Whether
traveling to Costa Rica for the
first time or a seasoned
visitor, this section can help
you get the most of your visit.
How to
Short Visit
If visiting for less than a week, focus on San Jose.
Arrive on Thursday to catch the hottest action over
the weekend. Sunday is the slowest day of the week.
Vacations lasting a week or longer can include
several nights in a rainforest resort, a beach on
the Pacific or Atlantic, or beneath a towering
volcano.
Flights
High season December to May with the highest fare
Christmas time
Low season May to November
Round trip from the US to San Jose
From Los Angeles $680 about 6 hours
From New York $660 about 7.5 hours
From Miami to San Jose $460 about 1.5 hours
From Houston $460 3.5 hours
From New Orleans $460(5.5 hours
What to Bring
Batteries especially unusual batteries for cameras,
hearing aids, and the like. Film cheaper at home.
Binoculars, Watch, Alarm Clock, Cassette tape,
Insect Repellent, Contact lens supplies, Condoms,
Combination lock, Shower gel, Towel, Electrical
adapter, Sturdy umbrella, especially during the
rainy season Compass and Maps if planning to go
hiking to remote areas.
Laundry
You're not going to find a lot of coin laundries in
San Jose. There is nothing in a Costa Rican's genes
that would permit him or her to lug a bundle of
smelly laundry down to the corner for a wash and
dry. Here, people hire people to wash their clothe
s. Payment is generally by the kilo Some hotels
offer a laundry services, but it is expensive.
Passports and Visas
When you leave you pay an exit fee:
$46.00US Citizens
$17.00US Non Citizens
Customs
U. S. citizens may enter without a visa and can stay
up to ninety 90 days.
All U. S. citizens require a prepaid airline ticket
to depart
Visits 90 days or less require a passport. Natural
born U.S. Citizen may enter with a passport or a
photo ID Card eg. driver's license or State I.D.
card with original or certified copy of birth
certificate.
If you enter the country with a photo Identification
Card you are required to purchase a tourist card at
CR immigrations for $4.00 US
$20.00US fine charged if you overstay your permit.
90 Day or longer visits require a passport and you
must file for a stay extension at the CR
Immigration. You may exit and reenter the country.
Some tourists visit Nicaragua or Panama for a day
and come back.
Payment Methods
Make sure that all of your US bills are perfect.
Costa Rican banks won't accept torn or marked
dollars, so most businesses won't either. Speaking
of cash, bring extra. Many businesses don't accept
credit cards and ATM machines are tough to find
outside San Jose. If you plan to drive, pick up a
Spanish phrase book to help you decipher the road
signs. Of course, this will help everywhere. Bring
along a copy or two of your passport I.D. page and
carry it with you. Keep the actual passport
somewhere safe. If you rent a car, leave it empty.
Some folks also leave the car doors unlocked to
prevent broken windows. Don't bring prepaid calling
cards with toll free numbers. They don't work in
Costa Rica. Don't let anyone convince you otherwise.
Don't drive on the beach. It's bad for the
environment and can put a serious hurt on your
wallet.
Business Hours
Banks
Monday - Friday 9 am to 3 pm.
Government offices
Monday - Friday 8 am to 5 pm
Retail Stores
Monday - Friday 9 am to 6 pm or 7 pm
Money Exchange: Exchanging money in the airport in
foreign countries have always been known to give the
pretty good rates, except the U.S.
Bringing money into Costa Rica. You do not pay
Customs duty for bringing cash to Costa Rica.
However, if you bring more than ten thousand U.S.
Dollars ($10,000.00 US), you will be required to
declare the total amount of cash that you bring in
the country at the Customs Office.
Credit Cards
Nearly all hotels, restaurants and shops in the
major towns and tourist areas take all major credit
cards. Street vendors and smaller establishments in
remote areas may accept only cash or travelers
checks. It's important to keep travelers checks in a
waterproof pouch, as they are considered void if
they get wet.
How Much
Lodging
Budget: US$3-10
Midrange: US$10-20
Top-end: US$20 and upwards
Dining
Budget: US$2-5
Midrange: US$5-10
Top-end: US$10 and upwards
Women
The price for sex varies from girl to girl, but the
average cost for a hooker out of the bars is about
$50 for a quick lay. This price can double or triple
if you take a girl out of the strip clubs or higher
class bars. A street girl may go with you for as
little as $20 to $30.
