1. Home
  2. Destinations
  3. Costa Rica’s Only…

Costa Rica’s Only Travel Guide You Need For A Great Trip in 11 Easy Steps

Costa Rica’s Only Travel Guide You Need For A Great Trip in 11 Easy Steps

Costa Rica’s Background

 

Costa Rican history begins around 10,000 BC, during the pre-Columbian period, when indigenous peoples resided in rich valleys under the might of active volcanoes. After collecting gold offerings from the natives, Christopher Columbus named the colony of Costa Rica “rich coast” in 1502. Costa Rica was established by Spain in 1561 by Juan de Cavallon and remained a Spanish colony for over 300 years. Costa Rica, along with many other Central American colonies, claimed independence from Spain in 1821. It achieved independence in 1838. Only two brief bouts of violence have impaired the country’s democratic growth since the late nineteenth century.

The Nation is a Central American success story in many ways. Although it is still mostly an agricultural country, its economy has evolved to include significant technological and tourist industries. The living standard is pretty high as well. Land ownership is common. It is classified as an upper-middle-income country with consistent economic development over the last 25 years. This expansion was the outcome of an outward-looking policy focused on openness to international investment and advanced trade liberalization. Plus it is one of the world’s happiest countries.

Costa Ricans live longer, healthier lives than the rest of the world, and it all comes down to pura vida (pure living), a phrase you’ll hear everywhere. Listen to how it’s used before dismissing it as marketing jargon. It implies welcome, farewell, everything is OK, and the same to you. It has no negative meaning. You might not believe it when you first arrive, but after a week, you’ll be saying it too, unconsciously: pura vida, mae. Relax and take in the scenery.

Maybe pure life is what made Costa Rica pick up a reputation, but it is alsothe destination to go to for its breathtaking national parks that not only hosts exotic animals, but also offers activities ranging from thrilling sports like river rafting, canyoning, cave tubing, and zip lining, but also tranquility. Costa Rica has it all, whether you’re seeking for adventure, family-friendly activities, fantastic food, or magnificent accommodations.

Rainforest treks and brisk high-altitude paths, rushing white-water rapids, river valleys and warm-water, world-class surfing: Costa Rica has it all, from the squeal-inducing exhilaration of a canopy zipline to a sun-dazed afternoon at the beach. National parks provide tourists with a taste of life in both the rich rainforest and the cloud forest, simmering volcanoes provide surreal panoramas, and reliable surf spots are suitable for both beginners and specialists. You can’t decide? Don’t worry: considering the country’s size, you can fit a lot into a short holiday.

 

“A coast full of riches, with the Caribbean to its East, and the pacific ocean is bordering the country, filled with pristine shores, and a lush forest in between teeming with wildlife. Costa Rica is a nation with something for everyone who wishes to explore it.“

 

The magnificent country, not only has rich with rainforests, beaches, river valleys, and biodiverse species, but also restaurants, bars, and luxury hotels, has long been a superb place to visit, but it has recently beefed up its reputation even more. Take a peek below to learn about its must-see attractions and our top highlights in Costa Rica.

San José, the capital of Costa Rica, is one of the most beautiful cities in the world and has some of the country’s best food, that’s why it is fast becoming a hub for foodies, especially chefs trying to find inspiration for their new restaurants.

The country’s top museums, attractive squares, and cultural attractions can be found in San Jose, but the real gems can be found outside the capital, in the forests and little coastal towns and villages.

Within one trip to any of the gorgeous beach resorts available, you may work on your tan, have a massage, go swimming and surfing, or rest in a geothermal pool. It also has a trendy, glossy aspect, especially as young chefs create new restaurants and bars there.

Bordered by the Pacific and the Caribbean, the country has an ample amount of shores to choose from. The Pacific Coast is lined with endless lengths of sand and little villages that cater to surfers and sun devotees. The Costa Rican region of Guanacaste is regarded as the greatest destination to visit for stunning beaches and coastal communities. As you would expect the Caribbean coast of Costa Rica is stunning. The beautiful coast is lined with sandy beaches, swaying palm trees and lush rainforest. Experience a fusion of cultures here with strong Jamaican influences. Under the waters, colorful tropical fish, sharks, rays, dolphins, and whales flourish offshore, as though in a conservationist’s paradise.

Costa Rica is the ideal destination. The “rich coast” has earned its moniker and is at the forefront of several trends, including surfing, farm-to-table restaurants, and sustainable tourism. Green energy, such as wind and hydro, helps to balance the development of infrastructure. With half a million species ranging from insects to the huge anteaters that consume them, it is one of the world’s most biodiverse countries, and it also legally safeguards one-quarter of its natural territories.

