A Walk on the Wild Side

The author of this guidebook feels it is his responsibility to paint a realistic picture of all of the aspects of living in Costa Rica. He would not be doing a service to our readers if he didn't cover the subject of prostitution. However, let it be known that in no way does he condone the sexual exploitation of minors. In this section he only provides information about sexual relationships between consenting adults.

For some people Costa Rica is a sexual paradise. Like Thailand, the Philippines and many other countries outside of the U.S., prostitution is permitted and looked upon with general acceptance in Costa Rica. As in the rest of Latin America many males have their first sexual experience with prostitutes. In order to control the propagation of venereal disease and AIDS, prostitutes are required by the government to undergo regular health checkups by the Ministry of Health or Ministerio de Salud in order to practice their trade legally. Most upscale brothels make sure their employees have their health papers and tests up to date.

It is not therefore surprising that many foreigners are attracted to Costa Rica because of the availability of women. In San José there is a myriad of bordellos, cabarets, escort services, massage parlors and bars where you can find female company. One Costa Rican remarked jokingly when questioned about the number of whorehouses in San José, " In order to put a roof over all of the houses of ill repute, you would have to cover the whole city." We have interviewed a few tight-fisted residents and retirees who think just because they live here they should pay less for sex than tourists. Consequently, many of them go to the "houses of ill repute" which dot Calle 6, just north of the Central Market. Prices are "rock bottom" and you probably get what you end up paying for. We don't recommend venturing into this area at night. However, none of the people interviewed ever had problems during the day.

The infamous Park Hotel, 50 meters west of San Jose's Central park, is an institution that thrived during the 70's and 80's. In the old days the place was frequented by soldiers of fortune, expats and an odd assortment of other seedy characters. Its popularity waned in recent times but recently has become popular again.

In the "Gringo Gulch" area near Morazán Park two places come to mind. Key Largo was "the place" in its heyday. Located in a beautiful colonial mansion directly across from Parque Morazán, the place looks like a scene taken right out of a Humphrey Bogart movie. In the old days the bar was filled with locals and tourists dancing to live music into the wee hours of the night. Unfortunately, due to poor management and competition from other bars in the area, it has fallen on hard times. The Blue Marlin Bar at the Hotel Del Rey has supplanted Key Largo as the bar to meet women of the night. Most evenings there is standing room only in the bar. During the day the bar is a gathering place where local expats and tourists "shoot the bull".

There are a number of cabarets and nightclubs where men can also find female companionship. Most of these establishments try to get you to buy expensive drinks and run up a large tab. It is not unusual to be stuck with a large bill in a short period of time. To avoid surprises we suggest you don't buy any women more that one or two drinks. The management can be very nasty if you complain about your bill. Here are the most popular cabarets and night clubs: Club Hollywood (232-8932), across from the south side of the Sabana Park, Pure Platinum (256-9989), Ave. 3 between 10 and 12 Streets, and Night Club Olympus (233-4058), Central Street one block north of Hotel Europa. Most of these establishments offer: floorshows, Jacuzzis, massage rooms, V.I.P. rooms, exotic dancing and a stable of women from which to choose.

There are a dozen escort services operating in the San José area. Most advertise in Guide Magazine and Central America Weekly newspaper. Contact G & G Escort 318-8496 for more information.

If you are looking for a relaxing massage and steam bath, there are a number of massage parlors to cater to your needs. Prices range from about $15 for a straight hour-long therapeutic massage to $35 for a massage with "the works"or masaje completo. As a rule these places are very clean and provide a secure discrete atmosphere. Arte Sauna (222-2881) in the heart of San José, between Ave. Central and 2nd on 9th Street, bills themselves as offering the best massages in Costa Rica. The owners speak English and it is very popular with foreign residents, Costa Rican men of means and tourists. Dandy International, Ave. 10 Calles 12-14, Idem, Ave. 8-10 and Calle 11 and U.S.A. Massage, Calle 3 between Ave. 5 and 4, round out the list of the best massage parlors in the San José area.