ASK THE COSTA RICA TOUR EXPERT  Costa Rica Tour Expert: Rob Hodel Local Knowledge about Costa Rica is something you cannot order over the web. Along with the best prices on Costa Rica Tours, Costa Rica Hotels, Costa Rica Airfare Costa Rica fishing and Costa Rica car rental's, Tico Travel offers the best in local travel tips and Travel knowledge. There is, in fact, a Tico Travel employee in Costa Rica traveling to all corners of the country 365 days a year so that we can bring you the latest news on  Costa Rica and your tour options!  This person sends us emails on almost a daily basis updating us on Costa Rica road conditions, new Costa Rica restaurants, Costa Rica outfitters and any changes on any of the Costa Rica tour packages  that we are currently working with. Tico Travel is proud to be the only company offering this unique Costa Rica service and it shows once again why we are the recognized leaders when it comes to all aspects of Costa Rica tours and travel.     Hello Everyone! Buenos Dias! My name is Rob Hodel and I am your Trip Coach for Costa Rica. Thanks for the great response and great questions. First a little background about myself. I have been living in Costa Rica for the past 15 years after moving there to start Tico Travel with my brother Steve. I speak fluent Spanish and along with Tico Travel we also have our own Costa Rica hotel and even a sports bar in San Jose. Being involved in these businesses gives me access and insight into many different sources of Costa Rica travel information. My main job in Costa Rica has been to travel around and keep on top of all the people and places we work with while Steve runs the office in Fort Lauderdale and is the tough negotiator that gets us the great airfare prices to Costa Rica we are famous for. Thanks again for the questions on Costa Rica! Send your Costa Rica Tour Question to Rob COSTA RICA TOUR QUESTION: Hola Rob! We are traveling to Costa Rica beginning July 4th, 2008. Have really been debating the malaria risk. Flying into San Jose, immediately traveling to Tabacon' for four nights, then traveling directly to Club Del Mar in Playa Hermosa, departing back to San Jose on the 12th to fly home. I have read your last response to a traveler dated in '06. Has your opinion of the malaria risk changed at all since that time for the areas we are going to? I am very wary of the side effects of these medications and have spoken to numerous friends/clients who have stated they did not vaccinations or malaria protocols at all. We have updated our vaccines for HepA, Tetanus, Typhoid, but just not sure about taking chloroquine. Thanks for your thoughts. RM, Jacksonville, Florida. Hello Richard, I agree with you that the side effects of the malaria medication is worrisome. Thankfully malaria is not a risk you should be concerned with at all while traveling in Costa Rica. If anything the concern is for another mosquito transmitted illness called dengue fever. There is no inoculation for dengue and the best preventive measure is insect repellent, especially at dawn and dusk. Even so, your odds of contracting even dengue are very remote at best. With a little precaution it should be nothing to worry about all. Have a great trip and thank you for your question and your business! Sincerely, Rob Hodel. COSTA RICA TOUR QUESTION: We are planning to visit the Osa Peninsula, specifically Lapa Rios in Mid-October this year. I was wondering what the weather would be like for hikes, snorkeling, and other explorations. I would expect it would be on the muddy side, but was trying to plan on what clothing to bring along. Any other information on prime wildlife watching during this time of year would also be appreciated... Thank You. You should be prepared for mud and the seasonal rains. Therefore you should pack lite quick drying clothes with enough changes so that if you went out in the morning and afternoon you could go a few days before rotating your laundry. The Osa is always good for wildlife and the rains can help mask your approach. You are sure to see plenty of birds in the early morning and evening. Make sure you get to Corcovado National Park.   COSTA RICA TOUR QUESTION: Hi Rob- Looking for a low-key inexpensive beach place -- I like to swim and if possible snorkel. Pacific or Cahuita? 