In the forests, many encounters and experiences await you other than the thrilling activities, from volcanoes and waterfalls to fantastic animal watching. Although wildlife may be found across the country, travellers prefer to gravitate toward the lush south when seeking for animals. The locations south of Jaco and down to the Osa Peninsula are excellent for animal viewing.

Costa Rica has so much wildlife that it almost seems cartoonish, with numerous animals you can spot while in any of their beautiful parks including scarlet macaws shouting hysterically, keel-billed toucans, jaguars, and tens of different species of monkeys that you can notice from the rustling leaves indicating a troop of white-faced capuchins or the ghostly call of a howler monkey. But also a sharp eye will spot a sloth on a limb, or the eyes of a caiman breaking the surface of a mangrove swamp. Hundreds of bird species, lizards, and other mammals await.

Costa Rica may appear little on a map, but don’t be misled; you won’t be able to see everything in a week. However, with some careful preparation, you can still have a once-in-a-lifetime vacation that displays what Costa Rica is all about: nature, adventure, and pura vida. In this Cruisit Costa Rica travel guide we will provide you with a plan that will help you do just that.

In Costa Rica, your only constraint is your return date, whether you’re centered on a surfboard or a yoga mat, diving into bat-filled tunnels or ascending misty volcanic peaks, hiking, bicycling, or ziplining. If you are excited enough to go, let us help you in this Costa Rica travel guide. We will provide you with every detail you will need while traveling to Costa Rica, from highlights, tips, safety, staying healthy, a well planned itinerary, most popular food, the travel budget, and much more. Read ahead to get to know everything you need to know before traveling to Costa Rica.

Top Places in Costa Rica

Arenal Volcano

Arenal Volcano is an active andesitic stratovolcano northwest of San José in the province of Alajuela. The volcano has been inactive for hundreds of years, with a solitary crater at its peak and little fumarole activity, all surrounded by deep forest. It erupted abruptly in 1968, devastating the little village of Tabacón. Arenal’s eruption, which lasted from 1968 to 2010, is the seventh longest on record since 1750, but since then at has become dormant.

Manuel Antonio National Park

Manuel Antonio National Park is a tiny national park on Costa Rica’s Pacific coast. It was established in 1972 and has the lowest land size of any Costa Rican national park, measuring 1,983 acres. The park receives up to 150,000 tourists every year and is widely recognized for its stunning beaches and hiking paths.

Monteverde Cloud Forest

The Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve is a Costa Rican park situated in the Puntarenas and Alajuela provinces along Cordillera de Tilarán. It was established in 1972 and encompasses about 10,500 hectares of cloud forest. 90 percent of the land is virgin forest divided into six biological zones with over 2,500 plant species, 100 mammal species, 400 bird species, 120 reptile and amphibian species, and hundreds of insects.

Corcovado National Park

Corcovado National Park is located on the Osa Peninsula, and covers an area of 424 square kilometers. The park protects the biggest primary forest on the American Pacific coast. It is one of the world’s few surviving huge sections of lowland tropical forests and is the biggest in Costa Rica. It is commonly regarded as the crown gem of the country’s large network of national parks and wildlife reserves and it sure is one of the most abundant in the world. The natural diversity is breathtaking. The park is not just popular among tropical ecologists, but visitors can also expect to view an abundance of species.

Catarata Río Fortuna

La Fortuna Waterfall is located in the central Costa Rican province of Alajuela. The Arenal River feeds the waterfall, which falls 775 meters and is located at the base of the dormant Chato volcano. The descent to the waterfall is short but hard, following a carved-in-the-hillside staircase that requires moderate physical strength. Swimming in the stream and small rapids below the falls is encouraged, and a lifeguard is on duty.

8-day Itinerary in Costa Rica

Day 1

 

Arrive in San José

Welcome to the land of pura vida! When you arrive at Juan Santamaria International Airport, start making your way to your chosen hotel. You can choose to rent a car, get a cab, or ride a bus.

After dropping your bags at your lodging, the remainder of the day can be spent freely where you can explore the country’s lively capital city.

Start by strolling through the city’s biggest market, Mercado Central. With over 200 stores, food booths, and traditional eateries, is the best for an affordable quick snack or lunch, depending on when you arrive.

When you’re done, explore Barrio Amón, a historic district built in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries filled with cafetalero. Many of the ancient buildings in the region have been turned into hotels, restaurants, and galleries, making this a popular zone for seeing art-deco mansions and painted tropical Victorian architecture. You can also go to Teatro Nacional, Museo de los Nios, or Spirogyra Butterfly Garden, before ending the day.

