So you’ve gotten chosen Costa Rica to your subsequent trip however you might be uncertain what to anticipate from the gorgeous Central American nation?
This weblog has bought you lined, because it gives you with an perception into the entire completely different elements of the gorgeous nation that make Costa Rica well-known.
Following a number of journeys to the Central American nation, we’ve got detailed its highlights, together with some journey journeys, and have additionally included some pictures that can make your creativeness loopy. As you dream of the tranquil seashores and considerable rainforests, each of that are contributors to Costa Rica’s well-known pura vida way of life.
With so many superior locations dotted across the nation, this information offers you an thought of what so as to add to your journey itinerary, so you possibly can plan your excellent getaway!
Costa Rica and its pura vida way of life.
Costa Rica has a robust international fame for its happiness ranges and is regularly talked about as one of many happiest nations on this planet. Its pura vida philosophy is deeply ingrained into its tradition, with a laidback lifestyle adopted by its residents, each younger and previous. You’ll usually be greeted by ‘pura vida’ and a smile from the native employees.
The straightforward pleasures of nature, sunshine, and wholesome meals are absolutely appreciated in Costa Rica because the Ticos reside a very good life.
Finest time to go to Costa Rica.
Costa Rica has a tropical local weather which suggests it has two important seasons, the dry season and the wet season.
The dry season is the preferred time for guests, and runs from December till April, with lengthy sunny days, only a few wet days, and decrease humidity. The rise in tourism is mirrored in costs and crowds, so if you need the pure wonders of Costa Rica to your self, it is best to contemplate the wet season. Though many discover the wet season to be the worst time to go to Costa Rica, some lovely moments could be discovered within the lush rainforests throughout a downpour.
Planning a go to within the shoulder months of November or Might can offer you the best mixture of cheaper costs and fewer crowds, with many dry days which means your journey itinerary ought to stay unaffected by last-minute climate issues.
What makes Costa Rica well-known?
Two lovely coastlines.
Being situated on the Central American isthmus implies that Costa Rica advantages from two lovely coastlines. The Pacific and Caribbean sides each supply completely different vibes, nonetheless, they’re equally enjoyable.
The Pacific aspect is longer at over 600 miles in size with most of the widespread vacationer locations spanning the entire nation. One can find spectacular sunsets, dependable browsing waves, and extra developed infrastructure for tourism.
At a a lot shorter size of simply over 100 miles in size, the Caribbean shoreline attracts in fewer vacationers, nonetheless, it could be the higher possibility if you’re in search of a extra relaxed trip. Well-liked cities corresponding to Puerto Viejo have a robust Afro-Caribbean affect, with reggae music, Jamaican-inspired delicacies, and annual festivals celebrating completely different heritages.
Browsing.
One of many largest attracts to Costa Rica is the gorgeous surf spots all through the county, nonetheless, the Pacific Ocean can’t be matched.
Pacific aspect cities corresponding to Tamarindo, Santa Teresa, and Jaco are surf loopy and supply surf camps, classes, and gear rent for any customary. We beloved our surf lesson in Tamarindo, as the general environment of the shoreside is unbelievable.
If you’re new to the game, then Tamarindo is a good spot, with beginner-friendly waves through the day by day low tide. Classes are normally deliberate round this to present newbies a greater expertise.
Snorkeling.
Worldwide guests get pleasure from snorkeling on each coasts of Costa Rica, nonetheless, the Pacific aspect has extra predictable climate circumstances and higher infrastructure so you’ll find extra organized journeys. Clear waters make sure that guests can absolutely benefit from the vibrant colours of the tropical fish.
The Caribbean aspect is known for its coral reefs, and particularly, spots corresponding to Cahuita Nationwide Park, which provide in depth coral techniques.
Gorgeous sunrises and sunsets all 12 months spherical.
The attractive sunshine in Costa Rica contributes to the locals’ comfortable life. Lengthy sunshine hours could be loved all year long, as even within the wet season, there are lengthy spells of dry and sunny climate.
