As we get close to wrapping up our final week in Tamarindo, I thought it’d be nice to provide a summary of tips, tricks, and the like for you to peruse in case the photos (or my story telling) has convinced you that it’s a worthwhile place to visit.
So here are some essentials we’ve learned that took over two and half weeks to figure out:
1) The grocery store – although Tamarindo has several small grocery stores (four in all, much to our surprise) – it actually has a larger store but several miles up the road (to the North, heading to Playa Conchal). It’s called the Automercado – and it’s the size of your average Whole Foods Market, Super Target, or what have you. Although we missed out on shopping there, the locals told us the selection of items is way superior to the smaller shops and their prices are a bit better too. This one alone might have saved us a bit;
2) Learning to surf – if you’re visiting Tamarindo to surf (which is what you SHOULD be doing), look to get lessons from a board shop. Several locals prowl the beaches each day (we call these guys Sex-Waxes – shaggy haired surfer beach types) and although they might be decent at surfing, their instruction skills aren’t the best. Board shops will offer a professional coach, have a huge array of boards to choose from, offer lockers, and a cool shower after you’re done. Banana Surf Club served us well;
Cool Tiki Style Restaurant & Hut
3) Patience – some say it’s a virtue. Here, you’ll need it to survive. If you’re the type of person with high expectations, a little high strung, can’t handle things like waiters not being attentive to your every need, and need to park RIGHT in front of where you’re going (and never consider walking there) – then Costa Rica (at least Tamarindo) is not for you. Enough said;
4) See number 3;
5) Drugs – Tamarindo is no different than a lot of beach towns (even in the United States). Watch out if you’re into drugs – as you’ll find plenty of ganja, high, low, coke, and X in Tamarindo. It’s not the cops you need to worry about though – as nice as these dealers may seem, they’re out to sell and make money and often times not knowing (or caring) where the product comes from. Given that Nicaragua is to the north, Columbia just to the south (below Panama) – there’s a good chance their “Quality Control” measures aren’t up to par, or even existent, and some unsavory stuff is being trafficked. Be careful, or don’t use at all.
6) Taxis – The state or country owned taxis are always in dark red or maroon cars. We were warned about “taxi pirates”, or taxis in other types of vehicles. As long as you negotiate your fare up front, you won’t have any trouble. We took a nice 2-3km taxi ride to the north (pertaining to item 7) and negotiated a $10 fare… in a brand new, air conditioned Hyundai Tuscan… much nicer than the normal taxis. The driver spoke both English and Spanish, so we received some tips along the way too.
7) The post office – you’ll find it to the north of Tamarindo, another 1-2km north of the Automercado. You’ll spend more money to get there than you will on the postcards themselves. Oh well, at least you know where the post office is… took us weeks.
8) Don’t stay on the third story of a building if you plan on renting a surf board for a week. Enough said.
9) Ask for a Mojito-Colada (Pina Colada with Mint) at Pachanga.
10) Brush up on your Spanish. Not only do the locals appreciate the attempt, but you’ll get better service and treatment from people. Most Americans expect “foreigners” to speak English when they visit the United States… so give them the same courtesy in return.
There you have it – 10 steps to making your trip to Tamarindo much easier. Stay tuned… the wind is supposed to be fantastic tomorrow and who knows what will blow in for an update.
Pura Vida amigos.
Cool Tiki Style Hut
Rainbow in Tamarindo
Geeks In The Jungle 