Costa Rica

[midtown 3,338]

29 minutes ago, ernest_t_bass said:

Is USA (or CR) still doing/requiring a negative test before you leave the country?

Yes.  USA still requires a negative test.  As I posted on the covid travel thread.  It's NOT 24 hours.  It's within a day.  eg your flight leaves at 4pm on Friday.  You can get tested anytime on Thursday.  

[ernest_t_bass 1,196]

16 minutes ago, midtown said:

Yes.  USA still requires a negative test.  As I posted on the covid travel thread.  It's NOT 24 hours.  It's within a day.  eg your flight leaves at 4pm on Friday.  You can get tested anytime on Thursday.  

So you can pretty much go ANYWHERE to get tested, as long as you have the results back that day?  Doesn't have to be a specific type of test, just an "official" one, and not a home test?

[midtown 3,338]

You can do a home test if its one that is monitored.  Qured and Abbott both have those.  As long as you have results when you get to the airport

Edited February 15, 2022 by midtown

[justhookit 4,165]

13 hours ago, MirrOlure said:

We ate with an ex-pat couple one night and they said that sadly, CR has sold its soul to the devi.....er, I mean Chinese.  Sad if true.

Yeah that would be true. Honestly the fishing part is probably due more to the locals, but China has pumped so much money into this country they basically run it.

[justhookit 4,165]

12 hours ago, ernest_t_bass said:

Without googling it, what is the current procedure for flying out of the country, and into Costa Rica?  I read on Tulemar's site that vaxxed don't need insurance, but unvaxxed need travel insurance.

Is USA (or CR) still doing/requiring a negative test before you leave the country?

This is by far the thing that is giving me the most anxiety as we approach our departure from the states (3/20/22).

What midtown said.

as of NOW before you fly in you, and everyone with you, will need to fill out the CR Health Pass form online. That will give you a QR code that you show when you enter the country. It’s easy. Whatever airline you are flying should email you the info on how to do that but if not I think we discussed it upthread or just ask me here. Pretty sure you can only do that within 72 hours of your departure.

‘Going home and again as of now, you’ll need a negative test. Whatever hotel you are staying at will hook you up with that.

Edited February 16, 2022 by justhookit

[ernest_t_bass 1,196]

I've been in contact with my concierge at the resort, in regards to testing to fly back to the states.  We'll be paying over $200 (maybe a lot more) just for freaking COVID tests to fly back 😂    What an absolute joke. 

[midtown 3,338]

1 hour ago, ernest_t_bass said:

I've been in contact with my concierge at the resort, in regards to testing to fly back to the states.  We'll be paying over $200 (maybe a lot more) just for freaking COVID tests to fly back 😂    What an absolute joke. 

Especially considering you can fly anywhere domestically and lick patients in a covid icu and get on any plane you want.    Completely illogical and just freaking dumb

[ernest_t_bass 1,196]

That's an image I don't want in my head.

[Ag with kids 576]

15 hours ago, justhookit said:

What midtown said.

as of NOW before you fly in you, and everyone with you, will need to fill out the CR Health Pass form online. That will give you a QR code that you show when you enter the country. It’s easy. Whatever airline you are flying should email you the info on how to do that but if not I think we discussed it upthread or just ask me here. Pretty sure you can only do that within 72 hours of your departure.

‘Going home and again as of now, you’ll need a negative test. Whatever hotel you are staying at will hook you up with that.

Coming back to the US you can also show proof of COVID recovery in the past 90 days.  I think it requires proof of a positive test AND a letter from a Dr stating you were cleared to travel...

[riloh05 107]

Looking at a week in march @ jw or W hotels. traveling with family that doesnt like the resort stuff and likes "luxury" but enjoys night life (good food/bars) and casinos. i am open to suggestions flying out of IAH. so are any of these resort places close to the action? tulemar is booked up. 

Edited February 17, 2022 by riloh05

[midtown 3,338]

Looking at a week in march @ jw or W hotels. traveling with family that doesnt like the resort stuff and likes "luxury" but enjoys night life (good food/bars) and casinos. i am open to suggestions flying out of IAH. so are any of these resort places close to the action? tulemar is booked up. 

There are zero hotel chains in MA

[riloh05 107]

1 minute ago, midtown said:

4 minutes ago, riloh05 said:

Looking at a week in march @ jw or W hotels. traveling with family that doesnt like the resort stuff and likes "luxury" but enjoys night life (good food/bars) and casinos. i am open to suggestions flying out of IAH. so are any of these resort places close to the action? tulemar is booked up. 

There are zero hotel chains in MA

sorry for not being clear...there are options at to stay at the JW or W, but not in MA. I would like to avoid that if possible. folks I am headed there with like the "action" and it seems the resorts are from from that. I am open to suggestions.