Because the Central American nation is near the equator, sunrises and sunsets are fairly constant all 12 months spherical. The Caribbean aspect enjoys superior sunrises between 5.30 and 6.30 am with vibrant colors, and tranquil environment.
There may be normally extra exercise on the packed seashores within the night because the solar spectacularly drops beneath the Pacific Ocean on the opposite aspect of the nation. Joyful hour is widespread in vacationer cities like Tamarindo as guests get pleasure from an ice-cold beer with mates admiring the pure phenomenon. All 12 months around the solar units between 5.30 pm and 6.30 pm, which contributes in direction of thriving tourism within the Pacific cities.
Huge rainforests.
Costa Rica is known for its expansive rainforests which cowl round half of the landmass within the nation. There are each tropical and temperate rainforests making up the gorgeous nature, which is residence to a richness of biodiversity.
The folks of Costa Rica proudly shield their rainforests with 25% of the nation designated as Nationwide Parks. Regardless of being small in measurement, Manuel Antonio is the preferred park for vacationers to go to, resulting from its mixture of gorgeous seashores and various wildlife. It’s also conveniently situated for day journeys from San Jose.
Monteverde and La Fortuna are each areas situated larger above sea stage and, subsequently, residence to temperate rainforests with cooler temperatures and frequent cloud protection. If you wish to expertise the distinctive mist within the forests, each jungle cities supply wonderful experiences with very educated native tour guides.
A private spotlight is the Mistico Hanging Bridges Park situated in La Fortuna, which is residence to hanging bridges excessive above the forest, providing company a singular perspective of the rainforest, together with a contact of adrenaline for some. An evening tour of the cloud forest in Monteverde will present an genuine expertise, as a lot of the inhabitants come out after the solar units.
If you wish to go to a tropical rainforest, a well-liked spot is Corcovado Nationwide Park, situated on the Osa Peninsula within the southwest of the nation.
An abundance of wildlife.
Because of the distinctive location of the Central America Isthmus, it’s considerably of a organic hall, which has created a biodiverse wealthy nation in Costa Rica.
Sloths are an enormous draw for worldwide vacationers wanting a glimpse of the lovable creatures of their pure habitats. There are each two-toed and three-toed sloths in Costa Rica, and each thrive within the tropical local weather. The attractive animals are a protected species, which implies that the Costa Rica conservation efforts assist to guard and relocate the sloths, in addition to supply training to guests about their significance to the ecosystem. Reserving on a guided tour will probably be your best choice for recognizing a sloth throughout your journey.
The mangrove forests in Costa Rica have created the right surroundings for wildlife to thrive. Crocodiles and monkeys are two examples of wildlife that love the estuary circumstances. Having fun with the Tamarindo estuary tour is one of the simplest ways to look at the magnificent reptiles of their pure habitat, while studying about their distinctive dwelling circumstances. The howler monkeys can even come and say howdy as you cruise round throughout low tide.
Marine life is considerable off each coasts in Costa Rica, with dolphins and whales usually being noticed from shoreside on the Pacific aspect. Marino Ballena Nationwide Park is the go-to spot for one of the best expertise of observing mammals.
Out of doors journey.
Costa Rica is a paradise for outside lovers, with each established and off-the-beaten climbing trails out there to discover all the sweetness that Costa Rica has to supply.
Corcovado Nationwide Park affords guests some difficult trails in a distant setting. As you wander via the dense forests, you will notice untouched ecosystems and empty seashores. This can be a nice strategy to absolutely immerse your self within the Costa Rican jungle life.
Zip-lining in Costa Rica is globally famed on account of its lovely surroundings and distinctive biodiversity, which could be noticed as you zip via the cover. There are various locations within the nation to get pleasure from a high-level ziplining expertise, nonetheless, there’s something additional particular about sharing the tree tops with howler monkeys in Montezuma. You can even get pleasure from some cliff leaping into the highest pool of Montezuma waterfalls throughout your tour.
