@@garciagar64 Buenas.Noches Don Carlos, sabe que a mis casi 60 años, yo me precio de haber conocido latinoamérica y a reimundo y a todo el mundo, pero de las cosas que en realidad si desprecio de mi país es haber sufrido la.pena y el tedio de haber conocido a 4 costarricenses en casi 50 años, de los miles y miles que como buen Cartago, puedo decir que he conocido y usted es uno de esos cuatro pobres diablos que lleno de frustración y de sueños no cumplidos, se ensañan con nuestro amado país culpándolo de sus propios fracasos. Le voy a exigir Don Garcia o Mr Garcia o como le guste llamarse, que si tiene algo en contra de Costa Rica, aqui estamos los labriegos sencillos dispuestos a ponerlo a usted en su lugar; si lo que desea es engañar a las honestas personas que leen estos comentarios, promocionando destinos suicidas como Bogotá o Panamá, hagalo y cuando les roben, secuestren, violen y asesinen, por andar en lugares peligrosos, solo por ahorratse plata en la.comida, ellos sabrán a quien culpar, pero no venga aqui a quejarse de nuestro amado país, de su gente y de su noble Pueblo,.como si usted fuera "mujer de la calle mal pagada", ahorrese sus comentarios Mr, Garcia y quedese en Alemania, solo le indico los alemanes no son para nada tontos y ellos pronto sabran de la alimaña que llego a vivir entre ellos, y ellos usted ya lo sabe, no son condecendientes como los hijos de mi patria.
@@garciagar64 Lo que usted me contesta Mr, Garcia solo confirma mis pensamientos hacia usted. Perdon pero no es que usted este a "años Luz", de mi o de cualquier costarricense, es que usted es de los pocos ticos que huyeron del país a principios de los años ochentas, cuando la situación centroamericana se volvió peligrosa y usted solo se fue, hizo las del avestruz, metio su cabeza en un hueco para no ver lo que pasaba y menos aun ayudar a superarla, o sea como las ratas huyó cuando sintió que el barco se hundía; Primero es evidente que nunca aprendió las lecciones de sus pobres padres "la ropa sucia se lava en casa". vea que triste Mr Garcia, usted llega aqui y ve y habla de personas llevando alimentos en hielera a pobres en la autopista, ve presidentes corruptos, ve gente tirada en el suelo fuera del Hotel Balmoral, y habla que la gente tiene que aprender idiomas para sobrevivir; pero lo que no usted no ve, porque para ello se requiere tener algo en el corazón ademas de recentimiento, es la grandesa de gente que lucha por sus prójimos, por sus hijos, su gente, su Pueblo, que lucha contra la pobreza de otros y les tiende una mano, llevándoles comida, usted no ve el deseo de superación y espíritu de lucha de los jóvenes que aprenden Aleman, Italiano, Frances ademas del Ingles, buscando ser más competitivos, usted Mr Garcia, como puede venir a criticar y no tener el valor como ser humano de hacer algo, algo para cambiar lo que no le gusta de este país que "dice amar", no, para usted es solo criticar, y correr y peor aun, incentivar en otros extranjeros la idea de que es mejor ir a otros lugares, haciendo que sus recursos terminen en otros paises y no en el nuestro. Sabe lo que es usted Mr. Garcia, yo me equivoqué, usted no es una alimaña, porque hasta las alimañas las hizo nuestro Señor y tienen derecho a vivir, usted es un PARIA, un pobre diablo recentido con su tierra, alguien que no tiene casa y que nadie quiere y le digo conozco muy bien a los Alemanes a su Pueblo y sus valores, estoicidad, fuerza, inteligencia, valor, y sobre todo un sentido admirable y contagioso de patriotismo, y usted cree que encaja en esa Nación cuando solo es un fracasado en la vida, que cuenta con recursos económicos, pero sin valores, que al partir de este mundo, solo se dirá de usted, que no pertenecia a ningun lugar. Los ticos de corazón sobre todo los Cartagos, nos quedamos, a pesar de terremotos, abalanchas, inundaciones y a los vaivenes de esta vida, solo resistimos, reconstruimos y seguimos, no salimos corriendo cuando las cosas salen mal, y mas aun, no criticamos, y no buscamos hacerle mal a la patria, al país y a su gente, solo porque algo no nos gusta, pero usted Mr, Garcia solo habla, y habla y se justifica diciendo "pura Vida", usted no es tico y es indigno de ussr esa sagrada frase, que utiliza para ofender, Mr, Garcia, mas ticos que usted, son muchos extranjeros que viven entre nosotros(la población extranjera mas abundante proporcionalmente en toda latinoamerica) y que comparten ese deseo de superación, ellos pueden quejarse, ellos pueden critiar, porque ellos vivien aqui y luchan por mejorar las cosas y usted, que hace hablar cosas sin sentido, porque no sabe nada, usted solo es un resentido, no conoce la pobreza, las penurias, las limitaciones, los problemas del resto de américa latina, y no sabe que en realidad Costa Rica, si, Costa Rica, esta años luz de la mayoría de estos paises, sobre todo los del área centoamericana, pero eso no le importa porque usted solo conspira contra su propio Pueblo, su propia gente, eso en que lo convierte a usted señor Garcia, sino en una persona traicionera, mentirosa, y sin ningún valor, en una verguenza para todo aquel que lo conosca, por dicha y gracias a Dios, no vive entre nosotros.
Pura vida!!!! Mae I’m a tico that because of you learn how to love the travel experience... I’m now in Germany and starting also making vlogs and travel videos. You really don’t understand how many times I was just watching your vids before jumping on a plane. I’m really thankful for all these years of your tips! :) pura vida ❤️
I am costa rican, got this video as a youtube suggestion, got to say that your video makes me feel incredibly good, we love our country so much and we really appreciate when we come across this kind of reviews. We as a country depend of turism so much to activate our economy and the pandemia has impacted really negatively hundreds of thousands of jobs. You're always welcome to come back. Now more than ever!!
