Reply to Jim's reply     Charles Wanger from Puerto Viejo de Talamanca - CR     February 02, 2012

Hey Jim,
First I just wanted to say how sorry i am about what happened to you while you were visiting - I wish this type of thing never happen to anybody. As far as the comment regarding the rep that "we think" was responsible for putting Elocin in the house - I don't know him that well, and have not known him that long, but my comment was that he seemed to be a good guy - I honestly cannot say if he knew or didn't know, or what the circumstances were surrounding his placement of the tenant - It seems that the owners may have sent her to him - so I am unclear - was only making an observation as to what kind of Show more person I "think" he is.
As far as the people at your hotel not informing you of the "do's and don’ts" and the "where nots" - as I wrote earlier - I have been here a long time - and I ran a Hotel right in front of the island in the picture on my post for over 13 years - sorry to say that if you had been staying with me you would have known about what "can" and what "has" happened - not sure if that would have changed what happened to you but you would have been informed.
Long term resident of Boston – well then maybe we were neighbors at one time – spent most of my life in Newton, Brighton, Jamaica Plain,Roslindale, Cambridge, and Winthrop. But as far as your comment about putting my “money there” – What I meant by that was the following: I was shot in the back in New York NY, stuck with a screwdriver in my arm in Brighton MA, jumped by 12 gang members in Torrance CA, Beaten and left for dead in Tijuana MX, Jumped and beaten by 6 kids in Haifa Israel ( I was 7 ) and I have had exactly 1 fight with a local in Puerto Viejo, and my home was robbed in Bri Bri once as well in 7 years. So, as a father of 3, 2 in public school, and we often hang out in Puerto Viejo, go to the beach, etc – I FEEL safer here than anywhereelse in the world.
As well, I have known people that have either lived here or have been visiting here for 15 years with absolutely no incidents – and I have known people that here for 2 days and died. I still say – I am home.
1.3 million violent crimes that were reported in the US last year - and to be honest, I don’t know how that works out on the per capita thing – but it just seems like a lot – and the other factor is always – everywhere in the world – the same – The tourist target factor – its awful, it sucks, I hate it – but it is everywhere in the world.
Any way – I know you probably will notreturn to our area – but if you liked anything about your trip, maybe you should give it a shot. My first vacation here in 1994 – all of Costa Rica – was the worst vacation I ever had in my life – I swore I would never come back to CR – But something about Puerto – just had to give it another try – 2 years later, I drove from Boston to Puerto Viejo – and never went back.
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Sabrina & Martin from Switzerland     February 02, 2012

Casa Las Brisas was a highlight on our journey, we bookd 4 nights and staied 10. Michel is a wunderful host and his recommandations were always fabulous. In this case we want to tell Michel that we enyoed 3 cosy nights at casa 69 in San José and a great dinner at limoncello's, thanks. The location of Casa Las Brisas could't be better, so close to the village and directly situated on the beautiful black beach "Playa Negra".
And at Casa Las Brisas there is the loveliest dog ever, Zina we miss you!
Thanks to Michel, WIlberto, you are grat. Show less

Reply to Charles Wanger     Jim from Boston Massachusetts     February 02, 2012

I don't think conscientious and caring describes the rep if he infact rented without disclosing the violent crime that took place on the property , especially to a female who is alone. Secondly as a life long resident of Boston Im not sure your putting your money on the right place . I posted below last February after I was beaten and robbed by men with hoods, knives and sticks during the day on your beach. The hotel that I was staying at which I will leave nameless did not disclose to me that there had been problems in the exact location I was headed. Show less

RE: responses     Elocin from NYC     February 02, 2012

Thanks for your responses. The owners in this case also did not disclose anything to me before I moved in, so the fault could lie with them, and not necessarily the property manager. I never would have rented this place had I known the situation, as it is possible my friends won't come and I will be here for 2 months alone. Unfortunately I need stable wifi 24/7 for work, and there aren't many alternatives here. It is rather terrifying- once I am locked up at night the place is pretty secure, but it's going and coming back after dark on my bike that worries me. I can imagine someone waiting in my yard for when I get Show more home, and there would be not much I could do then. The dog suggestion is a good one and if you know of any dogs who need fostering for 2 months, send them my way (I will keep an eye out for strays). I will say that I have been researching crime in Puerto Viejo for a couple of days now and it seems like armed robberies and muggings happen here disturbingly often, even in the daytime. This is not something I was aware of, and I have been to Puerto Viejo 3 times before. Hopefully all will be well anyway. I have a lot of good karma coming to me. ;) And for now I am enjoying this beautiful place with my new sloth friendwho has been hanging out on my porch with me. ;) Show less

