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I did my Costa Rica solo journey twice and even when I didn’t like this nation rather a lot (I do know, proper. extra on this later), I nonetheless need to share my private expertise about my journey to Costa Rica.
📬 Reader Mail: Whats up Trisha! I discovered you on Pinterest and I really like your Costa Rica image in Tabacon Scorching Springs! Except for that, do you might have any extra suggestions on issues to do in Costa Rica? I’m planning to go to Costa Rica alone this summer season and I hope you may give me some suggestions! Thanks to your assist and your weblog. Have a pleasant day!
-Nicholas Harris (Houston, TX)
For a small nation, Costa Rica packs a punch. It’s house to miles and miles of each Pacific and Caribbean coastlines. You may catch the dawn on one aspect and drive to the opposite for sundown. It has quite a lot of energetic volcanoes. You may select from cloud forests or rainforests.
5 p.c of the world’s biodiversity resides inside its borders. Not less than 25% p.c of its land is devoted to wildlife conservation.
It’s one of many main nations on this planet for renewable vitality. Ticos and Ticas dwell usually lengthy and completely happy lives. Life expectancy is 77 years previous! Pura Vida, certainly!
🇨🇷 Costa Rica journey at a look
- Capital: San Jose
- Foreign money: Costa Rica makes use of US {dollars}
- Energy plug: Like many Latin American nations, Costa Rica makes use of Sort A (two flat parallel pins) and sort B (two flat parallel pins and a grounding pin)
- Visa: People, Canadians, Australians, British, and most European residents don’t want a visa to enter Costa Rica. You can be given a 90-day vacationer visa once you arrive at a world airport in Costa Rica (San Jose).
- Language: The language in Costa Rica is Spanish however nearly everybody speaks English! They love talking English right here – I nearly didn’t use my Spanish whereas touring round Costa Rica. You gained’t have a tough time speaking with locals.
- Transportation: Busses are costly in Costa Rica in comparison with renting a automobile. Every time I go to Costa Rica, I nearly simply solely lease a automobile as a result of it’s low cost and simple. I’ll focus on extra about transportation within the getting round part of this text.
- Wifi/Web in Costa Rica: Web in Costa Rica is difficult in seaside areas. I purchased a Costa Rican sim card and had my transportable wifi machine with me as a result of I drove rather a lot. In San Jose, the wifi was truthful and labored for me as a digital nomad. I didn’t have any drawback though I might say it wasn’t that quick for Youtube video uploads.
- Costa Rica sim card: Claro and Movistar is fashionable in most Latin American nations however in Costa Rica, I received a sim card from the community supplier referred to as Kolbi. 5GB of Web plan with Kolbi prices US$25 and may final for a month.
- Urged journey length: A visit to Costa Rica may be simply achieved inside every week, particularly if you’re touring round in a automobile. Costa Rica is just not an enormous nation however after I was planning my route, I solely had 2 weeks so I couldn’t journey slowly as I usually do. The East and the West have good locations to go to so the drive route planning received difficult for me since I needed to see each locations. In contrast to different backpacking locations, there aren’t many frequent routes in Costa Rica that vacationers take. I’ll clarify it extra within the routes and itineraries part of this text.
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✈️ Costa Rica journey planning
Finest time to go to Costa Rica
The most effective time to go to Costa Rica is from December to April. The climate throughout these months is nice for outside actions like mountain climbing. That is comparatively summer season/dry in Costa Rica however there shall be occasional rain showers. That is the last word excessive season since Northern People and Europeans try to flee the chilly of their nations.
My first go to to Costa Rica was throughout the shoulder season of Might to July. There weren’t lots of people and lodging had been cheaper than ordinary. Nevertheless, it was raining rather a lot so it was difficult to drive off-road or go mountain climbing. I did it anyway since I favored mountain climbing when it was raining. The cover rainforests are additionally coated so that you gained’t actually get moist right now of the yr.
The off-season in Costa Rica is from August to November however that is additionally the time when surfers go to Costa Rica. Some motels deep within the jungle shut right now as a result of roads are impassable. If you’re a surfer, be sure to e book lodging in Costa Rica that’s near your surf spot or ask the hosts in regards to the climate. They’ll normally say if it’s good to go or not. However hey, I do know you all prefer to surf after a robust rain!
