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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.
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Bahia Drake (Drake Bay)
Bahia Drake gets its name from Sir Francis Drake, who is believed to have stopped here in 1579. Legend has it that Drake buried his treasure on nearby Violin Island, and news of this supposed booty
...Bahia Drake (Drake Bay), Costa Rica
Cabo Matapalo
Cabo Matapalo is not a town. There are no grocery stores, no pharmacies, not even a pulperia – just the beaches, the jungle and a collection of hotels and resorts scattered about the area. All the
...Cabo Matapalo, Costa Rica
Tortuguero
Tortuguero the village serves as the gateway to Tortuguero National Park, and few visitors to Costa Rica will want to pass up exploring one of the richest concentrations of flora and fauna in the
...Tortuguero, Costa Rica
Dominical
In true surfer style, Dominical is laid-back, relaxed, and all about the beach. The Pacific waves keep the faith year-round by producing nice consistent sets, so there’s definitely potential
...Dominical, Costa Rica
Paso Canoas
Alt: 128 m Pop: 8500 This sweltering city on the Costa Rica-Panama border is constantly abuzz with activity. People cluster inside the giant immigration building, while outside buses and ...Paso Canoas, Costa Rica
Ciudad Neily
Alt: 46m Neily is pleasant enough, but it has no particular draw for tourists, or Ticos for that matter. It is, however, an important transportation hub, with plenty of hotels and restaurants. ...Ciudad Neily, Costa Rica
Turrialba
A busy agricultural town, Turrialba sits at 65 meters above sea level on the Caribbean slope of the Cordillera Central, on the banks of the Turrialba River. With a population of roughly 75,000, many ...Turrialba, Costa Rica
Bridges Tour
Overview
This is another pay-to-play activity in Monteverde, with several options allowing you to climb above or into the trees for a different experience of the jungle. Aventura's bridges come with
...Monteverde, Costa Rica
Canopy Tour
Overview
There are several options in town for this adrenaline adventure but the two listed are acknowledged to be the leading companies. Both offer a similar experience which basically involves
...Santa Elena , Costa Rica
Twilight Walk, Children's Eternal Rainforest
Overview
Walking through jungle at night is a very different experience to walking by day, and this tour enables you to compare the two by starting at sunset and ending in torchlight. It takes place
...Santa Elena , Costa Rica
Hummingbird Gallery
This is one of the rare activities you can do for free around Monteverde. The only actual cost is the bus fare it will take to get there. On the edge of the Monteverde Reserve, the gallery houses
...Monteverde, Costa Rica
Kayaking Dominical
Both sea kayaking and mangrove kayaking tours offer unique experiences for both beginners and experts. Mangrove tours take you at an easy pace through calm waters where you can spot a variety of land
...Dominical, Costa Rica
Aventuras Bravas Surf School
A well established and respected school at the El Parquecito end of town, Aventuras Bravas books surf lessons with professional instructors. It also offers various tours and kayak lessons. Prices for
...Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica
Bungee Jumping
3 adventure activities in a tower!
-Bungee Jumping
-Rocket Launcher
-Big
...La Fortuna , Costa Rica
Shopping Summary
Most shops here are focused on surfing. The South Wave Surf Shop rents boards for $10-$15 for 24-hours and also sells a huge variety of boards, boogie boards, surfing accessories and beachwear, in
...Dominical, Costa Rica
Shopping Summary
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Kids Saving the Rainforest Souvenir Store and Headquarters is a great place to get cheap souvenirs and help out the environment, as 100% of profits go towards conservation. See the Quepolandia
...Manuel Antonio, Quepos, Costa Rica
Hiking in the Park
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The best time of day to hike is typically early morning. It’s not as hot, generally less crowded, you can avoid afternoon rain and often have a better chance of spotting wildlife. If you want to
...Manuel Antonio National Park, Quepos, Costa Rica
Raindrop Spa
The Raindrop Spa’s tranquil setting gives you permission to stop the clock and savor yourself. Resembling a temple, the retreat is surrounded by gardens, trees, and running water features, in the
...Quepos, Quepos, 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.
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.
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.
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