Tipping
You don't have to tip in restaurants in Costa Rica
since a 10% service charge is added to your bill
automatically. However, if the service was
exceptional, you'll feel good about slipping the
waiter a few dollars extra. Tour guides and Taxi
guides can be tip from $3 to $20 US depending on the
tour.
Airport to Lodging
There are a number of taxis outside the airport and
they will actively solicit your business. The price
to any downtown hotel (Del Rey, Morazon, Ricos,
etc.) is $10 and they accept American currency so
you don’t need to exchange money at the airport if
you don’t want to or forget to do so. The exchange
rate is usually pretty good at the airport. Have a
number of $1’s on hand as well. A man will handle
your luggage and will consider a $1 tip as generous.
Transportation
Taxis
Although there are many car rental agencies in San
José, we don’t recommend renting a car for travel
within the city limits. Traffic is terrible. In many
cases it’s faster to walk to places than to take a
bus or taxi. If you need to go farther than you are
willing to walk, taxis are inexpensive. You can
travel almost anywhere in the city for less than $4.
It’s common to have a $1 cab fare. If the meter is
broken agree on a price before you set off on your
destination, or find another cab. Tipping is not
expected. Cabs running after 10:00pm charge a 20%
premium. Take taxi’s late at night and verify the
fare before you get in. Everything local to the
downtown hotels should be no more than 500 colones
($2.50). Bandidos are not uncommon, stay away from
walking around corners and watch for groups. After
midnight, be very cautious. Try not to appear to be
an easy target by always looking alert not
intoxicated.
Car Rentals
American or international driver's license required
for twenty-five or older, Visa or MasterCard with
enough credit to cover the total cost of the rental.
Check with your credit card company whether or not
you can be insured if you pay with your credit card
in Costa Rica. Its expensive so do it in advance via
the internet, $320 a week for a compact. When done
there, it includes insurance. Fuel is cheap, around
$10 to fill a compact car, most of the rental cars
are stick. Costa Rica has one of the highest auto
accident rates in the world. Drivers are very
aggressive. Speeding tickets can be expensive, $150
US. Do not try to bribe the officer; you could
create further problems for yourself. Incidentally,
drivers coming from the opposite direction will
often warn you by blinking their headlights if there
are police or a radar trap set up nearby.
Rental Cars
Dollar
Hertz
Hola
Excellent
Buses
The Bus system is one of the best in Central
America. The cheapest way to travel. Bus fare from
Peninsula de Osa to San Jose is only $10. Tickets
indicate seat number and date of trip. If you are
going to a popular spot, reserve your ticket in
advance and make sure the ticket is for the correct
date. When you get to your destination buy your
return ticket to assure yourself a seat for the ride
home. Whistle or call out "Parada!" which, loosely
translated, means "I have arrived at my destination,
so please stop the bus so I can get off." Most of
the buses are in good conditions, but they're not
air conditioned.
Bicycles
There are lots of hills in Costa Rica. If you plan
to see the country from the top of a bicycle,
remember, it will make life easier for you if you
peddle a good machine, one with at least a 21 gears.
Be aware that you'll be outdoors at high altitudes
so bring along a windbreaker and some warm clothes
–and don't forget your emergency kit with water,
tire patching gear and a few basic tools.
Costa Rican drivers seem to respect bicyclists more
than pedestrians. However, truck and bus drivers
will forget about the bicycle once they have passed
it and have been known to for a bicyclist off the
road.
Hotels
Almost all hotels charge $10 -$12 for extra persons.
They record the girl’s identification for your safety. Costa
Ricans are pretty honest people but always exercise precaution
wherever you travel.
Reservations are a must You can do this by fax if
you include a credit card number. When you arrive to Costa Rica,
call or fax the Hotel to confirm your reservations. Visitors who
love the spontaneous life should restrict their travel to the
low season when accommodations are easier to come by.
San Jose, a perfect base for tours to volcanoes,
white water rafting, rainforest tours and more!
