Costa Rica Country Bundle: suggestions, stories and tips
Main content, suggestions, stories and tips about Costa Rica
What is the best time to travel in Costa Rica, and what is the worst time to go?
What is the best travel and departure time for Costa Rica?
- Costa Rica, like most other tropical countries, has two seasons.
- The dry season lasts from December through April. The rest of the year is the wet season.
- Actually, only in the highlands is the dry season really dry; in the rest of the country you can always count on a shower.
- In central Costa Rica the average temperature is 22°C , on the coast and northwest the temperature is higher.
Best travel time in Costa Rica
- March is the driest and least clammy period of the year, and the temperature is just right.
- April and May are also pleasant.
Worst travel time in Mexico
- June and July see the most rain, and it is especially muggy on the coast.
What are the best places to go to in Costa Rica?
Costa Rica literally means Rich Coast. Due to the twelve different climate zones, the country has an enormous natural wealth. Nature is in bloom all year round, which is why the country is rightly nicknamed "The Land of Eternal Spring." Costa Rica offers rugged surf spots as well as idyllic dream beaches, lava spewing volcanoes, a diverse animal kingdom, plenty of sports opportunities, a diverse but delicious cuisine and, especially in San Jose, a lively nightlife.
What are the best places to go to in Costa Rica
- Vulcán Arenal; this 1633-meter-high volcano has a perfect cone shape. The volcano has been fully active since 1968 and the rumbling in its depths, the emission of rocks and fire and the moving lava flows are well worth seeing. A visit at night is also a spectacular outing. Do not try to climb this volcano, as it is life-threatening!
- Climbing a volcano is a must! From Costa Rica's highest point (Chiripo) you have a magnificent view of this small but diverse country.Costa Rica is known for its many good surf spots, both on the Pacific and Caribbean coasts you will find beach, point and reef breaks. If you want to go rafting do so on the Pacuaré and Reventazón rivers.
- Go whale watching in Drake Bay. Between August and March, not only humpback whales but also dolphins swim from north to south through this bay.
- As a coffee addict, you can't go to Costa Rica without visiting one of the coffee plantations.
- Puerto Viejo: Lively Afro-Caribbean culture with lots of reggae on the streets, beautiful beaches and excellent nightlife. This place is very popular with surfers. Another fine laid-back surf spot is Montezuma.
- Parque Nacional Manuel Antonio: This park has a beautiful coastline, with white sandy beaches surrounded by tropical rainforests. You can find many species of monkeys here, such as howler monkeys and capuchin monkeys. It is also possible to snorkel in the sea. It is a fairly touristy park, which is especially crowded by the Ticos themselves on weekends and holidays.
- Parque Nacional Tortuguero: The tropical rainforest is intersected by navigable canals in this park. The 19,000-hectare park consists of swamps, canals and tropical rainforest, through which you travel by boat. In Tortuguero you will almost always see monkeys, many species of birds and poison frogs. Along the coast is a beautiful beach, where between May and September different species of turtles come onto the beach to lay their eggs.
- Liberia: In this city you can see vast amounts of colonial architecture.
- San Jose: Everything about San Jose is alive. Half of all the inhabitants of Costa Rica live in this so busy and hot city. With a fine nightlife, giant markets and beautiful architecture, it is the place to get to know Costa Rica. San Jose on foot by yourself at night is not recommended.
Where to study in Costa Rica, do an internship, do volunteerwork or look for a job in Costa Rica?
Why study, intern, volunteer or work temporarily in Costa Rica?
- because the capital San Jose is a very poular university city for many foreign students.
- because ecotourism and conservation opportunities abound in Costa Rica.
- because your colleagues are often helpful, friendly and interested.
- because the country is not called "the land of eternal spring" for nothing: pleasant climate for study, internship or work!
- because the nightlife in San Jose in particular can be very lively.
- because the culture in Costa Rica is known as one of the most progressive and relaxed ('la Pura Vida'!) in Central America.
