MARCH 4, 2015
I'm there NOW so this weekend I'll have SOOOO MUCH to revise and add!!!!!!!!!!
I'm JUST starting this page with info on how to do your Border Crossing • Visa
Run from
Los Chiles, Costa Rica and then up the Rio
Frio to San Carlos, Nicaragua.
& I actually may be doing it next week so make sure to bookmark it & keep checking back as I'm planning on giving Step-by-Step on how to do the crossing plus places to stay & things to do on BOTH sides!!!!!!!!This site is being developed since I'm going soon, and will have information for both Los Chiles, Costa Rica and San Carlos, Nicaragua
• Before You Go
• Advantages of this Border Crossing
• Getting There
(via bus [in time driving instructions also])
• Places to STAY•Accommodations
• a Step-by-Step Border Crossing Procedure
• Places to EAT•Restaurants•Bakeries
• Things To Do•See
• Misc. Info like atm machines•banks • great deals•specials
(via bus [in time driving instructions also])
• Places to STAY•Accommodations
• a Step-by-Step Border Crossing Procedure
• Places to EAT•Restaurants•Bakeries
• Things To Do•See
• Misc. Info like atm machines•banks • great deals•specials
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ADVANTAGES OF • WHY DO THE
LOS CHILES, Costa Rica • SAN CARLOS, Nicaragua
BORDER CROSSING:
#1 - this crossing is NOT for everyone!!! It's MUCH more rustic - but if you are real anal retentive about time and things going a certain way•your way (first off, what the heck are you doing living in Costa Rica!!!) - don't EVEN think of doing this Border Crossing to get your Visa Stamped because it's DEFINITELY one of THE BIGGEST examples of "Going with the Flow" (you'll see more on that below. Just TRUST ME on this!!!).
At least this DETAILED description will give you a GOOD idea on what all to expect and the ins and outs on what MIGHT happen so you know how to handle it!!
(more coming here after I've experienced it this week)
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BEFORE YOU GO:
MONEY NEEDED FOR VISA CROSSING - IMPORTANT!!!:
• Nicaragua accepts U.S. $s and their own "Cordobas" - NO Costa Rican "Colones."
• Costa Rica accepts U.S. $s and their own "Colones" - NO Nicaragua "Cordobas."
• U.S. $s - it's best to have small bills - $1's, $5's, $10's - no bigger than $20's
(note that MANY banks in Costa Rica are no longer breaking $20's or larger bills in U.S. $s. I had to go to 4 banks before I got Scotia Bank to do it and the teller was a bit hesitant saying this a policy to no longer break them - but some tellers will do it [to be safe, if possible, maybe withdraw the money from Scotia's atm machine - which I think is charging $3 these days]).
(I'll be checking out atm and bank info this week and share details)
• Nicaragua accepts U.S. $s and their own "Cordobas" - NO Costa Rican "Colones."
• Costa Rica accepts U.S. $s and their own "Colones" - NO Nicaragua "Cordobas."
• U.S. $s - it's best to have small bills - $1's, $5's, $10's - no bigger than $20's
(note that MANY banks in Costa Rica are no longer breaking $20's or larger bills in U.S. $s. I had to go to 4 banks before I got Scotia Bank to do it and the teller was a bit hesitant saying this a policy to no longer break them - but some tellers will do it [to be safe, if possible, maybe withdraw the money from Scotia's atm machine - which I think is charging $3 these days]).
(I'll be checking out atm and bank info this week and share details)
There are some IMPORTANT THINGS you MUST DO
BEFORE you GET to Los Chiles • BEFORE Exiting Costa Rica:
$7 LAND EXIT TAX
NOTE NOTE NOTE!!! As of March 4, 2015 (when I was there & ASKED an immigration officer) - this $7 Land Exit Tax is
NOT NOT NOT required
at the Los Chiles, Costa Rica crossing
BUT . . .
When they open the NEW BRIDGE exit from Costa Rica to San Carlos, Nicaragua
in about 2 months, THEN it WILL be required!!!!!!
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ON HOLD AT THIS EXIT
#1 - Costa Rica requires those leaving by Land to pay a
$5 + $2 = $7
Land Exit•Departure Tax - which is paid BEFORE you get to the border.
WHAT IS THIS $5 + $2 = $7 LAND EXIT TAX?
**“$7+ LAND EXIT TAX now REQUIRED for people EXITING Costa Rica by LAND (going into Nicaragua or Panama) PLUS you MUST PRE-PAY BEFORE you hit the Migracion•Immigration Office at the border!!!!!
Details on that at:
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GETTING THERE:
(all this section I'm getting CURRENT clarity on this week)
BUS:
LOCATION:
San Jose (Barrio Mexico) - Avenida 7-9 & Calle 12
MAP:
LonelyPlanet.com/costa-rica/san-jose/transport/other/buses-los-chiles-nicaragua-border-crossing
(2-460-5032 • 2-255-4318 • 2-255-0567 • 2-255-4300)
Los Chiles DIRECT Bus leaves from the
San Carlos bus station on AutoTransportes San Carlos:
San Jose to Los Chiles: Daily - 5:30am & 3pm
Los Chiles to San Jose: Daily - 5am & 3pm
TIME IT TAKES:
5 hours
PRICE:
3,000
(I, Ms Night Owl - actually took the 5:30am bus in March & was GLAD I did - otherwise I would have gotten toooo late to see•enjoy Los Chiles)
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OR
For LOTS more options, take the bus from San Jose (same station) to Ciudad Quesada (aka San Carlos). Then catch a "Los Chiles" bus right there.
