Not all 4X4s are Created Equal

When in Costa Rica, we ALWAYS go off the pavement.  Most of this beautiful country is still accessible only by dirt.

Personally, I consider this a good thing.  I don't think rapid development ever goes well for the land or the locals.  So while traveling among the Ticos, I'm never without a four-wheel drive vehicle and

over the years, I've learned that not all 4X4s are created equal...

Let's start with the  Nissan XTrail.  This one looked good, but had a little trouble heading up the hill to Tiki Villas in Dominical and bottomed out regularly on the road to Boruca, so I can't say I'd try to rent another.

Now consider the Toyota Fortuner.  
We've rented that model twice now, and it has scaled in two-wheel what some others cannot achieve in four.  I call this one a winner.  It also has guts.  For those of you who've suffered long stretches of time behind a truck doing 20 km/hr on the Intramericana, when you finally get a chance to pass, low clouds and opposing traffic require to you to move your ass...

For this reason, I cannot fully recommend the Mitsubishi Montero.  It handled the road to Boruca alright, but had a hard time getting out of it's own way in the passing lane on the highway.

We also spent quality time with a Mitsubishi Nativa.  We were happy with both the highway and off-road performance, taking the totally muddy road to Nauyaca Falls without breaking a sweat.  This one was another winner.

And then, there was the dear little Suzuki Ignis... sure, it had four-wheel drive, but it failed miserably on the higher, unpaved portion of the road up San Miguel Arriba in Grecia (we walked).  I may as well have just rented a Mini.

The smaller vehicles did not perform nearly as well as the larger ones, though you will clearly take a hit on fuel economy.

To sum it up, size matters! 

I'll slap down my plastic on the big boys every time.

Dear Dominical

Dominical has got to be one of my favorite places in the Southern Zone of Costa Rica

Set along a stretch of coastline with a seemingly endless ribbon of nearly private beaches, Dominical boasts world class surfing without the tourist volume of other sites farther north along the Pacific. The coastal highway is now fully paved, making the drive from the San Jose area a breezy couple of hours instead of an all-day event. The dirt-road-main-street town is laid back and peppered with small colorful establishments ranging from fruit sellers to eateries to surf camps.

Dominical is a perfect jumping off spot for dive and snorkel tours and is only a few kilometers north of Whale's Tail National Park. It is also centrally located to Manuel Antonio National Park, Corcovado National Park, Cano Island National Preserve and Nauyaca Waterfalls are a reasonable drive up the San Isidro road. Though we did not make that locale in December, it is a 'must do' next time for certain. Fishing charters, zip lines, horseback riding, surfing, swimming, lounging, drinking....
I think it's twenty degrees outside in South Jersey right now.

The burgers at The Refuge are enormous and delicious - served within site of the beach. Dave and I shared a giant, perfectly done burger with fresh guacamole, washed down with ice cold Imperial beer. Puts a smile in your afternoon, my friends!   Sunset cocktails at La Parcela should be on your agenda when in town. Their sweet spot on a small peninsula can't be beat for the scenery. Be sure to try the Maracuya and rum - two of them, and I can roll my Rs with the best of them! There is also a walking trail worth taking that goes down to the water.

During our visit in December, we stayed at TikiVillas, a few minutes south of Playa Dominical. A quiet 4x4 hillside location with a fine 'white water' view of the sea, we were greeted on arrival by a chilled bottle of champagne, enjoyed on the lanai where each day, we were greeted by foraging Toucans. Villa Five was air-conditioned, though we found the place airy enough without and came equipped with a king bed and large indoor-outdoor shower. Tons of Tranquila... Our villa had a kitchenette with dorm-fridge and hot plate, though we 'cooked' only coffee.. Breakfast is cooked to order every morning, and guests can enjoy their eggs or pancakes overlooking the infinity pool and the Pacific south to the Osa Peninsula. In the afternoon, trade your orange juice and coffee for cocktails at the Tiki bar and catch up with family and friends via the free wifi at the lounge. Tiki staff were friendly and offered conversation and assistance with scheduling tours. TikiVillas is recommended and 4x4 is required (keeping in mind that all 4x4s are not created equal)


Please refer to these Dominical Links when planning your next Southern Cost Rica vacation:
http://www.dominicalcr.com/ 
http://www.dominical.biz/