Costa Rica

Built on the bean, the coffee bean that is, Costa Rica is a tourist hotspot. As you enter the country you will hear and see the Spanish phrase Pura Vida, which accurately describes this ecologically rich nation. In English, Pura Vida means Pure Life and during a visit to Costa Rica you will live this saying to the fullest.

Located between Panama and Nicaragua, you’ll find 6 per cent of the world’s biodiversity in this compact, yet rich nation. Despite its tropical location, there are only two seasons, the rainy season (known by the locals as winter) and the dry season. Late November through March makes up the dry season with January and February being the best months to visit.

Sun worshippers will likely want to visit the coastline on the Caribbean Sea on the east or the Pacific Ocean to the west. If you’re looking for eco-tourism or adventure, you’ll find both in the interior between rainforest, tropical forest, and three spectacular volcanos.

Nature lovers will enjoy the 20 natural parks, 8 biological reserves, and the many other protected areas. One important park is Tortuguero National Park. The park is known for sea turtle nesting and has natural canals where protected species such as crocodiles, manatees, and otters flourish.

One can drive from the Pacific to the Caribbean in about three hours and the furthest distance you will ever be from a beach is about 75 miles. Tourists looking for big tourist centers, beaches, and surfing will want to visit the Pacific. Surfing fans can find the famous "long lefthander wave” in the Golfito region, near the Marino Ballena National Park.

Costa Rican Volcanos

Pick a Volcano – Arenal, Irazu, or Poas. Each volcano plays an important role in Costa Rica – as a result of past eruptions, the soil is fertile and rich with minerals supporting the lush forests that is home to native wildlife.

The most accessible volcano is Poas, which offers an active crater with a boiling acid lake. Poas has two other craters, neither of which is active, but one of the inactive craters has an icy cold lake that forms the beginnings of the Rio Sarapiqui River, which is popular for white water rafting. If you are staying in San Jose, it is easy to arrange a day trip out to Poas.

For heights and stunning views, Irazu Volcano is the tallest at 3,432 meters (11,259 ft). If the weather cooperates, you can see both the Pacific and Caribbean Sea from Irazu’s summit. The summit is accessible by road and once at the top there are several craters. There are five craters including the unique Diego de la Haya boasting a green crater lake. As with Poas, day trips can be arranged from San Jose.

Arenal is the most active of volcanos in Costa Rica. Arenal is located near La Fortuna, a small town that was spared when the volcano had its last major eruption in 1968. La Fortuna is located approximately 140 km north of San Jose. To get the most out of the Arenal experience, spend a night or two in the La Fortuna area.

The best time to view the volcano is at night when you can see the lava flows. Several tours are available from La Fortuna. While at Arenal, don’t miss Tabacon Hot Springs where you can soak in the pools of thermal waters heated by the volcano. The thermal waters runs freely across the rocks and down waterfalls into natural pools. Be sure to bring your camera. Baldi Hot Springs, also located in the area, is a less expensive alternative.

Activities in Costa Rica

Costa Rica is a natural playground with an assortment of activities. At parks such as Turu Ba Ri, one can fly-glide down a 1 km superman cable or participate in zip lines above the tropical forest canopy. There are several places to zip line above the canopy in Costa Rica, but the 1 km Sensational Cable at Turu Ba Ri is spectacular for a true adrenaline rush. If you're looking to go Bungee Jumping, La Fortuna is your best bet with a fixed Bungee Jump operation.

Other activities in Costa Rica include white water rafting, hiking, canyoning, kayaking, horseback riding, camping, and exploration. At the ocean, have a go at sport fishing, surfing, or boating.

San Jose, Costa Rica

San Jose is the capital city of Costa Rica and is centrally located in the Central Valley region of the country. Not only is the city a perfect spot to jump off and explore Costa Rica, but there are a few interesting places you can visit. While in San Jose, visit one of the many museums such as Gold Museum where you can take a rare look at various gold relics of ancient Latin American civilizations.

Stay Alert in San Jose – sadly pickpockets and petty theft is a problem. If you plan on staying in the San Jose area, choose a hotel just outside of the city. There are many hotels on the outskirts of the city in areas such as Escazu. From here you can launch into Costa Rica or you may choose to stay here and schedule organized day trips around the country.

A great excursion from the San Jose area is a trip to Isla Tortuga, or Turtle Island. This makes for a great day trip from San Jose. Located on the Pacific, the island is full of protected tropical forest and sports a guided trail around the island.

Air Travel to Costa Rica

The international airport in San Jose, Juan Santamaría International Airport, (SJO) is the gateway to the country. All major US carriers operate here along with COPA, TACA, and LASCA.

If you need a taxi from the airport, purchase your taxi-ticket before exiting the airport and use an official taxi. Once you clear Customs there is a desk where you can purchase tickets for an official taxi. Be aware, once you clear Costa Rican Customs there is no inside meet & greet area. Once you pass the taxi desk, travelers are sent directly outside. Avoid individuals hawking their own transportation services; they are more expensive than an official taxi and you may find yourself scammed

The airport is located 20 km from the city of San Jose. Taxis into the city start at $14 USD. There are is also a bus stop at the airport; the Alajuela-San José route buses stops here in both directions.

There are also international flights into Daniel Oduber International airport in Liberia, Costa Rica (LIR).

Departing Costa Rica by Air

Upon leaving by air, a departure tax of $26 USD must be paid. This tax is collected at the airport and is not included in your airline ticket. You may pre-pay your departure tax at many hotels for a small service fee.

The San Jose International Airport offers free WiFi access in parts of the airport, including the new area built on the end where American Airlines operates. A pay lounge is also available with WiFi internet.

If traveling non-stop to the United States, be aware liquids you purchase in the airport cannot be taken onto your flight. Duty Free alcohol purchases are sent to the jetway for pickup after you clear liquid inspection security at the gate.

Before you return home, don't forget to buy some coffee. Coffee is cheap and plentiful - take a minute to go into a Costa Rican market and purchase roasted whole bean coffee that you can grind once home. If you purchase your coffee at the airport or your hotel, chances are you're paying too much.

Currency in Costa Rica

The US Dollar is widely used and accepted. Be sure to bring US currency with you, including smaller bills for the purchase of items like bottled water. The Costa Rican Colone is the national currency, which you may obtain via ATM machines using most ATM cards. As of this writing, ATM’s located inside the baggage claim area at SJO will dispense Colones and US Dollars.

Most Hotels and Businesses accept Visa/MasterCard. It is common for prices to be displayed in US Dollars but credit card transactions will occur in Costa Rican Colones.

PURA VIDA