rednecked said:

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Costa Rica is a 3 1/2 hour flight

My two brothers have been in Costa Rica for nine years with a property management and tourism company. They manage over 40 vacation rental properties from Jaco to Bejuco/Esterillos on the Central Pacific coast. Some of the best fishing in the world and they have the contacts. Reach out as they are always willing to help educate anyone looking to visit or possibly invest. They will shoot you straight

Www.vacationpuravida.com

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Thinking about 5 or so nights in February. Looks like the Gulf side favors those who prefer nature to amenities. Would definitely want a beach and national park experiences, and safe travel for family with teens.

94chem said:

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rednecked said:

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Costa Rica is a 3 1/2 hour flight

My two brothers have been in Costa Rica for nine years with a property management and tourism company. They manage over 40 vacation rental properties from Jaco to Bejuco/Esterillos on the Central Pacific coast. Some of the best fishing in the world and they have the contacts. Reach out as they are always willing to help educate anyone looking to visit or possibly invest. They will shoot you straight

Www.vacationpuravida.com

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Thinking about 5 or so nights in February. Looks like the Gulf side favors those who prefer nature to amenities. Would definitely want a beach and national park experiences, and safe travel for family with teens.

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our location is perfect for you. All the big fancy resorts are up north in Guanecasta. the central Pacific coast is quieter with lots of nature options. Give us a call! Ask for Pablo or Scott and tell them Wesley sent you. They will set you up for a great trip. We do focus on the Pacific side but we can tailor a trip to whatever you want. Manuel Antonio National Park is beautiful. Also close to Poas Volcano National Park and Arenal Volcano

Matsui said:

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Was recently at Costa Mujeres. Just stayed on resort. Used a reputable transfer company.

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We are scheduled with "USA Transfers"

Have spent all week walking around downtown Cabo day and night and never a worry.

rednecked said:

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94chem said:

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rednecked said:

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Costa Rica is a 3 1/2 hour flight

My two brothers have been in Costa Rica for nine years with a property management and tourism company. They manage over 40 vacation rental properties from Jaco to Bejuco/Esterillos on the Central Pacific coast. Some of the best fishing in the world and they have the contacts. Reach out as they are always willing to help educate anyone looking to visit or possibly invest. They will shoot you straight

Www.vacationpuravida.com

---

Thinking about 5 or so nights in February. Looks like the Gulf side favors those who prefer nature to amenities. Would definitely want a beach and national park experiences, and safe travel for family with teens.

---

our location is perfect for you. All the big fancy resorts are up north in Guanecasta. the central Pacific coast is quieter with lots of nature options. Give us a call! Ask for Pablo or Scott and tell them Wesley sent you. They will set you up for a great trip. We do focus on the Pacific side but we can tailor a trip to whatever you want. Manuel Antonio National Park is beautiful. Also close to Poas Volcano National Park and Arenal Volcano

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Here is a package that was booked recently:
Day #1 - Jun 22

-Arrival at Juan Santamaria Airport in San Jose, Costa Rica.

-Private transfer service from the airport to the Fortuna area, to Hotel Los Lagos, hotel with its own magnificent hot springs, in 2 superior rooms.



Day #2 - Jun23

-Canopy and hanging bridge tour after breakfast.

- Rest of the day free.



Day #3 - Jun 24

-Horseback riding tour and visit to La Fortuna waterfall.

- Rest of the day free.



Day #4 - Jun 25

-Private transfer from Fortuna to Manuel Antonio, to Hotel la Mariposa, Hotel with the best view in the entire area, in 2 superior sunset ocean view.



Day #5 - Jun 26

-Fishing for 3/4 of a day, with transportation and fishing licenses included, fishing equipment, sodas, water, beers and snacks.



Day #6 -Jun 27

-Visit to Manuel Antonio Park, includes: Transportation, tickets, guide.



Day #7 - Jun 28

-Return by private ground transportation to Juan Santamaria International Airport.



The package includes the following:

-All land transport

-Accommodation in 2 rooms for 5 people

-Breakfasts

-Canopy and hanging bridges tour with transportation

-Horseback riding tour with waterfall visit with transportation

-Fishing tour, with licenses and transportation.