4 ปีที่แล้ว +43
I'm Costa Rican, and he is 100% right, just a little asterisk with the driving: roads are decent, but are absolutely trash in rural zones, and also, in rural and suburban zones, directions are not marked, so "100 meters north from the avocado tree" is a valid address, so you are better of with a GPS.
As someone who has been living in CR for 20 years, I love to critique these types of videos. This guy nailed it. I lol'd at the rice and beans part. Whenever I go back to the USA to visit family the highlight of the trip is the food lol. Nice vid, pura vida.
As a expat Costa Rican. I only disagree with the "get a GPS" suggestion. In my opinion, you are better off with an smart phone and a local SIM card with data plan and use the Waze or Google Maps apps. The Waze app is used by most Costa Ricans and can save you a lot of time when there are "presas" (traffic jams) by optimizing alternative routes. Regarding the bad roads, most of the time I can get away by renting a regular sedan, but an AWD can help. I am so glad you mentioned the fruit, that is one of the things I absolutely love about going home (in addition to the coffee) the fruit is amazing... My single "absolutely hate" is getting car insurance for rental cars... you make your reservation online and when you get to Costa Rica... everything changes... some of the bigger companies are a bit more transparent now, but every time I rent a car I call to make sure the price given online is correct. Pura vida!
Yes, I experienced that. Was quoted one price then upon arrival was strongly encouraged to buy the extra insurance (@$400!) or all repairs or accidents would be covered by me. Boooo! I felt I had no choice than to pay or be nervous the whole time I'm driving!
@@elkarlos814 Good point. I have used google offline maps as backup when I am out of cell phone coverage, but honestly have not experienced it that much.
Hey Jose .... i hope you can help me out I’m renting a mini van for my whole family of 9 ppl to go from San José to la Fortuna , rio celeste ,Liberia , tamarindo and antigua capitanía and I’ll been seen reviews and comments regarding how bad are the roads and how probably the mini van would not make it to those places . So do u believe I’ll be ok with the minivan or should I changed it for an suv rental .. thank you
@@karirojas7238 Hi Kari. Difficult to say. I haven't been in the area in 1.5 years. SUV will be a much safer option. But most Costa Ricans do own sedans. For most of the main roads, you should be OK. But if you want to explore some of the more secluded beaches, there is a good chance the roads will be rough. They should not prevent you from going, but it will be much slower. Another factor is when you are planning to go. The rainy season is May-Nov, so expect the roads to be worst during the rainy season. It will come down to your risk/comfort level. SUV will be likely safer but more expensive. Minivan should be fine for most roads, depending on how bad the potholes during the rainy season. From the locations you mentioned. My only yellow flag is Rio Celeste. No idea how the roads are in that area these days. For Liberia, Tamarindo, Fortuna you should be ok. I have no idea where is "antigua capitanía."
As a Tica I just want to say that I felt very honored and satisfied about your your video and the respectful way you talk about my country. It’s nice to hear good things about your home, but it’s also nice to hear our the flaws in a respectful way.
Great Video! Costa Rica was my first long trip in another country and loved it. Lucky my brother used to live there so he was able to take us out of that resort lifestyle but I still dream of the coffee and hope to go back soon!
Pops (11:59). Mango. Mmmm... 😍 Costa Rica is a genuinely nice place. A touch rough and ready and all the better for it. If I want New York I'll go to New York. I've looked at the logistics of driving there (from Canada), or flying my own plane. Either would be the trip of a lifetime.
As an American who grew up going to Costa Rica to visit my mom’s entire family at least once a year, this is spot on. I miss my second homeland, thanks for putting this up ✨
I will note that there’s American prices and then there’s Tico prices, so if you are fluent in Spanish, argue with people to see the tico menus and don’t reveal that you’re actually a native English-speaker
I loved "rainy season" in Costa Rica. I spent a month mainly in San Jose during August. Sunny mornings, clouds rolled in around 12:30pm, and the rain started around 2pm. Get your activities done early. Less crowded, half price.
I've been to Costa Rica twice, Guanacaste and Manuel Antonio. I'm glad to hear they've improved the roads. I loved visiting that beautiful country! And the Ticos were so nice. I want to go back and try to see the Resplendent Quetzal in the Monte Verde cloud forest.
I went to Costa Rica for Christmas 5-6 years ago. We rented a Toyota Yaris and it felt like we were rock climbing in it while driving. lol What a beautiful country! I still have anxiety about falling to my death on the ziplines.
Our last trip before covid..... :( It was the most amazing experience! Flew into San Juan, rented a car and drove to Arenal stayed there for a week and then drove to Manuel Antonio. That ride from the jungle to the coast was wild and took all day, and we only had a physical map no internet. Costa Rica was a true pure vida adventure!
I loved the video. Just two comments: a) Costa Rican food is very diverse, so you should try many delicious things beyond casado and gallo pinto. Additionally, regions like Guanacaste and the Caribbean region have their very distinct culinary traditions from that prevalent in the Central Valley (and which expanded to other regions of the country). Besides, less traditional fruits like yuplón, caimito, granadilla, anona, nance, tamarindo, carambola, maracuyá and many others are offered in farmer markets throughout the country (most frequently in cities on weekends). b) rainy season is most usually from May to early-to-late November in the Pacific side of the country (peaking in September or October, depending on the area, with the Southern Pacific always starting this season earlier and finishing later than other regions), but the Southern Caribbean region has its dry Season in October, the northern Caribbean region has no distinct dry season. I hope that you and your family keep on coming to the country and get to enjoy that "local flavor" and also our cultural destinations.
I was in Costa Rica in July/August 2019, and I loved it, especially the nature and the tropical fruits. And, if you want museums and cities, go to Europe...but also Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Greetings from Costa Rica!!!! I've been watching for videos for more than a year and a half now. I was afraid of plains and traveling abroad but thanks to you, I've kearn a lot of the world. I planned traveling to Germany this year and have my mom walk around the Christmas markets but oh well... XD Either way, you are the reason why I decided to travel and enjoy this beautiful world!!! Bonus: yeah we love gallo pinto and hey, sorry for our addresses.... Uber made it easier for us!!!! If you ever come to San Jose City, let me know! I'll love to meet the person who made me overcome my fear of plains lol
As a Costa Rican, I approve 99% of whats on this video. Great Job! GPS is good, but you can also buy a Costa Rican chip and navigate with your phone, either Google Maps or Waze.
