Information Costa Rica…
What you need to know for your trip to Costa Rica
Find all the information about Costa Rica you need. When to travel , where to go, what to visit, whom to contact, what to eat…
Travel Costa Rica
Costa Rica ranks as the safest country in Latin America according to the global peace index. The Costa Ricans also called Ticos are known for their joy for live or ‘Pura Vida’ the sentence you will hear very frequently. The country ranks on top of the happy planet index as the most the happiest people worldwide.
Domestic Flights
There are several domestic airlines that operate flights within Costa Rica:
Sansa Airlines: This airline operates flights to 15 destinations within the country.
Nature Air: This airline operates flights to 7 destinations within the country.
Skyway Airlines: This airline operates flights to 3 destinations within the country.
Aerobell Airlines: This airline operates flights to 10 destinations within the country.
The main domestic airports in Costa Rica are Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO) in San Jose, Liberia International Airport (LIR) in Guanacaste, and Tobias Bolanos International Airport (SYQ) in San Jose.
Food
Expect to start the day with a rich breakfast in Costa Rica. The traditional breakfast is called ‘Gallo Pinto’ which translates to ‘Painted Rooster’. It is a delicious rice and beans mixture often served with eggs, sour cream and tortillas.
Other typical dishes are casado (rice, beans, meat or fish, salad, and fried plantains), ceviche (marinated seafood), and empanadas (stuffed pastries). Don’t forget to try the fresh tropical fruits, such as mango, pineapple, and papaya.
Travel Costa Rica
Costa Rica ranks as the safest country in Latin America according to the global peace index. The Costa Ricans also called Ticos are known for their joy for live or ‘Pura Vida’ the sentence you will hear very frequently. The country ranks on top of the happy planet index as the most the happiest people worldwide.
Domestic Flights
There are several domestic airlines that operate flights within Costa Rica:
Sansa Airlines: This airline operates flights to 15 destinations within the country.
Nature Air: This airline operates flights to 7 destinations within the country.
Skyway Airlines: This airline operates flights to 3 destinations within the country.
Aerobell Airlines: This airline operates flights to 10 destinations within the country.
The main domestic airports in Costa Rica are Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO) in San Jose, Liberia International Airport (LIR) in Guanacaste, and Tobias Bolanos International Airport (SYQ) in San Jose.
Food
Expect to start the day with a rich breakfast in Costa Rica. The traditional breakfast is called ‘Gallo Pinto’ which translates to ‘Painted Rooster’. It is a delicious rice and beans mixture often served with eggs, sour cream and tortillas.
Other typical dishes are casado (rice, beans, meat or fish, salad, and fried plantains), ceviche (marinated seafood), and empanadas (stuffed pastries). Don’t forget to try the fresh tropical fruits, such as mango, pineapple, and papaya.
Road Infrastructure
The countries infrastructure of highways is generally in good conditions between the major tourist attractions. On smaller non paved routes you might need a 4×4 or 4×2 vehicle. Our tours indicate what’s the most suitable vehicles.
Traffic is basically easy to handle in Costa Rica only in San Jose you might get stuck in traffic jams. We do not recommend to drive at night-time in areas you are not familiar with as it is easier to get lost in such circumstances.
If you prefer not driving yourself we also offer individual and group tours with a private driver.
Daytrips
1. Arenal Volcano National Park – This park is home to the impressive Arenal Volcano and offers plenty of hiking trails, hot springs, and waterfalls to explore.
2. Manuel Antonio National Park – Known for its beautiful beaches and lush rainforest, this national park is perfect for a day of wildlife spotting, swimming, and relaxing in the sun.
3. Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve – This breathtaking reserve is home to the mystical cloud forest and offers an exciting zipline tour, hanging bridges, and stunning views.
4. Tortuguero National Park – This park is located on the Caribbean coast and is famous for its sea turtle nesting sites. Visitors can also take a boat tour through the canals to see monkeys, crocodiles, and various birds.
5. Poas Volcano National Park – This park is home to one of Costa Rica’s most active volcanoes, offering a unique opportunity to see a live crater in action.
6. La Paz Waterfall Gardens – This attraction features several impressive waterfalls and exhibits showcasing Costa Rica’s diverse wildlife, including hummingbirds, butterflies, and snakes.