Offroad journey can be extremely popular with vacationers trying to discover off the overwhelmed observe. The poor highway infrastructure and hilly panorama imply that guests can get round extra simply on employed ATVs, particularly within the quieter bohemian cities corresponding to Montezuma.
The wet season brings larger water ranges and quicker currents making white water rafting much more enjoyable. Rafting could be loved all through Costa Rica, nonetheless, the Balsa River close to La Fortuna is understood for its newbie and intermediate-class rapids. The tour operators on this area are well-established and really skilled, so you possibly can get pleasure from a secure and superior introduction into the rapids.
A tradition of well being and wellness.
Whether or not you might be wandering via one of many jungle cities, or respiratory within the recent ocean air in your seaside stroll, you’ll discover the tradition is considerably completely different to many western international locations.
Really feel-good vibes flow into across the widespread cities, that are contagious. They’re as actual because the Pacific waves crashing towards the shore every day.
In Tamarindo, we witnessed a seaside yoga class, early morning surfers, and other people having fun with wholesome breakfasts, and this was at 6 am.
Health and wellness retreats are quite common all through Costa Rica with an escape to nature being the right soul healer for a lot of worldwide vacationers. The Nicoya Peninsula is a typical spot for holistic wellness and yoga retreats, with the cities of Santa Teresa and Nosara usually turning into a short-term residence for company.
Pure wonders.
The pure rainforests are widespread in Costa Rica, nonetheless, among the nation’s different pure wonders additionally seize guests’ hearts.
Waterfalls.
The waterfalls in Costa Rica by no means stop to amaze, with numerous the long-lasting wonders extremely popular with vacationers.
Rio Celeste deserves a point out resulting from its distinctive sky blue coloured water, which dazzles guests as they full the reasonably difficult hike to get a glimpse of it.
Tenorio Nationwide Park is residence to the beautiful waterfall, together with two completely different coloured rivers that collide near Rio Celeste, creating some extent that shows each aspect by aspect.
This distinctive optical phantasm is attributable to the mineral composition within the geographical space near Tenorio Volcano.
If you’re in search of an exquisite waterfall to swim at, then La Fortuna is a perfect candidate.
The attractive forest environment will give you a pleasant secluded spot to chill down and chill out, with vacationers discovering the noise of the highly effective cascade of La Fortuna waterfall to be soothing. Many guests settle for the problem of attempting to swim near the 70-metre-high waterfall’s base.
Volcanoes.
The distinct geographical panorama in Costa Rica implies that volcanoes are situated throughout three important volcano ranges all through the nation.
The big volcanoes have created many geothermal areas which embody scorching springs which might be usually loved by worldwide vacationers. We loved the free pure scorching springs and a resort throughout our time in La Fortuna.
Essentially the most picturesque and till just lately, essentially the most lively, is the Arenal Volcano overlooking La Fortuna. The city’s lovely backdrop is dream-like, particularly when the solar units behind the marvel.
The biggest volcano in Costa Rica is Irazu at a top of roughly 3,432 metres above sea stage. Its largest crater has a lake which attracts many day tour guests. It had a minor eruption in 1994, and regardless of nonetheless being deemed an lively volcano, the locals aren’t too anxious about it.
A singular number of delicacies.
Because of the nation’s location, there was an inflow of outdoor affect on the delicacies in Costa Rica, which alongside the cultural traditions has created a cosmopolitan culinary scene.
The capital affords extra of a neighborhood and conventional feeling with little or no English spoken, native meals markets thriving, and plenty of Soda Eating places. The nationwide dish of Costa Rica is ‘Gallo Pinto’, which includes rice, plantain, and beans, all staples within the Tico’s eating regimen. Different tasty dishes that the locals get pleasure from are Casado, Olla de Carne, and Chifrijo.
