Central America: I haven't been to Costa Rica for 3 yrs. now and plan on going back this year in May just before rainy season. My problem is my trusted guide will not be available. Not...

martinfisherphoto Loc: Lake Placid Florida

I haven't been to Costa Rica for 3 yrs. now and plan on going back this year in May just before rainy season. My problem is my trusted guide will not be available. Not only was he a guide, but he saved me Tons of money as the cost in CR has gone insane for americans. I'm not paying $100 a night for lodging when the average CR makes $30 a day. I'm done with the scalping. So I want to travel elsewhere and would like to hear from others experience in the surrounding countries. I do mostly wildlife photography and very comfortable under the jungle canopy. I'll most likely rent a jeep so traveling should not be a problem. Trusted guide names and contacts, reliable affordable lodging, wonderful wildlife locations are what I'm looking for, Thanks....

anotherview Loc: California

Is your former guide available to offer you an alternative to his services? Does the government of Costa Rica have an office of tourism to cater to visitors like yourself?

martinfisherphoto wrote:

I haven't been to Costa Rica for 3 yrs. now and pl... (show quote)

Boris Ekner Loc: From Sweden, living in Guatemala

martinfisherphoto wrote:

I haven't been to Costa Rica for 3 yrs. now and pl... (show quote)

Kristoffer Grüner is a friend of mine who does what you’re looking for.

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000631771036

traderjohn Loc: New York City

Boris Ekner wrote:

Kristoffer Grüner is a friend of mine who does what you’re looking for.

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000631771036

Yeah but this guys main bitch is a $100.00 a night room and getting "scalped"

martinfisherphoto Loc: Lake Placid Florida

Absolutely, when I can go into a hotel by myself and the Tico(native) next to me gets charged $40 and I get charged $120 I have a problem. The same is true for taxi's, car rentals, restaurants ect....It would be no different than if a european came to the states and was charged 300 to 500% more for the services only because they were foreign to the country. The average Costa Rican makes $30 a day. Why am I paying stupid prices when I'm sure other neighboring countries offer the same services for affordable prices.

traderjohn wrote:

Yeah but this guys main bitch is a $100.00 a night room and getting "scalped"

martinfisherphoto Loc: Lake Placid Florida

That's an Ideal, thanks..

anotherview wrote:

Is your former guide available to offer you an alternative to his services? Does the government of Costa Rica have an office of tourism to cater to visitors like yourself?

martinfisherphoto Loc: Lake Placid Florida

Thanks..

Boris Ekner wrote:

Kristoffer Grüner is a friend of mine who does what you’re looking for.

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000631771036

sailfree

I live in Panama and have spent time in Costa Rica, Belize, Guatemala, etc. and my experience has been that the “Gringo tax” is fairly standard throughout the region. I hope you have luck finding a solution.

traderjohn Loc: New York City

martinfisherphoto wrote:

Absolutely, when I can go into a hotel by myself a... (show quote)

Let me get you a little cheese with your whine. You know what stay away Or move there on a permanent basis and enjoy all the social aspects the country has to offer.

martinfisherphoto Loc: Lake Placid Florida

I hope to find an affordable trusting guide. In reality I'm paying the extra monies that I save, to a knowledgable guide of the country. That's money I don't mind spending, the Gringo Tax just rubs me the wrong way.. Maybe you have a friend or family member who could guide me through Panama.

sailfree wrote:

I live in Panama and have spent time in Costa Rica, Belize, Guatemala, etc. and my experience has been that the “Gringo tax” is fairly standard throughout the region. I hope you have luck finding a solution.

sb Loc: Florida's East Coast

In the global scheme of things $100 per night is not terrible. Maybe you can save some money by going to Panama. I have traveled to Guatemala over a dozen times, including many trips into the highlands - but would I return - no. There is far too much crime there anymore, especially if you get away from the main tourist areas like Antigua.

traderjohn Loc: New York City

martinfisherphoto wrote:

I hope to find an affordable trusting guide. In reality I'm paying the extra monies that I save, to a knowledgable guide of the country. That's money I don't mind spending, the Gringo Tax just rubs me the wrong way.. Maybe you have a friend or family member who could guide me through Panama.

So the tax thing sticks in your craw. What about your US tax dollars. How about that amount that pays for and will continue to pay for those who have spent a generation or more on every social program known to mankind and there is no level of expectation they will ever be off these programs. What about the US tax dollars spent on 11 plus million illegal immigrants. Their housing, clothing, education, food and medical costs? Your "gringo tax" is chump change.

jccash Loc: Longwood, Florida

martinfisherphoto wrote:

I haven't been to Costa Rica for 3 yrs. now and pl... (show quote)

My nieces boyfriend has an ABB and he is a guide and surf instructor. I can send you their contact info if your interested.

Dan Mc Loc: NM

One method I used when abroad was to contact the local priest!!! He referred me to a parishioner who was extra nice and hooked me up with a family...had meals, learned about the area, even got driven to many sites!!

camerapapi Loc: Miami, Fl.

If you think that Central America is expensive for Americans wait till you hear about accommodations in Cuba where $30 a month is considered a great salary. Persons like me who want to visit will pay $200 for a visa.