Gorgeous beaches, dense rain-forests, immaculate natural beauty, roaring rivers and towering volcanoes – this tiny Central American country has it all. Costa Rica (the Rich Coast) hosts 5% of the world’s Biodiversity and there is nowhere on earth quite like it.
It’s time to take ten minutes out of your busy day, sit back, relax, and enjoy reading our travel guide and planning your next epic adventure.
Tortuguero & Tortuguero National Park
Tortuguero National Park is considered the doorway to some of the most ecological diverse exhibits in Costa Rica. It prides itself on a watercourse famed of its exquisiteness and is also the most important region in the western Caribbean for the preservation of turtles, the Green Turtle (Chelonia Mydas) and many other turtle species come here to lay their eggs. Protecting the marine turtles was a primary reason for the establishment of the park. Flora and fauna here are rich and diverse also, with extraordinarily large populations of birds, fish, and monkeys. Though somewhat small, the park proffers an assortment of various activities. You can rent a Kayak or canoe and see the sights on the inland waterway where you will be able to see creatures such as the birds, crocodiles, and caimans. The park also offers different trails ideal for bird watching and wildlife viewing. Also, popular here are sports fishing tours in addition to the suspension bridges and zip line tours.
San José
San Jose is the capital city of this magnificent country and is also the official seat of the national government. It’s a hub for both business and transport in Central America. The Banco Central de Costa Rica is worth a visit as it’s one of the tallest buildings regarded as a landmark. Museums are also found in abundance offering a broad range of ways to discover and learn about the splendour of the city. San Jose has may historical precincts such as Barrio Amón, with its colonial mansions that have been transformed into modern art galleries, boutique hotels, and restaurants. On Saturday you can join the hustle and bustle at the farmers market or the Sunday multitudes in Parque La Sabana. Why not dance at the city’s pulsating clubs, tour the museums of jade, gold, art and natural history, and appreciate the allure of Costa Rica’s biggest city and cultural centre.
Hike a volcano – Arenal Volcano
The Costa Rica volcanoes are one of the numerous visitor attractions that bring in thousands of tourists yearly to this small, yet astonishingly beautiful country. It’s a wonder how a nation this size came to be swarmed with 110 volcanoes which might be considered active, inactive and extinct. The Arenal volcano is amongst the most active in the world and its last major eruption happened on 29th July 1968. At a ripe old 3,000 years, it is also Costa Rica’s youngest.
Wonder at La Fortuna Waterfall
La Fortuna is a real traveller’s Mecca featuring the remarkable 230 foot La Fortuna Waterfall in addition to a never-ending amount of guided adventures. Located just 6 km from La Fortuna town, this eye-catching waterfall offers tourists a magnificent place to swim and unwind. Located at the foot of the dormant Chato volcano surrounded by a flourishing rain forest, the location of this waterfall is just awesome.
Take five in the Tabacon Hot Springs
The Tabacon Hot Springs have a high-quality spa offering a wide variety of hot springs baths of varying temperatures, from lukewarm to steaming hot. Apart from the Eden-like hot springs patios that are cultivated into the natural flow of the River Tabacon, the resort’s spa and hotel feature all types of massage treatments. Because of its natural beauty, it’s so popular, you’ll probably find it flooded with visitors whenever you choose to go, but don’t let that stop you!
Monteverde Cloud Forest
Monteverde is considered to be a major holiday-makers destination in Costa Rica. Spanish for green mountain, Monteverde Cloud Forest is mainly visited by eco-tourist and is situated in a small town in Puntarenas region of Costa Rica. Mountaineering in the Monteverde Cloud Forest is a conceivably the favourite activity of all environment lovers touring this country. With a wide-range of trail options available such as The Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve and The Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve, you’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to picking a hike. The forest is also renowned as a bird watchers heaven and is home to over 400 recorded species of bird.
Experience the Sky Tram & Trek
If you are looking for a more peaceful activity that also unveils impressive views of the rainforest and the volcano (Monteverde and Arenal), then the Sky Tram gondola is just right for you. This ride’s gentle pace allows you actually to soak in the incredible panorama. You’ll go with by a bilingual guide, who will offer interesting insights regarding the region and its habitats as you travel down in a zip line track.
Surf’s up!
First off, surfing in Costa Rica is an excellent way to socialize with all kinds of people. Locals, expatriates, and holiday-makers all congregate on the beaches for an entire day of surfing! The Pacific Ocean on its west and Caribbean Sea to its east, Costa Rica is a renowned surfing and water sports destination.
What to eat
If you have your meals at local restaurants, you can expect to shell out approximately 535-1,600 CRC. This will save you from the high prices at tourist establishments. Typical dishes like the Casado cost around 2,670 CRC. Many restaurant dishes cost 3,740 CRC or more. Also, try to travel off season from April to November as is considered as the rainy season here and hence, prices of food and entry fees are less expensive, and coastlines are less packed.
Shopping & currency
The Colon is the unit of currency in Costa Rica which revolves around 500 – 550 Colones against $ 1 USD. It is generally accepted on condition that you don’t have a huge bill( $100 and $ 50 bills are rarely received). Most hotels and tours have their price lists in dollars.
Costa Rica’s geography & terrain
Costa Rica’s terrain alters between valleys hills, forests, volcanoes, mountains, plains, and wetlands. Land close to the shoreline is of lower altitude, and apart from a few raised but flat valleys in the country’s interior, the majority of inland regions consist of rocky mountains, most of which are virtually dormant volcanic peaks.
Weather & microclimates of Costa Rica
Although Costa Rica is a small country, there is a lot going on here in terms of weather. Whilst it’s generally classified as a tropical country due to its close proximity to the equator, Costa Rica has no real winter period, and the sun shines here throughout the year. The weather can be classified as being either the dry or wet season (May to November). With over 12 hours of sunshine a day, the sun rises and sets at the same time every day.
Cultural Overview
Costa Rica is a nation filled with many accolades, with a rich culture and history. This small, Central American country is habitat to unbelievable rich cultures and biodiversity, an infatuation for freedom, equality, and education for all.
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