Costa Rica
Home > Central America > Costa Rica
Rate Costa Rica
Overall Experience

Atmosphere

Convenience

Value

Safety

Page Rating
Content Quality:

Page Importance:
Author Pick:
Close Map
Mapa
Map It!!!


Top Costa Rica
Contributors
Costa Rica


Costa Rica has long enjoyed the title of Central America’s favorite travel destination. A democratic republic since 1889, Costa Rica is one of the most politically stable Latin American nations. This sparsely populated nation has protected over 25 percent of its area from development, creating a rich playground for travelers with its lush rainforests and cloud forests that are home to over 200 species of mammals, 850 species of birds and 200 species of amphibians and reptiles each. The

Read All


Costa Rica has long enjoyed the title of Central America’s favorite travel destination. A democratic republic since 1889, Costa Rica is one of the most politically stable Latin American nations. This sparsely populated nation has protected over 25 percent of its area from development, creating a rich playground for travelers with its lush rainforests and cloud forests that are home to over 200 species of mammals, 850 species of birds and 200 species of amphibians and reptiles each.
The active traveler will be delighted with Costa Rica’s many opportunities for whitewater rafting, hiking around and up active volcanoes, mountain biking, surfing and the popular zip-line tours that whip you from mountain to mountain of cloud forest. Those seeking relaxation can lounge on both Pacific and Caribbean beaches, or sip cappuccinos made from locally-grown coffee beans in the traveler-friendly capital, San Jose.
Costa Rica Weather & Seasons
The best time to travel to Costa Rica is from December to February when most of the country is in the midst of the dry season but just before the temperatures really rise in March and April. You will notice climatic changes depending on your altitude and proximity to the two coasts. The Caribbean coast is wet pretty much all year and may suffer hurricanes from August – October. Temperatures year-round range from about 15º - 30º Celsius (60º - 85º Fahrenheit).
Independence Day on September 15 and Día de la Raza on November 2 are two big holidays that may be worth scheduling your visit around.
Costa Rica History and Politics
Costa Rica has the oldest democracy in Central America. Furthermore, it has no armed forces; the 1948 Civil War brought the end to the army. The United States helps with border defense and some other protective measures. However, this does not mean that Costa Rica is a gun-free nation. You will see just as many, if not more, private guards with exposed or holstered weapons on the streets as in neighboring nations. The police are also a fairly visible presence.
Costa Rica Culture
Ticos, citizens of Costa Rica, have a great deal of pride in their nation and culture. The slogan "pura vida" – the pure life - is found throughout the country and represents a relaxed, friendly lifestyle.
Highlights
Some spots not to miss in Costa Rica are:

  • San Jose: the bustling and traveler-friendly capital city is a great base for trips to both coasts and nearby mountain paradises.
  • Rainforests and Cloud Forests: located in the center of the country and on the Pacific Coast are great spots for wildlife-watching, hiking, canopy tours and more.
  • Beaches on both the Caribbean and Pacific are great places to relax, surf, and fill up on fresh seafood.
  • National Parks: consisting of over a fourth of this tiny nation, nature-lovers will be delighted with the variety of ecosystems and protected areas around Costa Rica.

Close
Reviews
Traveler Reviews of Costa Rica

Boulevar (Relax)

"Boule" is a good bar to hit with friends just about any night of the week. They open in the afternoon and, if you've got nothing to do, head in, grab a table and order up a Tower of Imperial. Pilsen is not on tap here (unfortunately). The Tower holds about 7 beers and costs 5000 colone; Pilsen and Imperial run between 800 and 900 colone depending on the tourist seasons (the price went up in December after the rainy season). If you like to play pool, there are three tables in the back on the first floor but the guys running this area are unfriendly and stingy. Rates for pool are by the hour. It seems like fun and the modo "Relax" does not apply to this section of the bar. Nonetheless, Boulevar is a good place to go, especially with a group because it is larger than other spots in the city and due to its proximity to the National University and other popular bars and restaurants on the east side of town. This is a good spot to meet new people who speak both Spanish or English and sometimes other languages. Heredia is full of international students and travelers so don't be shy.

Eric Meader from Maine, U.S.A. on Jan 05, 2009

Great Country!

The people were beautiful and friendly. The wildlife was incredible. The beaches were pristine and uncrowded. We stayed at Hotel Casa Chameleon in Mal Pais and just from our private balcony we would sit and watch the wildlife. So many different types of birds, we had a great time just trying to match them with the bird chart the hotel provided. It was a magical time in a magical place.

Traveler from Canada on Sep 09, 2007

Costa Rica

The people are friendly. They defintely like the American dollar. Clean. Be careful about renting a "beach house". The beach houses are not like Malibu. Surfers might like the beach houses, but families shouldn't consider it. A hotel resort type beach accomodations would probably be better.

Lisa Bennett from Las Vegas, NV on Jun 30, 2007
Get the book

book
Buy V!VA Book

Direct or on Amazon.com
follow us Twitter Facebook


Other Costa Rica Pages
You must register as an owner for access to these listing tools and benefits.

Notification of new reviews: receive your latest reviews by e-mail

Customized request-a-review link: encourage guests to spread the word about your property

Our owners' newsletter: stay informed about our latest tools and benefits for you