Beneath are the yearly occasions in Costa Rica that you could be be involved in:
- January: Feast of Sta Cruz (homage to the Holy Christ of Esquipulas that’s 100 years previous), Jungle Jam (music competition in Jaco), and Las Fiestas de Palmares, one other music competition filled with Costa Rican musicians and bands.
- February: Envision Competition (music, artwork, yoga, workshops, festivals in Uvita), Fiesta Cívica de Liberia (with loopy bull driving and races), Danza de Los Diabelitos (a competition that commemorates the Brunka tribe’s victory over the Spanish conquistadors), Carrera Chirripo (a professional race in Chirripo’s mountains)
- March: Feria de la Mascarada (parades, people and fashionable music, fireworks, conventional meals, cultural actions), Día del Boyero (an ox parade to commemorate how Costa Ricans used oxcarts for transporting crops), Vuelta al Arenal (a biking occasion in Arenal)
- April: Día de Juan Santamaría (commemorating the Battle of Riva in 1856)
- Might: Feast of San Isidro Labrador (Spanish medieval saint)
- June: Competition de las Artes (largest artwork competition in Costa Rica), Nationwide Browsing Championship
- July: Competition of the Virgin of the Sea (the fishing boats and yachts are brightly adorned with lights and flags and sailed on the ocean), Guanacaste Day, and Walter Ferguson Calypso Competition
- August: La Virgen de los Ángeles (celebrating the patron saint of Costa Rica)
- September: Independence Day in Costa Rica, Whale & Dolphin Competition (Bahia Ballena in Uvita)
- October: Día de la Raza (Day of the indigenous resistance)
- November: Costa Rica additionally celebrates the day of the lifeless like Mexico; La Ruta de los Conquistadores (biking occasion)
- December: Excessive season in Costa Rica for the vacations (Christmas and New Yr). There shall be a grand Christmas competition in Jaco, Costa Rica.
📍 Locations to go to in Costa Rica
Mal Pais and Santa Teresa
Situated on the Pacific coast of Costa Rica within the province of Puntarenas. Right here, you’ll discover the neighboring seaside cities of Mal Pais and Santa Teresa. Relaxation assured you’re going to get the most effective of each worlds should you plan a visit to this space. Santa Teresa is a well-known surf city with an abundance of issues to do, locations to go, and sights to see.
Mal Pais, however, is a quiet seaside hamlet with fishing as the primary attraction. Aside from all of the actions, you might probably do on these two seashores, guests also can take pleasure in outside excursions in and across the space. Cabo Blanco Nationwide Park is just not too far-off.
Snorkeling on close by Tortuga Island is well worth the journey. Yoga can also be a preferred alternative and becoming to the vibe. Benefit from the stoke.
Montezuma
Hippie, tropical, bohemian, eclectic, artsy, these are simply a number of the few adjectives that finest describe Montezuma. This small seaside city located on the Nicoya Peninsula is house to a various, laidback, and free-spirited neighborhood.
Should you want that much-needed break from fast-paced touring, that is for you. You may spend your days exploring the happenings of the city itself or take pleasure in a leisurely stroll by means of the rocky shoreline. You would possibly even come across a tide pool to calm down in. The waterfalls inside the city are well worth the go to, too.
Sarapiqui Valley
Simply two hours northeast of San Jose lies the Sarapiqui Valley. This space is now one among Costa Rica’s prime locations for wildlife recognizing and thrill-seeking. Identical to anyplace else within the nation, the biodiversity inside the valley is spectacular.
For avid birdwatchers, that is paradise. That is the place some distinctive species of birds congregate. Hikes are aplenty so it gained’t be too onerous to identify species of their pure habitat. White water rafting or kayaking by means of the wild rapids of Rio Sarapiqui can also be commendable.
One other Sarapiqui exercise could be to take pleasure in a chocolate tour and study how this prized product is cultivated. Sure, sure, and sure.
The capital metropolis of San Jose
Vacationers normally skip the capital of any nation and primarily use it as a transportation hub. San Jose deserves a day or two of your time. It’s thought of one of the vital cities in Latin America and for good cause. It doesn’t lose its historic and cultural attraction regardless of modernity.