The Los Chiles bus drops you off about 1 mile from the dock.
San Jose to Ciudad Quesada:
DIRECTO: leaves every 40 minutes between 5am-5:30pm (I'm iffy about that - will verify)
REGULAR: every hour between 5am-7:30pm
Ciudad Quesada to•from Los Chiles:
DIRECTO: leaves every 40 minutes between 4am (I was also told 4:30am)-10pm (I was also told 6:15pm) - verifying
REGULAR: every hour between 5am-7:10pm
4am-10pm - every hour
PRICE:
2,000-colones
TIME IT TAKES:
Directo bus takes about 2 1/2 hours. Regular bus takes about 3 hours.
@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@
????
Chilsaca.com
Ciudad Quesada to•from Los Chiles:
DIRECTO: leaves every 40 minutes between 4am (I was also told 4:30am)-10pm (I was also told 6:15pm) - verifying
REGULAR: every hour between 5am-7:10pm
4am-10pm - every hour
PRICE:
2,000-colones
TIME IT TAKES:
Directo bus takes about 2 1/2 hours.
LOCATION IN CIUDAD QUESADA???:
100 meters West of the Terminal - Arco Iris (Rainbow) 2-460-1886
A.M. - 4:15 • 5:30 • 6:30 • 7:30 • 9 • 10 • 11am
P.M. - 12 • 1:40 • 3 (Servicio Directo) • 4 • 5pm
(need clarity on all this part)
DRIVING:
(in time I'll hopefully find driving directions to share here)
ORGANIZED VISA RUN TOURS:
FROM - La Fortuna•Arenal area:
Agua Trails
(AguaTrails.com/nishuttles.php • 2-479-8667 • 8-838-4597-cell • info@AguaTrails.com)
They do organized shuttles (with a 2 person minimum) on Monday, Wednesday and Friday picking up at hotels in the La Fortuna (Arenal) area around 7:30am taking you by private boat to San Carlos, Nicaragua and you're back in about 3 hours.
PRICE:
$69 per person for 2-3 people • 4+ people - $55/pp
(plus 600-colones Municipalidad Tax in Los Chiles, $12 + $2 Nicaragua Entrance•Exit Tax)
Unfortunately, the way they have the 2 boats a day going (unless you hire a private one), chances are good you WILL HAVE TO SPEND your first night in Los Chiles, Costa Rica.
INFO ON LOS CHILES, ALAJUELA, COSTA RICA TO SAN CARLOS, NICARAGUA
VISA RUN:
• Nicaragua-community.com/costa-rica-border-crossing
• LonelyPlanet.com/thorntree/forums/americas-central-america/topics/los-chiles-costa-rica-to-san-carlos-nicaragua-border-crossing-by-boat
• VistaAtenas.com/renew-your-passport.html
Other LOS CHILES VIDEOS:
**youtu.be/ntsHtqU8zuo
youtu.be/qeOdEDZTsZA
youtu.be/m9ZyNpT1XaM
ye/EZ4NzAw1tRI
(youtu.be/au5K7dEf8kU - Travel CR’s old one)
youtu.be/yS11Qo3J8mc
**http://tinyurl.com/c5abjkj
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ACCOMMODATIONS•HOTEL OPTIONS:
Heliconia Cabinas • Restaurant and Tours
(HeliconiaTours.com • 2-471-2096 • 8-307-8585 • Cocas34@hotmail.com)
Just 3 rooms (10 more rooms being built towards the end of 2015) each with A/C, Double Bed, Private Bathroom (no hot water and currently no WiFi). Located a few blocks from the River next door to a tasty bakery (I ESPECIALLY liked the cakes in the fridge that were SOOOO moist!!)
FREE PARKING. ROOM PRICE:
10,000-c for 1-2 people.
RESTAURANT:
They also have a very popular Restaurant and Full BAR (HOURS - 6am-10pm).
SPECIALS:
DAILY ("Summer" - Dec. 20-April 20) - 12-1:30pm (when they have a group there)
ALL-YOU-CAN-EAT BUFFET - 4,000-c includes drink (+13% Impuestos).
THURSDAYS
Special Carnes a la Parrilla • meat on the BARBEQUE (pork ribs or lomo/tenderloin with a white or red [a bit spicy•picante] sauce, salad, yucca casada)(HOURS - 6-10pm) = $7 + 23% impuestos and your drinks.
DELIVERY•EXPRESS to your hotel = 500-colones.
REVIEWS:
TripAdvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g1070993-d6404230-Reviews-Heliconia_Restaurante-Los_Chiles_Province_of_Alajuela.html).
Their focus is on the restaurant and Tours (private panga transportation to Caño Negro [via San Carlos to get your passport stamped - slow ride going to enjoy the scenery and see the animals, etc and coming back fast) - $250 for up to 5 people. They also have access to boats to fit 42 or 52 people.
OWNER:
Oscar and his son (he speaks GOOD ENGLISH. Send a BIG HUG from Vicki).