7. Rio Celeste – This beautiful river in the Tenorio Volcano National Park is known for its striking turquoise color, caused by a chemical reaction in the water.
8. Guanacaste National Park – This park is located in the Guanacaste Province and offers hiking trails, waterfalls, and beautiful viewpoints overlooking the Pacific Ocean.
9. Corcovado National Park – Known as one of the most biodiverse places on the planet, this park is a great destination for wildlife enthusiasts looking to spot monkeys, sloths, and even jaguars.
10. The Caves of Barra Honda – This underground network of limestone caves features unique rock formations and striking stalactites and stalagmites, making it a fascinating destination for spelunking enthusiasts.
National Parks
The national parks in Costa Rica have a long and interesting history that dates back to the early 20th century. The government of Costa Rica recognized the importance of conserving its unique natural resources, and in 1915, it established its first national park, Parque Nacional Volcan Poas.
Over the years, several other national parks were established, including Manuel Antonio National Park, Arenal Volcano National Park, and Corcovado National Park, to name just a few. These parks were created to protect the rich biodiversity of Costa Rica, which is home to thousands of plant and animal species, many of which are found nowhere else on earth.
In addition to their conservation efforts, the national parks in Costa Rica also serve as major tourist attractions, attracting visitors from all over the world who come to experience the country’s stunning landscapes and unique wildlife.
Today, Costa Rica has more than 30 national parks, covering over 25% of the country’s total land area. Each park has its own unique history and character, but they all share a common goal: to preserve and protect the natural beauty of Costa Rica for future generations to enjoy.
Where to stay?
1. Hotels and Resorts: There are various hotels and resorts in Costa Rica, that ranges from budget to luxury.
2. Vacation Rentals: Properties like apartments, villas, and condos are available for rent in Costa Rica.
3. Hostels: Hostels provide affordable and communal living spaces to travelers, especially backpackers.
4. Eco-Lodges: Costa Rica is known for its natural beauty, hence the eco-lodges offer an immersive experience in the heart of nature.
5. Bed and Breakfasts: These are small establishments that offer a cozy and homely environment.
6. Boutique Hotels: Boutique hotels are unique and custom designed hotels for people with a preference for luxury and privacy.
7. Treehouses: Costa Rica is known for its unique accommodation options, and treehouses are one of them. It is a perfect option for nature lovers.
8. Homestays: Homestays provide a homely experience to travelers by living with a local family and getting to know the culture and way of living.
Best time to travel?
You can visit Costa Rica year-round, but the dry season from December to April is the most popular time to go. Expect more crowds and higher prices during this time. The rainy season from May to November brings lush greenery and lower prices, but also more rain.
Don’t be afraid of the rain though. Even in the rainy season, the mornings are bright and sunny and most of the time it rains in the afternoon. Temperatures are always pleasant and humidity high.
Wildlife
Costa Rica is a pioneer in ecotourism and has become a popular destination for nature lovers from all over the world. The country’s abundant wildlife, preserved natural habitats, and eco-friendly tourism practices are a major draw for tourists.
Costa Rica is one of the world’s most biodiverse countries. It is home to over 500,000 plant and animal species, many of which are endemic (found only in that region). The rich biodiversity is an indicator of the country’s ecological health and is vital for maintaining a healthy ecosystem.
Costa Rica is widely recognized for its efforts in wildlife conservation. The country has protected around 26% of its land area in national parks, reserves, and wildlife sanctuaries. These efforts help preserve endangered species and maintain the country’s ecological balance.
Overall, wildlife in Costa Rica is essential for the country’s economic, ecological, and educational well-being. Protecting and conserving it will have real and lasting benefits for the country’s future.
Oceanic Inspiration
Winding veils round their heads, the women walked on deck. They were now moving steadily down the river, passing the dark shapes of ships at anchor, and London was a swarm of lights with a pale yellow canopy drooping above it. There were the lights of the great theatres, the lights of the long streets, lights that indicated huge squares of domestic comfort, lights that hung high in air.
No darkness would ever settle upon those lamps, as no darkness had settled upon them for hundreds of years. It seemed dreadful that the town should blaze for ever in the same spot; dreadful at least to people going away to adventure upon the sea, and beholding it as a circumscribed mound, eternally burnt, eternally scarred. From the deck of the ship the great city appeared a crouched and cowardly figure, a sedentary miser.