Should you’re at a loss with what to do or the place to go, the most suitable choice could be to stroll down Central Avenue. The stroll will lead you to a few of San Jose’s well-known museums and will provide you with a glimpse of San Jose’s every day life. One other must-see is the Mercado Centrale.
Right here you’ll discover a number of the nation’s most prized produce. Cool off after a busy day of going round city at Parque Metropolitano La Sabana. All this and extra in San Jose. You’ll see.
🏄♂️ Issues to do in Costa Rica
Costa Rica seashores
Cocles Seashore
Playa Cocles is one among Costa Rica’s hottest Caribbean seashores. Situated in Puerto Viejo, this seaside is well-known for browsing. Get a lesson or lease a board from the numerous surf retailers that dot this 2-kilometer stretch. Folks from all ranges of browsing can take pleasure in right here relying on the forecast.
You’re more likely to discover good situations from January by means of March. In addition to the surf, Playa Cocles is simply usually place to absorb some solar and perhaps play some seaside volleyball and soccer. Identical to any browsing seaside, you’ll be handled to all-around good vibes.
Samara Seashore
Samara is one other gem of Guanacaste. Sitting on the foot of a hill is a well-known and laid-back resort city excellent for a household getaway. The five-kilometer stretch of Playa Samara is the place to go. It’s secure. Unique wildlife may be discovered as you stroll alongside the seaside.
Swimming, stand-up paddle boarding, yoga, kayaking, and even browsing may be loved right here. Backpackers can immerse themselves within the vibe and seize a beer with locals. Others can go for a calming day of lounging peacefully on the seaside or go horse driving at any time of the day.
Attempt renting a ship and you’ll go to the close by Isla Chora. Playa Samara is an ideal day journey break from all of the nationwide parks hoping that you just’ll do on this nation.
Nosara
World-class browsing. Distinctive yoga studios and retreats. Wholesome natural cafes and eating places. Hip bars. Stunning seashores. Unique wildlife. Various and multicultural neighborhood. That is Nosara. This city on the Pacific coast is nearly a dream come true. It has retained its small-town attraction regardless of the event it has seen over time.
You’ll get abandoned shorelines however you’ll nonetheless have all of the first-world comforts that your coronary heart needs. Ensure you take a look at Playa Nosara, Ostional, and Pelada. There’s a lot to do right here that the one drawback you should have is having to decide on the best way to take pleasure in your day.
Costa Rica Nationwide Parks and Reserves
Corcovado Nationwide Park
Are you able to think about the array of wildlife that might exist and thrive in an space with 13 ecosystems? Embark on a trek in Costa Rica’s Corcovado Nationwide Park and also you would possibly have the ability to grasp the biodiversity that this nation is known for.
The difficult trails have extra to supply than wildlife. It’s an excessive journey in itself. Take the coastal path and also you’ll cross rivers and have empty Pacific seashores to your self. Should you go for the inland route, you’ll be rewarded with a wide range of forest sorts.
Guides are important and supply correct steerage by means of this mystical terrain within the Osa Peninsula. Should you get fortunate, you would possibly get sightings of the uncommon harpy eagle, the endangered Baird’s tapir, and/or elusive neotropical wild cats.
Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge
Close to the Nicaraguan border lies Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge. With altering seasons comes altering landscapes. That is what makes this refuge one of many area’s most biologically vital areas. The water cycle of Rio Frio all through the seasons has fostered an setting wherein biodiversity can proceed to thrive undisturbed.
This large wetland shelters giant numbers of migratory birds and endangered mammals. January to March is the most effective time for birdwatchers. Fish fanatics may also benefit from the abundance of species in Caño Negro. Nature lovers will discover a option to take pleasure in this place in any season.
Rara Avis Rainforest Lodge
Should you ever end up in Braulio Carrillo Nationwide Park, please don’t miss out on Rara Avis Reserve. This distant and wild 3300-acre reserve is created with the purpose to advertise environmental conservation and sustainable tourism.
Rara Avis is, after all, a spot the place nature doesn’t shrink back from displaying off. A hike by means of the reserve will depart you in awe of the animal and flora that calls the realm house. Rappelling excursions can be found to the extra adventurous ones.
