Hello everyone and welcome to my blog!
I'm Alex, also known as Alex the Vagabond. In this blog post, I'm incredibly excited to share my tips for Costa Rica, my favorite country in Latin America. I have visited Costa Rica seven times, the first time in 2002 when I was a 14-year-old surf enthusiast. That first visit to Costa Rica solidified my love for the Spanish language, surfing, and the country itself. So, I'm thrilled to share all the tips I've learned from multiple visits to this beautiful Central American nation.
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Fast Facts about Costa Rica
Costa Rica is Central America's most popular tourist destination, with over 80% of visitors coming from the United States.
In 2018, there were over three million visitors to Costa Rica.
Despite being small (about the size of West Virginia), Costa Rica is the most biodiverse country in the world.
Costa Rica is located in Central America, bordered by Nicaragua to the north and Panama to the south. It has the Pacific Ocean on its west coast and the Caribbean Sea on its east coast.
The country is divided into seven regions: San Jose, Alajuela, Heredia, Cartago, Guanacaste, Puntarenas, and Limón.
The name "Costa Rica" derives from Spanish and means "rich coast" because of the elaborate gold jewelry worn by the natives when the first Spaniards arrived.
Archaeologists have found evidence of human habitation in Costa Rica over 10,000 years ago.
Costa Rica became a Spanish colony in the 1500s but declared independence in 1821.
Costa Rica is a leader in conservation and ecotourism.
Tips for Costa Rica
Budget Travel
Unfortunately, Costa Rica is not a cheap destination due to its safety and low crime rates. It has become a go-to vacation spot for many Americans, resulting in higher prices. Avoid extensive group tours and activities like ziplining and ATV tours to keep your costs low. Most restaurant bills include a 10% service tip and a 13% tax, so you don't need to tip on top of that. Additionally, be prepared to pay small fees for parking and security when visiting natural sights.
Avoid Crowds
The low season in Costa Rica is from May to December, which is the rainy season. Costa Rica only has two seasons: the rainy and dry seasons. It may rain daily during the rainy season, but these are usually short tropical storms that clear out for a lovely sunset. The dry season is hotter and dustier. If you prefer fewer crowds, visit during the low season, but avoid October, the rainiest month.
Accommodation Options
Costa Rica offers many accommodation options, from small family-run bed and breakfasts to large international hotel chains. Staying in family-run hotels can be a great option, especially if you're interested in surfing. Another gratifying way to travel is booking an Airbnb in less popular locations to save money on accommodation.
Rent a Car
Public transportation in Costa Rica is limited to buses, and the roads can be dangerous and windy. Renting a car is highly recommended, but be sure to get insurance, as driving in Costa Rica can be challenging. Be cautious of speed limits and speed traps, as the police are aware of tourists' tendency to speed. Drive carefully and stay alert when passing other vehicles.
Be Prepared for Rain and Humidity
Even in the dry season, Costa Rica can still have occasional rain due to its tropical climate. It is a lush country with high humidity, so wearing breathable clothes, such as linens or synthetic materials, is essential. Make sure to bring a light rain jacket for when it does rain. Mornings usually have the best weather for outdoor activities, so plan accordingly.
Explore Volcanoes and Hot Springs
Costa Rica is home to highly active volcanoes influencing the country's weather.
Reasons to Visit Costa Rica
Tabacon Hot Springs Resort
If you have a bit of a budget to splurge, staying at Tabacon Hot Springs Resort is highly recommended. You can also pay for access to the thermal river, a hot river that flows through a beautiful jungle.
Arenal Volcano
Arenal is one of the top ten most active volcanoes in the world. While it has been dormant for the last seven years, it's worth checking its current activity before visiting.
Wildlife
Costa Rica is one of the most biologically diverse countries on earth.
Over 5% of earth's species call Costa Rica home.
Over 25% of Costa Rica's landmass is protected in national parks, offering visitors over 100 protected wildlife areas to explore.
Monkeys are the most common mammal, with howler monkeys territorial and aggressive.
Costa Rica is home to 52 different types of hummingbirds and over 750,000 other species of insects.
Beaches
Costa Rica has over 801 miles of coastline and over 300 different beaches. There are plenty of options for both relaxing and surfing.
Cloud Forests
Costa Rica is known for its unique cloud forests, high alpine forests with 100% humidity. These forests offer incredible biodiversity and a cooler, wetter climate.
San Jose
San Jose is the capital of Costa Rica and home to over one-third of the country's population. While it is modernizing and becoming safer, many visitors prefer to spend most of their time outside the city.
Coffee
Costa Rica is internationally known for the quality of its coffee beans. Coffee production has played a significant role in the country's development, and many coffee plantations offer tours and tastings for tourists.
Getting Off the Beaten Path
Exploring lesser-known areas of Costa Rica can provide a more authentic experience and lower your budget. Consider visiting a turtle hatchery to witness sea turtles nesting or newly hatched turtles making their way to the beach.
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