BS: ever been to Costa Rica?

Subject: BS: ever been to Costa Rica?
From: GUEST,leeneia
Date: 08 Oct 09 - 02:54 PM

Have you even been to Costa Rica?

My husband wants to go bird-watching there. Any info about trips there would be appreciated.

Subject: RE: BS: ever been to Costa Rica?
From: pdq
Date: 08 Oct 09 - 06:45 PM

I know several biologists who have gone to Costa Rica and they love the place.

Actually, it is the only safe country to visit in Central America.

Quite a large percent of the people speak Engiish.

And yes, lotsa interesting birds.

Subject: RE: BS: ever been to Costa Rica?
From: Michael Harrison
Date: 08 Oct 09 - 08:19 PM

There is a guy in North Texas who runs trips, vacations, etc. to Costa Rica; his name is Randy Tredway and if you google his name you will will pull him up. He also builds computers and he's a pretty good musician and promoter, too.

On another note, I life-long friend of mine retired to C/R several years ago; I will be seeing her over the weekend as she is visiting the "old country" for a few days - I'll ask her if she can give some advice on someone here, or there. Cheers,..................mwh

Subject: RE: BS: ever been to Costa Rica?
From: GUEST,leeneia
Date: 09 Oct 09 - 12:01 AM

Thanks for the responses so far. I'm still interested.

Subject: RE: BS: ever been to Costa Rica?
From: olddude
Date: 09 Oct 09 - 07:52 PM

My daughter Amy spent 10 days there 2 months ago. She absolutely loved it. I will get some info from her and PM you

Dan

Subject: RE: BS: ever been to Costa Rica?
From: Q (Frank Staplin)
Date: 09 Oct 09 - 10:19 PM

Friends of ours took this tour. They were ecstatic.
There are others, perhaps cheaper, but the website of this one gives a rough idea of what is there.
Costa Rica is better off economically than other Cent. Am. countries. Also it is not too large, places of interest are not too far apart.
http://www.cubadiscoverytours.com/costarica.htm

This Canadian company has long offered tours to Cuba, hence the name; Canada has normal relations with Cuba, unlike the U. S.

Subject: RE: BS: ever been to Costa Rica?
From: Alice
Date: 09 Oct 09 - 10:25 PM

Be sure to get all the advised vaccinations, which you have to begin weeks before you go. Also protect yourself from malaria.

Subject: RE: BS: ever been to Costa Rica?
From: Alice
Date: 09 Oct 09 - 10:28 PM

vaccinations and malaria drugs

Subject: RE: BS: ever been to Costa Rica?
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 10 Oct 09 - 03:10 PM

There is a Quaker community and school in Monte Verde.

Subject: RE: BS: ever been to Costa Rica?
From: GUEST,leeneia
Date: 10 Oct 09 - 03:10 PM

What do people say about insects? Anybody know?

My husband is a mosquito magnet.

Subject: RE: BS: ever been to Costa Rica?
From: Alice
Date: 10 Oct 09 - 03:14 PM

I got malaria in El Salvador because I was not informed about it and didn't take preventive medicine. I did get the yellow fever shots and all the others before traveling to Central America, but somehow the malaria info passed me by. Also watch out for flies that lay eggs in your skin. Always sleep with mosquito nets.

Subject: RE: BS: ever been to Costa Rica?
From: GUEST,leeneia
Date: 10 Oct 09 - 03:23 PM

Q, thanks for the link. Looks great.
Alice, thanks for the headsup on the vaccinations.

Subject: RE: BS: ever been to Costa Rica?
From: Q (Frank Staplin)
Date: 10 Oct 09 - 05:01 PM

Went to Chiapas, Mexico, and adjacent Guatemala some years ago, and websites said malaria wasn't a problem, but when we got there, the local newspapers had articles about malaria in the region. We were collecting orchids, and thus were out in the bush. A family we were staying with steered us to a doctor for advice. It seems repellent was sufficient. Also most of our time was spent at temperate altitudes (orchids do not like hot, steamy jungles), so we didn't see any mosquitos.
Deet takes care of the mosquito problem.

A good website about disease in Costa Rica:
www.therealcostarica.com/health_education_costa_rica/disease_costa_rica.html

Costa Rica should give you no problems- Many tourists and little illness.

Subject: RE: BS: ever been to Costa Rica?
From: Alice
Date: 10 Oct 09 - 05:13 PM

CDC has a malaria risk map.

Just type in Costa Rica. Some areas of the country have malaria risk and some don't. You can easily find your destination.

worldwide malaria risk map

Subject: RE: BS: ever been to Costa Rica?
From: GUEST,leeneia
Date: 12 Oct 09 - 11:43 PM

Thanks, I'll visit those sites.