Costa Rica Travel Blog

Costa Rica - San Jose/Alajuela/Heredia/Cartago/Guanacaste/Puntarenas/Limon

2008-06-19T07:02:00.001-07:00

Thursday June 19 - 30, 2008-DIA13
Now in Costa Rica... all to do is to enjoy the friends, places, food and life of the country.
We made a few trips to the Arenal volcano area, Cabo Blanco (Playa Tambor), zip-lining, coffee tour, Atlantic coast Limon/Puerto Viejo where we I had the best Costa Rican arroz con pollo!

San Jose/Alajuela/Heredia/Cartago/Guanacaste/Puntarenas/Limon

Nicaragua border

2008-06-18T07:01:00.000-07:00

Thursday June 18, 2008-DIA13
We crossed the border into Nicaragua; wow finally!...we went by the town of Leon to see the architecture on the way to the Costa Rican border.
All border crossing up to this point have been very confusing and noisy, not much time to get your thoughts together.
I highly advise hiring help on each of the border crossings. Make sure you agree on a price before committing, also; take the time to go (with the person helping you) everywhere just for your peace of mind. - DO NOT GIVE YOUR PASSPORT OR ANY OTHER DOCUMENT TO YOUR GUIDE while you wait in the car!
We arrive at San Jose Costa Rica around 5:30 PM the same day. The driving is wild in Costa Rica but after driving in Guatemala seems like an easy task.

Antigua Guatemala, Salvador to Honduras

2008-06-16T07:00:00.000-07:00

Monday June 16, 2008-DIA11
Antigua, Guatemala
The car has been great, not a single mechanical problem; it feels good to get to the car the next day and start the engine without an issue; not even a flat tire – way to go!

Wednesday June 17, 2008-DIA12
Today we are leaving Antigua and we are now heading to Honduras, passing through San Salvador (no stop). Long driving day ahead… we stop around 5PM just a few kilometers short of the Nicaraguan border.

On the way to Honduras - passing through San Salvador non stop

Antigua and Chichicastanango, Guatemala

2008-06-14T06:58:00.000-07:00

Saturday June 14, 2008-DIA9
Walking around Antigua
Guatemala has a developing economy, characterized by wide income disparities. Hotels and other tourist facilities in the principal tourist sites most frequented by visitors fro

m the United States are generally good to excellent. A peace accord, signed in 1996, ended a 36-year armed conflict. Violent crime, however, is a serious concern due to endemic poverty, an abundance of weapons, a legacy of societal violence, and dysfunctional law enforcement and judicial systems. Read the Department of State Background Notes on Guatemala for additional information. - SOURCE: http://travel.state.gov

Antigua, Guatemala

Sunday June 15, 2008-DIA10
Chichicastenango, Guatemala
We took a trip to Chichicastanango market, very exiting place, lots of local people. After a few hours at the Markey we headed to Lake Atitlan.

Guatemala border

2008-06-13T06:57:00.000-07:00

Friday June 13, 2008-DIA8
We drove from Villa Hermosa to the Guatemala border; unfortunately we missed the banjercito office (which is on the opposite side of the road!) and we had to drive back about 45 minutes to a small town to cancel the permit from banjercito to credit back our AMEX, again; the office to get your credit is very hidden and on the opposite way of highway! - it is very easy to missed.

By the time we got back to the border it was too late to do the crossing – we arrived around 7:30PM so we stayed at Ciudad Hidalgo – the hotel accommodations were poor, but we expected that… not too many places to choose from, the hotel was a local little place and we cannot give points to it (it just will be unfair!)… it just does not get any points. Therefore; if you can stay at Tapachula do so.

Saturday, June 14, 2008-DIA9
At 7:30 am we headed back to the border crossing, there are lots of paperwork and red tape to do on this border!; we came across a border officers who saw our frustration and he recommended a guide to help us to make our crossing less painful. Definitely was money well spent. (if you can… hire a guide).

Once the crossing was behind us we made good time to the city of Antigua Guatemala, we visited that city in 1994 and just loved the place, we were looking forward to see the place again.

We had very little trouble finding a good hotel; we stayed at the Villas Antigua resort. We planed to stay in Antigua for the next three-four days.

Border Crossing - Mexico/Guatemala


Mexico/Guatemala Border	Preparing to border crossing	Breakfast in Guatemala	The border MX/GUATE

Palenque, Mexico

2008-06-12T06:56:00.000-07:00

Thursday June 12, 2008-DIA7
Up time: 7:30 am and out on the road by 8:30 am… not bad at all.
Today we drove from Merida back to Villahermosa to get closer to the Guatemala border.