Later in the evening, choose a restaurant in the Escaz hills for dinner. This hilltop area on the city’s western outskirts provides magnificent views of the valley below. Having said that, San José is brimming with fantastic restaurants providing everything from traditional to avant-garde fusion food.

  • Backpacker: 
  • Budget: 
  • Mid-range: 
  • Luxury: 

When it becomes dark, a foreign city may be twice as dangerous - especially if you don't understand the language and are unfamiliar with the area. There is no reason to be alarmed about walking home alone in the dark as there is enough crime recorded in San José to warrant a bit of worry. So, always take taxis at night and never leave crowded areas to unlit alleys or streets if you don't feel comfortable.

This section will be added shortly. Refer to the transportation block in the top section.

Day 2

 

Head to La Fortuna’s famed Volcano

After breakfast, travel to La Fortuna, which is best known as the starting point for experiencing the Arenal Volcano National Park. Arenal, located north of the Tilaran Mountains, juts out above the San Carlos Plains. You’ll have the remainder of the day to explore on your own after checking into your hotel.

If you wish to go close to the volcano, you may do so by kayaking or stand-up paddleboarding on Lake Arenal. Alternatively, enjoy a zip line excursion under the forest canopy, crossing gorges and seeing the Fortuna and Pino Blanco Waterfalls, as well as the spectacular Arenal Volcano.

At night, relax your muscles with a plunge in the mineral-rich waters of the area’s famed hot springs, which have been used as therapeutic spas for over 200 years, and then eat a traditional meal adjacent to the hot springs.

  • Backpacker: 
  • Budget: 
  • Mid-range: 
  • Luxury: 

When it becomes dark, a foreign city may be twice as dangerous - especially if you don't understand the language and are unfamiliar with the area. There is no reason to be alarmed about walking home alone in the dark as there is less crime recorded in La Fortuna to warrant any worry. But, always take taxis at night and never leave crowded areas to unlit alleys or streets if you don't feel comfortable.

This section will be added shortly. Refer to the transportation block in the top section.

Day 3

 

Off to Monteverde

This morning, you’ll go to Monteverde, Costa Rica’s “Green Lung” because to its abundant biodiversity. Monteverde, located in the country’s mountainous northwest, is famous for its 26,000-acre Cloud Forest Reserve, which is home to several animal species. Suspension bridges allow for treks above the forest canopy, with lots of chances to see the colorfully plumed resplendent quetzal.

You’ll start your journey after breakfast at La Fortuna. This is no ordinary route; instead of driving around Lake Arenal, you’ll board a boat that will carry you over the lake’s peaceful waters. You’ll have plenty of opportunities to see native species including herons and anhingas on your 3.5-hour excursion.

After checking into your accommodation, you’ll spend the afternoon exploring the cloud forest, with options including zip-lining for the adrenaline junkies, sky tram rides for a bird’s-eye view, and treks over suspension bridges for up-close encounters with elusive bird species and other animals.

Spend the evening in adjacent Santa Elena, a beautiful Quaker-influenced village noted for its superb coffee and cheese.

  • Backpacker: 
  • Budget: 
  • Mid-range: 
  • Luxury: 

When it becomes dark, a foreign city may be twice as dangerous - especially if you don't understand the language and are unfamiliar with the area. There is no reason to be alarmed about walking home alone in the dark as there is less crime recorded in Monteverde to warrant any worry. But, always take taxis at night and never leave crowded areas to unlit alleys or streets if you don't feel comfortable.

This section will be added shortly. Refer to the transportation block in the top section.

Day 4

 

Exploring Monteverde!

Early in the morning, take a guided tour of the Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve, a unique tropical habitat and one of the world’s most biodiverse locations. Explore acres of pristine forest in search of unusual wildlife such as quetzal birds, amphibians, three-wattled bellbirds, sloths, and monkeys. Bring a light additional layer, as the temperature are normally chilly on a regular basis. Furthermore, the forest has regular rains and may become rather wet, particularly during the summer months, thus rain clothing and hiking gear are both strongly advised.

Continue exploring the park in the afternoon with additional activities such as birdwatching or hiking. You may also explore some of the nearby coffee, cocoa, or sugarcane estates, as well as the lovely Butterfly Garden or Orchid Garden.

Day 5

 

Head to Manuel Antonio National Park

Spend the morning at Monteverde, taking in some last-minute sites before heading off around midday.