Hotel Del Rey
in the heart of San Jose, Costa Rica within walking
distance of the city's museums, theaters, shops and night life.
Located in a completely renovated neoclassic building, the Del
Rey offers 104 rooms with all the amenities of a modern hotel
including the 24 hour Casino Del Rey and San Jose's No 1 meeting
spot, The Blue Marlin Bar, also open 24 hours.
Hotel Costa Rica Morazan
El Pequeño gran Hotel Costa Rica. near the historic
Morazán Park, and is within walking distance to museums, and the
National Theater. Single $47
Hotel Balmoral
on the main walking Boulevard enjoys the best
location in the heart of San Jose Downtown. For business or
pleasure, Balmoral is the perfect place. An authentic Costa
Rican hospitality. Allow us and we will show you the best
combination of location in San José and value for your next
business gathering or holiday vacation. Single $80
Hotel Costa Rica
in the heart of San Jose, with shops, restaurants,
banks, public offices and the city's nightlife only steps away,
the Gran Hotel is the obvious choice for business or vacation.
Services include a tour desk, car rental agency, gift shop, bar,
and 24 hour coffee shop. Our side walk cafe facing the National
Theater is one of the most popular gathering places in San Jose.
You can listen to the marimba music and watch a colorful swirl
of people go by. El Pequeño gran Hotel Costa Rica. It is located
downtown near the historic Morazán Park, and is within walking
distance to museums, and the National Theater. Single $47
Hotel Presidente
($60 per night) is a block from the Del Rey but less
of a circus-and they don't charge a guest fee for taking a girl
to the room (the Del Rey pops you for $12). The Hotel has 102
comfortable rooms, including 3 Full Suites & 7 Junior Suites.
The room rates includes breakfast, Color TV with 52 cable
channels (HBO, ESPN, CNN, NBC, FOX)
Electronic phone messaging service. Air
conditioning, safety deposit box, international call access, and
computer connection capability
Hotel la Mansion
only a few steps of Costa Rica's pride, the Teatro
Nacional. Small Hotel, with big customer service. Single $30-$35
La Amistad Hotel
Good breakfast, cable TV incl. Deutsche Welle, CNN
espanol, TVE etc., free safe, 32 $ (very small room), extra pax
16$.
Dining
Restaurants in towns and cities serve a variety of
foods including French, Italian, Mexican, North American and
Chinese. Food is good, from the most expensive to the cheapest
eating places which are generally found west of the city center.
Food sodas small restaurants serve local food. Common dishes
include Casado (rice, beans, stewed beef, fried plantain, salad
and cabbage, olla de came soup of beef, plantain, com, yucca,
nampi and chayote, sopa negra black beans with a poached egg and
picadillo meat and vegetable stew. Snacks are popular and
include gallos filled tortillas, tortas containing meat and
vegetables, arreglados bread filled with same and pan de yuca
specialty from stalls in San José. There are many types of cold
drink made from fresh fruit, milk or cereal flour, for example,
cebada barley flour, pinolillo roasted corn and horchata corn
meal with cinnamon. Imported alcoholic and soft drinks are
widely available. Coffee is good value and has an excellent
flavor.
Chango (Escazú, San Jose International restaurant
Kings Garden Chinese Restaurant
Machu Pichu (San José) Costa Rican restaurant
Water
While the water is said to be safe in most of Costa
Rica, we recommend bottled water in most places. Do not eat
fruit you have not pealed yourself, stay away from leafy
vegetables like lettuce, and avoid ice cubes. These are common
causes of amebic dysentery and giardia, both of which are
unpleasant enough to be worth avoiding at all costs.
Language
If you are a first time traveler to countries
outside of your own, alert yourself to fact that many people in
Costa Rica do not speak your language. The language of Costa
Rica is Spanish – though you will be pleasantly surprised to
discover that many people in this highly educated country speak
more than one language, and, of course, people serving you at
the better hotels and restaurants will almost always speak
enough English to make themselves understood.
Security
Narcotics and dangerous drugs are prohibited entry.
There are severe civil and/or criminal charges up to 20 years in
prison if you bring illegal drugs through Customs.
