Archives for 2009

U.S. Consulate – San José Embassy – Visa Problem

Attending a business meeting in Santa Ana a few weeks ago, one of the associates of a client rant and raved about his dealings with the U.S. Consulate at the San José embassy US Embassy. He was Costa Rican, his wife was American and they had two children. All they wanted was  to visit the U.S for a few weeks to see her parents. The kids had no problem (the duel citizenship thing) but he was … [Read more...]

Jaco, Costa Rica – New Development and Driving Through

I had not been to Jaco in a while, in fact, we wrote about how wild Jaco is and how I predicted that the desire for tourist bucks will change it. Those that experienced Jaco years ago had warnings about the lawless of the town. Druggies, prostitution, pickpockets etc, pretty much ran it.  I’m proud to say, my predictions is coming true. Jaco has changed. The last time I was there, old men with … [Read more...]

Fishing Dorado Out Of Costa Rica’s Los Suenos – Jaco

There are good days fishing and there are awesome days fishing. This Costa Rica fishing trip was awesome. For two days we fished out of one of Costa Ricas best marinas, Los Suenos, about 6 miles north of Jaco and out about 20 miles with the infamous  Richard Krugs, Americana Sportsfishing, who has been putting together fishing charter services for almost 30 years.  We went for the meat, over … [Read more...]

Costa Rica’s Drug Smugglers Problem – Crocodiles

As Costa Rica slowly but surely becomes the new hub for drug trafficking, and with San Jose now the place to smuggle containers of drugs to the US,  it now appears that drug smugglers have a new problem, which is not the US DEA, local police or competition, but crocodiles! It’s no surprise that the Central Pacific between Puntarenus to Quepos with the hot tourist spot of  Jaco between has … [Read more...]

La Ruta de los Conquistadores – Costa Rica Bike Race Shut Down

When I was in Jaco last week, the town was gearing up for an intense coast-to-coast bike across Costa Rica's rugged terrain known to all as La Ruta de los Conquistadores. To date, more than one decade later, “La Ruta” is considered to be the most difficult Mountain Bike multi-day race on the planet. However, this Costa Rica's coast-to-coast bike race which is suppose to begin in Jacó Wednesday, … [Read more...]

Chinese Drywall and Costa Rica Building Contractors

With China investing  in Costa Rica big time, there may be a problem with some of the building imports in the eco-minded country. When Costa Rica builders were busy a few years a go, many homes/condos and commercial projects were using Chinese imported drywall. In the US many class action lawsuits have been  filed. If you Google, "Chinese drywall," the pages are filled with the problems it has … [Read more...]

Costa Rica Arrival and Humor – San Jose

Something always happens that makes your trip a remembrance. This time, it started within an hour after arrival and very humorous. After getting up at 3am, blogging, last minute changes to clients websites, twitting, reading a zillion emails it was time to head to the airport. Coming from San Diego, with a 3 hour layover in Houston, one can figure about 12 hours before touchdown in San … [Read more...]

Costa Rica Porteadores vs Taxis vs Government – Protest Today

For a long time now there has been clash between taxi drivers and porteadores (the informal taxi drivers) with the government caught in the middle. Porteadores have always  provided the  public's alternative to transportation, particular in areas where the formal or legal taxis would not provide service, but more likely in smaller towns.  The service as "porteos"  provided  that personal … [Read more...]

Costa Rica Govenment to Repair Bridges after Tragedy

The Costa Rica government announced on Saturday that it is allocating us$15 million for the reparation of 10 bridges, two days after a tragedy that took five lives and sparked a barrage of criticism against the ministra de Obras Pública y Transportes, Karla González. Costa Rican president, Oscar Arias, personally visited the site of Thursday's tragedy, reiterating his support of González, his … [Read more...]

Chinatown Project Starts In San Jose, Costa Rica

China continues to wine and dine Costa Rica, now the government of China will be contributing US$1 million dollars to help construct a Chinatown or Barrio Chino. Of course Costa Rica’s Government or municipalidad de San José will fork out about US$300,000 to help finance the project. This announcement came in an official ceremony that included Costa Rican president, Oscar Arias, Municipalidad … [Read more...]

Jaco, Costa Rica, Say, “Get Waco For Jaco”

When someone mentions Jaco, Costa Rica, the instant thought is the Wacos. Besides probably the most visited beach in Costa Rica, its closest beach to San Jose, great and almost “sinful” night life, surfing, unique shops and an assortment of art galleries make Jaco a must for almost all itineraries that cater to all types of people. In Jaco walking down the street, you will find an … [Read more...]

Exchanging Money In Costa Rica – Hotel and Banks

When exchanging your money, you can either utilize the services at many of the Costa Rica banks, or what we like to suggest, is the services of your hotel - most will exchange your money providing that you are staying there. The rate they offer usually is be a bit below that offered by banks, however, changing money at the local banks requires plenty of time due to bureaucratic handling … [Read more...]