LOCATION:
They're the closest hotel to the dock - next to the Hotel Wilson Tulipan - between the dock & Migracion.
Hotel Cabinas Carolina
(2-471-1151 • ThelmaCHH@gmail.com)
WiFi in rooms, hot water (suicide shower), air conditioning or fan, cable tv, free parking, small restaurant with beer & wine (I hear quite positive things about their food - especially their coffee. HOURS - 6am-10pm. Sat./Sun. 7am-10pm). Rooms in back are a bit larger & open onto a garden. Just a tad off the center so not as noisy & an easy walk to the river. The bus picks up•drops you off just outside the door. Owner Thelma speaks good English
PRICE:
1-2 people with Full bed - 11,000-c with a/c. 9,000 with fan. 2- 2 double bds Twin•Twin - a/c = 16,000-c. Fan 13,000.
PAYMENT:
Cash (Colones or U.S. $), Visa or Mastercard
LOCATION:
The bus from San Jose goes here to rest after the long trip so if you're going here, ask them to take you with them. I heard it's about a mile from the river so you can just walk or take a taxi)
Wilson Hotel Tulipan
(2-471-1414)
This is Cathy’s fav place as they have COLD air-conditioning & cable tv, Warm Showers, Rooms in the new section are a couple blocks away and quieter. They have a restaurant with a lively bar (HOURS - 6:30am-10-11pm), and so-so WiFi in restaurant & lobby ONLY.
ne of the nicer hotels in this area. When I’ve called they never had anyone that spoke English. There is no office so you check in at the bar (ignore it if the bartender isn't overly friendly - the rooms are worth it. I visited on March 4, 2015 and spoke with one of the bosses who said they were finally getting an English-speaking employee and WiFi in the rooms in the next few weeks so we'll see!! This will be a big enhancement as both of these things are important to many travelers).
PARKING:
15,000-c/1, 23,000-c/2 (includes FULL breakfast)
PAYMENT:
Cash (Colones or U.S. $), Visa or Mastercard
Cabinas Jabiru
8,000 - 10,000 Colones
LOCATION:
Closer to the bus stop (follow the signs, right side)
Hotel No Frills
tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g1070993-d1877800-Reviews-Hotel_No_Frills-Los_Chiles_Province_of_Alajuela.html
There are some couple small hostels•hostals on the Southern side of the soccer field•central park for about 2,500-3,000-colones.
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So the next morning - get up and go buy your boat ticket and get on the manifesto as if it fills up - you ain't going anywhere!!
This is ESPECIALLY IMPORTANT to note that this happens more on the weekends and especially in Costa Rica's "Summer Season" (called that because the weather is dryer•nicer [HOTTER] then. It's basically between Christmas and Easter•Samana Santa-mid April-ish)
LOS CHILES, Costa Rica • SAN CARLOS, Nicaragua
BORDER CROSSING PROCEDURE(all this section I'm getting CURRENT clarity on this week)
BUS:
LOCATION:
San Jose (Barrio Mexico) - Avenida 7-9 & Calle 12
MAP:
LonelyPlanet.com/costa-rica/san-jose/transport/other/buses-los-chiles-nicaragua-border-crossing
(2-460-5032 • 2-255-4318 • 2-255-0567 • 2-255-4300)
Los Chiles DIRECT Bus leaves from the
San Carlos bus station on AutoTransportes San Carlos:
San Jose to Los Chiles: Daily - 5:30am & 3pm
Los Chiles to San Jose: Daily - 5am & 3pm
TIME IT TAKES:
5 hours
PRICE:
3,000
(I, Ms Night Owl - actually took the 5:30am bus in March & was GLAD I did - otherwise I would have gotten toooo late to see•enjoy Los Chiles)
@@@@@@@@@@@@
OR
For LOTS more options, take the bus from San Jose (same station) to Ciudad Quesada (aka San Carlos). Then catch a "Los Chiles" bus right there.
The Los Chiles bus drops you off about 1 mile from the dock.
San Jose to Ciudad Quesada:
DIRECTO: leaves every 40 minutes between 5am-5:30pm (I'm iffy about that - will verify)
REGULAR: every hour between 5am-7:30pm
Ciudad Quesada to•from Los Chiles:
DIRECTO: leaves every 40 minutes between 4am (I was also told 4:30am)-10pm (I was also told 6:15pm) - verifying
REGULAR: every hour between 5am-7:10pm
4am-10pm - every hour
PRICE:
2,000-colones
TIME IT TAKES:
Directo bus takes about 2 1/2 hours. Regular bus takes about 3 hours.
@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@
????
Chilsaca.com
Ciudad Quesada to•from Los Chiles:
DIRECTO: leaves every 40 minutes between 4am (I was also told 4:30am)-10pm (I was also told 6:15pm) - verifying
REGULAR: every hour between 5am-7:10pm
4am-10pm - every hour
PRICE:
2,000-colones
TIME IT TAKES:
Directo bus takes about 2 1/2 hours.
