Why I present “Ultimate Travel Guide to Costa Rica”? Because Costa Rica is the ecological treasure of the world and a region full of biodiversity. Lush rainforests, pristine beaches, volcanoes, and swamps are just some of the natural attractions you will see on your trip to Costa Rica. It is home to rare species of wildlife, from lovely turtles and large and small green frogs to sloths and anteaters.
If you are planning to travel to Costa Rica, you need this “Ultimate Travel Guide to Costa Rica”. You may ask why planning? Because Costa Rica has so many sights and attractions. You need a comprehensive travel guide that gives you information about
Costa Rica is a Country of Peace and Beauty
Costa Rica is a country in the central part of the American continent, South of Nicaragua and north of Panama. It reaches the Caribbean Sea from the east and the Pacific Ocean from the west. The total area of Costa Rica is 50,660 square kilometers and has a population of about five million, of which 1.6 million live in the capital San Jose. Temperature is mild in this paradise. Some parts of the country see very little change in weather throughout the year.
The Costa Rican currency is the Costa Rican Cologne (CRC) and its main exports are coffee and bananas.
Since the late 1980s, Costa Rica has become a popular destination for natural tourism as it is the largest area of plants and animals on earth.
Costa Rica’s national parks and protected areas cover about 23.4 percent of the country. About 250 species of mammals, more than 400 species of reptiles and amphibians are in Costa Rica. You can find nearly 900 species of birds and 250,000 species of insects, including a quarter of the world’s known butterflies in Costa Rica.
Best Time to Travel to Costa Rica
The most popular time to visit Costa Rica is the Christmas and New Year holidays, but the best time to visit Costa Rica is November, April, May, when the tourist population is smaller. During these months, the rains is light, and Costa Rica is full of freshness and greenery.
The dry months of the year from January to April are sunny and warm. It has the most rainfall in September and October. In May to September, the mornings are usually sunny and the afternoons are rainy.
Deciding the best time to travel to Costa Rica depends on the purpose of your trip. If you want to enjoy Costa Rica beaches and have outdoor activities, the dry season is the best time of the year from January to April, but the popularity of this season will make your trip expensive. Because everything is at its highest price.
During the rainy season many hotels have discounts and Costa Rica is not very crowded so it is a good opportunity to see all parts of the country.
The Best way to Travel inside Costa Rica
Buses are available, great and cheap in all parts of Costa Rica, even in the most remote parts of the country. Private company buses are of higher quality and transport is faster but more expensive. Taxis are also suitable for long trips if you are traveling in a group.
Car rental is also common in Costa Rica but expensive. For a typical car you have to spend about $40 per day and for a SUV about $80 per day. Of course, keep in mind that driving in Costa Rica is a bit difficult. Winding roads at high altitudes require patience and driving skills.
Domestic flights are good for saving time, but they also cost more and take away the opportunity to see the scenery.
Where to Stay in Costa Rica?
To start your adventure in Costa Rica, you must first choose a place to stay. The country is full of resorts for every taste and budget. Whether you want to stay in a nature or stay in a luxury hotel, Costa Rica has many options.
All-inclusive resorts are usually family-friendly and close to the country’s best attractions.
Vacation Rentals are also large homes that are usually rented as a family. These accommodations are affordable due to the suitable space they provide for a large number of people.
Believe it or not, there are also tree houses in Costa Rica that you can rent for accommodation.
The cost of staying in private rooms in the hostel is $25 per night. Hostels often offer free WiFi and breakfast. Budget hotels charge about $30 per night in a double room, and luxury hotels charge two to three times that amount per night.
Attractions not to be Missed in Costa Rica
Costa Rica is full of natural tourist attractions for every taste and age. Continue with this “Ultimate Travel Guide to Costa Rica” to learn more. There are so many attractions that you can not see them all in one trip. So choose according to your interests.
If you love Nature and photography of Landscapes
Do you enjoy seeing special sights and taking pictures of these sights? Do not forget these few places to visit in Costa Rica.
Poás Volcano National Park
Poás Volcano National Park is one of the most amazing places of Costa Rica. It should definitely be on “Ultimate Travel Guide to Costa Rica”. Large crater of this volcano is a symbol of the power of the earth. The volcano last eruption was in 1910. Despite the beauty of nature along with the rage of the earth, this volcano has is one of the natural attractions of Costa Rica today.
Del Toro Waterfall
Are you a waterfall lover? Then Del Toro is a must in “Ultimate Travel Guide to Costa Rica”. Del Toro is the largest and most spectacular waterfall in Costa Rica. The view of this large waterfall that flows from the heart of the dense forest is truly breathtaking. If you are planning to photograph nature, there are great and spectacular views around the waterfall.
