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.
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!
