Travel Guides: All Countries / Central America / Costa Rica
 |  | Destination Guide : Costa Rica |
|
| | | Eco-tourism friendly |  | Why go on holiday to Costa Rica?
Eco-tourism has been the priority for successive Costa Rican governments, giving the country the most comprehensive conservation laws in the region. The variety and abundance of the protected wildlife attracts tourists from all over the world.
With Caribbean and Pacific coasts there are also plenty of beaches to choose from. Cloud forests, mountain and coastal rain forest, dry forest and mangrove swamps contrast with flat tropical lowlands. You are spoilt for choice.
How much does it cost?
A seven-night tour of San Jose, Los Angeles Cloud Forest, Arenal and Tamarindo in November costs from £1,250. Flights only from around £410 return, average around £550. Prices fluctuate depending on the time of year.
When should I go?
Costa Rica has two seasons: wet and dry. The dry is from late December to April, the rest of the year tends to be wet. However the Caribbean coast tends to be wet all year round - there's just less rainfall it in the "dry" season.
Temperatures don't vary much and depend on altitude - San Jose at 1,150m is in "eternal spring", whilst coasts are hotter. The Caribbean averages 20C (67F) at night and 30C (85F) in the day, the Pacific coast is just a couple of degrees warmer.
Prices in the dry season go up and hotels are full but you won't be soaked every day.
|
|
|
|
|
| | | See a sea turtle |  | What should I do when I'm there?
Nature lovers flock to Costa Rica to see sea turtles, caimans, sloths, monkeys, rare birds, tapirs, armadilloes and jaguars. You can opt for the luxury beach hotels or campsites in the midst of the flora and fauna.
Apart from sunning'n'swimming you can hike both in rainforests and over (active) volcanoes, snorkel, surf, whitewater raft, sea kayak or just fish.
Will I really get to see the animals?
Yes, but don't try to talk to them! Costa Rica has the most well-developed conservation in the region and that means tourists have to behave well towards the animals as well as the locals.
Most people going to see a specific species will get to fulfil their dream but for some animals there are only certain times of the year when you can really get close.
For example sea turtles only come onto land when laying their eggs - so check their laying season.
For the sake of your fellow eco-tourists and the animals make sure you follow guides on behaviour around these wild, endangered species. Remember it's a privilege to see them even if you have paid!
What should I see?
In San Jose check out the Museo de Oro Precolombio - full of wonderful gold objects, and Museo de Jade - the world's largest collection of jade carvings.
Also visit the Museo de Insectos - for those who want to see the biggest collection of creepy crawlies in the region, and Teatro Nacional.
Outside of San Jose see the Volcan Arenal - the most active volcano in Central America, erupting every few hours.
Beach life or park life?
Those looking for a resort feel on a budget head for Montezuma, whilst those wanting something a little more luxurious make for Tarmarindo. For an intriguing mix of Bribri Indian and Afro-Caribbean culture try Puerto Viejo de Talamanca.
Surfies head along the Pacific Ocean - Pavones is the longest surf beach. Parque Nacional Rincon de la Vieja in the north-west is a volcanic wonderland of cones, craters, lagoons, boiling mud pools and sulphur springs.
Parque Nacional Corcovado in the south has long-distance trails through tropical rainforest best walked in the dry season. There are shorter walks around Monteverde in the coastal Parque Nacional Manuel Antonio, south of Quepos.
|
|
|
|
|
| | | Dance the salsa | | Where's good for nightlife?
In San Jose and want a drink and a dance? Head for El Cuartel de la Boca del Monte, Casa Matute or the Club Cocodrilo.
'Ticos like to drink, talk and dance so the scene is not like British mega clubs. Nightlife does go on late, salsa is a popular dance form - take in a couple of salsa classes before you go so you can join in!
What's the food like?
The staple dish, usually served for breakfast, is gallo pinto, a mixture of rice and black beans, sometimes served with huevos fritos/revueltos (fried/scrambled eggs).
Tortillas are also popular - either Mexican-style wraps or Spanish omelettes depending where you eat. Casado is a filling, set meal usually of rice, beans, meat and veg. Elote is corn on the cob and olle de carne is a filling meat soup.
Food is herby but not pepper-hot so there is usually a bottle of tabasco on the table for those who like a little more spice.
What should I buy?
Costa Rica makes many handicraft items - textiles, leatherwork, wooden toys, coffee, pottery, gourd crafts, or more expensive gold work in pre-Colombian styles.
In San Jose, Annemarie's Boutique in the Hotel Don Carlos has a good selection, try the markets in the Plaza de la Cultura, or the Mercado Central for a shopping extravaganza.
Alternatively you could head to the village of Sarchi where you can watch artisans at work before you buy.
What is there for children to do?
If your brood enjoys outdoor pursuits then lots (see previous sections), but if they want Mediterranean-style children's clubs and activities you need to check with your hotel and Costa Rica is probably not for you.
Children who are interested in wildlife will never forget their first close encounters with the incredible and sometimes weird tropical life forms here.
Tourist office
Embassy of Costa Rica, 14 Lancaster Gate, London W2 3LH. Tel. 020 7706 8844. For tourist information please call after 10am.
|
|
|
|
|
| | Available rental properties in Costa Rica |
|
| |  | | Casa Warilla
2 Bedroom home in Quepos. Walking distance to buses, restaurants, the town center, and the waterfront.
|  | | Casa Verdugo
Two Bedroom, Two Bathroom Villa in Puerto Quepos, Costa Rica. Sleeps 6, village and sunset views, close to buses, restaurants, and the waterfront.
|  | | Casa Bumerango, Quepos
Three Bedroom, One Bath home in Quepos, Costa Rica, walking distance to town, restaurants, tours and the waterfront.
|  | | Villa Riviera
2 bedroom, 2 bath duplex condo on the beach for rent.
Short or Long Term rental Agreement
|  | | Casa Bello Horizonte
This beautiful house has 4 bedroon 3 1/2 bath spectacular views from every room in the house. Walking distance to Playa Hermosa come visit paradise!!
| | Click here for more properties... |
|
|
|
|
|
|