Mountaineering trails and waterfalls are aplenty. Word that Rara Avis’ secluded location is just accessible through horseback or a 3 to four-hour tractor trip so a night at Waterfall Lodge is very inspired.
Manuel Antonio Nationwide Park
Costa Rica is house to variety of nationwide parks. Situated on the Pacific coast of the nation is the charming Manuel Antonio Nationwide Park. Regardless of the tourism growth in the previous couple of years, it retains its plain attract. Take into consideration lush forests assembly tropical seashores.
That is what Manuel Antonio affords. The place is greater than its magnificence although. The realm’s biodiversity makes up for its dimension within the space. Spend your day happening trails or on a ship tour by means of the mangroves and immerse your self within the wildlife. Finish a day of journey by taking your candy time lounging on the seaside. The hype is actual for this one.
Rincón de la Vieja Nationwide Park
Think about a dramatic volcanic setting, an arid panorama, lush vegetation, thermal springs, and waterfalls. All this you’ll discover inside the confines of this roughly 34,000-acre nationwide park. The park is split into two elements, Santa Maria and Las Pailas, permitting guests to expertise each the Pacific and Caribbean sides of the Cordillera de Guanacaste.
With two volcanoes, guests may have loads of outside actions to select from. Tenting grounds can be found. Mountaineering trails should not so crowded and nicely stored. Chill out your muscle tissues after an extended day of exploring, soak in sulfuric scorching springs, and end off in a waterfall or a stream.
Finest take a look at the climate to search out an exercise finest suited to the season. Should you ever end up within the northern a part of Costa Rica, Rincón de la Vieja Nationwide Park is a particular must-see.
Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve
Within the nation’s Cordillera Central lies an vital cloud forest reserve referred to as Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve. Its elevation coupled with its lush vegetation harbors the right setting to permit biodiversity to thrive. All of the moisture trapped by the timber created a novel surrounding for wildlife.
It’s no shock that 2.5% of the planet’s biodiversity may be discovered right here. This reserve is very regarded for its dedication to sustainable tourism and dedication to conservation. Take pleasure in quite a lot of day or night time trails, attempt to spot some endemic orchids and ferns, look out for elusive birds and mammals, and easily simply take pleasure in your time amidst the wonders of the pure world. Cloud forests are usually moist all yr spherical so finest to return ready.
Tortuguero Nationwide Park
Eleven totally different habitats exist inside the confines of Tortuguero Nationwide Park. Simply by this reality, it’s no surprise it’s so nicely visited regardless of its distant location on the northeastern a part of the nation. Being so biologically various, this large wetland space close to the Caribbean coast is house to wildlife.
Tortuguero is taken into account a secure haven for quite a lot of endangered species. Value mentioning are the loggerhead, hawksbill, and leatherback sea turtles that nest right here. Go to if you wish to see Costa Rican wildlife in its purest kind.
Cultural issues to do in Costa Rica
Pre-Columbian Gold Museum
Gold has at all times been thought of a logo of authority in Costa Rica. When Christopher Columbus and his males first set foot within the nation, they had been greeted by native inhabitants clad with golden jewellery items. Pre-Columbian Gold Museum reveals Costa Rica’s intricate historical past with gold.
One space showcases an intensive assortment of pre-Columbian artifacts. Some relationship again to 500AD. One other shows the evolution and historical past of the native foreign money. The museum is situated proper within the capital of San Jose.
Go to a espresso farm
Arabica espresso first arrived on Costa Rican shores within the 1700s. Since then, espresso has performed a job in shaping the nation’s social, cultural, financial, and political panorama. As much as this present day, espresso stays one of many nation’s prime exports. Costa Rica is blessed to be in one of many world’s finest geographical areas.
The climate and local weather, the topography, and the biodiversity make it extraordinarily excellent for espresso cultivation. Fashionable-day strategies and applied sciences have solely boosted the manufacturing and high quality of espresso produced in Costa Rica.
Lovers will discover a wide range of particular excursions in beneficios or espresso plantations. Finest to e book it throughout the manufacturing and harvest season from October to March. It’s secure to say that espresso is among the the reason why Costa Rica is what it’s at present.