Costa Rica is fabulous. We flew into Liberia and rented a house by the beach. Every afternoon while having cocktails by pool we would watch the all the coti come out of the jungle to drink from our pool. So cool!
Just came back in September 12th from a week there, middle rainy season and it was fine. Rained about half the days we were there and it was in the afternoon after you done all your outdoor adventures. Its gets dark by 530 anyway. Rainy season is overblown IMO, cheaper, less crowds too.
Hotel bougainvillea in Santo Domingo heredia, the garden where Marc is ... it’s beautiful 🤩 If have the chance of at least have a lunch there don’t missed it
You are a blessing. I love your videos. Easy to understand content and so relatable! My beau and I are heading there in 2 weeks from now. Will be staying in Papagayo area.
Great and informative video, i had watched some of your videos about Costa Rica👏👏👏. Me and my husband are going in Costa Rica this upcoming December, i wonder what is the name of the beach that is your video @10:29?
Hello, greetings lighthouse children's home from Costa Rica, I really liked your video, just thank you for visiting my beautiful country. God bless you 🇨🇷🌎 Pura Vida 👍
Guys, just use Waze or Google Maps if u want to go a specific place, most of the places like resorts, restaurants, and beaches are shown on those apps. I never ask people for directions it’s just too complicated.
This is one country that is on my bucket list to visit. I have never travelled to Central and South America (apart from the Caribbean - St. Lucia and Jamaica) as I did mainly Asia (around 20-odd countries), bits of Africa (mainly North Africa, Seychelles and Mauritius) and Europe (all Mediterranean countries) but I really like the look of Costa Rica. It also helps that many people in Costa Rica speak English, coming from the UK myself
Dude, well done on the video! Planning a trip with fam at the end of this year and your straightforward pros and cons all wrapped up in one was extremely helpful. Thank you sir!
Costa Rica is my favorite country! I went on a yoga retreat in Montezuma and had plans to go back in Jan. of next year, but I'm staying put until there's a COVID vaccine. I live with my mom who is high risk...so no traveling for me!
@@KG-qw4fv Costa Rica is still at a very high level of infection. You can enter, but the US CDC recommends against it. wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/notices/covid-4/coronavirus-costa-rica
@@garciagar64 Oh yeah. I've been to the avenida central. I loved it. Yes. I see what you mean. Poverty does exist. It exist everywhere. But to be honest, I saw a lot less poverty in CR than in Mexico and Colombia. In fact, I think CR has less poverty and crime than any other Latin American country. But to be honest I don't know much about the economy in those countries to say for sure.
Costa Rica is NOT AFFORDABLE. SODAS are cheap, but rice and beans gets old REAL FAST. THIS is a very expensive country considering the part of the world. People eat rice and beans here because it's cheap and people that live here can't afford anything else. "It fills" them up.
@@garciagar64 Please do! I would love to read. I relate to what you wrote (but probably on a different level). I am from Portugal and I get the same feeling that my country has been taken over by rich people from other countries. The locals are poor and sad, we cannot buy a house, we cannot be paid fairly for any job, our politicians ask us to leave the country and search better life somewhere else. The country is beautiful in itself, but what goes on there is so depressing, I too don't feel like I want to come back, even though I miss it a lot. When I go there I also see more and more poor people in the streets, places closing, jobs lost, etc. the corruption... It's frustrating. =(
WE LIVED IN COSTA RICA FOR 5 YEARS. And YES, the roads are often BAD, and YES - the Ticos drive like maniacs. For a small country, it seemingly takes forever to get from "point A to point B" - example: from San Jose's airport to Liberia, Guanacaste is a 4 hour drive (with slow moving trucks in the mountains). HOWEVER, the worst thing about CR is the HIGH COST of just about everything - for tourists, that is ! Gas is over $6.00/gallon, restaurants and hotels are just as pricey as in the USA, and there's a "tourist tax" which is levied on all major attraction "entrance fees". CR is inadvertently "killing the goose that laid the golden egg" - pricing itself out of the market !
One of the good things of COVID lockdowns was that it made many people to stay at home and drive less. That reduced the amount of annoying experiences and crashes on the road that had everyone fed up. It was like a break. The dark side is unemployment like never before.
IfWeGoTo as a Costa Rican I can say, he kind of exaggerated a little bit haha. If you go to rural, unused roads, there will definitely be bumps and holes, but if you use the more popular roads that lead to well-known touristic places, you won’t have to worry about that :)
@@Nathalie9696 wow thanks for letting me know!! I haven’t been to CR yet because I’ve always needed amazing internet for work, but I’ve heard it has gotten a lot better lately. I think Latin America needs to be the next continent I visit!
Hate #1 bad roads is not nice for some, for me is actually awesome the opposite I hope they will never the remaining dirt roads. I own some rain forest land, I love driving an hour or so each time I go out for errands.
As a costarrican I can confirm. We DO NOT work with addresses. We use ¨references¨. You can use Google Maps or Waze and they will work perfectly but don´t expect a tico/a to know the name of most of the roads, streets, avenues, etc XD
Hi Mark. I've never been to Costa Rica but many things you noted here both good and bad also applies to one of my favorite places, Jamaica. I get sad when in Jamaica I see a freegin' McDonalds. Any American chain store really. My wife believes the Jamaican kids love the stuff. To me, the best part about visiting tropical destinations is enjoying THEIR culture and avoiding American anything.
I forgot about "church directions!" 😂 Loved that from the original series. Awesome vintage footage, Mark. Everyone has changed...except Jocelyn! Not sure I like the *_new format_* but I'll get used to it eventually, I think. Actually, the old way is preferable. 😀👍
To any locals or anyone who has visited, what was your favorite place to go to in Costa Rica/activity? Also, I'm glad to hear it's safe but any tips would be appreciated as well! Thanks again for the video can't wait to visit!!