Pirate Taxis
A gringo was robbed by a pirate taxi driver and
another Tico in July. Before entering a taxi, check to see that
it has a meter, and always sit in the back seat. Beware Taxi
drivers recommending clubs or hotels, they get commissions for
expensive places.
Buses
Bands of thieves have been stealing luggage,
cameras, and whatever else from tourists returning from the
beach towns on the local buses.
It is dark and everyone is tired, so the tourists
are easy pickings. But the thieves are true professionals, going
so far as to crawl under the seat in front of them to snatch a
camera from an open bag, while another distracts the victim and
a third blocks the view of other passengers.
Police
There are lots "tourist police" here too, in city
and main beaches and coastal towns.
Scams
Beggars and street people
only get aggressive in "Gringo Gulch," around Hotel
del Rey down to Hotel Morazan. Even they will leave you alone if
you just walk and don't respond. Won't chase you down the street
like in many places.
Scams to watch out for: Rolex watches, fake Cuban
cigars, guys who sell you real Cuban cigars and tell you it's ok
to take them back into the USA. "Guides" who hook you up with
girls and a van for a beach trip, on which the driver stop every
ten miles and drinks six beers and winds up costing a fortune.
"Nightclubs" that pad tabs. So basically, it's the Ticos (male
Costa Ricans) who run the scams. Also watch out for luggage,
camera theft on the local buses; thieves work the buses on the
way back to the city from the beach, when everyone is burned out
and half asleep.
Oh, and don't buy any property or make any
investments on your first trip. Or on your second trip, either.
The hookers themselves don't run many scams, though
a few will always steal your watch if you tempt them so buy a
fake Rolex cheap and let her steal it. If you don't know the
real price in some casas or brothels, a "sex worker" might tell
you it's more if the madam or manager is out of the room, and
might tell you, after sex, that you have to pay her for the room
too. These incidents are rare, but they do happen. Main way to
avoid them is to know the real price and the conditions for
getting the real price.
Medical
Medicines containing habit-forming drugs or
narcotics e.g., cough medicine, diuretics, heart drugs,
tranquilizers, sleeping pills, antidepressants, stimulants, etc.
must be properly identified. Carry only the quantity normally
used by an individual requiring the drugs or medicines. Have
either a prescription or written statement from your physician
that the medicine is being used under a doctor's direction and
that it is necessary. Declare drugs or medications to the
Customs officer.
Internet
Cyber Cafe at the Los Arcos building adjacent to the
GHCR. If you need any special kind of girl, talk to Victor B.
elegantly dressed with coat and tie, long black hair and
mustache he knows lots of girls, many of whom are great fun and
"nonprofessional".
Phones
International country code: (506)
Dialing Costa Rica from Overseas
To call a Costa Rican number from overseas, begin
with your country's international dialing code, then 506 country
code for Costa Rica, and finally the number. There are no city
codes.
Assistance Numbers
International Operator 116
International Information/Directory 124
North America Operator 09-1
Domestic Collect Calls 110
Local Information/Directory 113
Local Calls
All numbers have seven digits in Costa Rica. Stores
or hotels may allow a local call on their phones.
Long Distance Calls
No area codes apply in this country. Simply dial the
seven-digit number.
International Calls
To make an international direct call, dial 00 +
country code + area code + number. To the U.S., calls cost about
US$2 to $3 a minute. To Europe rates may skyrocket. Discounted
rates apply between 10p.m. and 7a.m. daily, and on weekends.
Hotel phones are by far the most costly to use if they offer
international access. USA Direct phones exist at the airport or
high-end hotels.
British Telecom 167
Canada Telecom 161
U.S. AT&T 114
U.S. MCI 162
U.S. Sprint 163
Public phones require coin or card deposit before
dialing a direct access number.
AT&T Direct 0-800-0-114-114.
Phones exist virtually everywhere but often
accompanied by long lines of people or non-functioning parts.
Phones accept 5-, 10- and 20-centimos coins.
Lift receiver ,wait for dial tone, insert coin,
dial, coin will drop, begin talking. When you hear a beep,
either say your farewell or drop in more coins.
Calling Cards
Phone cards are just beginning their journey in
Costa Rica. Coin-operated phones still dominate.