Out of doors actions in Costa Rica
Tabacon Scorching Springs
The realm surrounding Arenal Volcano is house to quite a lot of scorching springs. After touring extensively throughout the nation and spending a variety of time mountain climbing, deal with your self to a therapeutic scorching spring getaway to alleviate your sore physique.
Guests can select from variety of resorts and motels that cater to your relaxation and rest wants in and round Tabacon. We typically neglect that relaxation is integral whereas on trip.
Poás Volcano
Poas Volcano is an energetic stratovolcano in central Costa Rica. Right here, you’ll witness the highly effective geothermal forces that formed our planet. Poas gained recognition over time for its numerous eruptions. However the primary attraction right here is the gorgeous and large crater lakes Laguna Caliente and Lago Botos.
The encompassing nationwide park affords trails that can can help you soak within the magnificence and magnitude of this panorama.
Rio Celeste Waterfall
Envision your self strolling by means of a tropical rainforest fully on the mercy of Mom Nature. Immerse your self within the sights and sounds. You’ll witness nature displaying off its magnificence in biodiversity. You’ll hear the calls of the totally different species simply going about their ordinary.
As you get deeper into the path, you’ll hear the sound of a roaring waterfall. Following the sound then leads you to an unbelievably blue and nearly mystical physique of water. Welcome to Rio Celeste Waterfall.
Locals imagine it received its colour when God dipped his brush within the river whereas portray the sky and seeing it should make you imagine that God’s hand certainly has one thing to do with its magnificence.
Finest to go early as a result of solely a restricted variety of persons are allowed inside the confines of Parque Nacional Volcan Tenorio.
Surf Costa Rica’s massive waves
Costa Rica is taken into account a word-class surf vacation spot and for good cause. It’s a tropical haven. There are seashores of all types on each coasts. Sunny days are aplenty. Water temperature stays comparatively heat all all year long.
It’s secure. It was cheap. There’s surf all yr spherical. The surf neighborhood is rising and turning into stronger than ever. Surfers of all ranges can discover the proper time and place to maximise their water time. Surf camps and surf charters are plentiful so guests can get an opportunity to apply and/or enhance their browsing.
It’s also possible to simply lease a automobile and do a DIY surf street journey throughout the nation. Should you’re a surfer, there shouldn’t be a doubt in your thoughts about embarking on a Costa Rican surf journey. Reside out your wildest Infinite Summer season goals.
White water rafting in Turrialba
Not too removed from San Jose lies the charming city of Turrialba. It’s house to quite a lot of scenic locations–pre-Colombian ruins to the Turrialba Volcano Nationwide Park. What it’s best identified for although is as the primary city for world-class white water rafting in Rio Pacuare.
Should you’re an adrenaline junkie, this expertise is one for the books. It’s not an exercise for the fainthearted with intermediate rapids starting from Class III and IV. Ebook a licensed tour operator and luxuriate in each single a part of this wild trip.
Hike Cerro Chirripo
Brace your self for the land of everlasting waters and Costa Rica’s highest mountain. Cerro Chirripo is a magical place. The ascent will reward you with panoramic views of mystical cloud forests, ethereal paramos, deep valleys, and glimmering lakes. Should you get fortunate with the climate, the summit will please you with distant sightings of each the Pacific and the Caribbean.
Regardless of all this, it’s not precisely for the faint-hearted. Skilled climbers can traverse the rugged terrain in a day whereas it’s prompt for non-pros to take a day or two. Finest imagine that whoever takes on the problem shall be uncovered to wild and untouched pure magnificence and biodiversity.
Bioluminescence Kayak Tour
Truthfully, bioluminescence is one among nature’s most underrated wonders. I imply, come on, how can one not be bewildered and amazed on the sea lighting up like a sky filled with stars? Paquera Bay might be the most effective place to witness this pure surprise.
Join a kayak tour and bask within the spectacle of bioluminescent dinoflagellates with Bahia Rica! Timing is vital to this enterprise although. Finest to go on the darkest hour of the night time and ensure to keep away from the complete moon.
Arenal Volcano
For 42 years, Arenal Volcano has been a relentless supply of surprise and awe. Its fixed exercise attracts guests from all around the world. From 1968 to 2010, you is usually a spectator to the sheer energy of the Earth with fixed earth-shaking and large explosions.