Reply to Crime is a Reality     Lisa Valencia from USA     February 02, 2012

I believe I know about the incident you are talking about. The couple had a meeting with friends and other locals afterward to tell their story and help warn others. I learned a few things at that meeting. If I recall correctly, the husband let his dogs out every evening at about the same time. That is when the robbers were waiting. I don't remember how the robbers were able to avoid the dogs but that is when they got the husband.

What I learned is that it is better not to have a set routine. I also heard of a woman who was robbed twice in the same week because the robbers knew when she went to work. Some Show more routines are almost impossible to avoid, I know. But I try.

The other thing is about the dogs. I have two German Shepherds who are very protective of the property. I let them run free most of the time. I keep them outdoors ALL THE TIME. And if I hear them barking at night and I do not know for sure why - I DO NOT OPEN THE DOOR - I look out the window, where I am still safe.

I know how you must feel being there alone, but there are things you can do. Make sure the place is absolutely secure and stay in and keep it locked tight at night. If you can get dogs, that would help too. They will warn youof any noise you may not notice - but that can be unnerving. Mine bark at every animal in the trees at night and it keeps me awake! Show less

I understand how you feel     Charles Wanger from Puerto Viejo de Talamanca - CR     February 02, 2012

This is a topic that really hits home for me. As a realtor doing business here since 1997, I have had my share of crimes committed against tenants both on and off the properties. Those of you that know me here also know that I have had some horrific experiences with friends and clients alike.
My personal opinion and professional policy has always been that it is my obligation to disclose any and all information to a potential renter or buyer as to the history surrounding their property – both good and bad. This can range from information regarding their immediate neighbors and their activities, incidents that Show more have happened to the occupants of the property both on the property and off, as well as financial information, etc.
As you can imagine however – in some case the OWNERS of the property request that we do NOT disclose this type of information and so at that point people in my line of work are faced with a choice: Continue representing the property as the owner requests, or NOT represent the property because it goes against personal or professional policy. For me, I have always chosen the later – case in point – the original post above. I neither like surprises.
I write this now though because I happen toknow the representative for this property – and I feel that he is a very conscientious person who does care about his clients - but that he may not have experienced this type of situation yet and / or was instructed not to disclose information –I really don’t know. But I will say this – YES – there are people here that would like to “sweep” things under the rug – but I can assure you – there are just as many responsible people here – and more, that do NOT!
In closing, as Lisa mentioned in her post, this incident was a very public affair – was on the forum, Facebook, and YouTube – one may have thought that therewas no way that you didn’t know about this – but it is hard to say.
Many of us have lived here long enough to understand, and even accept ( to a point ) the way things can be here, having lived in Boston, New York, Chicago, and East LA – My money is still on Puerto Viejo.
www.puertoviejo.net Show less

Crime is a reality here     Elocin from NYC     February 01, 2012

I just rented a house in the jungle on Playa Cocles for 2 months. I was loving it until today the previous tenant came by to pick up some things she left here. She told me that the reason she and her husband left the place was because one night 3 men in masks with guns and knives came to rob them here. They tied the man up and tried to rape the woman. She ended up stabbing onwe of the guys. Apparently her screams drove them away, but they were never caught. I am so disappointed that the property manager did not inform me of this before I paid for this place. It is really secluded, no neighbors really around at this time. I am here alone now but have a male friend joining me shortly. Still, I don't feel it is safe for either of us here. It seems like this town sweeps stories like this under the rug, and that is bad news for newcomers. The more I research, the more I hear about horrific crimes happening pretty often in Puerto Viejo. Show less

Vacation of a Lifetime     Amanda P from Raeford, North Carolina     January 29, 2012

I contacted Gecko Trail Adventures, to help me plan not only our trip to Costa Rica but to help me plan the wedding we never had. Maythe & Nina pulled it all together! From hotel reservation to a cake for our ceremony, they planned it all! Maythe found a photographer, bakery, champagne, officiant and flowers. All I had to provide was me and my husband! Our cake was from a local bakery, Bread and Chocolate, our flowers were from the gardens of hour hotel, the Banana Azul. The location was perfect under the almond trees on the beach =) We couldn't have asked for more! The rest our vacation was just as wonderful! All of the activities we planned, flowed nicely. We had enough time to enjoy the area itself and everything Costa Rica has to offer without being extremely overwheled! We didn't want to leave!!! I would recommend Gecko Trail Adventures to everyone! Show less