-Manuel Antonio Park tour, with guide, tickets, and transportation

-Taxes



Package does not include:

-International Air Tickets

-Tips.

One watch-out here that part of our group ran into in March - we were all at a resort in Costa Mujeres and part of the group wanted to day trip to Isla Mujeres. So one dad takes lead and works with the front desk of our resort to arrange 2 vans. About 10 people each (not us, we stayed at the resort watching March Madness). The driver of one van doesn't drop them at the actual ferry terminal. Instead he dumps them up the road at this sketchy spot that he insists is the terminal but it's really a small dock where he has "associates" trying to sell trips via their private boats. Got very contentious and aggressive. They end up walking a decent ways down the streets of Cancun to get to the right terminal to join up with the rest of the group.

So beyond the airport transport, if you do any offsite excursions, make sure you are squared away there too. Don't leave it to the resort, even a nice one which this was.

tamc93 said:

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Arrived yesterday with no issues. Occupancy is down, so receiving great service.

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What resort? Where?

We are booked for Dreams Playa Mujeres

What transfer did you use? We booked USA Transfers.

FWIW after saying I'm done with Cancun on the first page we just booked a trip there the weekend after Thanksgiving... want to get out of town and prices are dirt cheap so I'll take my chances.

Quito said:

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Matsui said:

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Was recently at Costa Mujeres. Just stayed on resort. Used a reputable transfer company.

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We are scheduled with "USA Transfers"

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This is who I personally use and all my clients.

Been in Cancun since Thursday. That (unverified) report could not have been further from the truth. Had a great time and intend to return.

Quito said:

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tamc93 said:

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Arrived yesterday with no issues. Occupancy is down, so receiving great service.

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What resort? Where?

We are booked for Dreams Playa Mujeres

What transfer did you use? We booked USA Transfers.

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Only because I saw your tailgate gift post. Love Playa Mujeres and haven't done dreams (we do Excellence), and USA Transfers is the only one we use.

Thanks!

This thread is helping us feel better about taking family of five down there.

Btw - tailgate is for buddy @Mizzou. We live in KC

Staying at Le Blanc and used their transfer

Deerdude said:

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From Cancun airport shuttle straight to ferry and go to Isla Mujeres. We've been many times but last went for a week in July. It's an island and isolated.

We are taking kid and grands to San Miguel de Allende for Dia de Muertos. I'm comfortable all around that area, Leon, Quetero, Guadalajara to a lesser extent.

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We are doing this tomorrow. Any advice on what to do and what not to do?
Staying at the Xchel resort.

We bounce between NautiBeach and Ixchtil, both great spots. There's some great diving off the island, turtles and dolphins down toward south end of island. Fishing is good year round. I use Keen M close to ferry, behind the gas station. The Ballyhoo restaurant at the dock will serve up whatever you catch. We caught 35 sails in a full and a half day plus Mahi to keep and eat.
Lotsa street food right out on first cross street from your hotel and many good restaurants on main drag as well. I did resent many of the waiters at restaurants this last trip. I standard tip 15-20% depending on service. This last trip two different times and places the waiters sat down and demanded more. So I did not go back. They friggin crazy the service is good but not over the top.
Chill and enjoy.

Deerdude said:

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We bounce between NautiBeach and Ixchtil, both great spots. There's some great diving off the island, turtles and dolphins down toward south end of island. Fishing is good year round. I use Keen M close to ferry, behind the gas station. The Ballyhoo restaurant at the dock will serve up whatever you catch. We caught 35 sails in a full and a half day plus Mahi to keep and eat.
Lotsa street food right out on first cross street from your hotel and many good restaurants on main drag as well. I did resent many of the waiters at restaurants this last trip. I standard tip 15-20% depending on service. This last trip two different times and places the waiters sat down and demanded more. So I did not go back. They friggin crazy the service is good but not over the top.
Chill and enjoy.

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Dang that is CRAZY!

Anyone wouldn't happen to know of a bar that could potentially have the A&M game on here on Isla Mujeres? I've seen a few "sports bars" but most of them are showing games that happened last week.

You might try Jax Bar. It's owned by a Texan as in state. Only affiliation I've seen is to a DFW area high school, don't remember which.
Edit to add that Ballyhoo used to have TVs but not sure now. Also owned by an American.