1-2 adults will be there for 2-3wks in Feb. If you want a low key place I would go to Drake's Bay, it is a little hard to get to but that is why its low key, try Corcovado Expeditions, ask for Carlos. On the Caribbean side the best snorkeling is in Cahuita but its not very low key. The best option is going just over the border to Panama to Bocas del Toro. Its cheap and has some of the best snorkeling anywhere. Its just beginning to get discovered so hurry! COSTA RICA TOUR QUESTION: How long does it takes to drive to Arenal from the San Jose area? Are reservations a must these days? We are 2 middle-aged adults traveling in Feb. (I lived there in 60's and 70's). The drive time to Arenal is about 3 ½ hours. Depending on the time of year you may be able to "wing it" but I would suggest that you reserve in advance for February. Most hotels charge the same price if you book in advance and after a drive like that you do not want to have to shop for a room. Try Arenal Paraiso or Montana del Fuego for two mid range options. If they are full let me know and I will suggest some others. You are going to see quite a difference from when you where there last in some ways but the feeling is still the same, friendly and welcoming. COSTA RICA TOUR QUESTION: Will be in Costa Rica 12/1 -12/15. Going to Arenal, Manuel Antonio, Tortuguero, and Monte Verde, and staying at local hotels. Our family-- 56 yr. old woman, 43 yr. old man, 10 yr. old boy. My Dr. has asked which kinds of malaria strains are present, so she knows which pills to give us. Also, I'm reluctant to use mosquito spray with DEET. Will the botanical ones work, or not? Are there weight limits on the trams/aerial bridges, etc? One of the people in our group weighs 300 lbs. And what about the small boats to Tortuguero, will that be a problem? We are taking our 10 year old son. Any special words of caution or must-sees? And, are there any 1 or 2 rated rafting trips? I would not suggest any malaria medication for two reasons. First there is almost no malaria in Costa Rica, if any at all although its considered in the "malaria zone." The other is the very sever risk of side effects that this medication can cause. I have seen it and its just not worth it. DEET supposedly has a rival in a new product by Cutters Advanced My partner at CentralAmerica.com swears by it Most canopy tours are rated to 250 lb capacity. You can still get the tree top experience by trying the walking bridges. The boats will not present a problem for you. There are a couple of level 1 and two rivers, the Corobici being the most gentle. Try http://centralamerica.com/cr/raft/aventuras.htm COSTA RICA TOUR QUESTION: My brother and I will be traveling to Playa Herradura, Costa Rica Feb. 7-13. We enjoy the outdoors, and snorkeling and want to soak up all of the culture we can. We want to see and do as much sightseeing as possible to all the local attractions such as the rainforest. Can you recommend a reputable tour company to contact? Also, is there a specific taxi company you would recommend? Thanks so much!!! Gail When you say Herradura I assume you mean Los Suenos. If so contact Tico Travel for information about StayinCostaRica  and tell them I sent you. They can handle it all for you in a professional way. COSTA RICA TOUR QUESTION: What would you suggest to be a good area to base ourselves with only 4 or 5 nights to stay? Are Visa debit cards widely accepted, or is a credit card or trav. checks preferred? Should a person be vaccinated for malaria or anything similar to that? If you have just four or five days I would suggest the Quepos/Manuel Antonio area for a base. Visa cards are accepted widely and so I would only take an emergency supply of Travelers Checks. Travelers Checks are sometimes tough to change and the exchange rate stinks. However, they are a lifesaver if you need them and since they are in dollars they never expire so you can keep them for your next trip. I have some over 21 years old! Forget the malaria concerns. You have a better chance of being eaten by a Polar Bear COSTA RICA TOUR QUESTION: In Monteverde, please recommend the safest and best canopy tour for family of five: two adults, three children ages 8, 11 and 13. Will be there March 7-17. Thanks, Heather I suggest Selvatura in Monteverde More Costa Rica Tour Quesitons>> TICO TRAVEL™ 161 East Commercial Blvd, Ft Lauderdale, Florida 33334 Office Hours: * Monday thru Friday 9am to 6pm * Saturday 10am to 2pm E.S.T. 1-800-493-8426 Costa Rica Real Estate | Costa Rica Car Rental | Costa Rica Surfing | Costa Rica Hotel | Costa Rica Travel | Costa Rica Fishing Home | About US | Tico Travel Services | Contact US | FAQ Copyright © 2008 Tico Travel™ - All Rights Reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission of Tico Travel™ is prohibited. Prices and information are subject to change without notice.