LOCATION IN CIUDAD QUESADA???:
100 meters West of the Terminal - Arco Iris (Rainbow) 2-460-1886
A.M. - 4:15 • 5:30 • 6:30 • 7:30 • 9 • 10 • 11am
P.M. - 12 • 1:40 • 3 (Servicio Directo) • 4 • 5pm
(need clarity on all this part)
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DRIVING:
(in time I'll hopefully find driving directions to share here)
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ORGANIZED VISA RUN TOURS:
FROM - La Fortuna•Arenal area:
Agua Trails
(AguaTrails.com/nishuttles.php • 2-479-8667 • 8-838-4597-cell • info@AguaTrails.com)
They do organized shuttles (with a 2 person minimum) on Monday, Wednesday and Friday picking up at hotels in the La Fortuna (Arenal) area around 7:30am taking you by private boat to San Carlos, Nicaragua and you're back in about 3 hours.
PRICE:
$69 per person for 2-3 people • 4+ people - $55/pp
(plus 600-colones Municipalidad Tax in Los Chiles, $12 + $2 Nicaragua Entrance•Exit Tax)
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Unfortunately, the way they have the 2 boats a day going (unless you hire a private one), chances are good you WILL HAVE TO SPEND your first night in Los Chiles, Costa Rica.
INFO ON LOS CHILES, ALAJUELA, COSTA RICA TO SAN CARLOS, NICARAGUA
VISA RUN:
• Nicaragua-community.com/costa-rica-border-crossing
• LonelyPlanet.com/thorntree/forums/americas-central-america/topics/los-chiles-costa-rica-to-san-carlos-nicaragua-border-crossing-by-boat
• VistaAtenas.com/renew-your-passport.html
FACEBOOK INFORMATION PAGE:
facebook.com/pages/Los-Chiles-Alajuela-Costa-Rica/1424684737783289
facebook.com/pages/Los-Chiles-Alajuela-Costa-Rica/1424684737783289
Other LOS CHILES VIDEOS:
**youtu.be/ntsHtqU8zuo
youtu.be/qeOdEDZTsZA
youtu.be/m9ZyNpT1XaM
ye/EZ4NzAw1tRI
(youtu.be/au5K7dEf8kU - Travel CR’s old one)
youtu.be/yS11Qo3J8mc
**http://tinyurl.com/c5abjkj
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ACCOMMODATIONS•HOTEL OPTIONS:
Heliconia Cabinas • Restaurant and Tours
(HeliconiaTours.com • 2-471-2096 • 8-307-8585 • Cocas34@hotmail.com)
Just 3 rooms (10 more rooms being built towards the end of 2015) each with A/C, Double Bed, Private Bathroom (no hot water and currently no WiFi). Located a few blocks from the River next door to a tasty bakery (I ESPECIALLY liked the cakes in the fridge that were SOOOO moist!!)
FREE PARKING. ROOM PRICE:
10,000-c for 1-2 people.
RESTAURANT:
They also have a very popular Restaurant and Full BAR (HOURS - 6am-10pm).
SPECIALS:
DAILY ("Summer" - Dec. 20-April 20) - 12-1:30pm (when they have a group there)
ALL-YOU-CAN-EAT BUFFET - 4,000-c includes drink (+13% Impuestos).
THURSDAYS
Special Carnes a la Parrilla • meat on the BARBEQUE (pork ribs or lomo/tenderloin with a white or red [a bit spicy•picante] sauce, salad, yucca casada)(HOURS - 6-10pm) = $7 + 23% impuestos and your drinks.
DELIVERY•EXPRESS to your hotel = 500-colones.
REVIEWS:
TripAdvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g1070993-d6404230-Reviews-Heliconia_Restaurante-Los_Chiles_Province_of_Alajuela.html).
Their focus is on the restaurant and Tours (private panga transportation to Caño Negro [via San Carlos to get your passport stamped - slow ride going to enjoy the scenery and see the animals, etc and coming back fast) - $250 for up to 5 people. They also have access to boats to fit 42 or 52 people.
OWNER:
Oscar and his son (he speaks GOOD ENGLISH. Send a BIG HUG from Vicki).
LOCATION:
They're the closest hotel to the dock - next to the Hotel Wilson Tulipan - between the dock & Migracion.
Hotel Cabinas Carolina
(2-471-1151 • ThelmaCHH@gmail.com)
WiFi in rooms, hot water (suicide shower), air conditioning or fan, cable tv, free parking, small restaurant with beer & wine (I hear quite positive things about their food - especially their coffee. HOURS - 6am-10pm. Sat./Sun. 7am-10pm). Rooms in back are a bit larger & open onto a garden. Just a tad off the center so not as noisy & an easy walk to the river. The bus picks up•drops you off just outside the door. Owner Thelma speaks good English
PRICE:
1-2 people with Full bed - 11,000-c with a/c. 9,000 with fan. 2- 2 double bds Twin•Twin - a/c = 16,000-c. Fan 13,000.
PAYMENT:
Cash (Colones or U.S. $), Visa or Mastercard
LOCATION:
The bus from San Jose goes here to rest after the long trip so if you're going here, ask them to take you with them. I heard it's about a mile from the river so you can just walk or take a taxi)
Wilson Hotel Tulipan
(2-471-1414)
This is Cathy’s fav place as they have COLD air-conditioning & cable tv, Warm Showers, Rooms in the new section are a couple blocks away and quieter. They have a restaurant with a lively bar (HOURS - 6:30am-10-11pm), and so-so WiFi in restaurant & lobby ONLY.
ne of the nicer hotels in this area. When I’ve called they never had anyone that spoke English. There is no office so you check in at the bar (ignore it if the bartender isn't overly friendly - the rooms are worth it. I visited on March 4, 2015 and spoke with one of the bosses who said they were finally getting an English-speaking employee and WiFi in the rooms in the next few weeks so we'll see!! This will be a big enhancement as both of these things are important to many travelers).