We discovered the Pacific city of Tamarindo to be Westernized with sturdy American affect. You possibly can anticipate finding worldwide flavors corresponding to American, Italian, Asian, and Mexican as the companies cater to vacationers and expats. There are additionally wholesome breakfast spots popping up continuously round Tamarindo, because the locals preserve their pura vida life.
Puerto Viejo on the opposite coast has a robust Afro-Caribbean affect, together with an unlimited array of recent seafood choices. Well-liked dishes within the Caribbean cities embody Rondon, Patí, and coconut shrimp. You can even anticipate to get pleasure from a cocktail or two as you get pleasure from a Caribbean-themed night.
If lovely delicacies is without doubt one of the largest elements in your journey planning, you possibly can have completely different culinary experiences relying on which Costa Rican locations you go to.
Is Costa Rica costly?
It’s no secret that tourism is on the rise in Costa Rica, as Western vacationers hunt for a sprinkle of the great life. This has come at a price although, with costs now very costly relative to its Central American neighbours. Among the costs in Costa Rica are actually just like the USA, particularly within the dry season.
Listed here are among the common prices you possibly can anticipate to pay per particular person:
Lodging per night time – $40-$80.
Meal out in a mid-range restaurant – $25-$30.
Shuttle bus journey – $50.
Day journey – $50.
Journey ideas for Costa Rica.
You’ll love your time in Costa Rica regardless, nonetheless, if you wish to maximize your enjoyment ranges, and be extra environment friendly, these few journey journeys will go a great distance that will help you.
Use native tour guides.
The primary tip we will recommend is to make use of a tour information within the rainforests. Our time in Mistico Hanging Bridges Park in La Fortuna was made way more fulfilling by ‘Chris’. He taught us some fascinating info in regards to the Costa Rican ecosystems as he identified some essential points to us.
He additionally provided the group with binoculars and a telescope used to get pleasure from close-up photographs of the forest’s inhabitants. He knew the secrets and techniques of the environment and confirmed us a lot of them.
Plan and permit for delays.
Visitors jams, steep hills, poor highway infrastructure, you identify it. There are various explanation why your journeys could also be delayed as you journey between widespread locations. You need to plan for a number of hours price of delays on the longer journeys.
The general public and shuttle buses are snug with air con which makes the delays extra bearable, however if you need a extra environment friendly journey, together with extra management over your scenario, it is best to hire a automotive.
Be taught some primary Spanish phrases.
Spanish is the nationwide language of Costa Rica, and though there may be some English spoken within the extra touristic areas, solely round 10-20% communicate respectable English. We’d have discovered it difficult to navigate San Jose with out our primary Spanish, particularly when buying bus tickets to La Fortuna in the principle station. The Google Translate app may additionally be a vital device to equip your self with.
Take into account eating within the native Soda eating places.
Soda eating places in Costa Rica are a significant a part of the native tradition and supply guests home-cooked meals for very cheap prices. If you’re on a finances or simply need to reside like a neighborhood, it is best to dine in soda eating places, relatively than worldwide institutions. One can find the portion sizes, flavourful dishes, and impeccable service will make up for his or her modest decors and lowered menus.
Take some time to be an eco-friendly vacationer.
Costa Rica is known for the significance it locations on sustainability and ecosystem safety, and we will all play our half in serving to to protect the sweetness within the Central American nation. Take into account carrying a reusable water bottle, together with leaving nonessential baggage behind to your day journeys.
The nationwide parks are very sustainability aware, so you’ll find some restrictions in place, subsequently, pre-planning ought to make it easier to to stay to the principles.
Maintain studying: High Central America Hidden Gems
With a lot to see and do, it’s simple to see why Costa Rica has develop into a high journey vacation spot. Whether or not you’re in search of journey, leisure, or a singular cultural expertise, this small Central American nation delivers in a giant means. Begin planning your Costa Rican escape right now and prepare to embrace the pura vida way of life.