| When Frommer's Budget Travel was looking for someone to be the expert on their online "Trip Coach" section for Costa Rica they selected our own Rob Hodel.
Hello Everyone! Buenos Dias! My name is Rob
Hodel and I am your Trip Coach for Costa Rica. Thanks for the great response and
great questions. It is refreshing to be able to talk with experienced travelers
that get it!
First
a little background about myself. I have been living in Costa Rica for
the past 15 years after moving there to start Tico Travel and then
CentralAmerica.Com. I speak fluent Spanish and along with partners have
a hotel on the coast and a sports bar in San Jose. Being involved in
these businesses gives me access and insight into many different
sources of travel information.
My main job has been to travel around and
keep on top of all the people and places we work with and current developments in the country.
If
you have any questions that are not covered here please call one of our
friendly, knowledgeable, bilingual travel advisers in Costa Rica. Toll
free 1-800-948-3770 or email Info@CentralAmerica.com
Hola Rob!
We are traveling to Costa Rica beginning July 4th, 2008. Have really
been debating the malaria risk. Flying into San Jose, immediately
traveling to Tabacon' for four nights, then traveling directly to Club
Del Mar in Playa Hermosa, departing back to San Jose on the 12th to fly
home. I have read your last response to a traveler dated in '06. Has
your opinion of the malaria risk changed at all since that time for the
areas we are going to? I am very wary of the side effects of these
medications and have spoken to numerous friends/clients who have stated
they did not vaccinations or malaria protocols at all. We have updated
our vaccines for HepA, Tetanus, Typhoid, but just not sure about taking
chloroquine. Thanks for your thoughts. |
|
Hello Richard,
I agree with you that the side effects of the malaria medication is
worrisome. Thankfully malaria is not a risk you should be concerned
with at all while traveling in Costa Rica. If anything the concern is
for another mosquito transmitted illness called dengue fever. There is
no innoculation for dengue and the best preventive measure is insect
repellent, especially at dawn and dusk.
Even so, your odds of
contracting even dengue are very remote at best. With a little
precaution it should be nothing to worry about all.
Have a great trip and than you for your question and your business!
Sincerely,
Rob Hodel.
|
| We are
planning to visit the Osa Peninsula, specifically Lapa Rios in
Mid-October this year. I was wondering what the weather would be like
for hikes, snorkeling, and other explorations. I would expect it would
be on the muddy side, but was trying to plan on what clothing to bring
along. Any other information on prime wildlife watching during this time
of year would also be appreciated...
Thank You.
|
You should be prepared for
mud and the seasonal rains. Therefore you should pack lite quick drying
clothes with enough changes so that if you went out in the morning and
afternoon you could go a few days before rotating your laundry.
The Osa is always good for wildlife and the rains can help mask your
approach. You are sure to see plenty of birds in the early morning and
evening. Make sure you get to Corcovado National Park. |
| Hi Rob- Looking for a low-key
inexpensive beach place -- I like to swim and if possible snorkel.
Pacific or Cahuita? 1-2 adults will be there for 2-3wks in Feb. |
| If you want a low key place I
would go to Drake's Bay, it is a little hard to get to but that is why
its low key, try Corcovado Expeditions, ask for Carlos. On the Caribbean
side the best snorkeling is in Cahuita but its not very low key. The
best option is going just over the border to Panama to Bocas del Toro.
Its cheap and has some of the best snorkeling anywhere. Its just
beginning to get discovered so hurry! |
| How long does it takes to
drive to Arenal from the San Jose area? Are reservations a must these
days? We are 2 middle-aged adults traveling in Feb. (I lived there in
60's and 70's). |
| The drive time to Arenal is
about 3 ½ hours. Depending on the time of year you may be able to "wing
it" but I would suggest that you reserve in advance for February. Most
hotels charge the same price if you book in advance and after a drive
like that you do not want to have to shop for a room.
Try Arenal Paraiso
or Montana del Fuego for two mid range options. If they are full let me
know and I will suggest some others. You are going to see quite a
difference from when you where there last in some ways but the feeling
is still the same, friendly and welcoming.
|
| Will be in Costa Rica 12/1/06
-12/15/06. Going to Arenal, Manuel Antonio, Tortuguero, and Monte Verde,
and staying at local hotels. Our family-- 56 yr. old woman, 43 yr. old
man, 10 yr. old boy. My Dr. has asked which kinds of malaria strains are
present, so she knows which pills to give us. Also, I'm reluctant to use
mosquito spray with DEET.
Will the botanical ones
work, or not? Are there weight limits on the trams/aerial bridges, etc?
One of the people in our group weighs 300 lbs. And what about the small
boats to Tortuguero, will that be a problem? We are taking our 10 year
old son. Any special words of caution or must-sees? And, are there any 1
or 2 rated rafting trips?
|
| I would not suggest any
malaria medication for two reasons. First there is almost no malaria in
Costa Rica, if any at all although its considered in the "malaria zone."
The other is the very sever risk of side effects that this medication
can cause. I have seen it and its just not worth it.
DEET supposedly has
a rival in a new product by Cutters Advanced My partner at CentralAmerica.Com swears by it Most canopy tours are rated to 250
lb capacity. You can still get the tree top experience by trying the
walking bridges. The boats will not present a problem for you. There are
a couple of level 1 and two rivers, the Corobici being the most gentle.
Try http://centralamerica.com/cr/raft/aventuras.htm.
|
| My brother and I
will be traveling to Playa Herradura, Costa Rica Feb. 7-13, 2007. We
enjoy the outdoors, and snorkeling and want to soak up all of the
culture we can. We want to see and do as much sightseeing as possible to
all the local attractions such as the rainforest.
Can you recommend a
reputable tour company to contact? Also, is there a specific taxi
company you would recommend? Thanks so much!!! Gail
|
| When you say
Herradura I assume you mean Los Suenos. If so contact Tico Travel for
information about StayinCostaRica and tell them I sent you. They can handle it all
for you in a professional way. |
| What would you suggest to be a good
area to base ourselves with only 4 or 5 nights to stay? Are Visa debit
cards widely accepted, or is a credit card or trav. checks preferred?
Should a person be vaccinated for malaria or anything similar to that? |
| If you have just four or five days I
would suggest the Quepos/Manuel Antonio area for a base. Visa cards are
accepted widely and so I would only take an emergency supply of
Travelers Checks.
Travelers Checks are sometimes tough to change and the
exchange rate stinks. However, they are a lifesaver if you need them and
since they are in dollars they never expire so you can keep them for
your next trip. I have some over 21 years old! Forget the malaria
concerns. You have a better chance of being eaten by a Polar Bear
|
| In Monteverde, please recommend the
safest and best canopy tour for family of five: two adults, three
children ages 8, 11 and 13. Will be there March 7-17, 2007. Thanks,
Heather |
| I suggest Selvatura in Monteverde |
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