Streams of lava may be seen streaming down its nearly completely conical form. Right now, Arenal remains to be value a go to. The encompassing space is rugged and residential to lush rainforests and thriving wildlife. To not point out pure scorching springs.
Different fashionable actions within the space embrace ziplining by means of the forest cover and horseback driving to the La Fortuna Waterfall. Guests can take pleasure in an entire day of actions and go soak in thermal swimming pools afterward.
🍛 Costa Rica Delicacies: what to eat and drink
To be trustworthy, if you’re staying greater than every week like I did, Costa Rica Delicacies was repetitive for me. The staple meals of Costa Rica embrace beans, rice… Properly.. then extra beans and rice. Nearly all their dishes have these two however under are those I attempted, which I actually favored.
Casado
Casado is the comida typica of Costa Rica. Large, massive parts at lunch are a should. Casado is often a hearty plate of rice, beans, tortillas, salad, meat, some form of potato, and plantains. You’ll discover this in each restaurant in Costa Rica. No likelihood of you lacking out on this dish.
Chifrijo
Chicharrones + Frijoles = Chifrijo. This fashionable Costa Rican dish began as a well-loved appetizer in San Jose bars however can now simply be discovered all all through the nation. Chifrijo consists of pork rind, beans, rice, pico de gallo or chimichurri served with chips or tortillas on the aspect. Take pleasure in your bowl.
Espresso
Are you actually going to overlook out on espresso while you’re in Costa Rica? They take their espresso severely right here. That is the one nation on this planet the place it’s truly unlawful to provide something apart from 100% Arabica. All beans are handpicked. There are eight espresso areas to select from. With all this in thoughts, you possibly can make certain that you’ll be ingesting espresso of the best high quality.
Flan de Coco
Coconut flan gained recognition in areas that border the Caribbean. And naturally, it’s fashionable in Costa Rica. It’s a type of desserts that you just gained’t have the ability to cease consuming after you have a chunk. It’s gentle and never overwhelmingly candy. It virtually melts in your mouth. It’s scrumptious. Attempt it.
Gallo Pinto
Breakfast? Go for gallo pinto. Actually which means noticed hen, gallo pinto is the Costa Rican go-to. It’s primarily a dish of rice and beans combined collectively. Typically bell peppers, onions, and different issues are added for added taste. Don’t miss out on the Salsa Lizano!
Guaro
Guaro is the most effective promoting liquor in Costa Rica. It’s even typically thought of the nation’s nationwide drink. This distilled spirit is constructed from sugar cane and it’s sturdy. You may strive ingesting it neat however it’s actually finest loved as a Miguelito or as a guaro bitter. Time to loosen up. You’re in Costa Rica. Pura Vida.
Olla de Carne
Olla de Carne is Costa Rica’s rendition of a beef stew. That is beef slow-cooked with a hearty portion of a number of the nation’s most cherished produce. Think about melt-in-your-mouth beef, carrots, corn, candy potatoes, plantains, and cassava combining to provide you a symphony of flavors. Eat it with white rice throughout dinner. Belief me. Even should you’re not Costa Rican, you’ll really feel at house.
Patacones
Patacones are primarily plantains fried twice. Minimize in rounds then fried. Mashed after which fried once more. I do know it doesn’t sound like a lot. However once you discover patacones served to you with floor beans and chimichurri, I guess you that you just won’t be able to cease munching. It’s so easy but so satisfying.
Pejibaye
Go to any mercado in Costa Rica and for certain you’ll discover pejibaye. It’s a seasonal fruit of a selected sort of palm tree. As soon as the fruit is picked, it’s then boiled for hours. The pores and skin and the pit are eliminated and also you’re left with a snack that tastes much like cashew or a chestnut. Ticos typically eat it with lime. Positively a must-try within the nation.
Sopa Negra
Everyone knows by now that Costa Ricans love their beans. It’s no shock that there could be a black bean soup that’s well-loved right here. What makes sopa negra stand out although are the garnishes. You may add no matter fits your cravings. It’s inviting, scrumptious, wholesome, and filling. Finest consumed scorching and with variety of corn tortillas.