La Fortuna Waterfall
An hour’s walk from Fortuna city center takes you to the spectacular view of La Fortuna Falls, near Arenal Volcano. This 75 meter waterfall is one of the most stunning waterfalls in Costa Rica. The Arnal River turns into a waterfall after passing through mountain twists and turns near the crater of the volcano, creating this natural beauty.
Arenal Volcano
If you go to see La Fortuna Falls, do not miss the Arenal Volcano. The volcano last erupted in 1968 and has been a Costa Rican natural attraction ever since. The mixed shape of the Arenal has made the volcano one of the most beautiful natural wonders in the world. This is an icon and truly deserves to be listed in “Ultimate Travel Guide to Costa Rica”.
Corcovado National Park
Corcovado National Park is Costa Rica’s largest national park. This park with an area of 400 square kilometers and with special and diverse biodiversity. Corcovado National Park in National Geographic is a place with the highest amount of biological diversity in the world. From American crocodiles to anteaters and lazy two-toed and three-toed foxes and jaguars live in the park.
Manuel Antonio National Park
Near Manuel Antonio’s exotic village is Costa Rica’s most famous national park, Manuel Antonio National Park. This park is the natural habitat of many endangered species, including squirrels. Traveling to Costa Rica without seeing this park is a big mistake. That’s why I highlight this park in this “Ultimate Travel Guide to Costa Rica”.
While you in this park, you will see the slots, and other wildlife.
Monte Verde Cloud Forest Biological Park
Monte Verde Cloud Forest Biological Park is one of the best examples of sustainable tourism in the world, with 2.5% of global diversity on 10,500 hectares. The forest is home to more than 2,500 plant species, 100 mammal species, 400 bird species and 120 reptile species, and is visited by more than 70,000 people each year.
Lapaz Waterfall Natural Park
La Paz Waterfall Gardens is a nature reserve located near San Jose. Five waterfalls, cloudy and rainforests, snakes, frogs, orchids and Heliconia and a zoo are some of the attractions of this park.
The park is home to hundreds of species of animals such as cheetahs, monkeys and birds such as hummingbirds.
If you enjoy the beaches
Costa Rica is the best choice for all sea lovers with its approximately 1300 km coastline with the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea.
Santa Teresa Beach
Santa Teresa is a small fishing village on the edge of the Nicosia Peninsula and one of Costa Rica’s most beautiful areas. Although this village is always prosperous for travelers, it has maintained its tranquility and beauty. The soft sandy beaches and sea waves on the beach of Santa Teresa attract the lovers of the sea and surfing.
Manuel Antonio Coastal Village
This small seaside village is famous for its national park. The park has the whitest sand beach in the country, creating a dream paradise between turquoise water and monkey-filled palm trees.
Malpaís Beach
Malpaís is located in the southeast of the Nicosia Peninsula. This beach is suitable for surfing and with its golden and white sand that stretches for kilometers and the beautiful view of the sunset, it is the best place for a romantic walk.
Montezuma Village
Montezuma is a beautiful seaside village with a lovely bohemian setting on the Nicosia Peninsula. This village is a good place to enjoy a warm and friendly atmosphere by the ocean and forest environment. The seaside village of Montezuma stretches for miles along the coastline and attracts tourists with its charming wooden houses, hotels and a range of restaurants serving local and international cuisine.
The coastal city of Ovita
Ovita is a quiet seaside town south of the Dominican Republic. This small town is located at the foot of a forest hill and is full of hiking trails, inns and shops, a complex of shopping malls and luxury hotels in the hills overlooking the beach.
The Coastal City of Tamarindo
The long beach of Tamarindo has great waves for surfing. Many international surfing competitions are held here every year. The city’s location and convenient connection to other beaches make it an ideal base for travelers looking to explore Costa Rica’s North Pacific coast. In addition to surfing, there are many activities you can do at Tamarindo. From boating to fishing, zipping and horseback riding.
If You Are Traveling to Costa Rica to Relax
If you are traveling to Costa Rica to relax, you are in good hands. You have many options. Here are the best ones to include in “Ultimate Travel Guide to Costa Rica”.
Tabocon Hot Springs
Tabacon Hot Springs is the largest natural hot spring in Costa Rica. These springs are located in the rainforests of Tabocun. Its pools are filled with mineral water at different temperatures. While relaxing in these hot pools, you can also enjoy the surrounding scenery. I spent a whole day in here and honestly I can be there everyday. It is an absolute paradise.
The words cannot describe the experience you will have in Tabacon Hot Springs.
Tabacon Hot Spring also has several cafe and delicious buffet lunch option, therefore you can enjoy the whole day just chilling, eating and drinking.