Another thing to hate from a Costa Rican... Prices, here everything is quite expensive, even now that they're trying to reactivate the economy prizes for locals and foreigns are sometimes crazy high.
Thanks Mark. Sounds a little similar to the Dominican Republic where my sister lives & works. I prefer hanging out in local areas there rather than the resorts. If you ever are in Punta Cana, check out Macau beach. The locals bandied together to stop it being resortified and the fresh food from tittle cantinas there is amazing. A beautiful beach awaits you as well.
The subject of weather is more complicated since the Atlantic side of the continental divide is very different than the Pacific side. Elevation also is significant. 9000 feet is much colder than sea level. Most North Americans think of our seasons based on Pacific side since the cold, dark days on the north is dry season on the Pacific. But turtle season on the Atlantic in September can be beautiful there and rainy in SJ and in the Pacific.
-Use Waze for directions. -Rent a 4x4 if you are gonna explore like volcanos and montains, you will need it. -Yeah, don't waste time going to San José. -Rice and beans are always included in national dishes, but you can just simply order something else lol. Every place has fries, hamburgers, mashed potatoes, salads, pizza, pasta, you name it.
Great video, many thanks. Where would you recommend to stay with 12 yrs old to be close to all attractions and good local restaurants. Can you recommend any good resort hotel or bnb, thanks
As Costa Rican I do not recommend to come between september and november, we have influence of hurricanes and touristic places become hard to access and it can be dangerous because of rivers and storms
Hi Mark. Sorry for off-topic question. May I ask your opinion on your choice for the top 5 most unrealistic european countries to stay in or visit for seniors or partially disabled individuals like in terms of available general infrastructure amenities, transport system accessibility, healthcare systems, people's attitudes, safety/crime rates vs seniors/PWDs, etc? Just researching and playing with future possibilities. Many thanks and more power!
The reason why addresses are weird is cause nobody knows the name of avenues or streets or zipcodes and houses have no numbers. We just say. "From here walk two hundred metters south. Then you turn to the left as soon as you see the restaurant with the red birds painting and you will see the X place as the second building on the right side of the street"
Been here for 12 years and you are correct: the ticos are some of the nicest people I have ever met. They do tend to drive like maniacs: passing on curves and blind hills. Our roads have gotten much better. South Pacific zone: jungle to the beach, waterfalls and zero resorts. Best part of the country imho. Most beautiful women on the pkanet as well. Costa Rica is meant to be an Adventure!
Hi, thank you for the video! Which rental company did you use? Did you have to pay for additional insurance? Any other additional prices did you have pay at the desk? Thank you!
We ticos can have Gallo Pinto all 3 times, 😂.... You will always get Casados (Rice with side dish black/red beans) gallo pinto (rice and beans), rice and beans (Caribbean way)..... 😂 white beans with pork.... Tender beans with pork.... Green beans as side dish. 😂❤️..... How you ended up hating beans?
I´m a Tico living in Switzerland and that video made me so freaking homesick!! Thanks for being such a fan of our beautiful country!
Brother, I was there 4 New Years 2021.... It was My best Vacation Everrrrrrrrrrr......I shall Return..God Willing..
@@indianblac3811 You will! Bless
@@manolocorp bro , money is not very thing
Just go back to your country and enjoy life
You're crazy I'm Costarican and Costa Rica is a total dump! I'm embarrassed of Costa Rica.
To be honest, the only thing I hate about Costa Rica is that I'm not there right now!! lol.
@@garciagar64 to Europe ... to leave in a more equally society jajajaja si claro ,,,,
Come here, you are always welcome. Pura vida 👌🤘
@@garciagar64 Buenas.Noches Don Carlos, sabe que a mis casi 60 años, yo me precio de haber conocido latinoamérica y a reimundo y a todo el mundo, pero de las cosas que en realidad si desprecio de mi país es haber sufrido la.pena y el tedio de haber conocido a 4 costarricenses en casi 50 años, de los miles y miles que como buen Cartago, puedo decir que he conocido y usted es uno de esos cuatro pobres diablos que lleno de frustración y de sueños no cumplidos, se ensañan con nuestro amado país culpándolo de sus propios fracasos. Le voy a exigir Don Garcia o Mr Garcia o como le guste llamarse, que si tiene algo en contra de Costa Rica, aqui estamos los labriegos sencillos dispuestos a ponerlo a usted en su lugar; si lo que desea es engañar a las honestas personas que leen estos comentarios, promocionando destinos suicidas como Bogotá o Panamá, hagalo y cuando les roben, secuestren, violen y asesinen, por andar en lugares peligrosos, solo por ahorratse plata en la.comida, ellos sabrán a quien culpar, pero no venga aqui a quejarse de nuestro amado país, de su gente y de su noble Pueblo,.como si usted fuera "mujer de la calle mal pagada", ahorrese sus comentarios Mr, Garcia y quedese en Alemania, solo le indico los alemanes no son para nada tontos y ellos pronto sabran de la alimaña que llego a vivir entre ellos, y ellos usted ya lo sabe, no son condecendientes como los hijos de mi patria.
