Its been a while since I have posted a trip report so here it goes:

After spending way too much $$ in Germany, Italy, Spain and Holland a few months ago I decided to head back to the safe haven for $USD in Central America.

The Costa Rican Colones has dropped with along side the USD. The exchange rate was 555 Colones to $1USD. My standard market analysis usually centers around how much basic things cost:

Pint of Beer in Amsterdam (RLD) = 4 Euro

Pint of Beer in Costa Rica (Blue Marlin/Key Largo, Hotel Del Rey) = 1100 colones/$2

One hour session in Amsterdam = 200 Euro
One hour session in Costa Rica = $55-$100

3-4 Star Hotel in Amsterdam = 75 Euro-150 Euro
3-4 Star Hotel in Costa Rica/Gringo Gulch = $55-$75 USD

Airfare to Amsterdam = $750 +-
Airfare to Costa Rica = $500 +-


Beyond the economic differences, Costa Rica offers a nice change of pace in the Ecological aspects. True, not all visitors even get out of the Gulch but one should visit the spectacular natural areas in and around San Jose and the Pacific Coast.
Even in Amsterdam, many visitors stay in the Wallen/RLD and don't get out to visit Alkmaar, Haarlem, Egmond, and neighboring countries like Belgium, Germany and France.

My normal visit runs approximately 5-7 nights, starting in San Jose with the local Tica/mongering scene in the Hotel Del Rey, Blue Marlin Bar, and Key Largo. Each of these venues usually have anywhere from 50-150 girls working (varies on the time of day). The "going" rate usually starts at $100 (Cien) for 1-3 hours but can be negotiated to either extend for the same amount or negotiated down (depending on the time of day, if there is chemistry, etc..) Once you make your selection it is recommended that you are clear with your expectations BEFORE getting in a taxi. Most of the major hotels are within walking distance to the Del Rey but it is advised to take a $2 taxi due to the crime issues in and around Barrio Central.

One of the top scams in these places are when two girls offer you the "lesbian special",,,, don't fall for it unless you are in one of established Massage clubs like Zona Blue (Now the Little Havana Hotel and Cigar Bar) or Idem Bar.

Once your back at your hotel, make sure that you check the girls in (for your safety and security). Make sure that you put all of your valuables in your room safe and keep the minimum amounts of cash on your person ($100-$150). Ask the girl to shower, offer them a beer or a smoke (most girls love to smoke), and then have fun. If the session was good, give her a small tip, if not, thank her and let them go ASAP. DO NOT give them taxi $$$, the local drivers will usually drop them back off at the Del Rey for about 500 Colones,,,they like to ask for 2000 colones to drive them home,,,,BS! One last thing,,,DO NOT PAY UP FRONT!

A great option is to stay at the Sportsman's Lodge where there are regular groups of girls that hang out. These girls now the rules and don't like the intense competition at the Blue Marlin Bar/Key Largo, Del Rey. They don't ask for up front money, live and work by the rules set by the owner,,,and are a lot of fun. You can wake up for breakfast with 3-5 pretty nice looking girls hanging out as early as 8:00 A.M (not leftovers from the night before)

I have had some of the best paid sex in my life in CR,,,usually about 90% of the session are great but that 10%...Yikes! YMMV

IMO, the best "deals" are the local Massage Parlors like New Fantasy and Little Havana (formerly Zona Blue). One hour/$45 "massage" at New Fantasy includes a shower, 20-30 minute massage (not bad), bbbj, full service, steam sauna, and a final shower. Pretty damn good service for $45-$55. Little Havana has a few girls that do a lesbian show that would make most Fkk girls lesbian shows look tame. Pamela and Lauren love de "leche"....Enough said,,,go try it.

If you enjoy Las Vegas type gambling,,,no problem. The Horseshoe and Del Rey Casinos will fill that slot. There are plenty of good local restaurants, nightclubs, and eco-trips to keep you busy during the day.

Crime is a major issue in San Jose,,,so be careful and "mind your step"

Thanks 420 for the informative post..

I will certainly use this info if I go in March 2009..

Can you please comment on the distance from the airport, this " Gulch " area ??

Also, how easy to score some local product safely?? Maybe through chicas/ people that work at these monger hotels ?