Fax services are widely available. Radiografica
offers fax and international telex services. Call 23-1609 to
send or receive faxes. To see if you have received a fax, call
them at 87-0513 or 87-0511. You can also include the number of
your hotel with the fax, and Radiografica will notify you
immediately.
Sex
Sex is legal and easy to obtain in Costa Rica. San
Jose, the capital of Costa Rica has lots of bars, massage
parlors and street walkers. There are no pimps, the girls cum
and go as they please. There is no sex slavery and prostitution
is a good job by some girls who make more than some lawyers or
doctors in the US.
Legal Age
The age of consent is 18 years old in Costa Rica.
Where
Bars
Make eye contact, lift your glass like, "cheers"
when she smiles walk over and buy her a drink. Verify oral sex
without a condom and 69, kissing etc. don’t be bashful about
asking. Again a bit of Spanish is helps.
Beetle Bar
This is the one place you can go to hear old time
rock and roll via cd's and see Beetle's memorabilia on the
walls. On Wednesday and Saturday nights is hosted Karaoke Night
with "John" surrounded by his lovely Costa Rican hostesses. On
the last Saturday of the month is the live " Blind Pig's band "
with "Dave the Dude" from radio Paladin. Boca's are available
after about 9:00 pm. Located 25 mts south of the Hotel Del Rey
on Calle 9 (Estudiantes) between Avenida Central and Avenida 1.
Second location: Salitral de Santa Ana Just follow
the signs to the bar with the view.
Hooker Bars
Rates for the clubs range from $30 to $60 per hour
with a good-looking girl. Some arrange to meet you for overnight
or a hotel visit, but you need to know a little Spanish. But as
always, the women are less than reliable at keeping
appointments, usually arriving at least an hour late.
Bar Tonny's
Here there are questionable women for various
activities.
Avenida 9 between Calle 2 and Calle 4, next to
Josephines strip club.
Blue Marlin Bar
inside the Hotel Del Rey. One of the best things
about the Hotel Del is that all you have to do is go down to the
lobby and enter the Blue Marlin Bar around 5:00 p.m. and pick a
girl you want to have sex with. You don't even have to leave
your hotel to get laid. Nights here are usually very crowded,
with patrons and women who are sometimes very aggressive to lure
you into having sex with them. After all, Prostitution is legal
in Costa Rica. The bouncers and management are careful when it
comes to letting in women who are over the age of 18. I.D's are
checked at the door in the bar and the girl's I.D's are copied
and kept at the desk for safety reasons. They have 2 televisions
constantly showing sports. You can order food in the bar, either
full menu or appetizers. Avenida 1 between Calle 9 and Calle 11.
Girls will ask for $100 but usually go for $50-60. A lot of
Dominican's, Argentina, Venezuela, Nicaraguan's, and Colombians.
Prices for the '10's are a solid $100.00.
Cafe Parisian
Try having lunch or dinner there. It is the terrace
restaurant at Gran Hotel Costa Rica. At around 6:00 PM there are
girls to be found sitting by themselves in the process of
"gringo hunting". You will be able to tell by the way they look
at you.
Camelot Bar
100 MTs South and 50 Mts, across the street from the
Gran Hotel Costa Rica. This bar has clean rooms on the floors
above, and the price is more than reasonable. This place is a
local bar, quite basic but friendly enough. The price is set at
5000 Colones or approx. $16.00 for 40 minutes of sex. The price
also includes the room. The place opens from 11AM until 12 MN.
Look for a girl that works on the day shift named Magali, and
during the night shift there is another girl called Alejandra.
Both girls are 10s both in looks and in personality.
Club Bikini
Is two blocks from the glitzier but less colorful
Hotel del Rey in downtown San Jose. It is a hooker bar known to
locals as "The Land of the 1,000-colone Lap Dance." (A thousand
Colones sounds like a lot of money, but it is only about $3.20
-- compare that to $10+ tables dances in the States, where the
bouncer tosses you into the parking lot if you even look like
you're thinking about touching the dancer. Costa Rica
prostitutes are different, making it a great place for single
travel sex tours.
