by sddd »

Offline lansky

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Re: Costa Rica Master Thread
« Reply #501 on: January 02, 2021, 11:32:00 PM »
Mini TR:

Went Sunday to Wednesday this past week. We mostly stayed near La Fortuna at an airbnb in the arenal Volcano region.

Flew into SJO. Customs: Possibly due to a distracted screener had zero issues with a nice amount of meat.

We stayed by Courtyart Marriot saturday night. Nice hotel.

Sunday - For $150 we got a private driver to take us from san jose to arenal. We stopped by La Paz which is basically a small zoo. Overpriced at $48 but still recommended since the birds are cool and the waterfalls are tirec.
Monday - Small Arenal Hike (nice) and Tabacon Hot Springs (Very unique and relaxing) They are the only hotel in the area with natural hot springs that are not pumped. They sell a day pass. If you decline the meal you can get it a little cheaper.
Tuesday - We did a hike/hanging bridges/tram/ziplining package at Sky adventures Arenal. Super worth it at $108.    Bridges and zipliing were super cool. There are 4 separate hanging bridges and 5 different zip lines, all included in the package.
Wednesday - Pacuare River Class 4 Whitewater rafting. The river is very scenic, with a few waterfalls and some wildlife. The rafting companies will pick you up from different areas and drop you off where you want so its very economical at $99 if you do not rent a car there. They picked us up from La Fortuna at 530AM and dropped us off in San Jose at 6PM.

On that note - its not an easy country to drive in by day and by night it's especially not recommended. Many twists and turns on non lit up roads, with many one way stretches.

Wednesday night: Stayed by Marriot in San Jose. Very nice hotel with golf, tennis, and 2 pools.
was the golf included or you had to pay separately?

Offline Yehuda25

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Re: Costa Rica Master Thread
« Reply #502 on: January 03, 2021, 02:28:32 PM »
What Airport are you flying to and from?
LIR
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Offline sddd

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Re: Costa Rica Master Thread
« Reply #503 on: January 03, 2021, 05:14:45 PM »
was the golf included or you had to pay separately?

friend says it wasnt worth it so scratch the golf. 26$

Offline Kobe Bryant

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Re: Costa Rica Master Thread
« Reply #504 on: January 03, 2021, 06:06:57 PM »
On that note - its not an easy country to drive in by day and by night it's especially not recommended. Many twists and turns on non lit up roads, with many one way stretches.
An understatement.

Offline lansky

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Re: Costa Rica Master Thread
« Reply #505 on: January 04, 2021, 05:56:33 AM »
An understatement.
I thought it was overrated I liked night better actually as drivers were the biggest scare to me especially getting behind a truck at night and just followed them as they clear the road and give added light

Offline Whywhy

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Re: Costa Rica Master Thread
« Reply #506 on: January 12, 2021, 02:40:17 AM »
Any recommendations for shabbos accommodations? Looking for the weekend of Jan 23rd.

Offline Kobe Bryant

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Re: Costa Rica Master Thread
« Reply #507 on: January 12, 2021, 06:44:10 AM »
Any recommendations for shabbos accommodations? Looking for the weekend of Jan 23rd.
There aren’t many options. We stayed at the Residence Inn by Marriott San Jose Escazu. Rooms are spacious and nice, service was great. And it’s a 20 min. walk from Chabad.

Offline Joe4007

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Re: Costa Rica Master Thread
« Reply #508 on: January 12, 2021, 01:08:08 PM »
Mini TR:

Went Sunday to Wednesday this past week. We mostly stayed near La Fortuna at an airbnb in the arenal Volcano region.

Flew into SJO. Customs: Possibly due to a distracted screener had zero issues with a nice amount of meat.

We stayed by Courtyart Marriot saturday night. Nice hotel.