I've watched numerous A&M games just on the hotel TV in Playa. They have ESPN in every resort/hotel. Not all of the networks, but enough to get by.

Playa is on mainland, isla is island. May not make any difference. Isla is getting worse but not nearly as commercialized as Riviera Maya mainland. Big Yet.

TexCOAg said:

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Looking at going to Marival Armony in Punta Mita (near Puerto Vallarta). Is that area considered safe?

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I may be late to the party in terms of your vacation plans, but we just got back from Marival Armony last week. We were there 8 days. It's legit 5-star and so great.

We took pictures of ourselves in the infinity pool and sent them to all of those who told us it's unsafe. LOL You'll be hard-pressed to get out of the infinity pool to go do anything.

Me thinks someone has never been there, except maybe boystown during a college roadtrip.

AggieKO said:

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Anyone wouldn't happen to know of a bar that could potentially have the A&M game on here on Isla Mujeres? I've seen a few "sports bars" but most of them are showing games that happened last week.

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Snappers will likely have it.

rednecked said:

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rednecked said:

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94chem said:

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rednecked said:

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Costa Rica is a 3 1/2 hour flight

My two brothers have been in Costa Rica for nine years with a property management and tourism company. They manage over 40 vacation rental properties from Jaco to Bejuco/Esterillos on the Central Pacific coast. Some of the best fishing in the world and they have the contacts. Reach out as they are always willing to help educate anyone looking to visit or possibly invest. They will shoot you straight

Www.vacationpuravida.com

---

Thinking about 5 or so nights in February. Looks like the Gulf side favors those who prefer nature to amenities. Would definitely want a beach and national park experiences, and safe travel for family with teens.

---

our location is perfect for you. All the big fancy resorts are up north in Guanecasta. the central Pacific coast is quieter with lots of nature options. Give us a call! Ask for Pablo or Scott and tell them Wesley sent you. They will set you up for a great trip. We do focus on the Pacific side but we can tailor a trip to whatever you want. Manuel Antonio National Park is beautiful. Also close to Poas Volcano National Park and Arenal Volcano

---

Here is a package that was booked recently:
Day #1 - Jun 22

-Arrival at Juan Santamaria Airport in San Jose, Costa Rica.

-Private transfer service from the airport to the Fortuna area, to Hotel Los Lagos, hotel with its own magnificent hot springs, in 2 superior rooms.



Day #2 - Jun23

-Canopy and hanging bridge tour after breakfast.

- Rest of the day free.



Day #3 - Jun 24

-Horseback riding tour and visit to La Fortuna waterfall.

- Rest of the day free.



Day #4 - Jun 25

-Private transfer from Fortuna to Manuel Antonio, to Hotel la Mariposa, Hotel with the best view in the entire area, in 2 superior sunset ocean view.



Day #5 - Jun 26

-Fishing for 3/4 of a day, with transportation and fishing licenses included, fishing equipment, sodas, water, beers and snacks.



Day #6 -Jun 27

-Visit to Manuel Antonio Park, includes: Transportation, tickets, guide.



Day #7 - Jun 28

-Return by private ground transportation to Juan Santamaria International Airport.



The package includes the following:

-All land transport

-Accommodation in 2 rooms for 5 people

-Breakfasts

-Canopy and hanging bridges tour with transportation

-Horseback riding tour with waterfall visit with transportation

-Fishing tour, with licenses and transportation.

-Manuel Antonio Park tour, with guide, tickets, and transportation

-Taxes



Package does not include:

-International Air Tickets

-Tips.

---

I sent them an email, and I got a reply from Jazmin, asking if I have Whatsapp. So, I installed yet another crap messaging app, and sent another note to the phone # she gave me. Any advice?

94chem said:

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rednecked said:

---

rednecked said:

---

94chem said:

---

rednecked said:

---

Costa Rica is a 3 1/2 hour flight

My two brothers have been in Costa Rica for nine years with a property management and tourism company. They manage over 40 vacation rental properties from Jaco to Bejuco/Esterillos on the Central Pacific coast. Some of the best fishing in the world and they have the contacts. Reach out as they are always willing to help educate anyone looking to visit or possibly invest. They will shoot you straight

Www.vacationpuravida.com

---

Thinking about 5 or so nights in February. Looks like the Gulf side favors those who prefer nature to amenities. Would definitely want a beach and national park experiences, and safe travel for family with teens.