Doug     January 28, 2012

Friends and I went last night and had some delicious pizzas. There is great people watching too, it's got a location overlooking the main street with lots of people walking by. Service can be a bit spotty though and the prices are no bargain; individual pizzas run average 6000 colones (about $12 US) Show less

Catherine from Raleigh, NC     January 28, 2012

We stayed at Casa Mambo for a month this past summer. It was a truly amazing time. Pamela and Carter are perfect hosts - attentive and available when needed but also very respectful of your privacy. They are also just beautiful people who I am glad to have met. The house is beautiful, simple and perfect. I loved the outdoor shower as well as the overall openness to the outside world. We cooked some wonderful meals using various items from the farm as well as local markets. The fresh ginger and the zapote tree were my favorites. Gelato from the place near the bus stop in town was also a favorite. We rented Show more bikes after the first week and that made getting around much easier - quick 5 minute bike ride to town, maybe a minute to the beach. Walking would be fine (its a nice walk along the beach), except we have a three-year old so it would take forever when we tried to walk. Once we had the bikes it was much easier to do more things (we rented the bikes from Pamela and Carter (very reasonable) and then found a kid's seat to rent from one of the bike shops in town). Though most days we would just hang around the house, figure out what we would eat for dinner, and head to the beach for a few hours while one person rode totown for a few things. The last thing that was great about the house is the laundry service they offer (for a charge). It was very helpful to have clean clothes waiting for you and without having to hassle with going into town. Also, the weekly cleaning service was a nice treat. I could keep going about all the wonderful things, but perhaps I have said enough! Definitely the best vacation we have had and hope we make it back there soon! Show less

Molly & Jason from Cambridge, USA     January 27, 2012

When planning our honeymoon to Costa Rica, we had a good idea of where we wanted to go and a few hotels we wanted to stay at, but didn't know the best way to put the 15 day trip together. We are independent travelers and had never used a tour company before. On a whim, we contacted Gecko Trails for a quote and they responded in record time with a complete custom itinerary that was well within our budget (and far cheaper than we could have ever expected).

The reps were incredibly responsive by email, usually responding to questions or requested changes on the same business day, and they finalized our Show more itinerary in a matter of days, making all the changes we requested, booking our preferred hotels and transfers, and suggesting tours along the way. Paying cash upfront for all our transfers, hotels and tours was a little scary, but the good reputation of Gecko Trails on the internet gave us the faith that it would be fine (which it was). By having them facilitate the cash payments to hotels and transport vendors, we saved a fortune in fees and hassles and didn't have to worry about having much cash on hand during our trip.

Every part of our trip went smoothly, from the pick up at the airport to ourvarious tours and all our transfers. The drivers were all kind and professional and the vehicles in good repair. The hotels we chose were lovely, and there was never a question about payment being expected (i.e. Gecko had pre-paid everything before we even arrived).

The few times we ran into issues, Gecko sorted things out immediately. One hotel had 2 reservations from the same company for the same night and had only booked a single room. One phone call and it was sorted. We had a change in pickup time one day (45 minutes earlier than scheduled) and Gecko called the hotel to notify us and sent an email(we didn't get the message, but that wasn't their fault). And finally, our snorkel trip was cancelled for poor weather and we were able to receive a full cash refund in person in their office on the very same day.

We are thankful to Gecko Trails for their kind staff and excellent service that made our honeymoon as wonderful (and affordable!) as we could have ever imagined. Their relationships with the local vendors and small, family hotels that we stayed in really made things easy for us. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend this company, and will use them again in the future when we go back to Costa Rica(which we definitely will do).

[*Note: we also left this review on Trip Advisor] Show less

Doug     January 26, 2012

Yes, you're right, it's much faster to avoid San Jose and go straight from Arenal to PV. Unfortunately the public buses do not run this way, to take the public bus from Arenal to PV you'd also have to go via San Jose (a little over 4 hours from SJ to PV on the bus). But there are two options that do this route. There are scheduled daily shuttles running between PV and Arenal that take about 5 1/2 hours, check here for rates and prices.