Perhaps you should take our Wimster for a little R & R ???

Best Regards

Smuler...off to Buenos Aires in 3 weeks !!!

Hola Smuler,

SJO Airport is a short distance but can be a long ride depending on the time you arrive. Rush hour traffic can take you upwards of 45 minutes,,,non-rush hour takes about 15 minutes via taxi (approx. $25 one way) Taxi fares last year were $12-$15! I book a shuttle (Interbus) for $6 each way and have never had more than three people on board and a 20 minute ride.

Getting smoke in San Jose is quite easy, either from the taxi drivers (not my first choice) or from some of the local girls or touts. You usually can check it out prior to buying it. I usually bring my own (Hash), never get checked leaving the USA but NEVER bring it back from Central America. The locals call there weed "Creepy",,,the dirt grown weed in the area isn't bad,,nothing like the hydro/genetic weed we are getting accustomed to. Girls love the smell and taste of King Hassan :-)

Have fun in BA! Nothing like Latina's, good steak, and nice weather :-)

I am going to Paris and Nice next week,,,not a mongering trip but ohhhhh so close to Amsterdam,,,not with my teenage daughter!

Cheers!

Thanks for the info 420..

Gotta see how the airfares shake out over the next couple weeks...

I will try to do some homework regarding some mtn biking down there, and some nature related shit...

Is smoking still allowed in the rooms down there ..I assume ??

Can't see myself sparking up behind a dumpster in the hotel parking lot....


Best Regards


Smuler

"420 , WHEN WILL WE GO THERE ?"

as always , perfect details from the West Indies , an Amsterdam pint in the RLD is 5 ....

must say last Saturdaynight in Red Light Bar they carefully filled up the beers to the edge , was a full half pint at 2.

Did you see " Your " Charlie there Wim ???


Smuler

Senor 420,

Always a pleasure to read a fresh report from gringo gulch and to hear that you show no signs of slowing down. I sure as fuck could use a weekend in the Gulch or in de Wallen as life has repeatedly kicked me in the ass a few times this past month.

Hurricane Ike hit hard and I had a small amount of flood water in my home although I did alot better than many of my neighbors who had trees fall thru their homes. I also had a minor car accident that same week.

I am going to three funerals this week, 3 amigos that passed at ages 38, 41 and 44- two from cancer and one from a car accident. Life can be short, PLAY HARD everyday my brothers.

420 great news to hear that you and your daughter are off on vacation together, as I recall not too long ago she sailed thru a rough patch of water. Glad to hear she is doing well.

Smuler have a great trip to BA and please post a detailed report when you return, thanks.

Hi Wim, I miss being able to sniff around the zonas with you, say Hi to Sir Withnail and Paniked for me. Where is Fred these days ?

Cheers Amigos- Sanuk

Hurricane Ike hit hard : that is astonishing , and about your amigos very sad to hear Trip , I know what you mean ....



I'll do that for you , we'll see Fred here in early December.

Thanks for the great report.
Do you have any info about the beach towns?

Check out

http://www.costaricaticas.com

Great source for information in and around Costa Rica. Jaco Beach, Manuel Antonio, and most of the Pacific Coastal areas are the major destinations.

Hi 420...

Your briefing on CR was truly inspirational...So much so, that I just finished booking a trip down there!!!

I'll be there from 12/25 till 12/30...What else has a jew got to do for Christmas? Tired of the Chinese food and a movie...Think I'd rather have an Imperial and a chica.

The Costaricatica web site is great!!! Kind of like Ignatzmice...But with pictures. Seems as though the girls down there are cool with having their pictures taken. Too bad we can't post pics of Amsterdam girls in the Device...That would be interesting.

Direct flight from LA to San Jose (nonstop) was $770. I'm staying at the Hotel Lttle Havana (Formerly Zona Blue)...Highly recommended on the ticas website.

I'll provide trip details when I return (pics too)...

Your research slut,
-ale

Off topic, but does anyone know what happened to Franz Hals? I used to enjoy his reports.

Hey Alelover,

Glad to see that you are taking the plunge to Costa Rica. December weather is excellent so regardless of what is lurking around the Del Rey,,,, you will have fun.

Let me know if you have any questions,

Pura Vida