Costa Rica

Costa Rica

Rich in natural wonders and biodiversity, a mostly rural Costa Rica offers amazing beaches that stretch for miles, jungles, cloud forests, and rainforests that will give you the opportunities to see the wildlife.

In the last post of my blog there is some information I would like to share with you, which I think could be helpful if you are planning a trip to this beautiful, adventures destination.

To the most unforgettable Costa Rica’s experiences you may include:

Zipplining – the tours are offered all over the country, where you will strap on a harness and zip from treetop to treetop while dangling from a cable.

White water rafting – the best places Pacuare, Reventazon, Corobici, Sarapiqui, Naranjo and Savegre rivers.

Hiking – you will find amazing trails all over the country. Hanging bridges hike is beautiful in the Arenal area.

Surfing – Costa Rica offers world class surf spots.

Taking a tour in a tropical forests – to experience unique greenery and wildlife. The best places to go are Manuel Antonio and Monteverde.

Soaking in a Volcanic hot springs – mineral-rich, naturally heated waters to relax and soothe what ails you.

Meeting the wildlife – National Parks and forests in Costa Rica are filled with species to include monkeys, snakes, birds, spiders or lizards.

Costa Ricans are friendly, outgoing and helpful. They are formally called Ticos. Also, for Ticos time has relative meaning, so don’t expect punctuality. (At the car rental we waited over an hour for the vehicle to be ready, although we were told that it would take 5 minutes).

Be careful while driving in Costa Rica. Many roads lack road signs that makes it very hard to navigate. It kind of looks like an organized chaos there. The road traffic is the combination of cars, bikes, Ticos and walking dogs.  

Prices in Costa Rica are frequently listed in US dollars, especially at restaurants, where you will be able to pay international prices. Most types of tours are charged in US dollars. If you pay in US dollars you will receive the change in colones. If you will use credit or debit card 3% of international fees will be charge to each transaction you make.

In fact, US dollars are widely accepted, but the standard unit of currency is still the colón.

There is a 13% sales tax added to everything you purchase. In the restaurants you will have additional 10% service charge. So, unless your service is extraordinary you don’t have to really worry about tipping in the dinning places. It’s included in your bill anyway.

Your cell phone in Costa Rica will not work, unless you will bring an unlocked cell phone, and buy a SIM prepaid card at the ICE (the national telecommunications company). The unlocked cell phone must be a quad-band GSM or 3G handset or at least have an 850 or 1800 mHz band.

Translations of the greetings used in my blog:

Pura Vida! – Pure Life! – Costa Rica’s unofficial national slogan, where in many ways it defines the country. It can be used as a cheer or as a response when someone ask you “how are you?”.

Tuanis! – similar in usage and meaning to pura vida.

Zarpe! – last drink of the night, or “one more for the road”. 

I hope you enjoyed reading my blog. Thank you for all your comments and friendly responses. My intention was to provide as much information as possible about Costa Rica, while making it fun and entertaining for you. 

Pura Vida!