Your best bet is to get your self a lets go Costa Rica Book or a Frommers guide to Costa Rica. You can skim through it and just read the parts that appeal to you. They break it all down for you about where to stay at what price and what places to eat at and what attractions are in what place. You can purchase the current edition at a book store or you can go to a public library and check out a previous year if they have it - many libraries are good about having them. If money is that much of an issue for you, stay at youth hostels. But with a couple of friends going in to a room, maybe getting a hotel would be cheaper.
Tourism is a huge industry. Don't get preoccupied about finding zip lining trips or any other types of activities. All the tour companies have relationships with the hotels. Just go to the desk of where ever you are staying and tell them what you want to do and then they will tell you what they have in the area and then you book it through them. You certainly don't need to book these things more than a day in advance.
I am also going to Costa Rica but in end of June. I recommend going to Tamarindo (famous for beaches and surfing), Manuel Antonio (the national Park), San Jose (rainforests, Pacuare River- famous for white water rafting)..
Other thing you should definitely do are zip lining, visiting a volcano..
For a week length trip, I'd say bring about 200$ USD
Stay in Tamarindo!
You have gotten enough advice as to where to go, so I will give you advice that's a little more important IMO. It has to do with safety and security. CR is a poor country, so petty crime is pretty common; though petty crime has been turning into not so petty crime the last few years. It used to be non-violent muggings, pickpockets, grab and run... And now violent muggings, shootings, and murder have been seen more. I'm not saying you have to stay home but you need to use your head. Don't make yourself a target. #1- leave ALL jewelry at home. Not needed on vacation. #2-Don't flash a lot of cash in public, or any expensive electronics (i.e. Iphone). #3- Avoid English speaking con artists on the streets that will separate you from your cash, #4- Limit your alcohol intake; and don't go out in public drunk- you will probably get jumped. #5- Absolutely no drugs- especially in Tamarindo or Puerto Viejo; weed is prevelant there, but stay away. #6- Don't go "exloring" too far off the beaten path. Safety in numbers, stay in crowded places. In San Jose, NEVER walk at night. Too dangerous.
As for money, cash is king. Pay for hotel in cash and ask for a discount. Usually 10-15% for cash is given. The person who sai $200 probably meant $2,000. The zip line tour is about $75-100/person. ATV riding is the same. The full-day rain forest tour is about $100. Food is not cheap; it will run about $3-6 for breakfast; 7-10 for lunch; and 12-15 for dinner; plus drinks. Of course, it depends on where you eat. Some hole in the wall local place will cost $3 for lunch and a tourist place will be $10. It adds up.
If you want a cell phone, you can buy a disposable at the airport in the customs area for about $40 with airtime. You can call the US and add minutes as needed easily by buying a recharge card at most stores.
To add to what others have advised, 2 young college guys, you should probably stay in San Jose. You can still take a half or full day tour from any SJ hotel. SJ is where the nightlife is. Lots of places to have fun.
The best tours operator in the country can certainly helps you:
Costa Rica Travel and Vacations: http://www.costaricatravelandvacations.c...
You'll find everything about hotels, packages, transportation.
I recommend them!
Ciao!
You can easily go, if you want a real nice backpakers town head to Montezuma (a.k.a. Montefuma). More party can be found in Tamarindo for example, you can go to Bocas del Toro in Panama as well.
For a comparison of some surfing towns check http://www.surfhostel.net/
Nosara and Samara, Dominical & Santa Teresa are laid back villages. Very good for backpacking!
Monteverde is really nice for nature.
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Yes come to panama instead .safer,.cheaper .lots to see and do .we use the USD .free health insurance for tourists for 30 days .do,some reasearch
I am a college student (male) and planning to make a trip to Costa rica with a friend in early June.
I have no idea where to start. What place to visit, how much money I should bring with, where I should stay. etc
I'm planning to stay there for 5~7 days.
Can someone please give me advice?