Rincón de la Vieja Volcanic Bath
The Rincón de la Vieja volcanic bath in Guanacaste is one of the best options for relaxation. The waters of Costa Rica hot springs come directly from the volcano and are therefore rich in minerals and volcanic mud. This mud is full of sulfur, zinc and magnesium, which in addition to soothing, reduces skin inflammation and reduces joint pain.
Traditional Cocoa Ceremony
Cocoa beans are full of magnesium, calcium and antioxidants and are generally good for your heart. By participating in the cocoa ceremony, you will learn the steps of making a cocoa drink. The ceremony features relaxing traditional songs and energetic lectures that, along with a cup of cocoa or coffee, create a meditation-like feeling.
Relax with Volcanic Rocks
Stone massage is one of the most popular methods of treatment in Costa Rica. Black volcanic stones are heated and placed on your skin and a massager uses them for massage. The heat of these stones dilates the blood vessels and promotes better blood circulation and deep relaxation.
If You Are a Food Lover
This is the most delicious part of “Ultimate Travel Guide to Costa Rica”. One of the best parts of a trip to Costa Rica is the experience of eating local food. You can taste these delicious dishes all over Costa Rica. But what foods are the most popular in Costa Rica?
Pacadillos, Galo Pinto, Chief Rejo, Enyucados, Flan de coco, Empanadas, Churros, Chorreadas, Ceviche, Arroz con leche and many more. It is best to go to a good restaurant and get advice from them.
Cost of food is relatively lower compared to North America and European countries.
Tips for a Trip to Costa Rica
There are some things you should know before traveling to Costa Rica to be as supplemental to this “Ultimate Travel Guide to Costa Rica”.
How to save on Travel expenses to Costa Rica
– Plan tour trip to Costa Rica in a low tourist season. Because in these periods everything is cheaper. From attraction tickets to hotel fees.
– Costa Rica has many free attractions that will fill your entire vacation. So visit La Fortuna Falls and more.
– You do not have to stay in a hotel. There are many camps that you can rent for about five to fifteen dollars per night.
– Caribbean Costa Rica is cheaper and has more tourist attractions instead of staying in San Jose.
– Traveling on a low budget?? Use the local bus for domestic trips. It may be a little difficult but it costs less and you can enjoy the scenery.
Practice Caution in Costa Rica
– There are thefts like snatching bags all over the world. Costa Rica is no exception. Watch out for your personal belongings.
– Some taxis charge a lot of money pretending that the meter is broken. This is the most common type of scam in Costa Rica. So check the price before moving with the driver.
– Do not go to secluded areas at night and always have complete information about where you are going.
– Use maps or apps that guide the way.
– Keep a copy of your personal documents such as a passport.
– Send plans for your trip to close friends and family so they know where you are.
– If you have a problem, get help from the police and do not trust strangers.
– Be sure to have travel insurance for your trip.
– If you want to convert currency, do it only in authorized banks and exchange offices. There is a high probability of fraud in a shady exchange offices.
If You Go Shopping...
– US dollars and international credit cards are accepted in most stores.
– Do not carry valuables and important documents in your handbag when shopping.
– Bargain is highly recommended. But do not lower the price too much. Try to make a reasonable offer.
– Learn a little Spanish. In this case, you will get a better discount and more attention.
– If you want to bring coffee as a souvenir, be sure to buy the original coffee. Export brands Café Britt or Café Rey are the best.
Don’t Forget Costa Rican Souvenirs
Do you want a memory from this “Ultimate Travel Guide to Costa Rica”? Surely after traveling to Costa Rica, you need something to look at it and reminds you this extraordinary vacation. Coffee, chocolate, Salsa sauce, jewelry, wooden handicrafts, handmade bags and shoes, local costumes, ceramics, swimwear and soap are good souvenirs of Costa Rica.
Pay Attention to Other Details as Well
– Take the right clothes with you Even in the hot season, bring clothes for rainy weather. Costa Rica weather is unpredictable. Bring sunscreen, sunglasses and insect repellent with you.
– If you are in a place where mineral water is not available, do not worry; Costa Rican tap water is safe to drink.
– If your cell phone is unlocked, it works in Costa Rica. Activate your SIM card roaming just before traveling to Costa Rica. Of course, in terms of cost, given the availability of free Wi-Fi in most places, it is better to use the Internet to make calls.
– The emergency number in Costa Rica is 119.
– Finally, it is good to know that VAT in Costa Rica is 13% and applies to all your payments.e
I hope you enjoyed this “Ultimate Travel Guide to Costa Rica”. Based on my previous experiences in traveling to Costa Rica, this article will help you to have a better knowledge of Costa Rica Attractions. I will help you plan accordingly based on your time, budget and of course what you like to see and do in Costa Rica.