@@garciagar64 Lo que usted me contesta Mr, Garcia solo confirma mis pensamientos hacia usted. Perdon pero no es que usted este a "años Luz", de mi o de cualquier costarricense, es que usted es de los pocos ticos que huyeron del país a principios de los años ochentas, cuando la situación centroamericana se volvió peligrosa y usted solo se fue, hizo las del avestruz, metio su cabeza en un hueco para no ver lo que pasaba y menos aun ayudar a superarla, o sea como las ratas huyó cuando sintió que el barco se hundía; Primero es evidente que nunca aprendió las lecciones de sus pobres padres "la ropa sucia se lava en casa". vea que triste Mr Garcia, usted llega aqui y ve y habla de personas llevando alimentos en hielera a pobres en la autopista, ve presidentes corruptos, ve gente tirada en el suelo fuera del Hotel Balmoral, y habla que la gente tiene que aprender idiomas para sobrevivir; pero lo que no usted no ve, porque para ello se requiere tener algo en el corazón ademas de recentimiento, es la grandesa de gente que lucha por sus prójimos, por sus hijos, su gente, su Pueblo, que lucha contra la pobreza de otros y les tiende una mano, llevándoles comida, usted no ve el deseo de superación y espíritu de lucha de los jóvenes que aprenden Aleman, Italiano, Frances ademas del Ingles, buscando ser más competitivos, usted Mr Garcia, como puede venir a criticar y no tener el valor como ser humano de hacer algo, algo para cambiar lo que no le gusta de este país que "dice amar", no, para usted es solo criticar, y correr y peor aun, incentivar en otros extranjeros la idea de que es mejor ir a otros lugares, haciendo que sus recursos terminen en otros paises y no en el nuestro. Sabe lo que es usted Mr. Garcia, yo me equivoqué, usted no es una alimaña, porque hasta las alimañas las hizo nuestro Señor y tienen derecho a vivir, usted es un PARIA, un pobre diablo recentido con su tierra, alguien que no tiene casa y que nadie quiere y le digo conozco muy bien a los Alemanes a su Pueblo y sus valores, estoicidad, fuerza, inteligencia, valor, y sobre todo un sentido admirable y contagioso de patriotismo, y usted cree que encaja en esa Nación cuando solo es un fracasado en la vida, que cuenta con recursos económicos, pero sin valores, que al partir de este mundo, solo se dirá de usted, que no pertenecia a ningun lugar. Los ticos de corazón sobre todo los Cartagos, nos quedamos, a pesar de terremotos, abalanchas, inundaciones y a los vaivenes de esta vida, solo resistimos, reconstruimos y seguimos, no salimos corriendo cuando las cosas salen mal, y mas aun, no criticamos, y no buscamos hacerle mal a la patria, al país y a su gente, solo porque algo no nos gusta, pero usted Mr, Garcia solo habla, y habla y se justifica diciendo "pura Vida", usted no es tico y es indigno de ussr esa sagrada frase, que utiliza para ofender, Mr, Garcia, mas ticos que usted, son muchos extranjeros que viven entre nosotros(la población extranjera mas abundante proporcionalmente en toda latinoamerica) y que comparten ese deseo de superación, ellos pueden quejarse, ellos pueden critiar, porque ellos vivien aqui y luchan por mejorar las cosas y usted, que hace hablar cosas sin sentido, porque no sabe nada, usted solo es un resentido, no conoce la pobreza, las penurias, las limitaciones, los problemas del resto de américa latina, y no sabe que en realidad Costa Rica, si, Costa Rica, esta años luz de la mayoría de estos paises, sobre todo los del área centoamericana, pero eso no le importa porque usted solo conspira contra su propio Pueblo, su propia gente, eso en que lo convierte a usted señor Garcia, sino en una persona traicionera, mentirosa, y sin ningún valor, en una verguenza para todo aquel que lo conosca, por dicha y gracias a Dios, no vive entre nosotros.
Hahaha mmmm iam going to the beach ahhhhhh🤣🤣🤣🤣
Pura vida!!!! Mae I’m a tico that because of you learn how to love the travel experience... I’m now in Germany and starting also making vlogs and travel videos. You really don’t understand how many times I was just watching your vids before jumping on a plane. I’m really thankful for all these years of your tips! :) pura vida ❤️
@@garciagar64 hola, al revés... nací en Costa Rica pero vivo en Alemania
@@garciagar64 ah yes there are some german roots in the family
I am costa rican, got this video as a youtube suggestion, got to say that your video makes me feel incredibly good, we love our country so much and we really appreciate when we come across this kind of reviews. We as a country depend of turism so much to activate our economy and the pandemia has impacted really negatively hundreds of thousands of jobs.
You're always welcome to come back. Now more than ever!!
I'm Costa Rican, and he is 100% right, just a little asterisk with the driving: roads are decent, but are absolutely trash in rural zones, and also, in rural and suburban zones, directions are not marked, so "100 meters north from the avocado tree" is a valid address, so you are better of with a GPS.
bueeeeeeeeeeeno depende mucho de la parte del pais, hay carreteras en zonas urbanas y parecen quesos, llena de huecos
Thanks for this, as a senior that loves dining and museums - Costa Rica is now off my list.
20+ years of living in Costa Rica, really good video. I recommend the Chifrijo; rice and beans with chicharones.
I’m thinking going to Costa Rica for a couple of months doing volunteer work!
As someone who has been living in CR for 20 years, I love to critique these types of videos. This guy nailed it. I lol'd at the rice and beans part. Whenever I go back to the USA to visit family the highlight of the trip is the food lol. Nice vid, pura vida.
As a expat Costa Rican. I only disagree with the "get a GPS" suggestion. In my opinion, you are better off with an smart phone and a local SIM card with data plan and use the Waze or Google Maps apps. The Waze app is used by most Costa Ricans and can save you a lot of time when there are "presas" (traffic jams) by optimizing alternative routes. Regarding the bad roads, most of the time I can get away by renting a regular sedan, but an AWD can help. I am so glad you mentioned the fruit, that is one of the things I absolutely love about going home (in addition to the coffee) the fruit is amazing... My single "absolutely hate" is getting car insurance for rental cars... you make your reservation online and when you get to Costa Rica... everything changes... some of the bigger companies are a bit more transparent now, but every time I rent a car I call to make sure the price given online is correct. Pura vida!
... assuming there is internet. As you know, there are lots of places in the mountains without.
Yes, I experienced that. Was quoted one price then upon arrival was strongly encouraged to buy the extra insurance (@$400!) or all repairs or accidents would be covered by me. Boooo!
I felt I had no choice than to pay or be nervous the whole time I'm driving!
@@elkarlos814 Good point. I have used google offline maps as backup when I am out of cell phone coverage, but honestly have not experienced it that much.
