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overbergerc Member

Member since 15 October 2017

overbergercMember11 December 2017 21:33:22

Hi.

Our names are Chuck and Rhonda O and are in our early 60's searching for a retirement location in Central or South America. We live in Michigan but are ready for a change. We are not wealthy but are thrifty, healthy, resourceful, and ready to get out of the cold and craziness of our homeland. We have spent a number of long vacations in Costa Rica..the last in Puerto Viejo Talamanca. We are returning there this March (we spent a week last year in PV) for a week then venturing to Boquete, Panama for a week as well. Our struggles have been arranging sensible transport for a couple of 60+ travelers. From effective luggage, local transport time schedules, and where to actually go ! The luggage issue is something I'd love some input on. In my younger days (Belize, Guatemala, Mexico, Venezuela, Bonaire), I'd strap on a 50 lb backpack and get on a bus or train. Not so much now. I need a "hybrid" bag. Get through an airport and be able to lug 30-40 lbs onto a Cessna Caravan or a shuttle but also be able to cross a bridge like the one at Sixaola without looking like an old guy tourist or losing the thing in a large pothole. It would be nice to swing it on to my back when I need to.

We are planning to travel from Puerto Viejo to Baquete next March. It looks like this requires a shuttle from PV to Sixaola, clear customs, travel to Bocas del Toro Via new Shuttle and Ferry, travel to Almirante via ferry, travel to David via shuttle, Hopefully pick up a rental car in David and Drive to Boquete. I hope the shuttle driver will drop us off in David if the rental car office is open.

To get out, Drive to David, return car, fly to San Jose via Nature Air, and back on Delta to the "land of the free".

Did I mention that we are not wealthy..but determined..and resourceful?

Any constructive input would be welcome !

Chuck and Rhonda O

Candi B Active member

Member since 01 August 2017

Candi BActive member11 December 2017 22:18:19

I have a bit more luggage than I can deal with comfortably. Fortunately at every bus stop there is always some one there with a dolly or cart that will assist for a small tip. One bus going from david to bocas charged extra $2 as they had to put my largest bag on top and cover with plastic to protect from the rain.

SunsetSteve Serial expat

Member since 13 October 2014

SunsetSteveSerial expat11 December 2017 22:38:40

276

My first impression is surprise at the amount of baggage you seem to lug around! I get by with a small backpack and a carry-on size suitcase (under 25 lbs). I sometimes check it for convenience on a non-stop flight, but at 68 yrs old I have no trouble bringing my baggage with me on buses and taxis and small airplanes. you can always launder your stuff!

kristc99 Serial expat

Member since 09 December 2012

kristc99Serial expat11 December 2017 23:32:28

881

There are buses in Almirante that go to a David, and from there you can get a bus to Boquete. From there walking and taxis may be all you need, or if you want to explore the area ask for Cowboy Dave who is known for renting cars at reasonable prices. He鈥檚 just a bit downhill from Boquete.

I agree with packing light, much easier. March, height of dry season, hot, though there is always a possibility of getting wet in the mountains.

overbergerc Member

Member since 15 October 2017

overbergercMember12 December 2017 16:15:06

Yup,
Too much stuff. I'm pretty good at keeping it down but I do carry some camera gear, water filter, etc when I travel abroad. I have a harder time getting my wife convinced of this however. I prefer to check a bag on flights originating in the US. Too many restrictions on carry on luggage. I found Tortuga combo bags that look like they might work. More expensive than I like. The overland route from PV CR to Boguete requires a bridge walk, 2 water taxi's and 3 shuttles. Something I can wear will be much easier to deal with. Thanks for the input!

kristc99 Serial expat

Member since 09 December 2012

kristc99Serial expat12 December 2017 19:15:57

881

You want to visit Bocas, right? Otherwise I think you can take a land route from Sixaola. If you go to Bocas go snokeling. It gorgeous!

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