PARKING:
HotelesWilson.com/index.php/tulipan • TripAdvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g1070993-d1187012-Reviews-Hotel_Wilson_Tulipan-Los_Chiles_Province_of_Alajuela.html
PRICE:15,000-c/1, 23,000-c/2 (includes FULL breakfast)
PAYMENT:
Cash (Colones or U.S. $), Visa or Mastercard
Cabinas Jabiru
REVIEWS•VIDEOS:
Tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g1070993-d1774794-Reviews-Cabinas_Jabiru-Los_Chiles_Province_of_Alajuela.html
youtube.com/watch?v=TVtB-xxj4a4
PRICE:Tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g1070993-d1774794-Reviews-Cabinas_Jabiru-Los_Chiles_Province_of_Alajuela.html
youtube.com/watch?v=TVtB-xxj4a4
8,000 - 10,000 Colones
LOCATION:
Closer to the bus stop (follow the signs, right side)
Hotel No Frills
tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g1070993-d1877800-Reviews-Hotel_No_Frills-Los_Chiles_Province_of_Alajuela.html
There are some couple small hostels•hostals on the Southern side of the soccer field•central park for about 2,500-3,000-colones.
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So the next morning - get up and go buy your boat ticket and get on the manifesto as if it fills up - you ain't going anywhere!!
This is ESPECIALLY IMPORTANT to note that this happens more on the weekends and especially in Costa Rica's "Summer Season" (called that because the weather is dryer•nicer [HOTTER] then. It's basically between Christmas and Easter•Samana Santa-mid April-ish)
LOS CHILES, Costa Rica • SAN CARLOS, Nicaragua
Michael & d'Angelo created a video on the crossing at:
youtu.be/ntsHtqU8zuo
and their blog:
DoingCostaRica.blogspot.com/2011/11/costa-rica-nicaragua-border-crossing.html
STEP-BY-STEP DETAILS
(NOTE: this will be verified March 2015):
You can do whatever order you want here but to ensure getting a seat on the boat - I'd do the boat ticket first just in case it's a busy day
#1
Walk down towards the river and before you get there - on your RIGHT you'll see a lady sitting out front of a little building. This is where you
BUY YOUR BOAT TICKET.
PRICE:
7,000 = one way
(note - it's best to pay in colones - otherwise they only give you 500-colones to $1 vs 540-colones you get as of this day)
AND GET ON THE MANIFESTO•ROSTER
(get on that IMMEDIATELY in case it fills up!! Have your passport out to show her)
#2
MIGRACION•IMMIGRATIONS
They're across the street from where you buy the boat ticket.
Present the Migracion form (if you don't speak much•any Español - just walk up & my Universal Hand Gesture thing is to act like you're scribbling on a piece of paper)
As of March 4, 2015 - you do NOT have to pay the $7 Land Exit Tax. I hear that WILL change once the NEW BRIDGE leading into San Carlos, Nicaragua - you WILL HAVE to have paid that before you come (I'll verify if there's someplace close to Los Chiles where one can do it).
Show your passport and get a stamp to Exit Costa Rica.
This stop IS Computerized
#3
Keep walking towards the end of the street - along the water - to the 2nd building after Heliconies Restaurant
and pay the 600-colon Municipality Tax (there are bathrooms where you pay like 200-c here).
#4
Line up at the dock for the boat and wait till they call your name to get on (most people said that's what they did with them. They did NOT call names to get on when I went March 2015).
NOTE - the boat will NOT leave until it is FULL - which especially if you're going mid-week (MY fav time to go because it's not as busy) - may mean waiting a bit.
NOTE!!!!
You might want to avoid the back of the boat
(there can be lots of fumes and movement)
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WARNING!!!!
About MID-WAY up the lake there's a Nicaraguan Military Outpost that stops to check everyone out.
NOTE that you can NOT NOT NOT take a picture of this or they may yell at you (only in Español) and they may very well confiscate it!!!!!!!
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ARRIVING IN
SAN CARLOS, NICARAGUA
#1
Pull into the dock•new Malecon and stand in line to go through Migracion•Immigration
(Diane returned from here on Friday February 27 and they had to pay a NEW "Weekend Tax" of + $1 [I'll get more details on that])
Pay $12 Entrance to Nicaragua Tax
(Departing Pay $2 Nicaragua Exit Tax)
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This area is a work in progress on how long you have before you return and what to do • where to stay • etc.
BUT . . .
A HUGE WARNING!!!:
Some that have traveled recently and tried to just turn around have been told they HAD to be in Nicaragua at LEAST 2 hours. When I went March 2105 there were 3 sets of people doing the turn around (for their drivers license renewal as they had their residency pending) and this did NOT happen at least this time.
This means that there could be a good CHANCE you will NOT make the 4pm Return boat from San Carlos, Nicaragua back to Los Chiles, Costa Rica and YOU'LL NEED TO STAY THE NIGHT in San Carlos, Nicaragua
Just be forewarned - potentially prepared.