Hey Jose .... i hope you can help me out I’m renting a mini van for my whole family of 9 ppl to go from San José to la Fortuna , rio celeste ,Liberia , tamarindo and antigua capitanía and I’ll been seen reviews and comments regarding how bad are the roads and how probably the mini van would not make it to those places . So do u believe I’ll be ok with the minivan or should I changed it for an suv rental .. thank you
@@karirojas7238 Hi Kari. Difficult to say. I haven't been in the area in 1.5 years. SUV will be a much safer option. But most Costa Ricans do own sedans. For most of the main roads, you should be OK. But if you want to explore some of the more secluded beaches, there is a good chance the roads will be rough. They should not prevent you from going, but it will be much slower. Another factor is when you are planning to go. The rainy season is May-Nov, so expect the roads to be worst during the rainy season. It will come down to your risk/comfort level. SUV will be likely safer but more expensive. Minivan should be fine for most roads, depending on how bad the potholes during the rainy season. From the locations you mentioned. My only yellow flag is Rio Celeste. No idea how the roads are in that area these days. For Liberia, Tamarindo, Fortuna you should be ok. I have no idea where is "antigua capitanía."
I can 100% say Costa Rican are some of the most kind hearted, happy people I have ever met! I miss this country everyday.
Unless we talk about politics and soccer hahaha
Next time you come you most go to the spring waters
I don't eat meat, so the rice and beans is great for me! Picked up on that in Belize and Honduras.
I live in Vancouver Canada! And I am Costa Rican!
Love to hear you talk about my country. I’ve been out of the country for the last 12 years....and honestly, I miss those bumpy roads. 👍🏻
As a Tica I just want to say that I felt very honored and satisfied about your your video and the respectful way you talk about my country. It’s nice to hear good things about your home, but it’s also nice to hear our the flaws in a respectful way.
Great Video! Costa Rica was my first long trip in another country and loved it. Lucky my brother used to live there so he was able to take us out of that resort lifestyle but I still dream of the coffee and hope to go back soon!
Pops (11:59). Mango. Mmmm... 😍
Costa Rica is a genuinely nice place. A touch rough and ready and all the better for it. If I want New York I'll go to New York. I've looked at the logistics of driving there (from Canada), or flying my own plane. Either would be the trip of a lifetime.
Great video! I can’t get over how you say Bed and Breakfasts. Bed and Breakfastses. Love the quirk.
As an American who grew up going to Costa Rica to visit my mom’s entire family at least once a year, this is spot on. I miss my second homeland, thanks for putting this up ✨
I will note that there’s American prices and then there’s Tico prices, so if you are fluent in Spanish, argue with people to see the tico menus and don’t reveal that you’re actually a native English-speaker
I loved "rainy season" in Costa Rica. I spent a month mainly in San Jose during August. Sunny mornings, clouds rolled in around 12:30pm, and the rain started around 2pm. Get your activities done early. Less crowded, half price.
Great Video Mark! The shot at 0:06 always makes me laugh, because I know that would be me if I tried it. At least you posted the redemption pic later!
I've been to Costa Rica twice, Guanacaste and Manuel Antonio. I'm glad to hear they've improved the roads. I loved visiting that beautiful country! And the Ticos were so nice. I want to go back and try to see the Resplendent Quetzal in the Monte Verde cloud forest.
I went to Costa Rica for Christmas 5-6 years ago. We rented a Toyota Yaris and it felt like we were rock climbing in it while driving. lol What a beautiful country! I still have anxiety about falling to my death on the ziplines.
Pura vida! Great advises and so glad tourist can enjoy the beauty of our small paradise! 🦋👍😀
Our last trip before covid..... :( It was the most amazing experience! Flew into San Juan, rented a car and drove to Arenal stayed there for a week and then drove to Manuel Antonio. That ride from the jungle to the coast was wild and took all day, and we only had a physical map no internet. Costa Rica was a true pure vida adventure!
Thanks for showing my country, I really like your videos!!
I loved the video. Just two comments: a) Costa Rican food is very diverse, so you should try many delicious things beyond casado and gallo pinto. Additionally, regions like Guanacaste and the Caribbean region have their very distinct culinary traditions from that prevalent in the Central Valley (and which expanded to other regions of the country). Besides, less traditional fruits like yuplón, caimito, granadilla, anona, nance, tamarindo, carambola, maracuyá and many others are offered in farmer markets throughout the country (most frequently in cities on weekends). b) rainy season is most usually from May to early-to-late November in the Pacific side of the country (peaking in September or October, depending on the area, with the Southern Pacific always starting this season earlier and finishing later than other regions), but the Southern Caribbean region has its dry Season in October, the northern Caribbean region has no distinct dry season. I hope that you and your family keep on coming to the country and get to enjoy that "local flavor" and also our cultural destinations.
i was in costa rica this summer for a month, going again this summer for another month, i genuinely cried leaving such place. Knocked my socks off!
I was in Costa Rica in July/August 2019, and I loved it, especially the nature and the tropical fruits. And, if you want museums and cities, go to Europe...but also Buenos Aires, Argentina.
The Pura Vida tiene razon. The zip lining and surfing alone from the video make me want to visit it.
I'm going to Costa Rica in March and this video got me excited about it. I love all your videos, Mark. I've watched a ton of them.
Costa Rica is a beauty!
Welcome! So happy to see this!! ❤
Greetings from Costa Rica!!!!
I've been watching for videos for more than a year and a half now.
I was afraid of plains and traveling abroad but thanks to you, I've kearn a lot of the world.
I planned traveling to Germany this year and have my mom walk around the Christmas markets but oh well... XD
Either way, you are the reason why I decided to travel and enjoy this beautiful world!!!
Bonus: yeah we love gallo pinto and hey, sorry for our addresses.... Uber made it easier for us!!!!
If you ever come to San Jose City, let me know! I'll love to meet the person who made me overcome my fear of plains lol
As a Costa Rican, I approve 99% of whats on this video. Great Job! GPS is good, but you can also buy a Costa Rican chip and navigate with your phone, either Google Maps or Waze.
Costa Rica is fabulous. We flew into Liberia and rented a house by the beach. Every afternoon while having cocktails by pool we would watch the all the coti come out of the jungle to drink from our pool. So cool!
Thank you, thank you so much for the information. Heading to Costa Rica, La Fortuna in particular, September 30 to October, 2021.
Great video. This guys is really entertaining with his description of Costa Rica.
