Costa Rica was interesting, and fun to visit. It is not an “affordable” or inexpensive vacation destination like Mexico, or even Spain, Portugal or even Germany and France. The high prices (like $5 plus for a watered-down, tasteless margarita?) for nothing special were a surprise to us. It was affordable to stay right on the beach in the winter, however.
My camera started working again after sitting and drying out one day at home.
We have heard that Costa Rica is an inexpensive and good place to retire.
We tested, and found out that the prescription drug prices are no deal here, unlike Europe. The cost of living does not seem very "affordable" and the housing situation can be sketchy.
Good to know.
So for us, it is out as a possible retirement option.
Cool Stuff about Costa:
The animals and colorful birds.
The heat as a break from winter, and going beach during Christmas.
Affordable beach hotels even in winter.
Fresh ceviche and fish.
Relativly easy to get to.
Not-So-Cool Stuff about Rica:
The extortion racket on the car rental insurance.
Crappy roads.
The lack of food choices (got tired of that fresh ceviche and fish).
Hard to find good wine and margaritas. Beer can only take you so far.
Expensive to get to (costs more than flying to Europe!).
Mosquitoes.
Humidity that shuts down cameras and sticks unused envelopes shut.