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VIDEOS ON THIS REGION:
youtu.be/YUy-Zk3x6iY
youtu.be/dXWHR4Z5b1Q
youtu.be/86y8ES9ZUvc
youtu.be/IwfZDy_F1eI
youtu.be/TTRv9suj424
youtu.be/9jYYds-1ykU
youtu.be/L0yVXruslGg
youtu.be/p0Cqx0gsT8c
youtu.be/G9rzZhmK1M4
youtu.be/m9ZyNpT1XaM
Carnival - Carnaval Acuatico
youtu.be/QkfzHcykpZ0
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THINGS TO DO•EAT•PLACES TO STAY in
SAN CARLOS, NICARAGUA
http://youtu.be/YUy-Zk3x6iY
As you get off the boat - there's a nice NEW MALECON•waterfront walkway that evidently even has FREE WiFi!!!!!!!!!
(I experienced it - it DOES work - right there)
If you're going to have•choose to stay the night - first thing you want to do is find a place to stay. The most choices closest to the Malecon•port are as you
Exit "stage LEFT" out of Nicaraguas Immigrations•Migracion and make your 1st Right.
Up that street you'll find a bunch of hotels in ALL budgets.
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ACCOMMODATIONS • HOTELS • HOSTALS • HOSPEDAJE’S
(note I am NOT "recommending" any place - just sharing information but note most are VERY basic hotels. I'll be adding more once I update )
*Hotel Posada Dona Juanita
WiFi, a/c, cable tv, private bathroom,
Hotel Costa Sur
(2-583-0224 • 8-853-6728)
WiFi IN Rooms, little "Soda" restaurant, NICE staff (say "Hola from Vicki!!)
Rooms are everything from ULTRA ULTRA BASIC small room with good ceiling fan and shared-bathroom for just $5/night. I stayed in one of the ULTRA ULTRA BASIC small room with good ceiling fan and private toilet/shower (but no sink) room for $10/night and the bed was comfy enough & the fan was on the ceiling just above me & quite strong which I chose both for my budget but that was one of the closest rooms to the WiFi & I wanted to make sure I had WiFi as I had gone 1-1/2 days withOUT internet (yes - I surprisingly survived)
Upstairs they have a few new larger rooms with 2 Double•Full•Matromonial beds and private bathroom for $35/night.
UPSCALE HOTEL
Hotel Luna del Rio
tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g674796-d5980519-Reviews-Hotel_Luna_del_Rio-El_Castillo_Rio_San_Juan_Department.html
I'm searching for a newer hotel with a rooftop terrace for $25/night. AC, WiFi and HOT SHOWERS!!
Hotel Grand Lake • Gran Lago
(2-583-0075 • 8-823-3488)
4 rooms, on lake?, WiFi, A/C, Cable TV, breakfast fruit, organic coffee.
Hotel Cabinas Leyko
facebook.com/HotelCabinasLeyko • HotelCabinasLeyko.com • 2-583-0459 • Leykou7@yahoo.es
A/C, 24 rooms, Eco-tourism? Restaurant - Don Leo
Hostal Seledith
(2-583-0376 • 8-722-4574)
Cheap-basic
Hotel San Francisco
Hospedaje la Terminal
Hospedaje Rio San Juan
Hospedaje Linda Vista
Hospedaje el Madrono
Hospedaje Kassandra
Hotel Manati
Hospedaje Murillo
Hotel Carelhys
(2-583-0389)
Hotel San Carlos
(2-583-0265)
Mancarron Hotel
Isla Mancarrón
Hotel Cabañas Paraíso
Hotelito Posada de Santa Teresa
(2-583-0248 • 8-820-3424)
LOCATION:
75 meters Sur•South of the Cementerio•cemetery
Hotel Grand River Lodge
REVIEWS:
Tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g1200488-d2528191-Reviews-Hotel_Grand_River_Lodge-San_Carlos_Rio_San_Juan_Department.html
Hotel Sábalos
Hotel
Sábalos, Nicaragua
$60
Hotel Catalanica
Hotel Sabalos Lodge and Restaurant
Rio San Juan, Nicaragua
Hotel MonteCristo River Lodge
Sábalos, Nicaragua
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CELL PHONES:
Evidently MANY people in Tourism in San Carlos, Nicaragua ALSO have a Costa Rica Claro Cell # (starting with a 506) - as well as a Nicaraguan cell (starting with a 505).
Your non-Claro probably won't work here but your Claro one might.
(I'll write more about cells in Nicaragua later as that's a BIG pain!!!)
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BANKS:
BanPro (no MasterCard?)
Banex-Banco del Exito
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EATS•RESTAURANTS
Eating out in Nicaragua is LOTS CHEAPER than in Costa Rica and Nicaragua actually have WAYYYY BETTER meat than in Costa Rica. I've seen many Steak dishes for under $8-$10!!
MY FAV are NacaTamals
they're the biggest - most stuffed Tamales I've EVER had!!
Sometimes you can only find them on a Friday or Saturday
Another BIG FAV of mine in Nicaragua are
"Michelada's"
It's basically beer (I prefer Victoria [ok - in part because of my name - but also a bit stronger than Toña) with Lemon and Salsa Lozano over ice. SOOOO REFRESHING!!!!!!!!!
