Actually i have visted Cosat Rica twice in my life and i enjoyed both times that i went.  The country is very beautiful with alot of different activities to do.  I spent a few days in San Jose and it was alright, but be careful at night do not travel alone if possible.  I stayed on the Pacific side of the island and the beaches are not that great do to the volcanoes that erupted there many years ago which left a tar like substance when you enter the water but once you swim out the water is fantastic.  If there is more you woule like to know let me now and i might be able to answer any questions.

Hi Paulo,

Thanks alot for your feedback! I already heard about the atlantic side beaches not being that great, for the reasons you mention. I'm planning to go to the Carribean side, have you heard any comments on that part of the country?

Also as far as activities, did you do any hiking, climbing, white water rafting?

Thanks again for your tips!

Ana

Hi Ana,

I visited Costa Rica in the summer of 2008, and I've been both to the Atlantic (Puerto Viejo de Talamanca) and the Pacific (Drake Bay by Peninsula de Osa) sides. I also spent a day in San Jose.

To travel to caribbean side from San Jose, we took Interbus Service, where you share a van with other people. The van picks you up from your hotel and takes you to your destination hotel. The vans were new, air conditioned and comfortable.

And to travel to the Pacific side, we took a plane from San Jose.

Both of the sides of the country were very nice. I would not recommend spending much time in San Jose. Caribbean side seems more populated then the Pacific side. We went for a short hiking & snorkelling tour (coral reefs). We stayed at Banana Azul, which was a very nice hotel, and the owners & staff were very friendly.

On the Pacific side we were very close to the Corcovado national park where we went for hiking, which was an amazing experience.We also took a trip to an island close by for snorkeling. Since it is not as populated by people, you are in the nature. You can see the crabs, etc wandering on the shore.Pacific side seemed more expensive than the caribbean side.

We also did not enjoy the hotels either on the paicific side either. I don't remeber the names :(

I wish we visited the volcanoes as well. One of my friends did, and he told me that it was a very nice experience.

Have fun!

-pinar