Costa Rica is a colorful destination in Central America. Known for its diverse flora and fauna, it’s a major advocate of conservation and ecotourism. Whether you’re looking to hike through tropical rainforests or veg at the seaside, book your flights to Costa Rica today and get ready for ocean breezes and palm trees.
Geography
Costa Rica is nestled between Nicaragua to the north and Panama to the south. This Central American destination features a varied landscape with all kinds of terrain, from beaches and volcanoes to jungles and cloud forests. These regions support an impressive ecosystem with an assortment of plant and animal species. In fact, this tiny country contains 5 percent of the world’s biodiversity, and 25 percent of the land is protected.
Best and Worst Times to Visit
Because this country sits just north of the equator, it experiences toasty temperatures year round. The high season, which the locals refer to as summer, lasts from late November to April. This time of year usually sees the most sunshine. Some argue that the best time to visit is during December and January because the scenery is still green from the wet season, but the rain has tapered off.
The locals call the wet season winter and it usually runs from May to November. Certain regions see an increase in rainfall, making the landscape especially green and lush. Depending on the region, it may rain every day, but in other areas it could only pour for a few hours. If you’re looking to capitalize on the sunshine, the rainy season may not be the best time to visit.
Lodging
If you’re in search of an accommodation with everything on site, book a stay at one of the best resorts in Costa Rica. Many of these luxury places include multiple restaurants, beach access, and full-service spas. Some even boast several pool areas and recreational activities, such as tennis courts and watersport rentals.
You’ll also find standard Costa Rica hotels that provide some of the same amenities on a smaller scale. Oftentimes, hotels in the area offer complimentary breakfasts, lounges, and computer stations to accommodate your travel needs. Check out our cheap deals on resorts and hotels right here with Expedia.com.au to keep your vacation within your budget.
Things to Do
Costa Rica boasts some of the world’s most diverse flora and fauna, and you can witness it all at the national parks scattered around the region. Explore the tropical rainforest at Corcovado National Park and hike the dormant volcano at the Arenal Volcano National Park. Manuel Antonio National Park is where you’ll catch sight of wild monkeys, while Barra Honda National Park includes caves of limestone. These parks usually offer a number of ecotourism activities that allow visitors to experience the landscape and support the conservation efforts.
For warm sand and salty sea air, head to the shore. Costa Rica flaunts serene beaches, perfect for relaxing and soaking up the sunshine or making a splash in the ocean. Retreat to Playa Potrero and find shade under a palm tree, or discover peace and quiet along the tranquil shores of Samara. Hit the waves at Playa Avellana, aka Little Hawaii, which stirs up some of the best surf in the country, attracting surfers from around the globe. You can also stay at one of the resorts in Jaco, where you’ll find another sweet spot for surfing.
Take a break from the beach scene and dedicate some time to learning about the Costa Rican culture. San Jose has a number of must-see exhibits, including the Costa Rica Art Museum, Costa Rica National Museum, and the Costa Rica Jade Museum. Discover Central America’s pre-Hispanic history at the Museum of Native Cultures in Sarapiqui, and don’t miss Heredia’s Museum of Popular Culture.
Culture
Baseball is to America what soccer is to Costa Rica. The English taught the sport to locals in the early 20th century, and Costa Ricans have been scoring goals ever since.
Bullfighting is another sport close to Costa Ricans’ hearts. It’s considered the country’s Super Bowl, with the most famous fight occurring in Zapote each year. Unlike the Spanish version though, the fighters don’t kill the bulls. These bullfights involve the contestants dodging the animal and running around the arena, much like a rodeo.
The Costa Rican people are also big fans of festivals. In early January, they host the Fiesta de Palmares, which is a massive carnival with parades, concerts, comedy shows, and bullfights. The Fiesta de Los Diablitos is another popular festival that celebrates the indigenous culture and their ancestral spirits. Meanwhile, Independence Day falls on September 15 and commemorates the country’s separation from Spanish rule. During this celebration, the streets are lined with paper lanterns, and the Freedom Torch is carried from Guatemala to Cartago, the colonial capital of Costa Rica.
Food
Gallo pinto, a black bean and rice dish, is a staple of Costa Rican cuisine. Usually it’s served with a side of meat, salad, and fried plantains. Ceviche is another favorite fare, which includes raw fish, often white sea bass, with lime juice and chopped vegetables. Tamales, chicharron, and empanadas are common meals, too. As for drinks, coffee is the backbone of the culture, while the sweet cinnamon drink, horchata, and the sugar cane drink, guaro, are popular, too.
Sip on horchata and join one of the ecotours in Costa Rica. Visit during one of the major festivals to get a sense of the culture or escape to the serene shoreline for an unforgettable sojourn. Here at Expedia.com.au, we provide a variety of cheap deals on Costa Rica resorts and hotels. Book today get ready to take on this diverse destination.
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