[justhookit 4,165]

On 2/17/2022 at 5:31 PM, riloh05 said:

sorry for not being clear...there are options at to stay at the JW or W, but not in MA. I would like to avoid that if possible. folks I am headed there with like the "action" and it seems the resorts are from from that. I am open to suggestions.

The W is supposedly amazing, but it’s up north and I’ve never been. I’m fishing this morning but I’ll reply when I get in this evening or tomorrow. My first thought is look into a condo or house.

[DefinitelyNotHollywoodColt 12,301]

On 2/16/2022 at 10:24 AM, ernest_t_bass said:

I've been in contact with my concierge at the resort, in regards to testing to fly back to the states.  We'll be paying over $200 (maybe a lot more) just for freaking COVID tests to fly back 😂    What an absolute joke. 

Why not walk outside your hotel and pay $60 tops?

[justhookit 4,165]

Yeah but also you can pay an extra 40 dollars for a fake negative test. I’m not letting anyone stick that thing up my nose.

[justhookit 4,165]

On 2/17/2022 at 5:26 PM, riloh05 said:

Looking at a week in march @ jw or W hotels. traveling with family that doesnt like the resort stuff and likes "luxury" but enjoys night life (good food/bars) and casinos. i am open to suggestions flying out of IAH. so are any of these resort places close to the action? tulemar is booked up. 

The Marriott in Los Suenos is a nice property and has a golf course. There are a few really good restaurants there in the marina. You would also be a 10 minute cab ride to Jaco which is the party town and also has a ton of good restaurants.

[milkman 428]

I'm heading down to Los Suenos in a couple of weeks for the kiddos (6 and 16) spring break.  Never been and have no clue what I'm getting myself into.  Should l look into getting a rental car or would I just be better off hiring a driver?  Also looking for suggestions on day excursions, etc.  Thanks in advance!

[Chopper 16,620]

I might be headed down there in early March, or at least before spring break crowds, to look at some luxury estates or at least large compounds with 2 or 3 villas suitable to hold some meetings we're planning for 2023. Lots of huge party villas in Jaco but we need to stay away from the riff raff, and junky decor. I've found a few candidates and now I have to plan. I was hoping to burn some miles/points but haven't seen any good deals yet.

[justhookit 4,165]

On 2/21/2022 at 7:10 PM, Chopper said:

I might be headed down there in early March, or at least before spring break crowds, to look at some luxury estates or at least large compounds with 2 or 3 villas suitable to hold some meetings we're planning for 2023. Lots of huge party villas in Jaco but we need to stay away from the riff raff, and junky decor. I've found a few candidates and now I have to plan. I was hoping to burn some miles/points but haven't seen any good deals yet.

Stay in Los Suenos. 99% of Jaco is riff raff and junky. And you are a 15-20 dollar cab ride to Jaco for people that want to party.

[midtown 3,338]

@justhookit why did Buena Vista Villas close? That was a great spot and the food was fantastic
It was a Tulemar owned property.

[justhookit 4,165]

17 hours ago, midtown said:

@justhookit why did Buena Vista Villas close? That was a great spot and the food was fantastic
It was a Tulemar owned property.

No idea. I’d guess it’s because of Covid. Everyone down here struggled. The marina had 3 restaurants leave but they’ve all been replaced. The real bummer is Sancho’s up in Manuel Antonio closed. The guy is still running the Paddle9 tour business so I hope they reopen at some point. A friend of ours that owns a couple of pizza places would like to open it back up for him so we will see.

[midtown 3,338]

Really hope someone buys and reopens Buena vista.  One of the few "on beach" properties in MA.   I could literally walk out my room and be in the Pacific surf in 15 seconds.   Bonus is that since its a public beach there seemed to be a steady influx of hot ass ticas around the bar. 

[Chewbacca 7,620]

5 hours ago, justhookit said:

No idea. I’d guess it’s because of Covid. Everyone down here struggled. The marina had 3 restaurants leave but they’ve all been replaced. The real bummer is Sancho’s up in Manuel Antonio closed. The guy is still running the Paddle9 tour business so I hope they reopen at some point. A friend of ours that owns a couple of pizza places would like to open it back up for him so we will see.

Sancho's hurts.  That place was great.  Hope they get it back open before I come back down.

[midtown 3,338]

Opening a business with at least a $150k investment gets you residency I believe. Who wants to open one of these places back up?

[4HE 156]

On 2/24/2022 at 7:24 PM, midtown said:

Opening a business with at least a $150k investment gets you residency I believe. Who wants to open one of these places back up?

[ernest_t_bass 1,196]

OK, so I think I just alleviated a high level of all my stress, and please help clarify if I am wrong.  To fly TO Costa Rica FROM the US, we do NOT need a negative COVID test.  I am the only one 18+, and I have 2+1 vaccines.  We have trip insurance that covers Costa Rican travel, per requirements.  

