Adventure Travel
A Traveler's Guide to Costa Rica
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by Colin Thubron
15-07-2024
Adventure Travel
a
by Colin Thubron
15-07-2024
This tranquil paradise is home to some of the world's most biologically diverse ecosystems, as well as some of the best beaches in the world, on both the Pacific and Caribbean coasts. Actually, this area is home to 5% of all species on Earth, according to biologists. Just so you know, the size of the country is comparable to that of West Virginia.
You can see endangered nesting sea turtles, beautiful but deadly tree frogs, stunning scarlet macaws, and sleeping sloths during your unmatched wildlife viewing. They persist tenaciously, coexisting in perfect harmony, beneath the canopy of some of the most active volcanoes on Earth.
It has never been easier to access the verdant coast, where you may indulge your hiking fantasies on a white sand beach or explore a cloud forest 10,000 feet above sea level. Costa Rica is easily accessible by nonstop flights from over a dozen U.S. locations. Winter is the perfect time to come; the nation is a top destination in January. Alternately, brace yourself for lower hotel costs in the summer when the weather warms up.
W Costa Rica - Reserva Conchal is an outlier in the sea of generic beach resorts because to its daring design and playful furnishings. From classic queen rooms with ocean views and balconies to more modern treehouse suites with plunge pools, there is a wide range of rooms to choose from. Spa services, an 18-hole golf course, a beach club, pools for adults and children, and five dining options are all part of the resort.
T+L readers chose this adults-only paradise as one of the top resort hotels in Central America. "You feel pampered from the moment you arrive," said Erica Linares, a Latin America specialist at Kensington Tours, speaking to Travel & Leisure. The welcome drink—Costa Rica's version of a Bloody Mary—is something she enjoys. The private plunge pools are lauded by Emmanuel Burgio, a T+L Top Travel Advisor who specializes in Central America.
Just four miles from San José International Airport, this hotel provides the perfect home base from which to explore the capital city. Having saying that, the valley views, well-kept gardens, outdoor areas (including a coffee farm), and pools make it feel like a million miles from the city.
Travel & Leisure ranked this family-friendly resort among the world's 500 best hotels. “It commands one of the best sites in Costa Rica and offers easy access to the country’s most gorgeous beaches," said James Kaiser of "Costa Rica: The Complete Guide" in an interview with Travel & Leisure. If you want to see the humpback whales as they migrate offshore in the winter, his advice is to carry binoculars.
This exquisite ecolodge on the Osa Peninsula is ideal for anyone seeking a true escape to nature, and it was also named by T+L readers as one of the top resorts in Central America. Burgio enjoys being among animals and the ocean because of their waterfront position. "The shared outdoor pool looks out over the Pacific, and the bungalows have terraces with views of the ocean and outdoor showers."
A nature lover's heaven, Costa Rica is home to a wide variety of plants and animals as well as geothermal characteristics. With 28 different national parks to explore, one quarter of the nation is reserved for environmental preservation. One day can be spent visiting multiple ecosystems, unlike in Colombia or Brazil, according to Kaiser.
There are waves for experts, novices, and everyone in between at Costa Rica's 300 beaches. Tamarindo is a great spot to get some practice, and the teachers at Iguana Surf are just as enthusiastic about passing on their knowledge as they are in building pipelines. Give the Nicoya Peninsula a go when you are well. A very laid-back, bohemian vibe permeates the town of Santa Teresa, and the area is famous for its tremendous surf, says Linares.
Being in one of the five blue zones on Earth makes it seem sacrilegious to skip out on a spa treatment while in Costa Rica, where wellness is practically a religion. Perched on a "high vibrational crystal mountain," Vida Mía Healing Center & Spa was honored with the title of "Best Spa in the Americas."
Costa Rica offers canopy tours practically everywhere there are trees; it is often thought of as the origin of ziplining. Additionally, hanging bridges are a common choice. Almost two miles of elevated pathways wind through the Monteverde cloud forest at Selvatura Park.
A private trek through the Talamanca Mountains accompanied by an indigenous Cabécar guide is, according to Burgio, one of the most hidden experiences one can have. Burgio claims that whitewater rafting in Central America is best done on the Pacuare River.
Hotel Belmar elevates farm-to-table dining with its insect hotel, functioning farm, coffee plantation, and sugar cane fields. Therefore, its crown jewel, Restaurant Celajes, is so highly regarded that customers go all the way from San José simply to have supper there.