What I'd really Show more recommend though is the whitewater rafting trip on the Pacuare. They'll pick you up early a.m. in La Fortuna, bring you to breakfast in Siquirres then you go rafting and then at the end of the day you go on to PV. And they don't charge extra for that service of picking up in one location and dropping off in another so basically you get your transport for free. More info here. Show less

Transport from Arenal to Puerto Viejo     Jessica from Chicago, USA     January 26, 2012

Hi,

We will be travelling from Arenal to Puerto Viejo in March...we have a free ride to San Jose, but we were looking at a map and I think we might be wasting a lot of the day traveling in that case. Is there a more direct bus route that would take us from Arenal straight to Limon or Puerto Viejo? Any idea how much that would cost?

Thanks for your help!! Show less

Don't take Easyride Shuttle     Silk Chauncey from Canada     January 22, 2012

I wanted to warn people about Easyride Shuttle service.

The owner, Javier Ortiz, agreed by email to take my dog as long has he was in a crate - and I paid for two tickets, plus a full fare for the dog upfront by Paypal. On the day we were supposed to travel, his driver showed up unaware of the arrangement and refused to take us, leaving me and my baby and dog stranded.

Javier denied knowledge of our arrangement - until I produced his emails. Then he said I needed to email him for a refund (!) which I've been doing repeatedly for the past two weeks. With no reply whatsoever.

Take a different shuttle company, would be my advice! Show less

Paul Koch     January 22, 2012

We are home from our trip and I just wanted to send a quick note to let you know how much we appreciated our driver for our two van trips. The driver was prompt and a pleasure to ride with. The trip back to San Jose was a difficult one with long delays but the driver was great and we really appreciated having him do the driving instead of us. Please pass along our thanks to him. Show less

Costa Rica     Claudia Pettersson from Suecia     January 21, 2012

Desde Suecia estabamos plnificando nuestro viaje somos 16 personas toda la grande familia y necesitabamos una agencia que nos ayudara con esto,encontramos a Gecko y decidimos de contratarlos,me contacte con Mauricio mi salvador durante todos esos meses de planear hoteles,transportes,tours y todo lo que significa de hacer un viaje tan lejos y para tanta gente!pero todo salio genial y fue un viaje lleno de muchos lindos recuerdos gracias por la ayuda de Gecko y Mauricio todo congino estupendo y todos los transportes fueron muy puntuales,gracias a toda la gente costariquense tuvimos unas vacaciones inolvidables!!!!de todo el grupo sueco un millon de gracias!!! Show less

Doug     January 20, 2012

Hi Susan. Bike or scooter are both fine although scooter rentals aren't particularly cheap in town whereas bike rentals are plentiful. Strategy for solo traveler is simply to stay in the more populated areas. Cocles beach (younger crowd, bigger waves) and Punta Uva (quieter, reef protected swimming and snorkeling) are always popular so say high to your neighbors on the beach and park yourself down next to them! Banana Azul in Playa Negra also has a staffed beach club so you can feel secure and get drink and food service! And bring as little to the beach as you can. I even find throwing things in a shopping bag instead of a backpack is way less tempting to thieves even if both only might have a towel and some sunscreen. Finally avoid traveling alone at night. Ask a hotel to call you a taxi. Show less

Safest Beaches for solo women who wish to snorkel / read?     Susan from Saint Augustine, Florida     January 20, 2012

Hi. I'm travelling light + solo, age 55, seeking tips on safest beaches / bike rides from Cahuita to PV to southernmost spots. Is a scooter safer (are roads ok for them)? Are NOISE Alarms good if approached? Other excellent safety ideas? What's the safest town along that coast in which to base camp (for a quiet, older, solo chica?) Thanks very much! Show less

Travelling with a pet     Ulrike from Germany     January 18, 2012

Hi, I bought the dog from Canada to Costa Rica. But to bring it to Panama, all infos say that I have to pay 130$ at the bank in Panama City. That,s why I was asking if anybody maybe has any experience if you enter the county not in Panama City. Show less

