'4 College Girls in Costa Rica...Help!' Tamarindo

Lauren from CA (Contact Member) -

Hello...my roommates and I are hoping to plan a vacation to Costa Rica during our Spring Break (late March). Now we just have to figure out WHERE in Costa Rica to go!

We're looking for a place with a great nightlife, a nice beach, things to do, not outrageously expensive (remember we're poor college students), not overdeveloped (we're hoping to avoid the Cancun Spring Break chaos) and all around a great place to stay!

My parents have recommended Tamarindo, and I've looked into it as well. It looks fantastic, but do you think there will be enough to do for 4 college girls staying for about 5-7 days? I also had Jaco recommended to me. However, is this a little too Americanized?

Any other suggestions for great places to stay would be GREATLY appreciated.

Also...what is the age to rent a car in Costa Rica. At the time of the trip, two of us will be 20 and the other two will be 21. Would we be able to rent a car, and would we even need one?

Thanks in advance for the help!

Comment #1 Old Grump from San Jose (Contact Member) -

I think the cost of a car rental will be as much as you spend on everything else! Plus they will want a big deposit... $1, 500 or $2, 500 (on your credit card). They tear up the receipt if everythig is ok. If you have a problem that's your deductable.

When you rent, make sure every little dent or scratch is on the report when you leave or you will pay for it when you return the car.

Uses buses... Just keep yours eyes open at the bus stations for anyone that will distract you and take your stuff. Designate one girl to watch your stuff if someone approaches with a conversation or needs help.

If you want a bit of action Tamirindo and Jaco are probably the best. Start at Jaco and after a couple days take the bus to Tamrinado. Also check out the Arenal Volcano if you can't. It's nothing like the beach and it's nothing like you've seen before either.

Comment #2 Dan (71.232.19.105) -

Jaco is the place to be. My friends and I will be enjoying the sun in late March and we hope to see you there.

Comment #3 Pooh Bear (196.40.43.78) -

Girls:

We've got the Spring Break package for you and your friends. We have put together a great party package that you and your friends should really check out.

Pooh Bear

• Costa Rica Spring Break

Comment #4 Rigoberto (201.203.181.58) -

I agree to what the others say about Tamarindo and Jaco. These are places to have fun. I usually recommend common sense around this places, a lot of times people have a bad experience because they forget about it.. Renting a car is not a good idea if you are going to hang around these two places too much. Deposits may go from $750 to $1500 depending on the type of car if you decide to rent one- A Luxury car may be more.As for booking Online will be the best way- fish around.

Comment #5 Bill from Alajuela (Contact Member) -

If if you take the private mini buses that will run $25-$35 to go somewhere you get a lot of rides with no risk for the price of a rental car. Take the public bus instead and you can't even compare to the mini buses!

The only reason to rent a cart in Costa Rica is if your middle name is "IDIOT".

Comment #6 Erin from Canada (Contact Member) -

Hello!

I am a 20 year old from Canada - my family has a fishing business and house in tamarindo so i've been there quite a bit and know about the nightlife etc.

okay, if you want my honest opinion, for four girls in costa rica you should spend it in tamarindo - jaco has been known as a major drug scene - not as safe as tamarindo.

tamarindo has a lot of good nightlife and AWESOME beaches. seriously, for a week, it has everything you girls will want. and don't bother with a rental car - there are buses etc that are really cheap if you wanted to go out of town for a night for dinner or something.

for cheap reliable hotels, I recommend the best western (close to beach), the diria hotel looks really nice but i think it will be too pricey for college students (i would know - i'm por as hell lol)

anyways, if you want contact numbers for transportation or hotels or whatever, i can get them for you - good luck!! :)

Comment #7 Juniper (63.176.159.45) -

Why are you trying to avoid the "spring break chaos"? You are four young girls, why wouldn't you want to party like that? You can still go the Spring Break hot spots and have fun! Why settle for ground beef when you really want steak!

E-Mail:         

Name:            (required)

Title:           (required)

Message (do not enter emails or links or urls in the message!):