From Monteverde head 3.5 hours to the Pacific coast to Manuel Antonio National Park, where you can relax on one of the park’s four magnificent beaches—some of Costa Rica’s best. If you’re looking for a little more adventure, you can also trek one of the park’s numerous well-marked paths and get up and personal with capuchin monkeys, sloths, and over 200 different bird species. Snorkeling is also possible from a variety of locations along the beaches.

In the evening, go to Quepos for a bite while watching the sunset and enjoying delicious seafood and beverages.

  • Backpacker: 
  • Budget: 
  • Mid-range: 
  • Luxury: 

When it becomes dark, a foreign city may be twice as dangerous - especially if you don't understand the language and are unfamiliar with the area. There is no reason to be alarmed about walking home alone in the dark as there is less crime recorded Manuel Antonio region to warrant any worry. But, always take taxis at night and never leave crowded areas to unlit alleys or streets if you don't feel comfortable.

This section will be added shortly. Refer to the transportation block in the top section.

Day 6

 

Exploring Manuel Antonia National Park

On one of the most popular trips in the area, you’ll spend the morning exploring the Damas Island Estuary and mangrove ecology. The underwater root system of mangroves serves as a nursery for thousands of fish and crustaceans, as well as hundreds of unique amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals. As you explore this intriguing tidal realm, you’ll weave your way through the natural tunnels and passages made by the river’s ebb and flow.

The changing soil and seawater in the mangroves produce unique circumstances that attract a variety of aquatic species. View oysters, sponges, beautiful stingrays, tiny black-tipped sharks, and vast schools of fish amid the mangrove roots as you pass. Don’t be shocked if curious white-faced capuchin monkeys jump on board—these endearing creatures love exploration.

Day 7

 

Adios or more?

If you have an extra day or two, you can spend it at Manuel Antonio National Park. Dive, go whale watching, whitewater rafting, fishing, sailing, and other activities are all close by. If not, it’s time to bid Costa Rica farewell. After breakfast, you’ll travel 3.5 hours to San José, where you’ll catch your flight home.

The Most Popular Food in Costa Rica

Costa Rican cuisine is influenced by indigenous cultures, Afro-Caribbean customs, and some from Spanish colonial times. Cuisines from throughout the world have been made available to the country’s tourism business (along with a huge number of expats). Rice and black beans are common ingredients in most traditional Costa Rican meals, which are frequently eaten three times a day. Costa Rican cuisine is healthily balanced and almost usually prepared from scratch using fresh ingredients.

Pinto Gallo

Gallo Pinto is a breakfast meal comprised of rice and beans (as expected!). The dish has origins in both Costa Rican and Nicaraguan culture, and is commonly referred to as “pinto” by locals.

Casado

The Casado is undoubtedly Costa Rica’s most traditional meal. It is not a single dish, but rather a collection of foods. In fact, because marriage is the definition of the term casado, it might be argued that a casado is a marriage of the meals presented together.

 

Olla de Carne

Can beef stew be classified as soup? The hearty olla de Carne is a popular weekend dish that can be found in many households across the country at any time of year. While the stew may be likened to stews from various cultures, there are a few elements that assist to distinguish it in appearance and flavor.

Arroz con Leche

This is a dessert, thus it is definitely on the top of many people’s lists. The simplest way to explain arroz con leche is rice blended with milk. But the flavor is far more complex and exquisite than that description suggests. It is similar to that

Tamal

A Costa Rican tamal is not the same as a Mexican tamale. While the fillings may appear identical at first glance, there are a few significant differences in preparation.

What's the Travel Budget for Costa Rica?

Final Thoughts on Costa Rica

Costa Rica has a sophisticated and rich heritage that can be seen across the nation dating back to 10,000 BC, with its colonial constructions and indigenous heritage, traditional buildings, spectacular and distinct landmarks, amazing hospitality, thrilling songs and dances, and breathtaking picture-perfect backdrop of forests and pristine beaches of both the pacific and caribbean. A superb choice for anybody looking for a perfect place to visit in Central America. Costa Rica is stunningly gorgeous, with magnificent national treasures, wildlife, and breathtaking landscape. Would you travel to Costa Rica?

Have you ever visited Costa Rica? Please leave your opinions in the space below.

Tags: Snorkeling Cruise it Trekking Cruising Volcano Cruzit Ultimate Guide Sunbathing Cruiseit Ultimate travel guide Tanning World Marine Life Nature San Jose Mountains Rich Coast UNESCO Heritage Sites Manuel Antonio Wildlife Monteverde Diving Cruisit

Cruisit Team

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

© 2022, Cruisit. All rights reserved

error: Content is protected!!