Sunday - For $150 we got a private driver to take us from san jose to arenal. We stopped by La Paz which is basically a small zoo. Overpriced at $48 but still recommended since the birds are cool and the waterfalls are great.
Monday - Small Arenal Hike (nice) and Tabacon Hot Springs (Very unique and relaxing) They are the only hotel in the area with natural hot springs that are not pumped. They sell a day pass. If you decline the meal you can get it a little cheaper.
Tuesday - We did a hike/hanging bridges/tram/ziplining package at Sky adventures Arenal. Super worth it at $108.    Bridges and zipliing were super cool. There are 4 separate hanging bridges and 5 different zip lines, all included in the package.
Wednesday - Pacuare River Class 4 Whitewater rafting. The river is very scenic, with a few waterfalls and some wildlife. The rafting companies will pick you up from different areas and drop you off where you want so its very economical at $99 if you do not rent a car there. They picked us up from La Fortuna at 530AM and dropped us off in San Jose at 6PM.

On that note - its not an easy country to drive in by day and by night it's especially not recommended. Many twists and turns on non lit up roads, with many one way stretches.

Wednesday night: Stayed by Marriot in San Jose. Very nice hotel with golf, tennis, and 2 pools.
Thanks for the report.

Can you please share the contact info for the private driver you used?

Offline Yehuda25

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Re: Costa Rica Master Thread
« Reply #509 on: January 13, 2021, 08:21:31 PM »
UGH!!!!

UA cancelled my round trip direct flights, seems like UA pulled all/most of their non stop flights to LIR :'( :'( :'(

@Dan
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Offline hllulbh1

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Re: Costa Rica Master Thread
« Reply #510 on: February 02, 2021, 02:53:56 PM »
Gotta getta way and a we only have a few days so we are planning a short trip to MANP. We need to get a Covid test for the return. Landing in SJO on Monday around noon and return flight is Thursday @2 PM. Anyone have experience or suggestions where to get a test on Monday after landing that will be ready for our return flight?

Offline hllulbh1

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Re: Costa Rica Master Thread
« Reply #511 on: March 08, 2021, 10:05:39 AM »
TR 2/28-3/4

Flew Spirit, which was a fine experience.

Rented car from Vamos. They were great, 5 minutes from airport, 20 minutes for the rental process. Driving to Manuel Antonio on a Sunday was fine. Traffic going the otherway was endless, so keep in mind Sunday locals beach traffic. It was cheaper and more convenient than taking a car service. We stopped at the Crocodile bridge and some other lookouts and the Playa Hermossa to watch the waves and surfers along the way.

Stayed at the Parador Resort, which was fantastic. Saw on premises Monkeys, parrots, scarlet macaws, toucans. Due to Covid it was empty! Our King suite overlooked the adult pool, which overlooked the Pacific and was always empty. It was like a private pool. It was $250/night, which felt like a steal.

Brought vacuum packed meats and a george foreman and burner. Customs stopped us for the meat and saw some vaccum packed bread and said, "Oh its all bread"" and let us through. Whooo! Almost lost our dinners. Vacuum packed challah rolls were great. Didn't work for hamburger buns. Next time would stop at the Walmart near the airport for buns, etc. Also heard the kosher Israeli restaurant in Jaco is very good and has recommendation from Chabad and is just a few minutes off the road. Someone else traveling told us it was great.

Covid test was $150 pp and they came to our room. It was horribly uncomfortable test (halfway up the brain). They guarantee results within 72 hours, but they would have had them probably within 36 hrs if they had our email address correct.

Went to Playa Beisanz, which is empty until early afternoon. Nice and a 10 minute walk from hotel for a brief stay.

Manuel Antonio Park we went with a private guide for the same price as a group tour. Manuel Antonio Expeditions, had Pablo as our guide. He was terrific and based on the interactions with the other guides, he is like the dean of the guides. Very enjoyable and got much more out of the park and the whole experience of the region from the tour. The first beach was gorgeous but not empty. The second beach was gorgeous and nearly secluded. It is a short walk to the 3rd beach, which is outside the park. If we went back I would take the shuttle to the 3rd beach, walk over to the second beach and have the best of both worlds since you cannot take food into the park but if you walk along the beach there is noone stopping you.