---

our location is perfect for you. All the big fancy resorts are up north in Guanecasta. the central Pacific coast is quieter with lots of nature options. Give us a call! Ask for Pablo or Scott and tell them Wesley sent you. They will set you up for a great trip. We do focus on the Pacific side but we can tailor a trip to whatever you want. Manuel Antonio National Park is beautiful. Also close to Poas Volcano National Park and Arenal Volcano

---

Here is a package that was booked recently:
Day #1 - Jun 22

-Arrival at Juan Santamaria Airport in San Jose, Costa Rica.

-Private transfer service from the airport to the Fortuna area, to Hotel Los Lagos, hotel with its own magnificent hot springs, in 2 superior rooms.



Day #2 - Jun23

-Canopy and hanging bridge tour after breakfast.

- Rest of the day free.



Day #3 - Jun 24

-Horseback riding tour and visit to La Fortuna waterfall.

- Rest of the day free.



Day #4 - Jun 25

-Private transfer from Fortuna to Manuel Antonio, to Hotel la Mariposa, Hotel with the best view in the entire area, in 2 superior sunset ocean view.



Day #5 - Jun 26

-Fishing for 3/4 of a day, with transportation and fishing licenses included, fishing equipment, sodas, water, beers and snacks.



Day #6 -Jun 27

-Visit to Manuel Antonio Park, includes: Transportation, tickets, guide.



Day #7 - Jun 28

-Return by private ground transportation to Juan Santamaria International Airport.



The package includes the following:

-All land transport

-Accommodation in 2 rooms for 5 people

-Breakfasts

-Canopy and hanging bridges tour with transportation

-Horseback riding tour with waterfall visit with transportation

-Fishing tour, with licenses and transportation.

-Manuel Antonio Park tour, with guide, tickets, and transportation

-Taxes



Package does not include:

-International Air Tickets

-Tips.

---

I sent them an email, and I got a reply from Jazmin, asking if I have Whatsapp. So, I installed yet another crap messaging app, and sent another note to the phone # she gave me. Any advice?

Whatsapp is the primary method of communication. it works much better than dealing with international phone numbers. if you want to send me your contact information I will get with Jazmin and make sure she takes care of you.

edit to remove email addr.

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I'll call. Thanks, though. Just wanted to make sure everything made sense to you.

94chem said:

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I'll call. Thanks, though. Just wanted to make sure everything made sense to you.

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yup. you should be good to go then. if there are any issues let me know and I will help. Jaz is great though and she should take care of you. I'm going to remove my email up above but you can reach me here.

not unusual at all for these folks in Latin America to communicate through WhatsApp.

By the way if you go to Costa Rica and go to Manuel Antonio National Park, you should try to arrange a stop for a meal or at least drinks at El Avion. Here is the history:


From military relic to restaurant

• The scandal: The C-123 was one of the planes used by the CIA in a covert operation to send arms to Iran in exchange for hostages, with profits then diverted to fund the Nicaraguan Contras. The sister plane to El Avin was shot down in Nicaragua in 1986.
• Abandoned and forgotten: Following the scandal's exposure, the surviving plane was left abandoned at the San Jos airport.
• A new beginning: In 2000, the owners of what is now El Avin bought the aircraft for a mere $3,000.
• Reconstructed: They dismantled the plane, transported the pieces to a cliffside location overlooking the Pacific near Quepos, and rebuilt it, with the fuselage serving as the bar and a larger open-air restaurant built around it

also:

Quote:

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WhatsApp is generally safer than standard iPhone text messages (SMS) because it uses end-to-end encryption, while SMS messages are not encrypted. This means only the sender and recipient can read WhatsApp messages, but SMS messages can be intercepted and read by third parties

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It's a lovely day in Tulum! Flew into Tulum a few days ago and the airport was seamless

Bartender at the Soggy Peso just recommended that place. Have to check it out.

Tulum

Lots of parties this weekend!