Club 40's Pension
Now there is no cover charge to enter. They have
done some remodeling. The bar is downstairs and the rooms are
upstairs along with pornographic movies and loud music. There is
also questionable women for various activities. Avenida 7
between Calle 1 and Calle Central.
Idem Bar
Avenida 8-10, Calle 11 is a bar with rooms. Price is
11,000 colones in the upstairs rooms for an hour or 14,000
colones in the nicer room downstairs. At Club Idem, they charge
200 colones for a condom. They have remodeled the bar area and
now there is much better ventilation.
Key Largo
Has 3 bar areas, and a dance floor. the south side
of Parque Morazan, around the corner from the Del Rey Hotel and
across from the Holiday Inn. It's been described in most of the
tourists books as the most popular place to find women who enjoy
having sex with men for a monetary compensation. This is a well
known meat rack and anyone can tell you where it is. It opens
about 9:00 PM and has a large selection of nectar ranging from
3’s to 10’s. The higher ones are more expensive. Always verify
all the services you want. Don't just say todo la noche (all
night), say hasta nuevo en la manana or mediodia (until 9 in the
morning or noon). Verify "Compania para sexo cuando yo quiero"
verify "cuatro o cinco vez ok?" 4 or 5 times OK? She will giggle
and go WOW but ultimately say yes.
The Key Largo has a 600 colones cover charge and did
not use to allow reentry but they have changed that policy and
give you a hand stamp now. The place really picks up at 10:00 PM
and if you see a 10 move quick because it may not last long. Get
there early and view them as they come in.
La Bella Mansion
Here there are questionable women for various
activities. Corner of Avenida 9 and Calle 2.
Las Margaritas II
Calle Central and Avenida 18.
Miss Caribe
Usually crowded, with 3 televisions (one big screen)
playing pornographic movies. There is a cover charge to enter,
but you can exchange the ticket for a drink. There are also
women who come here to pleasure men. Calle 2 and between Avenida
8 and 10.
Pension Anita Jet Set
They have been remodeling for the past several
months. There are questionable women for various activities.
Avenida 11 between Calle 3 and Calle 1, right next door to VIPS.
Ricos
Across the street from the Del Rey, Rico's.. The
girls here were quoting 10,000 colones-about $33 and were just
as hot and well dressed as the $100 girls in the Del Rey and the
Key Largo.
Tarzan La Casita
The Chinese restaurant moved out and a bar moved in
with questionable women for various activities.
Calle 11 between Avenida 6 and 8.
Vips
There is a cover charge to enter, but you can
exchange the ticket for a drink. There are a few seats at the
bar and a few small tables and music. An of course you'll find
women for various activities. Calle 3 and Avenida 11.
Vips Molino Rojo
Avenida 10 and Calle 2. There are questionable women
for various activities.
Escorts
Escort services in the English newspaper “Costa Rica
Today.”
Costa Rican Nights, Richard (506)380-5389 escort@multicr.com
$250 for 24 hours
Tony (506)222-8502 brings 3 girls over at a time.
Negoiate the price he starts at $300 per day (24 hours)
Costa Rica Today can be picked up in the lobby of
Hotel Del Rey at Avenida 5, Calle 5.
If none are on the coffee tables ask the bellman (Botones)
other services
(506)380-0878
(506)381-8496 for G&G
(506)441-3878 for Zuberth
Costa Rica Escorts
Latin Escorts
Costa Rica Escort
Night Clubs
All the night clubs (strip bars) offer totally nude
shows and table dances. The upper scale clubs like also have
private rooms, shower stages and Jacuzzi suites. Prices tend to
be a bit steep, but you will have good time in a safe and secure
environment. The girls tend to be better looking and they can be
taken out of the club for a price. Most clubs charge a door
entrance and have a minimum consumption policy. Table dances,
lap dances and private dances are done with taste and you can
guarantee yourself a good time. Also, you can take the girl from
the club but check with management as each club has a different
policy.All major credit cards are accepted and English is widely
spoken.
Elite Club
A show bar. Paso Colon (Avenida 2) between Calle 28
and 30.
The reports are coming in that this place is a rip
off.
Hollywood Club
A strip club with a cover charge. Sabana Sur, 250
meters west of the McDonalds on the old road to Escazu.