After a few hours’ drive we stopped at Palenque – on the way to Villahermosa.
Now we are at the Best Westernd Maya hotel

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Palenque, MX

			<-BowWow Palenque

Chichinitza, Mexico

2008-06-11T06:54:00.000-07:00

Wednesday June 11, 2008 -Day6
2nd day at Merida, MX

Today its our second day at Merida; after having breakfast at the hotel we left for Chichinitza, the drive is about 2 hours... again many 'topes or vibradores' on the way –we took the toll road or 'cuota', it was money well spent.
We managed to get there and enjoy our time in chichinitza before all the tour buses arrived with thousands of people - so if you can, get an early start.
We stop for lunch around 12:30 at local restaurant in the area and the rains begin to poor just a few minutes after my first beer. Lunch was great, I had a club sandwich, Kay had a Pork dish and Gaby the rice and beans; overall it was a good lunch and economic.

Although there is a gas station in Chichinitza better fill up in Merida before taken the highway; if you cannot find gas in chichinitza the next gas station is about 44 kilometers towards Cancun and if you need to head back to Merida (like we did) that will be an extra 60 kilometers.

We got back to the hotel, order some drinks, room service and rest for an early departure heading south to Guatemala.

Chichinitza

			<-BowWow Chichinitza

Uxmal, Mexico

2008-06-10T06:52:00.000-07:00

Tuesday June 10, 2008 - Day5
On the way to Merida this morning, things will be more interesting, we are planning to stop at Chac Mool Restaurant near Uxmal for lunch. – Definitely we will be stopping at the Ancient Maya ruins of UXMAL.

Chac-Mool is the name given to a type of Pre-Columbian Mesoamerican stone statue.
The Chac-Mool depicts a human figure in a position of reclining with the head up and turned to one side, holding a tray over the stomach. The meaning of the position or the statue itself remains unknown.

Chac-Mool statues are found in or around temples in Toltec and other post-Classic central Mexican sites, and in post-Classic Maya civilization sites with heavy Toltec influence, such as Chichen Itza.

The ancient name for these type of sculptures is unknown. The name Chac-Mool is attributed to Augustus Le Plongeon, who excavated one of the statues at Chichen Itza in 1875. Le Plongeon named it Chaacmol, which he translated from the Maya as "thundering paw." Le Plongeon claimed the statue was a depiction of a former ruler with the phenomena of rain and thunder, and with whom they are not associated.

Chac-Mools can be found throughout Central Mexico and Yucatan. In addition to Tula and Chichen Itza, sites known for Chac-Mools include Mexico City, Cempoala, Tlaxcala, and Quirigua in Guatemala. – okay enough on The Chac-Mool –

–

To the left on the photograph is the Celestial Home considered by some to be the most beautiful and majestic example of ancient American architecture, the House of the Governor at Uxmal probably served as its modern name implies—a royal palace for the city’s ninth–century ruler Chan Chak K’ak’nal Ahaw. Its facade, adorned with an intricate system of royal and religious icons set amid elegant geometric motifs, also contains numerous symbols of the planet Venus. This astronomical theme is reinforced by the orientation of the gigantic structure itself: Unlike all other buildings at Uxmal, the House of the Governor faces the precise point on the horizon where Venus, as Morning Star, reached its maximum southerly declination about a thousand years ago.

On middle of the photograph is the Pyramid of the Magician (Maya pyramid in Uxmal, Yucatán, Mexico), this is the tallest structure at Uxmal.
The pyramid is unique because of its rounded sides, height, and steepness, and the doorway on the opposite (west) side near the top. The doorway's heavy ornamentation features 12 stylized masks of the rain god Chac. Beneath the Magician's Pyramid are five earlier structures; it was common for the Mayas to build new structures on top of old ones at regular intervals.

Not much is known about this beautiful city, but it is thought that it was an important economic and political force and that its most grandiose years were around the 800 and 1000.

We arrived at Merida early afternoon and stay at the Ambassador Hotel. This hotel has private parking with 24 hours security, free Wi-Fi access and decent rooms and the price was not bad.

SCORES
Hotel Ambassador (Merida, MX)
The location of this hotel (Ambassador Merida, MX) is very convenient, close to restaurants, stores and day-to-day life of the city.
A good place to stay in Merida with reasonable prices, clean, hot water, Wi-Fi access and good parking… So we gave the hotel three and half starts.

We had dinner at local restaurants in the city. – GREAT!
We had dinner at a local restaurant (Vegetarian and Vegan friendly), food was good, I can see myself eating there tomorrow.

Villa Hermosa, Mexico

2008-06-09T06:51:00.000-07:00

Monday June 09, 2008-Day4
We left early to Villa Hermosa passing through Puebla for a quick breakfast on a side of the road – we had some beans, chicken, tortillas, potatoes in salsa and some pork stew – needless to say, everything was pretty good; a bit too spicy for my taste but good. We had to move a couple of times to another table because it began to rain pretty heavy for next few hours.