Doug     January 18, 2012

Well there's no reason you would have to go to Panama City. There's lots of information on making the trip from Puerto Viejo to Bocas via bus or shuttle above but I don't believe the shuttles will take a pet but the bus might. Otherwise you'd have to drive or get a taxi to the border. To fly to Bocas you have to return to San Jose. As far as the border itself I don't know what additional paperwork might be required for a pet. It's possible they won't care at all but then you wouldn't want to be able to enter Panama and not be able to return to Costa Rica. Did you get your dog in Costa Rica or did you already bring him into the country? I'm sure the requirements for Panama would be similar. Show less

travelling with a pet     Ulrike from Germany     January 18, 2012

I am at the moment in Costa Rica and I like to travel to Bocas del Toro, taking my little dog with me. Can I enter Panama with car or by plane, or do I have to go via Panama City? Show less

Beachfront, Sports, Music, Good Friends     Toby Rippetoe from Gunnison Colorado     January 15, 2012

We offer Caribbean Fish, Angus Burgers, Chicken Wings, Pastas, Salads and 2x1 Mojito and Margarita Specials.. 6 televisions, sports in english language, poker games, too much fun to mention. Come and visit us.. Show less

Review Casa Faya Lobi     Su Valverde from Heredia, Costa Rica     January 12, 2012

Durante el tiempo en el que nos alojamos en esta casa de vacaiones, nos sentimos muy comodos y a gusto. Esta casa es maravillosa, hermosa, espaciosa y proporciona todo lo que alguno pudiera necesitar y mas. Fue una maravillosa estadia, y les agradecemos a los dueños por darnos tan buena atencion y servicio durante nuestro hospedaje :) Show less

Doug Dosdall     January 10, 2012

Getting into San Jose at that time I would recommend either staying the 1st night in San Jose or hiring private transport with a driver to Puerto Viejo. Even if you rented a car you'd be driving part of the way in the dark which is not recommended for someone not familiar with the area. You're much too late for the shuttles but you could book one to pick you up the next morning at a San Jose hotel. Your other alternative would be the Show more href="https://geckotrail.com/sec/transport_res.php?propid=alltrans&f=San+Jose&t=Puerto+Viejo+de+Limon&af=pvsat" target="_blank">taxi/bus service. A drive will pick you up at the airport and bring you to the 4pm bus but you'd be taking a risk here that you wouldn't make the bus. It generally takes an hour to get out of the airport by the time you clear immigration and get luggage plus a half hour at least to get from the airport to the Caribbean bus terminal so I'd say you'd have a 50-50 chance of making the bus. If you didn't make it, you'd lose the $9 value per person of the bus ticket but at least you'd be incentral San Jose and could try and get a nearby hotel to take the morning bus to PV. Show less

house     benjamin     January 10, 2012

Hello, I am hoping someone can help me find information on a house that I noticed the last time I was in PV. It is located across from the police station on the way to Pan Pay bakery. (great bakery by the way). The house looked quite abandoned at the time(sept 2011). It is a multi level home Please see the attached pic. Any info would be appreciated. Show less

San Jose to puerto Viejo     Pamela from usa     January 10, 2012

How would be the best way to get from San Jose airport to Puerto Viejo? Our flight does not get to San Jose until 2:05pm. The shuttle services only pickup at Hotels.We would would prefer not to get a rental car.any help would be greatly appreciated. Thank you Show less

Doug from Puerto Viejo     January 07, 2012

Never heard of anyone renting a scooter in San Jose nor do I know of anyplace that rents them there. Generally scooters are rented for short distances in tourist zones only. You'd probably be more comfortable taking the bus down and then renting a bike or scooter while you're here. Show less

beer     Stan Black from Philadelphia, PA -USA     January 07, 2012

I live in Philadelphia and Bud is $5 a bottle in center city. $3 in a foreign country is CHEAP! It's USA domestic beer NOT Costa Rican domestic!!! Duh! Order a Bud in Europe...7 EUR = 11 USD. Now that's expensive for BUD! Show less

Moped traveling/Day trips from San Jose     Stan Black from Philadelphia, PA -USA     January 07, 2012

Hi Doug-

Thanks for this informative site. When I am in San Jose, CR would it be sensible to rent a moped for day trips to the E & W coasts?

I would only have 6 days there to travel and want to use San Jose as my beacon nightly. Is scooter rental available and advisable or is renting a small car more sensible for day trips?

Stan Show less

Know of any MIdwifes in Limon area     Julie from Nashville tn     January 07, 2012

Hi,
I was wondering if you ever heard of a good midwife in the Puerta Viejo area. My daughter is due in Feb and the midwife she is using is wacko ( a woman named Christine). I'd appreciate any help with this that anyone can offer.
Thank you so so much! Julie Show less

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