Josephine's
A strip club with a cover charge. Avenida 9 between
Calle 2 and Calle 4. The reports are coming in that this place
is a rip off.
Olympus
A totally nude strip club; currently with no cover
charge. Be prepared to pay considerably extra for drinks for the
women dancing there you meet. Corner of Calle Central and
Avenida 7 across the street from the La Benny show bar.
Puro Platino
Avenida 5 y Calle 4.
Massage Parlors
Inexpensive for the most part while they provide
pleasure in a safe environment. Most are clean and well
appointed, some with Jacuzzis, while some are sleazy. By the
most part the ladies that work in the massage parlours are
attentive and ready to please. Prices range from about $15 to
$60, providing complete service.
Arte Sauna
Calle 9 (Estudiantes) between Avenida 2 and Avenida
4 on the west side of the street. The front of the building is
white tile. Steam room, dry sauna, attentive female masseuses,
and never rushed. Tel 222-2881. open 9.00 am till 10.00 pm every
day
Centro de Masajes
A small place with showers and attentive female
masseuses.
Calle 4 between Avenida 2 and Avenida 4 upstairs.
Club Eros
(also called Lucy’s) the rate is 10,000 Colones for
an hour. An appropriate tip for good service is 2000-3000
Colones (rate of exchange 300+ Colones to the dollar). Eros has
showers and girls will furnish the condom.
Krysis Health Club
There is a Jacuzzi in one of the rooms and
questionable women for various activities.
Avenida 7 between Calle Central and Calle 2.
Lucy Massage
Although named massage, there aren't any massage
tables, steam or sauna. There are questionable women for various
activities. Across the street from the bar "Idem" on calle11
between Avenida 8 and 10. Telephone 391-3011.
Sala de Massages
"Si Bo Ny": A small place with showers and attentive
female masseuses.
Calle 8 between Avienda 12 and Avenida 14
The Green Door
Rates are $85 for all day with pay as you go drinks
or $100 for the day including all drinks. Included in the rate
is a one hour massage plus use of the swimming pool, Jacuzzi,
sauna, and just hanging out with the girls and other guys. A
pair of Honduran sisters are best bet. Howard, the owner, will
talk your arm off. They recently became licensed as a hotel and
are in the process of fixing up rooms.
3350 Avenida 2, on the way to the San Pedro Mall.
Photography
Point a camera at a Tica, and she instinctively
poses. Most lovehaving photos taken, and those who like to show
off will do some of the wildest things. But definitely develop
pics at home. The photo shops here are notorious for making two
sets of photos here when they get something hot. And
"manufacturing pornography" is illegal. And though possession
and distribution are pornography are legal, it is not a good
idea to carry porno in or out of the country.
Recreation
Schedule your activities to accommodate the
traditional Latin American Siesta. Almost everything shuts down
between 12 and 2 pm for a sandwich and snooze. It is a noble
tradition that should be emulated by sensible people everywhere.
Saturdays most stores are open. Sundays almost everything is
closed.
Beaches
Jaco Beach is the place to stay in Costa Rica. A
sleepy small town nestled in a bay on the Pacific Coast, it has
all the things to make your holiday complete: good restaurants,
banks, and shops; nearby national parks Manuel Antonio (famous
for its beaches and monkeys) and Carara (home to flocks of
Scarlet Macaw and oversized American Crocodiles in the adjacent
Tarcoles River). You can visit a volcano and a deserted beach,
ride horseback in the jungle, go white water rafting, spend a
night in the cool of the mountains, or just relax beside the
ocean. And for the nighthawks, Jaco boasts both a disco and a
casino.
Jaco Beach Hotel is the ideal starting point for
those who want to enjoy an exciting and thrilling experience in
the Pacific Coast, passing through the mountains planted with
coffee, enjoying fascinating views and the warmth of our
tropical weather; only one and a half hours from San José. More
on Jaco Beach and Jaco Beach Surf Report
Shopping
Special purchases include wood and leather rocking
chairs (which dismantle for export) as well as a range of local
crafts available in major cities and towns. Local markets are
also well worth visiting. Prices are slightly higher than in
other Latin American countries. Best buys are wooden items,
ceramics, jewellery and leather handicrafts. Shopping hours:
0900-1800/1900 Monday to Saturday.