After breakfast not much to see, empty land, lots of rain and a car once in a while. One interesting thing (at least to me) was to learn the road rules… I kept seeing cars engaging the hazard lights to let us know that they were turning either right or left… or just to let us know their vehicle was coming to a stop soon – not a stop sign, just a stop… not sure. Another interesting road rule was that if you decide to pass a car or truck in front of you, make sure you have plenty of engine power; the other driver (which you are passing) will NOT slow down!... even if a car is coming the other way… so we found ourselves in a couple of tight spots at the beginning… specially with our slow 95 Montero… I have one more ‘road rule’ to share… when we drove through the cities or small (busy traffic) towns , the drivers were very, very aggressive; we were not expecting the driving will be like back home… but the rules were pretty much get out of my way or else… NO kidding!

Later that day, after a long drive we arrived at the Holiday Inn

in Villa Hermosa, Mexico. Again the place was great, clean, free wireless internet access and save.

At Villa Hermosa we had dinner at the local Pizza Hut and Benningans.
Tomorrow we planned an early departure to Merida passing through Uxmal.
SCORES
Holiday Inn in Villa Hermosa (Villa Hermosa, MX)
Hotel Holiday Inn was a good place to stay with reasonable prices, clean, hot water… it’s the Holiday Inn after all… So we gave the hotel three and half starts.

We had dinner at the local Pizza Hut and Benningans. – OKAY!
I guess if you like pizza and Benningans restaurant you will be fine. The places were nothing special, not bad, not great… just fine. – No complains.

Teotihuacan, Mexico

2008-06-08T06:49:00.000-07:00

Sunday June 8, 2008-Day3
Headed to Teotihuacan, we made a stop at Pachuca to have breakfast at the Minas Blanca restaurant, you can find information on this restaurant on many traveling books, needless to say the food the Minas Blancas was fantastic, they have the best “Pastes” (pastry which it has its origins in Cornwall).

So far lots of driving and although I saw few rural areas on the way; I am ready to see some of the archeological sites.

Teotihuacan
We stay at the Villas Arqueologicas in Teotihuacan at the end of Avenida Calzada de los Muertos (Avenue of the Dead) | http://www.villasarqueologicas.com.mx/eng/teotihuacan.asp

The Villas Arqueologicas are next to the entrance of the Pyramid of the Sun, we left our vehicle safely parked at the villas and walked about ¼ mile to the park entrance. Finally some sites! – we walked around to explorer the pyramids of the Sun and the Moon for the entire day, the place was not busy at all. There seem to be more vendedores (vendors) than tourists

There is a great small museum inside the park. If you have only one place to see make it Teotihuacan.

SCORES
Villas Archeologicas Htl (Teotihuacan, MX)
Villas Archeologicas is an excellent place to stay with reasonable prices for a casita for 2-4 people.

Villas Arqueologicas restaurant – GREAT!
We did lots of walking and by the end of the day we did not feel like going to eat. – Maybe it is laziness or just my age… in any case I did not want to drive around for food. Besides… a Cuba

libre is a Cuba libre anywhere you go.

Minas Blancas restaurant (Pachuca, MX) – GOOD!
It was a commendable stop.

Travel Log 06062008

2008-06-06T06:46:00.000-07:00

US/Mexico border - Pacala, MX

Our destination country will be Costa Rica, a small Central American country situated between Nicaragua and Panama, the country is about 51,100 square kilometers (19,730 square miles).

During my log I will be giving “Bad or Good” marks to restaurants where we eat and stars (1-5) to hotels where we stay… if you decide to make this trip keep in mind some of the good places to eat and stay.

Friday June 06, 2008-Day1
Wow… I can't believe it’s the day we go; finally after much thought.
The car is ready; we have done the final checks yesterday. It is 10:30 AM and we are on the way to Brownsville (Texas); here is our crossing point to Mexico.
On the way to the border we made a couple of stops at XXXXXXX and to the Presidio La Bahia in Goliad Texas (Texas Historical Sites).
In the early evening we arrived at the Holiday Inn Hotel in Brownsville

SCORES
Holiday Inn Hotel (Brownsville, TX)
Very nice and clean hotel with Wi-Fi access; the place is only 15 minutes from the border crossing.

Ruchi Restaurant also known as Galleria Restaurant (Brownsville, TX) - BAD!
We had dinner at the hotel’s restaurant.
The food was salty, cold and the presentation was horrible, absolutely no good flavors at all.

The first day was as we expected; lots of driving to get us to the first border crossing, we have all the requirements and it should be a breeze. (We'll see.)