Just came back in September 12th from a week there, middle rainy season and it was fine.
Rained about half the days we were there and it was in the afternoon after you done all your outdoor adventures. Its gets dark by 530 anyway.
Rainy season is overblown IMO, cheaper, less crowds too.
Hotel bougainvillea in Santo Domingo heredia, the garden where Marc is ... it’s beautiful 🤩
If have the chance of at least have a lunch there don’t missed it
You are a blessing. I love your videos. Easy to understand content and so relatable! My beau and I are heading there in 2 weeks from now. Will be staying in Papagayo area.
Thank you for talking so kindly of my country 🥰
Mark, you may have just convinced me to book for January!
Great and informative video, i had watched some of your videos about Costa Rica👏👏👏. Me and my husband are going in Costa Rica this upcoming December, i wonder what is the name of the beach that is your video @10:29?
Hello, greetings lighthouse children's home from Costa Rica, I really liked your video, just thank you for visiting my beautiful country. God bless you 🇨🇷🌎 Pura Vida 👍
Love your video and the information you provided. Very accurate 😊! ❤
My favorite travel TH-camr!
Your video is spot on! True true true! Love it here. Pura vida!!
Guys, just use Waze or Google Maps if u want to go a specific place, most of the places like resorts, restaurants, and beaches are shown on those apps. I never ask people for directions it’s just too complicated.
This is one country that is on my bucket list to visit. I have never travelled to Central and South America (apart from the Caribbean - St. Lucia and Jamaica) as I did mainly Asia (around 20-odd countries), bits of Africa (mainly North Africa, Seychelles and Mauritius) and Europe (all Mediterranean countries) but I really like the look of Costa Rica. It also helps that many people in Costa Rica speak English, coming from the UK myself
I'm so glad I watched this... I was about to book my vacation in September 🌧🌦🌂
Dude, well done on the video! Planning a trip with fam at the end of this year and your straightforward pros and cons all wrapped up in one was extremely helpful. Thank you sir!
Costa Rica is my favorite country! I went on a yoga retreat in Montezuma and had plans to go back in Jan. of next year, but I'm staying put until there's a COVID vaccine. I live with my mom who is high risk...so no traveling for me!
Hola!!! I really like your introduction! And yes, I don't like the driving either :)
Wonderful family great narrative. Thanks.
I liked being there in rainy season, more freedom to roam In tourist attractions instead of being overload
I assume that you recorded this last year before the pandemic. It will be nice when we can all travel again.
Costa Rica is open home dog
@@KG-qw4fv Costa Rica is still at a very high level of infection. You can enter, but the US CDC recommends against it. wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/notices/covid-4/coronavirus-costa-rica
Jim G cool stay home
@@jimgood1949 compared to what, Vietnam. They had zero cases yesterday. I'm in the United states and I wish I was down there.
Take a tour of coffee plantation, poas volcano, la paz waterfall, sarapiqui river, aviary etc.. one day trip
There is literally nothing negative that I can say about Costa Rica
@@garciagar64 What's Central Avenue?
@@garciagar64 Oh yeah. I've been to the avenida central. I loved it. Yes. I see what you mean. Poverty does exist. It exist everywhere. But to be honest, I saw a lot less poverty in CR than in Mexico and Colombia. In fact, I think CR has less poverty and crime than any other Latin American country. But to be honest I don't know much about the economy in those countries to say for sure.
Costa Rica is NOT AFFORDABLE. SODAS are cheap, but rice and beans gets old REAL FAST. THIS is a very expensive country considering the part of the world. People eat rice and beans here because it's cheap and people that live here can't afford anything else. "It fills" them up.
@@garciagar64 Please do! I would love to read. I relate to what you wrote (but probably on a different level). I am from Portugal and I get the same feeling that my country has been taken over by rich people from other countries. The locals are poor and sad, we cannot buy a house, we cannot be paid fairly for any job, our politicians ask us to leave the country and search better life somewhere else. The country is beautiful in itself, but what goes on there is so depressing, I too don't feel like I want to come back, even though I miss it a lot. When I go there I also see more and more poor people in the streets, places closing, jobs lost, etc. the corruption... It's frustrating. =(
@@garciagar64 absolutely. Go to Cartagena. The food is amazing there and cheap. The casco viejo is stellar.
WE LIVED IN COSTA RICA FOR 5 YEARS. And YES, the roads are often BAD, and YES - the Ticos drive like maniacs. For a small country, it seemingly takes forever to get from "point A to point B" - example: from San Jose's airport to Liberia, Guanacaste is a 4 hour drive (with slow moving trucks in the mountains). HOWEVER, the worst thing about CR is the HIGH COST of just about everything - for tourists, that is ! Gas is over $6.00/gallon, restaurants and hotels are just as pricey as in the USA, and there's a "tourist tax" which is levied on all major attraction "entrance fees". CR is inadvertently "killing the goose that laid the golden egg" - pricing itself out of the market !
Mary A -thanks for the input 👊🏽👍🏽
One of the good things of COVID lockdowns was that it made many people to stay at home and drive less. That reduced the amount of annoying experiences and crashes on the road that had everyone fed up. It was like a break. The dark side is unemployment like never before.
My favorite is the stick solution. Big hole in the sidewalk? Missing manhole cover? Put a branch in it
Costa Rica looks beautiful! I'm dying to go, but oh man, those roads would probably make me so sick.
Yeah, it’s not that bad xD I know the roads aren’t the best but I wouldn’t say it’s an obstacle to come visit! Most roads are okay, and not that curvy
IfWeGoTo as a Costa Rican I can say, he kind of exaggerated a little bit haha. If you go to rural, unused roads, there will definitely be bumps and holes, but if you use the more popular roads that lead to well-known touristic places, you won’t have to worry about that :)
@@Nathalie9696 wow thanks for letting me know!! I haven’t been to CR yet because I’ve always needed amazing internet for work, but I’ve heard it has gotten a lot better lately. I think Latin America needs to be the next continent I visit!
Hi! Mark are you really in Costa Rica? Weren't you in the other side of the world last week? lol... COSTA RICA 2021!!!!