Kaiser claims that "the vibrant Afro-Caribbean culture spices things up" along the Caribbean coast, which is home to some of the country's finest cuisine. If he wants the best Caribbean chicken, he goes to Lidia's Place. Since it is a tiny, family-run business, you shouldn't be surprised if Lidia swings by to say hello.
In an outdoor setting, Sano Banano—which translates to "healthy banana"—offers wholesome fare for all three meals of the day. Indulge in a seat on the front porch or rear patio while taking in views of Montezuma's bustling main street. Be sure to stop by the cash register to get some artisanal chocolates.
This Arenal icon offers prix-fixe, à la carte, and five-course tasting tours, and according to Linares, the food is excellent and the atmosphere is unforgettable. Be quick to place your order if you want to satisfy the cult-like devotion to Grandma's roasted chicken wrapped in banana leaves.
The "unorthodox and avant-garde culinary techniques" that are the basis of the culinary experiences offered at this San José institution have made it famous. Reservations are required because it is widely considered to be among the top restaurants in Central America. Additionally, fussy eaters won't be satisfied by the chef-driven tasting menu because it has no limits.
Depending on your objectives, there is no one ideal time to visit Costa Rica. During the dry season, which begins in the middle of May and lasts well into December on the Caribbean side, snorkeling in crystal clear waters is at its best. The majority of the nation, however, has the inverse dry season. From December to May, it is held. When roads are passable and everything is open, this is when it happens. We recommend going during the wet season, sometimes called the green season, if you wish to avoid crowds and save money on your vacation.
In January, you should go during Palmares, which is essentially Carnival, or Easter week if you want to see the greatest cultural activities. Since Costa Rica is primarily a Catholic nation, many of its most important celebrations align with religious holidays. Sea turtle nesting and hatching, zip lining (rain or shine), and surfing lessons are available year-round.
Located in Liberia, Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport (LIR) is the second major airport in Costa Rica, the first being Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO) in San José. If you are planning a trip to Manuel Antonio, Limón, Arenal, or the Osa Peninsula, SJO is where you should stay. In addition, its airfares are often the most affordable. Flying into Liberia is arguably the best option for excursions to Alajuela and Guanacaste. You can rent a car at either airport.
Obviously, you can land at one airport and depart from another. Plus, shuttles and public buses make the transfer between the two a breeze. Depending on traffic, the trip can take anywhere from three to four hours. It is not advisable to drive to Costa Rica due to the fact that you will have to go through nations experiencing civil instability and that passing borders can be a hassle.
Costa Rica is divided into seven provinces, and each one has its own unique character. Our recommendation is to begin with the following three.
San José: The nation's capital is home to some of the country's most renowned cultural institutions, such as the National Museum of Costa Rica, the Pre-Columbian Gold Museum, and the greatest souvenir shops in the country. The finest food in the nation is also found there.
Alajuela: Arenal Volcano National Park in Alajuela is a favorite destination for thrill seekers since it offers a variety of activities, including ziplining, hot springs hopping, and cloud forest hiking, all within a single day. Also in this province, at Poas Volcano National Park (reservations needed), you can see one of the biggest craters on Earth.
Limón: The Caribbean side of Limón is home to several amazing natural attractions, such as Barra del Colorado Wildlife Refuge and Tortuguero National Park. Incredible Afro-Caribbean culture is also on display in this province. There are about 8% African-descended Costa Ricans.
Trains and Buses: The 1991 earthquake devastated Costa Rica's rail network, and the country is now in the process of repairing it. Buses are optimal for public transit at the moment. Many are privately owned, and the fares are quite cheap. A four-hour ride, for instance, could cost ten dollars. Nonstop service is provided by "Directo" buses. Pretty much everywhere you go, "collectivos" will stop.
Taxis and Shuttles: Only cabs licensed to pick passengers up at airports in Costa Rica are orange or red, and all of them feature a yellow triangle emblem. Private vehicle services or shuttles can also be reserved online with ease.
Rideshare: In spite of the fact that it is against the law, Uber has been serving the Costa Rican market since 2015. Yet, it's only available in large urban areas and popular tourist destinations. DiDi is another choice, but it's also not very dependable in outlying places.
Car Rentals: Renting a car in Costa Rica is easy and inexpensive, but be warned that most of the vehicles have manual transmissions and that the roads aren't exactly renowned for their quality (when it rains, many of the roads become rivers). Book with Vamos if you require extras like a roof rack for surfboards, a carseat for youngsters, a cell phone for navigation, or extra drivers, and try to acquire a high-clearance SUV with all-wheel drive. All of the aforementioned services are provided at free cost by this particular company.