Beers are often just
Exit "stage LEFT" out of Immigrations and make your 1st Right.
At that corner is a green building on the corner.
Go 1 block up towards the hill to the Eskimo Ice Cream on the SW•Left corner
OWNER:
Dario from Leon is a REAL SWEETIE (give him a BIG HUG from Vicki and Diane)
1/2 way up that street - with an orange door on the RIGHT - UPSTAIRS
Across from the Eskimo Ice Cream shop - is
Nubia's sweet little tasty soda•restaurant!!!
LA TERRAZA
(506-7-851-3527-Claro/Costa Rica • 505-8-661-8570-Claro)
Tasty food • GOOD cheap prices & a view of the river!!!
(Hugs from Vicki and Diane here)
PANADERIA • BAKERY
East 1 block & on the right (blue door) is one of the best (and CHEAP!!) Bakery's•Panaderia where you can get 5 sweet or cheese rolls for just 5 cordobas each or plain ones for just 1 cordobas each. Diane said that Maria is the baker & she's a sweetie. (recycle - bring your own bags)
Restaurante Kaoma
facebook.com/restaurante.kaoma • 2-583 0293)
Seafood, on the river
LOCATION:
de enacal 100vs al lago
Parador Berlin (WiFi)
Bar y Restaurante Ojo de Agua
Restaurant El Granadino
Comedor Jessenia
Restaurante Mirado
Restaurante Kaomal
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THINGS TO DO:
Feria • Farmer's Market
2 blocks to the RIGHT on your LEFT from Migracion•Immigrations
(you get boats to el Castillo & other San Juan del Norte & buses to the Caribbean side across the street from this feria)
Fort
Centro Cultural
El Castillo:
youtu.be/ZEXNsDD6viQ
TOURS:
Ryo Big Tours
8-838-8558 • 8-441-5915 • ryobigtours@hotmail.com
OTHER PLACES TO VISIT • THINGS TO SEE • DO OUTSIDE THE AREA:
EL CASTILLO
youtu.be/b2Vlj4Prlgo
youtu.be/9jYYds-1ykU
FISHING
Tarpon (Sabalo - 80-250 pounders) and some Snook (Robalo - 14-30 pounders) Fishing is good all year round on the Rio San Juan
San Carlos Sport Fishing
NicaraguaFishing.com
505-8-849-0600
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EXITING NICARAGUA
Ok, the BIG challenge is it seems like from what I'm reading, there is just 1 boat going from San Carlos, Nicaragua to Los Chiles - "officially" departing at 4pm and IF it's full - it WILL leave on time.
And now that Nicaragua is requiring you to be IN Nicaragua for at least 2 hours - that means you may HAVE to stay the night in San Carlos, Nicaragua.
(WTH?? If it's an hour boat ride, and then 6 or so hours to get from Los Chiles back to San Jose via San Carlos - then you won't get back into San Jose till at LEAST 11pm or midnight if you're busing it!!! That is IF you get on that 4pm boat and IF it's full enough to leave!!! BE CAREFUL with this Friday-Sunday in Costa Rican "Summer" -[basically Christmas till a bit after Easter•Samana Santa]).
EXIT TAX
$2 - US$
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RE-ENTERING COSTA RICA
PROOF YOU ARE LEAVING COSTA RICA WITHIN 90 DAYS:
To ENTER Costa Rica - all people withOUT Costa Rican Residency or Citizenship MUST show Proof they are LEAVING Costa Rica within the 90 days max (or 30 days depending on the country of your passports agreement) be you entering by airplane or land (if you're flying into Costa Rica and an airline lets you in on a one-way ticket, they are subject to a $10,000 FINE so they're tight about that!! There ARE cheap alternatives to this [I'll share that later]).
Do NOT NOT NOT mess with this!!! (I actually do it by day 89 most of the time) - or you risk them giving you a 2 Day "Transit Stamp" (as numerous tourists that were unaware of this law shared [I've SEEN it happen to people] - it's like "Ok, you can stay the night in San Jose - but GET THE HELL OUT OF OUR COUNTRY!!!"- or even REFUSE YOU ENTRY into Costa Rica. Chances of getting a 90 day stamp are SLIM!!!!)
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OTHER PLACES TO VISIT • THINGS TO SEE • DO OUTSIDE THE AREA:
EL CASTILLO
youtu.be/b2Vlj4Prlgo
youtu.be/9jYYds-1ykU
FISHING
Tarpon (Sabalo - 80-250 pounders) and some Snook (Robalo - 14-30 pounders) Fishing is good all year round on the Rio San Juan
San Carlos Sport Fishing
NicaraguaFishing.com
505-8-849-0600
@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@
EXITING NICARAGUA
Ok, the BIG challenge is it seems like from what I'm reading, there is just 1 boat going from San Carlos, Nicaragua to Los Chiles - "officially" departing at 4pm and IF it's full - it WILL leave on time.
And now that Nicaragua is requiring you to be IN Nicaragua for at least 2 hours - that means you may HAVE to stay the night in San Carlos, Nicaragua.