Thats an amazing video. Love to see your vlog. Keep inspiring us to make awesome video. ❤❤
Hate #1 bad roads is not nice for some, for me is actually awesome the opposite I hope they will never the remaining dirt roads. I own some rain forest land, I love driving an hour or so each time I go out for errands.
As a costarrican I can confirm. We DO NOT work with addresses. We use ¨references¨. You can use Google Maps or Waze and they will work perfectly but don´t expect a tico/a to know the name of most of the roads, streets, avenues, etc XD
Hi Mark. I've never been to Costa Rica but many things you noted here both good and bad also applies to one of my favorite places, Jamaica. I get sad when in Jamaica I see a freegin' McDonalds. Any American chain store really. My wife believes the Jamaican kids love the stuff. To me, the best part about visiting tropical destinations is enjoying THEIR culture and avoiding American anything.
I make a point of going to McDonalds in every country I've been to. Including the one on Calle Central in San Jose. :-)
Nice to meet you, Dongkyun Ahn Parkinson TV Greetings
Im happy that you love our country just as much as we love it, but I'm still wondering why is this in my recommended but I'm no complaining
Saludos Wolters World from Heredia!
Great video!! I really enjoy your content you are very uplifting. What is the name of the beach you showed ?
Lovely video! Can i ask you which beach it is the one you show when you star talking about pura vida? around sec 03.23. Thanks!
I forgot about "church directions!" 😂 Loved that from the original series. Awesome vintage footage, Mark. Everyone has changed...except Jocelyn!
Not sure I like the *_new format_* but I'll get used to it eventually, I think. Actually, the old way is preferable. 😀👍
To any locals or anyone who has visited, what was your favorite place to go to in Costa Rica/activity? Also, I'm glad to hear it's safe but any tips would be appreciated as well! Thanks again for the video can't wait to visit!!
Another thing to hate from a Costa Rican... Prices, here everything is quite expensive, even now that they're trying to reactivate the economy prizes for locals and foreigns are sometimes crazy high.
I went cycling from Granada, Nicaragua, through CR and onto Panama in February; hot 🥵
Thanks Mark.
Sounds a little similar to the Dominican Republic where my sister lives & works.
I prefer hanging out in local areas there rather than the resorts.
If you ever are in Punta Cana, check out Macau beach.
The locals bandied together to stop it being resortified and the fresh food from tittle cantinas there is amazing.
A beautiful beach awaits you as well.
Pura Vida vecino!!
The subject of weather is more complicated since the Atlantic side of the continental divide is very different than the Pacific side. Elevation also is significant. 9000 feet is much colder than sea level. Most North Americans think of our seasons based on Pacific side since the cold, dark days on the north is dry season on the Pacific. But turtle season on the Atlantic in September can be beautiful there and rainy in SJ and in the Pacific.
-Use Waze for directions.
-Rent a 4x4 if you are gonna explore like volcanos and montains, you will need it.
-Yeah, don't waste time going to San José.
-Rice and beans are always included in national dishes, but you can just simply order something else lol. Every place has fries, hamburgers, mashed potatoes, salads, pizza, pasta, you name it.
Thank you for this video. We are going in April for 2 weeks. Question is it cold rain or hot rain.
Awesome video
Great video, many thanks. Where would you recommend to stay with 12 yrs old to be close to all attractions and good local restaurants. Can you recommend any good resort hotel or bnb, thanks
As Costa Rican I do not recommend to come between september and november, we have influence of hurricanes and touristic places become hard to access and it can be dangerous because of rivers and storms
I'm not used to everything being opened late and everything closing early lol
I have trouble choosing between Dominican Republic and Cost Rica for my vacation. Can somebody give some advice ?
Hi Mark. Sorry for off-topic question. May I ask your opinion on your choice for the top 5 most unrealistic european countries to stay in or visit for seniors or partially disabled individuals like in terms of available general infrastructure amenities, transport system accessibility, healthcare systems, people's attitudes, safety/crime rates vs seniors/PWDs, etc? Just researching and playing with future possibilities. Many thanks and more power!
Can you suggest a place to lodge in La Fortuna? It is my husband and me traveling.
Hey Walter is 4 days in Costa Rica enough?
The reason why addresses are weird is cause nobody knows the name of avenues or streets or zipcodes and houses have no numbers. We just say. "From here walk two hundred metters south. Then you turn to the left as soon as you see the restaurant with the red birds painting and you will see the X place as the second building on the right side of the street"
Great video! Where did you do the surfing and zip lining? Both of them look perfect for our family!
I booked Aug 30-Sept 6. Did I make a mistake?😭☔️
Thanks for great info, going in Jan 2021, need to get insurance....you didn't mention insurance
Been here for 12 years and you are correct: the ticos are some of the nicest people I have ever met. They do tend to drive like maniacs: passing on curves and blind hills. Our roads have gotten much better.
South Pacific zone: jungle to the beach, waterfalls and zero resorts. Best part of the country imho. Most beautiful women on the pkanet as well.
Costa Rica is meant to be an Adventure!
Enjoy your videos :)
Hi, thank you for the video! Which rental company did you use? Did you have to pay for additional insurance? Any other additional prices did you have pay at the desk? Thank you!
I immigrated to Costa Rica 12 years ago and I live in country different than your description.
What is the weight limit for zip lines?
We ticos can have Gallo Pinto all 3 times, 😂.... You will always get Casados (Rice with side dish black/red beans) gallo pinto (rice and beans), rice and beans (Caribbean way)..... 😂 white beans with pork.... Tender beans with pork.... Green beans as side dish. 😂❤️..... How you ended up hating beans?
Yo puedo comer arroz y frijoles (no necesariamente pinto) todos los días sin problema 😅
@@serenitynow85 pero yo soy de Guanacaste 😂👌
@@serenitynow85 yo también y el pinto lo como vez perdida
Mis raíces son afro así q lo q se comía todos los domingos y los lunes era rice and beans
Caribean rice n beans with chiken!!
@@garciagar64 Claro que bueno, yo recomiedo el de rostipollos. 👌