Saturday June 07, 2008-Day2
Up at 5:30 AM – I thought I was on vacation, but I had to get up early. We crossed the border between the United States and Mexico at the International Bridge (open 24 hrs), the total crossing time was 5 minutes!
We were not asked for a car title or proof of ownership or copies of any kind. The only two questions were 1. Show car permit to cross (banjercito) and 2. Show passports.

I will not advise (of course) that anyone gets going with just your passport and car permit, I am sure it was one of those things that could be as simple as 5 minutes to a 2 hours nightmare requiring all documentation and copies.
At the time we were the only vehicle at the crossing (6:45 AM) on a Saturday.

After a speedy border crossing we headed to Pacala, a small Mexican town about 10 hours from Brownsville; the driving to Pacala was very demanding; the road was very curvy, narrow and misty but in excellent condition; contrary of what I was told… I had no complaints about that. By 5:00 PM we were ready to stop and call it a day; we found a small hotel named ‘The Jamaican Hotel’ and although the name can mislead you to think otherwise… this hotel is 100% Mexican –the hotel was a bargain and a charming place to stay after a very long drive. The price was about $25 per night (per room) and with that price don’t expect hot water, Internet or a fine restaurant.

We drove through many small towns but most of all just open road.

SCORES
The Jamaican hotel (Pacala, MX)
Small and clean hotel with private parking; some minuses were not having hot water and the parking was flooded by the afternoon rains.

Provisions we are bringing

2008-05-31T00:55:00.000-07:00

Maps

Gas
Extra fuses
Emergency battery starter
Tire emergency air can
Toilet Paper
Ice-cooler
Clothes
Passports and copies of documents
Matches
whistle
Medicatios
1st aid kit
Duck tape
Extra Gas filter and pump
Tools
Silicon Sealer
Flat Tire repair kit
Extra Belts
Extra Light bulbs
Camera
Notebook & pencils (pen)
Orange Triangle
Pillow
Flash light
Waterproof jacket

The preparation continues, a week ago we thought we'll be have to replace the brakes on our 4x4, but after a check; all went well and we got to save about $200 that we can use for gas!
So, with April 2008 gas prices at $3.69 per gallon! _we can now use those saving to pay for some of the gas.
Friday, May 30, 2008We had to replace the tires after all, I was a bit concerned that although the tires since to be okay for open road… we were not so sure of their performance on rough terrain. – You have to let me use the cliché “better save than sorry”.We went around looking for good prices last weekend and found some good BFGoodrich ALL-Terrain T/A at a price of $571.27 (Qty 4).
We placed the picture of the new tires next to the old tired… take a look… you decide… The new tire is the BFGoodrich

The preparation continues

2008-04-10T11:47:00.000-07:00

Parts we have replaced before the trip (just in case)
Radiator
Spark plugs
Spark plugs casing
Spark plugs wires
All engine belts
Service the AC
Transition oil
Engine oil
Tires
Breaks
Shocks
Wipers
Timing belt
All engine houses

Documents and insurance information
Birth Certificates and Notary Spanish Translations (make photocopies)
Certificate of naturalization (make copies)
Car Proof of ownership (make copies)
Valid vehicle registration certificate (make copies)
Vehicle Invoice (make copies)
Central American Insurance Requirements (make copies)
Importacion General de Vehiculo (Mexico) (can be done 180 days before the trip)
Mexican Tourist Card (The paperwork for the Mexican Tourist Card is processed in the immigration office at the customs checkpoint)
NO visa requirements for US Citizens
List (English/Spanish) of all items that you are bringing in the car make copies)
I am sure there will be more or less requirements as the time passes from the date I wrote this list, so call the consulates of the countries you are crossing to get the latest information.

Costa Rica Travel by Car

2008-04-07T14:22:00.000-07:00

Here it is. This will be the vehicle we will be driving to Costa Rica.
4WD, Engine 3.0L, 180,000 Miles. EPA Fuel Economy: En la Ciudad: 15 Highway: 18 - Ouch! 4-speed automatic w/OD, Power windows, AM/FM radio cassette (no 8-track just an old school car radio), Air Conditioning (AC), Heater, auxiliary lights, Auxiliary fogs lights, Tinted windows, Roof rack, Guard grille, Running boards, Hitch, Full size spared tire.

Costa Rica Journey / Adventure

2008-04-01T13:13:00.000-07:00

For some time we have been thinking of driving throughout Central America; meet the people, the history, traditions and cultures.
Our destination country will be Costa Rica, a small Central American country situated between Nicaragua and Panama, the country is about 51,100 square kilometers (19,730 square miles).
We hope to write a log, upload some pictures and inform about some of the ‘Dos’ and ‘Don'ts’; great places to eat, stops, hotels, border crossings and more.
Although we would like to make on route updates; we will put together a compilation of our journey after our return. – … La Vita e Bella