About Costa Rica
Overview
Even the name "Costa Rica" sounds inviting. The English translation is "Rich Coast" and the name seems to capture the inner essence of this beautiful country. Although Costa Rica is a tiny country (slightly smaller than the state of West Virginia), it offers up a bounty of geographical features within its borders. From massive cascading tropical waterfalls to the beautiful cloud forest, Costa Rica certainly has more to offer travelers than just pristine beaches.
Climate:
Costa Rica is the epitome of a tropical country. In fact, it has only two seasons: the dry season (Dec-April) and the wet season (May-Nov). Lowland temperatures only slightly vary 10° F (5.6° C) with warmer temps occurring in the dry season. Altitude is also a factor in determining temperature. Since Costa Rica is a mountainous country, higher altitude areas yield cooler temperatures year-round.
Safety:
Costa Rica has the most stable government in all of Latin America. Its crime rate is lower than any Scandinavian country. In fact, Costa Rica is so neutral that it doesn't have an Army. The country's unofficial motto is "Pura Vida" or The Pure Life and the saying is reflective of the peaceful mindset of its people.
Adventure Travel:
For travelers that are looking for a little adventure in their vacation, look no further than Costa Rica. Costa Rica is one of the few countries in which you can surf world class waves, cruise across expansive valleys on a zip line, cliff dive from a tropical waterfall and go mountainbiking in the same trip! Other noteworthy activities including diving, hiking, river rafting and kayaking.
Eco Tourism:
Since 1960, More than 25% of Costa Rica has been set aside for conservation.
The Osa Peninsula
The Osa Peninsula is a remote and jungle laden area of Costa Rica. If ecotourism is what you seek, then look no further then the Osa Peninsula. This is a land where the jungle intersects the beach. It is truly the best of both worlds.
Arenal Volcano
A definite spectacle of nature, Arenal is one of the 10 most active volcanoes in the world. Visitors can typically see the mountain erupt a majestic ribbon of lava on a daily basis year-round.
Monteverde Cloudforest
Located on the continental divide at 4662 feet (1440 meters) is Costa Rica's Cloudforest. Warm moist air from the Caribbean converges on cooler mountain air and creates a unique environment with lush cathedral canopy forests.
Manuel Antonio National Park
This beautiful park is one of the most popular areas in all of Costa Rica. Manuel Antonio contains an alluring combination of rain forest, beaches and coral reefs.
Beaches
If beautiful beaches are what you seek, however, Costa Rica will not disappoint. With shores on the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean, this country offers great diversity when looking for that "perfect beach". There is no shortage of accommodations on either coast and they vary from 5 star resorts to simple beach cabanas.
Playa Tamarindo
Playa Tamarindo is located only 43 miles from the international airport in Liberia. With great surf, beaches and nightlife, this location has something to offer everybody. Situated on the north Pacific coast of the country, the area experiences drier weather than most inland areas. The bay in which Playa Tamarindo is located is a protected Leaterback turtle nesting ground. With the help of a guide, travelers can experience the giant turtles nesting between the months of October and March.
Mal Pais and Santa Teresa
Located at the southern tip of the Nicoya Peninsula Mal Pais and Santa Teresa are off the beaten path and offer travelers seemingly endless beaches to explore. This area is known for its excellent surf and has experienced a boom in recent years with the addition of a bank, grocery store, gourmet restaurants and many small hotels.
Montezuma
Montezuma is a small village located near Mal Pais on the gulf side of the Nicoya Peninsula. The town is known for its great organic and natural food as well as the tremendous tropical waterfalls just outside of town. It has a wide assortment of accommodations and several surf beach within walking distance from town.
Jaco
Jaco (pronounced haco) is the nearest beach town to Costa Rica's capital of San Jose. Although very popular with tourists and natives alike, Jaco is blessed with hidden treasures throughout. The area is known for its great surf, snorkeling and nightlife. There are also several beautiful waterfalls and small protected beaches a short drive away.
Playa Hermosa
Considered by travelers as the quintessential surf beach, Playa Hermosa offers a sprawling black sands beach and consistent powerful surf. This area is located just up the road from Jaco beach and is the choice location for hardcore surfers from around the world. It is a steep beach, however, so it is not the ideal choice for casual swimming.