• Is a negative COVID-19 test (PCR and/or serology) required for entry into Costa Rica? No 
  • U.S. citizen tourists wishing to enter Costa Rica are not required to present the results of a negative PCR test for COVID-19.  However, until April 1, 2022, all U.S. citizen visitors must complete an epidemiological Health Pass.  Fully vaccinated U.S. citizens do not have to provide proof of health insurance but must provide proof of full vaccination.  Until April 1, 2022, unvaccinated U.S. citizens must provide proof of health insurance to cover any COVID-19 related expenses for the duration of their stay in Costa Rica.

https://cr.usembassy.gov/covid-19-information/

[justhookit 4,165]

47 minutes ago, ernest_t_bass said:

OK, so I think I just alleviated a high level of all my stress, and please help clarify if I am wrong.  To fly TO Costa Rica FROM the US, we do NOT need a negative COVID test.  I am the only one 18+, and I have 2+1 vaccines.  We have trip insurance that covers Costa Rican travel, per requirements.  

• Is a negative COVID-19 test (PCR and/or serology) required for entry into Costa Rica? No 
  • U.S. citizen tourists wishing to enter Costa Rica are not required to present the results of a negative PCR test for COVID-19.  However, until April 1, 2022, all U.S. citizen visitors must complete an epidemiological Health Pass.  Fully vaccinated U.S. citizens do not have to provide proof of health insurance but must provide proof of full vaccination.  Until April 1, 2022, unvaccinated U.S. citizens must provide proof of health insurance to cover any COVID-19 related expenses for the duration of their stay in Costa Rica.

https://cr.usembassy.gov/covid-19-information/

You are correct. And the trip insurance isn’t necessary for vaccinated people but it’s nice to have anyway. Be sure to wait to fill out your health pass until less than 72 hours before your flight. The airline should send you a link to do that.

[ernest_t_bass 1,196]

Getting STOKED for this trip!  I feel like it is a short one to try and fit touristy things in.  Staying at Tulemar. Arrive Sunday, leave Thursday.  We want to fit these things in, one on each day...

- zip-line

- waterfall (either hike tour, or horseback)

- Manuel Antonio national park (not sure if we should do guided, or just go and explore on our own)

... Will probably look at "Sloth Walk at Tulemar" too

[Wally Pryor 5,208]

Tulemar is a great resort. The wildlife inside of the resort is a treat in itself.  On the ground, in the trees and in the air you'll see a lot. In lieu of the group tour, ask your concierge to take you on a personalized sloth walk on the property. Our concierge was great - knew where and how to spot them. Saves you money and you can just throw a little extra on his tip at the end. We walked MANP without a tour guide but there are arguments to be made for doing it with. With the latter you'll get to see some intricacies with the spotting (mini tele) scopes but we liked to doing it our own pace. Beaches in the park are beautiful. 

Enjoy. Great place. We'll be back soon.

[justhookit 4,165]

9 hours ago, ernest_t_bass said:

Getting STOKED for this trip!  I feel like it is a short one to try and fit touristy things in.  Staying at Tulemar. Arrive Sunday, leave Thursday.  We want to fit these things in, one on each day...

- zip-line

- waterfall (either hike tour, or horseback)

- Manuel Antonio national park (not sure if we should do guided, or just go and explore on our own)

... Will probably look at "Sloth Walk at Tulemar" too

Do NOT do the National park. Sure if you are here for a few weeks it’s fine but you’re going to see all of the animals on the Tulemar property. They’ve got some amazing national parks in this country but MA isn’t one of them. Besides I’m going to take yall on the boat and you’ll be able to see the beaches there from a much better view.

[4HE 156]

Headed down from June 5th-12th. I’ve been watching flights for a couple of months and they seem to be creeping up. It’s totally worth whatever I pay, but wondering if anyone has any insight to flight cost patterns. Any chance they go down between now and then, or just book now and be done?

[justhookit 4,165]

17 minutes ago, 4HE said:

Headed down from June 5th-12th. I’ve been watching flights for a couple of months and they seem to be creeping up. It’s totally worth whatever I pay, but wondering if anyone has any insight to flight cost patterns. Any chance they go down between now and then, or just book now and be done?

@midtownwatches that more closely than I do. Sometimes I find just changing your travel day by a day or 2 can make a big difference. The price going up now may be just due to rising fuel costs.

[midtown 3,338]

Covid and fuel costs definitely.  Airlines took out so much capacity and they are slow to bring it back on line internationally.    You should still be able to get down there from Texas for around $400 or less.

