1. If you're planning a trip to Costa Rica, plan ahead, but plan to be flexible. We rented cars because we had eight people traveling and we stayed in private homes that were a bit off the beaten track, but if you're a smaller group and staying at resorts or major hotels for any length of time, it's probably cheaper to avail yourselves of the local transportation they provide, and hire a personal driver to take you on longer trips. Plus, a manual transmission on some of those mountain roads was a real workout. If you do rent a car, pay the extra $15 a day for total insurance coverage - it's well worth it.
2. I'm not sure I'd travel at Christmas again. Extra seasonal demands, large crowds, weather issues - it really adds a significant amount of stress to the entire venture.
3. HIRE A TOUR GUIDE. Just about every one we hired was a wealth of information, well worth the fee and a sizable tip.
4. Consider the size of the group you're traveling with, there are advantages and disadvantages. When our housing was cancelled, it was a miracle they were able to find another place that could house eight people. A group of four probably would have had little difficulty. On the other hand, when we wanted to kayak, they were pretty much closed for the day, but they were willing to re-open for us because we were a large group.
5. They charge you $27 a person to leave Costa Rica. 'Airport tax,' they call it. Or, extortion. Sometimes your airline includes it in your ticket price. Spirit Airlines does not.
6. When the tour operator for your inflatable raft trip tells you there's no chance you'll get wet, do not believe him.
Anyway, it was fun. Hope this wasn't too boring. And now, pictures!
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