Places to Shop
Central Market in downtown San José.
Plaza del Sol - Curridabat
Plaza Mayor - Rohmoser
Plaza Colonial - Escazú
Multiplaza - Escazú
Water Sports
Kayaking
Costa Rica offers unequaled opportunity to enjoy the
rapidly growing sport of sea kayaking. Sea kayaking is a natural
way to experience our beautiful Costa Rica. The sea kayak is a
self propelled small craft devised by the ancient Eskimo tribes
in the Arctic ocean region and has evolved into a stable,
efficient and extremely sea worthy craft which makes wildlife
observation excellent and totally unobtrusive.
Whitewater Rafting
Costa Rica offers some of the world's finest
whitewater rafting and kayaking rivers. Wild and untamed, these
big, brash rivers plunge through spectacularly beautiful,
largely unexplored tropical wilderness. More rafting info, and
even more.
Scuba Diving
Most dives are off pinnacle rock formations at 40 to
80 foot depths. Visibility can vary from 20 to 80 feet in the
same day this is due to plankton and marine organism that thrive
in the warm 75 to 85 degree waters. Although this may restrict
visibility it is the reason the North Pacific waters are home to
such a variety of pelagic marine life. More diving info
Wind Surfing
The Trade winds blow across Costa Rica with
incredible force and consistency during the dry months, creating
windsurfing conditions in the northwest part of the country. The
western end of Lake Arenal is one of the world's premier
windsurfing spots, having been compared to Italy's Lake Garda
and the Columbia River Gorge. During the dry season, the wind
speed averages 33 miles an hour, a velocity than only
experienced windsurfers can handle. As the gale increases, the
lake's surface becomes choppy, and expert surfers use the waves
to jump high into the air.
Tortuga Island
Tortuga, a dream island and a little paradise in the
Pacific Ocean, has something for everyone. More than just a
beach, white sands and sun, Tortuga also offers luxuriant flora,
fauna and adventure. More tortuga info
Cruises
Pacific Island
Punta Coral Reserve
Sailing Cruises
Tours
One-Day Packages
Sightseeing Tours
Arenal Volcano
Helicopter Tour
Costa Rica Highlights Tour
Coffee Plantation Tour
Fishing
Sportfishing#1
Sport Fishing#2
Tours Leaving From San Jose
Canopy Tour is a new adventure sport by modifying
techniques and equipment originally used by spelunkers (cavers)
and canyon rappelers. The original canopy tour offers the
opportunity to ascend into the rainforest canopy from a
perspective available previously to only a select few
researchers and photographers. more canopy info , and even more
info and more.
Mountain Biking Ascending and descending through the
windy trails of mountainside tropical rainforest to emerge into
a river valley teaming with wildlife...monkeys, macaws, piranhas
and the like...carrying the bikes through a light river current
to continue the journey on the rugged trail to make it back to
base with hearty appetite ready to satiate. more biking info
Horseback Riding
Just minutes away from San Jose, enjoy a memorable
experience on this unique horseback riding expedition in San
Jerónimo Mountains, adjacent to Braulio Carillo Rain Forest
National Park. Ride over mountain trails to observe the
magnificent scenery, on one side the Central Valley, and the
other, impressive views of the cloud forest and volcanoes.
Paragliding
Have you ever dreamt of flying like a bird or to
explore in the clouds? Check it out, you only live once.
Bungee Jumping
Unless you've got heart condition, or some serious
problems with your back and neck, you should be able to bungee
jump with no fear of injury. Jumps should always be supervised
by a trained jump master, and all equipment must be up to
international standards. In Costa Rica, jumps are done from the
"viejo puente sobre el Rio Colorado," an old bridge that spans a
300 footdeep gorge located about half an hour west of San Jose.
Jumps are usually done Saturday and Sunday mornings, but they
can be arranged at other times for small groups.
Other Attractions
National Theater
Plaza de la cultura
Central Park
Jade Museum
National Park
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Although Sex Shops are not new in Costa Rica, finding one
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