Went ziplining with El Santuario Canopy Adventure. First time zipling. Very nice, extremely safe. Longest line was nearly 1 mile and went 45 mph on one of the lines. The scenery is mostly tree tops. If I was going to Monteverde, would have done it there instead since the scenery is much more dramatic (mountaintop to mountaintop over rivers from what i heard).

Great relaxing getaway and other than masks everywhere and the test to return, there were no Covid limitations.






Offline Divora M

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Re: Costa Rica Master Thread
« Reply #512 on: March 31, 2021, 12:27:15 PM »
TR 2/28-3/4

Flew Spirit, which was a fine experience.

Rented car from Vamos. They were great, 5 minutes from airport, 20 minutes for the rental process. Driving to Manuel Antonio on a Sunday was fine. Traffic going the otherway was endless, so keep in mind Sunday locals beach traffic. It was cheaper and more convenient than taking a car service. We stopped at the Crocodile bridge and some other lookouts and the Playa Hermossa to watch the waves and surfers along the way.

Stayed at the Parador Resort, which was fantastic. Saw on premises Monkeys, parrots, scarlet macaws, toucans. Due to Covid it was empty! Our King suite overlooked the adult pool, which overlooked the Pacific and was always empty. It was like a private pool. It was $250/night, which felt like a steal.

Brought vacuum packed meats and a george foreman and burner. Customs stopped us for the meat and saw some vaccum packed bread and said, "Oh its all bread"" and let us through. Whooo! Almost lost our dinners. Vacuum packed challah rolls were great. Didn't work for hamburger buns. Next time would stop at the Walmart near the airport for buns, etc. Also heard the kosher Israeli restaurant in Jaco is very good and has recommendation from Chabad and is just a few minutes off the road. Someone else traveling told us it was great.

Covid test was $150 pp and they came to our room. It was horribly uncomfortable test (halfway up the brain). They guarantee results within 72 hours, but they would have had them probably within 36 hrs if they had our email address correct.

Went to Playa Beisanz, which is empty until early afternoon. Nice and a 10 minute walk from hotel for a brief stay.

Manuel Antonio Park we went with a private guide for the same price as a group tour. Manuel Antonio Expeditions, had Pablo as our guide. He was terrific and based on the interactions with the other guides, he is like the dean of the guides. Very enjoyable and got much more out of the park and the whole experience of the region from the tour. The first beach was gorgeous but not empty. The second beach was gorgeous and nearly secluded. It is a short walk to the 3rd beach, which is outside the park. If we went back I would take the shuttle to the 3rd beach, walk over to the second beach and have the best of both worlds since you cannot take food into the park but if you walk along the beach there is noone stopping you.

Went ziplining with El Santuario Canopy Adventure. First time zipling. Very nice, extremely safe. Longest line was nearly 1 mile and went 45 mph on one of the lines. The scenery is mostly tree tops. If I was going to Monteverde, would have done it there instead since the scenery is much more dramatic (mountaintop to mountaintop over rivers from what i heard).

Great relaxing getaway and other than masks everywhere and the test to return, there were no Covid limitations.

Where did you take the test to return and how much was it?

Offline Saulius

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Re: Costa Rica Master Thread
« Reply #513 on: March 31, 2021, 05:11:31 PM »
Where did you take the test to return and how much was it?

$65 in Airport in Liberia -- https://ticotimes.net/2021/03/29/costa-rica-lab-offers-at-airport-covid-tests

You can also order Covid home test kits before you leave the US - it's $150 for a pack of 6 tests https://www.emed.com/products/covid-at-home-testkit-six-pack     - Do not open the kit - till you are ready to test. The US owned airlines accept it (except Spirit and Sun Country ) see: https://costa-rica-guide.com/travel/health-safety/self-test-for-travelers-returning-to-the-u-s/ and google emed costa rica

See also: https://costa-rica-guide.com/practical/documents-requirements/covid-testing-requirements/
« Last Edit: March 31, 2021, 05:15:05 PM by Saulius »

Offline Divora M

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Re: Costa Rica Master Thread
« Reply #514 on: March 31, 2021, 05:52:50 PM »
Quote from: Saulius link=topic=1981.msg242480

You can also order Covid home test kits before you leave the US - it's $150 for a pack of 6 tests [url
https://www.emed.com/products/covid-at-home-testkit-six-pack[/url]     - Do not open the kit - till you are ready to test. The US owned airlines accept it (except Spirit and Sun Country ) see: https://costa-rica-guide.com/travel/health-safety/self-test-for-travelers-returning-to-the-u-s/ and google emed costa rica



That’s great, thanks!