- because the coffee in Costa Rica is one of the best in the world.
- because Costa Rica is a great country to (learn to) speak Spanish, while at the same time being exposed to regional nuances as well as languages like Patois (Jamaican-Creole), German and Portuguese.
What should you pay attention to?
- That the country is one of the relatively safest countries in Central America, as long as you observe basic safety measures and local warnings.
- that distances can sometimes surprise you in Costa Rica; travel times are often longer than you first think.
- That security and theft can also be an issue in Costa Rica, especially at night and in certain parts of San José.
What are typical Costa Rican habits, food customs, recipes and philosophies in Costa Rica?
What are the customs in Costa Rica regarding food?
- As in most Central American countries, rice and beans are the main ingredients of the meal.
- Fresh seafood and fish are also plentiful on the coast.
- For vegetarians, it can be difficult to find varied food.
- Thai and Chinese restaurants can be a welcome change.
- Delicious and inexpensive fresh fruit is available in many places.
- Some endangered animals do appear on restaurant menus. If you do not want to contribute to the extinction of an endangered species, do not eat the following foods: tortuga (sea turtle), huevos de tortuga (sea turtle eggs) and iguana (lizard).
What are the best recipes in Costa Rica?
- A traditional Costa Rican breakfast consists of Gallo Pinto (spotted rooster), a mix of beans and rice, often served with a tortilla and/or a fried/scrambled egg.
- In the afternoon, hot food is served. Most popular is the casado, a dish again consisting of beans, rice, meat, often served with lettuce and fried banana and egg or avocado.
- In the evening, casado is also the most favorite (and inexpensive) dish.
- Picadillo: Braised vegetable and meat dish.
- Sopa negra: Black beans with egg.
What are the best drinks in Costa Rica?
- Coffee is widely drunk in Costa Rica, usually black with lots of milk.
- Batidos (fresh fruit shakes: ice mixed with water or milk, fresh fruit of your choice and honey) are very tasty, inexpensive and in hot weather a refreshing treat.
- Pipas are fresh coconuts served with a straw. Also not expensive and delicious.
- Alcoholic drinks are available in many places for little money and then taken heartily. For example, rum cola with lemon (Cuba Libre).
What are notable holidays and festivals in Costa Rica?
- Costa Rica (like other Central American countries) was officially declared independent by Spain on Sept. 15, 1821. This day is celebrated every year throughout the country with nationalist parades and the singing of the national anthem.
- A large cathedral now stands on the spot where a statue of a black Mary (La negrita) was found in 1635. Every year pilgrims from all over the country make a 22-kilometer pilgrimage to this cathedral, the last part usually on their knees. All in honor of the Virgin de los Angeles, the patron saint of Costa Rica.
What are the remarkable habits in Costa Rica?
- Pura Vida is the unofficial motto of Costa Rica, and it means "pure life." It's a way of life that emphasizes living in the moment, enjoying the simple things, and being grateful for what you have. Pura Vida is reflected in the way the people from Costa Rica approach everything in life.
- When meeting someone for the first time, it is appropriate to address them by their title and last name. For example, you would say Señor(a) Ramirez. Once you get to know someone better, it is possible to use their first name.
What is the best transport in Costa Rica, and how to get around?
Whether or not travel by airplane in Costa Rica?
- Flying from Amsterdam to Costa Rica without a stopover is possible. Flight duration is about 14 hours.
- Flying is by far the most comfortable way to get from one place to another in Costa Rica. There are quite a few flights between the fifteen different airports. Of course, this is less sustainable and more expensive than taking the bus.
Whether or not travel by car in Costa Rica?
- Road quality in Costa Rica is fairly poor. Except for a few highways between major cities, it is helpful to drive carefully if you rent your own car. With an international driver's license you can certainly rent a car, and sometimes even a Dutch license is good enough. Be sure to get a spare tire with a car (you will probably need it). It is also important to carefully check the car for scratches and damage, so that it is clear later, whether the damage was caused by you or was already there. In this regard, it is finer to take public transportation.
