News & Advices
Tips for Arranging an Ideal Vacation to Costa Rica
a
by Mark Twain
25-06-2024
News & Advices
a
by Mark Twain
25-06-2024
Not only does this tranquil paradise have some of the world's most biodiverse ecosystems, but it also has world-class beaches on both the Pacific and Caribbean. Actually, this area is home to 5% of all species on Earth, according to biologists. Only West Virginia is larger than the nation, just in case you were wondering.
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.
There has never been an easier time to reach the wealthy coast, whether your idea of a perfect day is riding horses on a white sand beach or hiking through a cloud forest 10,000 feet above salt water. 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. Another option is to schedule your vacation for the summer, when temperatures increase and hotel costs decrease. Top 5 Can’t Miss Nayara Springs: Relax in the natural hot springs-fed private plunge pool of your villa. Zip lining: As you glide through the treetops, you'll get a sense of the animated cloud forest below. National Parks: These 28 preserves showcase the beauty of nature in all her glory. Restaurant Silvestre: Get a taste of modern Costa Rican food prepared by a chef who has won awards for his work. Limón: Immerse yourself in the rich Afro-Caribbean heritage of the nation.
W Costa Rica - Reserva Conchal is an outlier in the sea of generic beach resorts because to its daring design and playful furnishings. Queen rooms with balconies and ocean views are one end of the spectrum; treehouse suites with private plunge pools are the other end of the spectrum. Five restaurants, an 18-hole golf course, a spa, a beach club, and pools for both adults and children are all on the premises.
One of the top resort hotels in Central America, according to T+L readers, is this adults-only paradise. “From the moment you arrive you feel pampered,” said Erica Linares, a Latin America specialist with Kensington Tours, speaking to Travel & Leisure. The welcome drink—Costa Rica's version of a Bloody Mary—is something she enjoys. A T+L Top Travel Advisor who focuses on Central America, Emmanuel Burgio, compliments the private plunge pools.
A perfect starting point for explorations of the capital, this hotel is situated just four miles from San José's airport. 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 locations in Costa Rica and offers easy access to the country's most beautiful beaches," added James Kaiser of "Costa Rica: The Complete Guide" in an interview with Travel & Leisure. A pair of binoculars will help you see the humpback whales as they make their winter migration offshore, his expert suggestion.
Reserve Indulge in the ultimate in tropical seclusion at this five-star ecolodge on the Osa Peninsula, which was named by T+L readers as one of the top resorts in Central America. Burgio adores the riverside setting and being close to nature. "The bungalows have outdoor showers and terraces that look out over the ocean, and there's a shared pool that looks out over the Pacific."
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. The instructors at Iguana Surf are just as enthusiastic about passing on their knowledge of the sport as they are about building pipelines, making Tamarindo a top spot for practice. Go to the Nicoya Peninsula when you get better. Linares claims, "The town of Santa Teresa has a very relaxed, bohemian atmosphere and it's known for its powerful waves."
It would be sacrilegious to visit Costa Rica and not indulge in a spa treatment, given the country's emphasis on wellness and its location as one of the five blue zones on the planet. 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 excursions nearly everywhere trees are present, and is often regarded as the area where ziplining was first done. In most cases, hanging bridges can also be considered. 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.
Insect hotels, working farms, sugar cane fields, and coffee plantations are just a few ways that Hotel Belmar elevates farm-to-table dining. Consequently, customers go from San José just for dinner at Restaurant Celajes, the establishment's crowning achievement.
Kaiser claims that the Caribbean coast is the place to go for the country's finest cuisine because "the vibrant Afro-Caribbean culture spices things up." If he wants the best Caribbean chicken, he goes to Lidia's Place. You won't be surprised if Lidia swings by to say hello as it's a tiny, family-owned business.
Sano Banano, which means "healthy banana" in English, is an outdoor café that serves hearty meals all day long. Sit back and take in views of Montezuma's bustling main street from the front porch or patio, and while you're there, pick up some handmade chocolates to go.
Linares raves about the unique atmosphere and delectable cuisine at this Arenal icon, which offers prix-fixe, a la carte, and five-course tasting tours. Get your hands on Grandma's roasted chicken, wrapped in banana leaves, before it sells out—it has a cult-like following.
Indulge in culinary adventures at this San José hotspot known for its "unorthodox and avant-garde culinary techniques." No walk-ins are welcome because of the restaurant's stellar reputation as one of Central America's finest. Not everyone can eat everything on the chef-driven tasting menu.
Depending on your objectives, there is no one ideal time to visit Costa Rica. Choose the dry season, which begins in the middle of May and continues until the middle of December on the Caribbean side, if you want to go snorkeling in calm, clear waters. The majority of the nation, however, has the inverse dry season. It begins in December and ends in May. 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.
Come in January for Palmares (Carnival in layman's terms) or Easter week for the greatest cultural activities. Since Costa Rica is primarily a Catholic nation, many of its most important celebrations align with religious holidays. No matter the season, you may always learn to surf, zip line (rain or shine), and observe sea turtles as they lay their eggs.
San José's Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO) and Liberia's Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport (LIR) are the two primary airports in Costa Rica. For trips to Limón, Arenal, Manuel Antonio, or the Osa Peninsula, SJO is the way to go. Flights are often the most affordable through it as well. Flying into Liberia is arguably the best option for excursions to Alajuela and Guanacaste. Rental automobiles are available at both airports.
Obviously, you can land at one airport and depart from another. A combination of public transportation options, including shuttles and buses, makes getting between the two a breeze. Depending on traffic, the trip can take anywhere from three to four hours. You should not drive to Costa Rica since doing so requires passing through nations experiencing civil instability and because crossing borders can be difficult.
Every one of Costa Rica's seven provinces has its own special character. Our recommendation is to begin with the following three.
San José: The nation's cultural institutions, such as the National Museum of Costa Rica, the Pre-Columbian Gold Museum, and the greatest souvenir shopping can be found in the capital. 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. Poas Volcano National Park, located in the province (reservations necessary), is home to one of the biggest craters on Earth.
Limón: On the Caribbean coast of Limón, you'll find some great attractions, like the Barra del Colorado Wildlife Refuge and Tortuguero National Park. Incredible Afro-Caribbean culture is also on display in this province. Africans make up about 8% of Costa Rica's population.
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 currently the most efficient mode of public transportation. The fares are modest, and most of them are privately owned. A four-hour ride, for instance, could cost ten dollars. There is nonstop service provided by "Directo" buses. It seems like "collectivos" halt almost everywhere.
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. You may easily reserve shuttles or private cars in advance online as well.
Rideshare: While it may not be in full compliance with Costa Rican law, Uber has been serving the country since 2015. But it's only available in the most popular tourist locations and large cities. Another choice is DiDi, however it isn't very dependable in outlying locations either.
Car Rentals: While there is no shortage of affordable rental cars in Costa Rica, it's important to remember that the majority of them have manual transmissions and that the roads aren't exactly renowned for their quality (when it rains, many of them 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. Without charging a dime, no other business provides all of the aforementioned.