Offline lansky

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Re: Costa Rica Master Thread
« Reply #515 on: March 31, 2021, 09:06:55 PM »
TR 2/28-3/4

Flew Spirit, which was a fine experience.

Rented car from Vamos. They were great, 5 minutes from airport, 20 minutes for the rental process. Driving to Manuel Antonio on a Sunday was fine. Traffic going the otherway was endless, so keep in mind Sunday locals beach traffic. It was cheaper and more convenient than taking a car service. We stopped at the Crocodile bridge and some other lookouts and the Playa Hermossa to watch the waves and surfers along the way.

Stayed at the Parador Resort, which was fantastic. Saw on premises Monkeys, parrots, scarlet macaws, toucans. Due to Covid it was empty! Our King suite overlooked the adult pool, which overlooked the Pacific and was always empty. It was like a private pool. It was $250/night, which felt like a steal.

Brought vacuum packed meats and a george foreman and burner. Customs stopped us for the meat and saw some vaccum packed bread and said, "Oh its all bread"" and let us through. Whooo! Almost lost our dinners. Vacuum packed challah rolls were great. Didn't work for hamburger buns. Next time would stop at the Walmart near the airport for buns, etc. Also heard the kosher Israeli restaurant in Jaco is very good and has recommendation from Chabad and is just a few minutes off the road. Someone else traveling told us it was great.

Covid test was $150 pp and they came to our room. It was horribly uncomfortable test (halfway up the brain). They guarantee results within 72 hours, but they would have had them probably within 36 hrs if they had our email address correct.

Went to Playa Beisanz, which is empty until early afternoon. Nice and a 10 minute walk from hotel for a brief stay.

Manuel Antonio Park we went with a private guide for the same price as a group tour. Manuel Antonio Expeditions, had Pablo as our guide. He was terrific and based on the interactions with the other guides, he is like the dean of the guides. Very enjoyable and got much more out of the park and the whole experience of the region from the tour. The first beach was gorgeous but not empty. The second beach was gorgeous and nearly secluded. It is a short walk to the 3rd beach, which is outside the park. If we went back I would take the shuttle to the 3rd beach, walk over to the second beach and have the best of both worlds since you cannot take food into the park but if you walk along the beach there is noone stopping you.

Went ziplining with El Santuario Canopy Adventure. First time zipling. Very nice, extremely safe. Longest line was nearly 1 mile and went 45 mph on one of the lines. The scenery is mostly tree tops. If I was going to Monteverde, would have done it there instead since the scenery is much more dramatic (mountaintop to mountaintop over rivers from what i heard).

Great relaxing getaway and other than masks everywhere and the test to return, there were no Covid limitations.
as others have said no hasgcha at the jaco place

Offline hllulbh1

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Re: Costa Rica Master Thread
« Reply #516 on: April 01, 2021, 01:48:45 PM »
Where did you take the test to return and how much was it?

The Hotel arranges a test in your hotel room. It was $150/pp.

Offline Divora M

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Re: Costa Rica Master Thread
« Reply #517 on: April 05, 2021, 01:43:48 PM »
Is it possible to get a permit in order to bring food in?

Offline Kobe Bryant

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Re: Costa Rica Master Thread
« Reply #518 on: April 05, 2021, 01:57:58 PM »
Is it possible to get a permit in order to bring food in?
Permit for what?

Offline Divora M

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Re: Costa Rica Master Thread
« Reply #519 on: April 05, 2021, 04:37:39 PM »
Permit for what?

Someone told me that they got a permit which allowed them to bring in kosher chicken and meat into Jamaica so I was wondering if CR has something similar instead of trying to smuggle it in.