[Wally Pryor 5,208]

13 hours ago, justhookit said:

Do NOT do the National park. Sure if you are here for a few weeks it’s fine but you’re going to see all of the animals on the Tulemar property. They’ve got some amazing national parks in this country but MA isn’t one of them. Besides I’m going to take yall on the boat and you’ll be able to see the beaches there from a much better view.

Interesting on MA. As we were walking it nothing really struck me as "Wow".  So it's good to hear I wasn't imagining things. We did think the beaches were beautiful but probably just several of many.

[ernest_t_bass 1,196]

Quepos & Manuel Antonio... Should one take US dollars or exchange for colons?

[4HE 156]

7 hours ago, ernest_t_bass said:

Quepos & Manuel Antonio... Should one take US dollars or exchange for colons?

No need to exchange. Everyone will take dollars. 

[justhookit 4,165]

15 hours ago, ernest_t_bass said:

Quepos & Manuel Antonio... Should one take US dollars or exchange for colons?

 

7 hours ago, 4HE said:

No need to exchange. Everyone will take dollars. 

And rip you off on the exchange. Use your credit card whenever possible. The marina here has a great ATM. Withdraw cash in colones.

[4HE 156]

1 hour ago, justhookit said:

 

And rip you off on the exchange. Use your credit card whenever possible. The marina here has a great ATM. Withdraw cash in colones.

Guess I should have been more clear.  Groceries, booze, meals and most other “large purchases” go on my card. Cabs, tips and other small incidentals I just use dollars. I don’t sweat overpaying a bit for that stuff. 
But that’s just me. To each their own. 

Edited March 5, 2022 by 4HE
Spelling

[Biff Tannen 45,151]

1 hour ago, justhookit said:

 

And rip you off on the exchange. Use your credit card whenever possible. The marina here has a great ATM. Withdraw cash in colones.

 

5 minutes ago, 4HE said:

Guess I should have been more clear.  Groceries, booze, meals and most other “large purchases” go on my card. Cabs, tips and other small incidentals I just use dollars. I don’t sweat overpaying a bit for that stuff. 
But that’s just me. To each there own. 

Yes and yes

[justhookit 4,165]

28 minutes ago, 4HE said:

Guess I should have been more clear.  Groceries, booze, meals and most other “large purchases” go on my card. Cabs, tips and other small incidentals I just use dollars. I don’t sweat overpaying a bit for that stuff. 
But that’s just me. To each there own. 

Oh no doubt. No need to exchange at home but once here anytime you (not you I know you’ve been here, really just referring to Ernest who has never been) use an ATM get colones instead of dollars. I just really meant as soon as I get in country I pay for everything in colones or credit card. I’ve been here 6 weeks now and I’m pretty sure I haven’t spent any dollars other than our driver to get us to the coast from SJO. His price is always dollars and I’ve used him for years. But I get annoyed with the cab driver who says ok that’s 10,000 colones or 20 dollars. They are stuck in 2012.

Edited March 5, 2022 by justhookit

[ernest_t_bass 1,196]

US Cash - If paying in pre-determined set amounts, are high bills (100s/50s) OK?  I've heard that, if you want change, then nothing higher than a $20 bill.  For our excursions, I plan to get larger bills, so I'm not carrying around tons of 20s, etc.  Kosher?

[ernest_t_bass 1,196]

Greetings from Tulemar!




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[midtown 3,338]

@ernest_t_bass   I gave you the finger out of jealousy.  Enjoy

[Chewbacca 7,620]

Greetings from Tulemar!




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Fucking love that beach. Enjoy!

[Wally Pryor 5,208]

2 hours ago, ernest_t_bass said:

Greetings from Tulemar!




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Love that place. Back again soon.

We liked the little cafe there for drinks w/ the infinity pool.

Enjoy.

[justhookit 4,165]

Met @ernest_t_bass and his 2 young daughters (no pics) at the marina last night. They’ve done the waterfall tour and zip lining and seem to be having a good time. My boat is having the 1000 hour service done right now and I’m hoping it gets finished today so we can take them on a booze/sunset cruise this evening.

[ernest_t_bass 1,196]

Met [mention=626]ernest_t_bass[/mention] and his 2 young daughters (no pics) at the marina last night. They’ve done the waterfall tour and zip lining and seem to be having a good time. My boat is having the 1000 hour service done right now and I’m hoping it gets finished today so we can take them on a booze/sunset cruise this evening.

Great meeting you! We have to make sure we get a photo together tonight for Shaggy peeps. Hopefully everything works out tonight!


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[midtown 3,338]

Worlds colliding

[justhookit 4,165]

Progress. First pic was 2 days ago and the other is this morning. They still need to get those parts installed and then do an oil change and then we are good to go.

[midtown 3,338]

From a birdseye view looks to be the bypass line.  I'm going to need some plyers and set of thirty-weight ballbearings..