James

I know these are thousands of miles apart. Costa Rica is a cheaper destination. I like to stay in upscale resorts. I like to golf, lounge at the pool/beach and go to very nice restaurants. I enjoy nice views but do NOT hike or camp or intend to explore jungle areas. I enjoy relative quiet.

Can I get an Hawaiian style vacation in Costa Rica for half the price?? Thanks.

This was also posted on the Latin America board.

xx

No.

Angelo

i HAVE BEEN TO fLORIDA AND epcot CENTER. tHEY HAVE ALOT OF COUNTRIES REPRESENTED THERE. i THINK i WOULD LIKE HAWAII MORE BUT IT IS ALONG PLANE RIDE. I DON'T KNOW HOW MUCH THIS HELPS.

Russ

James,

Comparing Hawaii to Costa Rica is like comparing Palm Springs to Mexico. Costa Rica is lovely, but much rougher around the edges than Hawaii. Despite the good reputation it has (and deservedly so) it is still much more primitive in nature than many other latin resort areas.

bly

James, I have to agree with Russ. Costa Rica is beautiful but rugged. We stayed in top end resorts in Costa Rica that would only be a 2star in Hawaii. You would be missing out on a lot that CR has to offer by not hiking or seeing the jungle areas, not to mention Arenal volcano or the cloud forest areas. So - no you wouldn't get the same experience. b

Maggi

James, we have traveled to both destinations. Costa Rica was fabulous with some awesome accomodations for half the price of Hawaii. An example: Villa Caletas, see their website at http://centralamerica.com/cr/hotel/caletas.htm One of the nicest places we have ever stayed in the world. Costa Rica was exciting, lots of wildlife and vegetation. Don't know about golf courses. We loved Hawaii too, it just was more comfortable and familiar, but lots more expensive too. Just depends on what you are looking for.

UncleSam

Please spend US Dollars at US businesses. And thank you for your support.

no attack iraq

Uncle Sam: I prefer to spend my US dollars in non warmongering countries.

noFight

Live free or die.

Another

To "no attack"-I hear the mountains of Iraq are gorgeous this time of year, so plan your vacation accordingly. I'm sure that peace loving, wacky, gadabout humanitarian, Saddam would appreciate receiving your hard earned dollars so he can build yet another child care center or hospital.

Jeannette

I've been to both places. Costa Rica has some fine resorts and golf but the prices for meals, hotels and activities are usually comparable to U.S. prices --there aren't many bargains for Americans except for airfare and I don't believe it was that much cheaper. Entrance prices to parks and attractions are substantially more for foreigners than for Costa Ricans. Both are lovely, tropical areas but Costa Rica is poorer and more ethnic. When I went to Costa Rica two years ago, some of the golf resorts had really cheap packages in the San Jose area but when I looked at the resorts in person, I didn't think the settings were special enough to stay at the resort all week. Some of the more beautiful and exotic resorts that aren't chain hotels (such as eco-lodges) don't have air conditioning and this made our trip unpleasant when we couldn't sleep or were buggy. So, if physical comfort is important, you might double-check that.
But, overall, you'll have a great vacation in Costa Rica. There's a Costa Rica forum and you should really post your question there for maximum response and help.

Joe

James: While there are many vague similarities between Costa Rica and Hawaii, hilly terrain, lush growth, beautiful beaches, warm water, etc., the two are very different. If you have no interest in hiking or at least casual walking, then Costa Rica would probably be lost on you. Still, if you are looking only for relaxation in a beautiful environment, golf and good restaurants, I suppose Costa Rica could be a poor man's Hawaii. I'm thinking Manuel Antonio where the beaches are superb. Nearby Quepos has several good restaurants. The food will be different even if the primary ingredients are the same; lots of seafood of course, but, generally, a latin American influence rather than Asian. There is some difficulty in getting to the Manuel Antonio/Quepos area (long trip from San Jose Airport). You could fly, but that would add to your expense.