Whether or not travel by train in Costa Rica?
- There are only two train routes in Costa Rica that are still used. From Heredia to San José (half an hour) and from Pavas to Curridat (via San José and San Pedro).
Whether or not travel by bus in Costa Rica?
- Bus transportation in Costa Rica is well organized and inexpensive. Comfortable buses run longer distances. American school buses provide city transportation and shorter routes. For shorter distances, prepare yourself mentally as you will be shaken up considerably.
Whether or not travel by taxi in Costa Rica?
- In the capital San José, use the red cabs as much as possible. These are required to use a taximeter. Do ask in advance if this meter works. If not, agree on a price in advance.
Costa Rica: Updates & Travel
Travel in Costa Rica
- Costa Rica literally means Rich Coast. The country has an enormous natural wealth due to its twelve different climate zones. Nature is in bloom all year round and the country is therefore rightly nicknamed "The land of eternal spring". Costa Rica offers rugged surf spots, but also idyllic dream beaches, lava-spewing volcanoes, a varied animal kingdom, plenty of sports opportunities, a one-sided but delicious cuisine and, especially in San José, a lively nightlife.
- Vulcán Arenal; this 1633 meter high volcano has a perfect cone shape. The volcano has been fully active since 1968 and the rumbling in the depths, the emission of stones and fire and the moving lava flows are very worthwhile. A visit in the evening is also a spectacular excursion. Do not try to climb this volcano, because it is extremely dangerous!
- Climbing a volcano is a must! From the highest point of Costa Rica (Chiripo) you have a magnificent view over this small but versatile country.
- Costa Rica is known for its many good surf spots, both on the Pacific and Caribbean coasts you will find beach, point and reef breaks. If you want to go rafting, do so on the Pacuaré and Reventazón rivers.
- Go whale watching in Drake Bay. Between August and March, not only humpback whales but also dolphins swim from north to south through this bay.
- As a coffee addict, you cannot go to Costa Rica without visiting one of the coffee plantations.
- Puerto Viejo: Lively Afro-Caribbean culture with lots of reggae on the streets, beautiful beaches and great nightlife. This place is very popular with surfers. Another great relaxed surf spot is Montezuma.
- Parque Nacional Manuel Antonio: This park has a beautiful coastline, with white sandy beaches surrounded by tropical rainforests. You can find many types of monkeys here, such as howler monkeys and capuchin monkeys. It is also possible to snorkel in the sea. It is a fairly touristy park, which is especially busy on weekends and holidays by the Ticos themselves.
- Parque Nacional Tortuguero: The tropical rainforest in this park is intersected by navigable canals. The 19,000 ha park consists of swamps, canals and tropical rainforest, through which you can sail by boat. In Tortuguero you almost always see monkeys, many species of birds and poison frogs. Along the coast is a beautiful beach, where between May and September different types of turtles come onto the beach to lay their eggs.
- Liberia: In this city you can see enormous amounts of colonial architecture.
- San Jose: Everything about San Jose is alive. Half of all inhabitants of Costa Rica live in this busy and warm city. With a great nightlife, gigantic markets and beautiful architecture, it is the place to get to know Costa Rica. JoHorribles in Costa Rica
- Be aware for safety reasons it is better not to walk into San Jose alone at night.
- Be aware that the hotels around the bus terminals are very cheap, and are also rented by the hour.....not really recommended, especially for ladies traveling alone.
Updates Costa Rica
- More about Costa Rica, updates and contributions, see the link below.
Travel, living and working in Costa Rica - Theme
Backpack, travel, intern, live, study, volunteer or work in Costa Rica
Costa Rica: selection of contributions by WorldSupporters - Bundle
Selection of blogs, tips and contributions by WorldSupporters about Costa Rica
Costa Rica: selectie van blogs en bijdragen van WorldSupporters - Bundel
Selectie van blogs en bijdragen van WorldSupporters over Costa Rica
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