(WTH?? If it's an hour boat ride, and then 6 or so hours to get from Los Chiles back to San Jose via San Carlos - then you won't get back into San Jose till at LEAST 11pm or midnight if you're busing it!!! That is IF you get on that 4pm boat and IF it's full enough to leave!!! BE CAREFUL with this Friday-Sunday in Costa Rican "Summer" -[basically Christmas till a bit after Easter•Samana Santa]).
EXIT TAX
$2 - US$
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RE-ENTERING COSTA RICA
PROOF YOU ARE LEAVING COSTA RICA WITHIN 90 DAYS:
To ENTER Costa Rica - all people withOUT Costa Rican Residency or Citizenship MUST show Proof they are LEAVING Costa Rica within the 90 days max (or 30 days depending on the country of your passports agreement) be you entering by airplane or land (if you're flying into Costa Rica and an airline lets you in on a one-way ticket, they are subject to a $10,000 FINE so they're tight about that!! There ARE cheap alternatives to this [I'll share that later]).
Do NOT NOT NOT mess with this!!! (I actually do it by day 89 most of the time) - or you risk them giving you a 2 Day "Transit Stamp" (as numerous tourists that were unaware of this law shared [I've SEEN it happen to people] - it's like "Ok, you can stay the night in San Jose - but GET THE HELL OUT OF OUR COUNTRY!!!"- or even REFUSE YOU ENTRY into Costa Rica. Chances of getting a 90 day stamp are SLIM!!!!)
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WHAT'S THIS PROOF YOU'RE LEAVING COSTA RICA WITHIN 90 DAYS?
To RE-enter Costa Rica, you MUST have PROOF that you are departing Costa Rica within 90 days!!!!!!!!! This can be a bus ticket. Do NOT NOT NOT get an “Open-Ended Ticket” as that is proof you’re departing within 365 days & NOT 90 days & SOME people that have done that have received less than a 90 day stamp.
Do NOT NOT NOT make up a fake ticket. I don’t care how great it looks as if they “feel” like it’s a fake, SOMETIMES they WILL call the airline & verify it. The more original a ticket is - or if you can get onto your email/take a snapshot of an official email - the better.***
SO . . . do what YOU feel works for you - but I'm STILL going to have everything - just in case - as if you don't - trust me - it WILL be a NIGHTMARE!! I figure they ask SOOOO LITTLE of us to allow us to be able to stay in Costa Rica - that's the least we can do (& it's a few extra $$s in the governments coffers that is MUCH NEEDED!!!!!!
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WHY ARE SOME PEOPLE NOT GETTING A 90 DAY VISA STAMP?
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COMPARING COSTS BETWEEN DOING THE VISA RUN
After I've done this I will do a cost comparison breakdown between doing the
Los Chiles, Costa Rica - San Carlos, Nicaragua
$28ish = Round-trip Boat Ticket
600-colones = Municipal Tax paid upon Exiting Costa Rica
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Peñas Blancas, Costa Rica - Frontera, Nicaragua border crossing
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tinyurl.com/LosChilesCR-SanCarlosNIBorderX
LivingLifeInCostaRica.blogspot.com/2015/02/LosChilesCR-SanCarlosNIBorderCrossing.html
.
WHAT'S THIS PROOF YOU'RE LEAVING COSTA RICA WITHIN 90 DAYS?
To RE-enter Costa Rica, you MUST have PROOF that you are departing Costa Rica within 90 days!!!!!!!!! This can be a bus ticket. Do NOT NOT NOT get an “Open-Ended Ticket” as that is proof you’re departing within 365 days & NOT 90 days & SOME people that have done that have received less than a 90 day stamp.
Do NOT NOT NOT make up a fake ticket. I don’t care how great it looks as if they “feel” like it’s a fake, SOMETIMES they WILL call the airline & verify it. The more original a ticket is - or if you can get onto your email/take a snapshot of an official email - the better.***
***“Procedure•Tips
for Buying a TicaBus Bus Ticket Online for your Visa Run from Costa
Rica (or your proof that you're Departing Costa Rica within 90 days if
you're entering on a one-way ticket)!”
SO . . . do what YOU feel works for you - but I'm STILL going to have everything - just in case - as if you don't - trust me - it WILL be a NIGHTMARE!! I figure they ask SOOOO LITTLE of us to allow us to be able to stay in Costa Rica - that's the least we can do (& it's a few extra $$s in the governments coffers that is MUCH NEEDED!!!!!!
≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈
WHY ARE SOME PEOPLE NOT GETTING A 90 DAY VISA STAMP?
***“TOURIST
VISA STAMP - Why some People are NOT Getting a 90 Day Stamp in their
Passport when Entering Costa Rica • the "72 Hour Rule" • the New
LAWS•Fines for Overstaying your Visa+”
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COMPARING COSTS BETWEEN DOING THE VISA RUN
After I've done this I will do a cost comparison breakdown between doing the
Los Chiles, Costa Rica - San Carlos, Nicaragua
$28ish = Round-trip Boat Ticket
600-colones = Municipal Tax paid upon Exiting Costa Rica
≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈
Peñas Blancas, Costa Rica - Frontera, Nicaragua border crossing
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tinyurl.com/LosChilesCR-SanCarlosNIBorderX
LivingLifeInCostaRica.blogspot.com/2015/02/LosChilesCR-SanCarlosNIBorderCrossing.html
.
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