Costa Rica

Holidays in Costa Rica

Costa Rica, Central America is famous for its biodiversity across the tropical forests making it a nature lover’s dream destination. The tropical mammals like sloths, tapirs and monkeys, coupled with the insects and many birds astound and delight visitors. 25% of the country is actually made up of national parks and there are many places to visit and enjoy the lush vegetation and copious wildlife.

The country’s seasons are determined by the amount of rainfall. Typically there is simply a wet and dry season. The latter falls between December to April and the cooler, rainy season takes place from May to November. Whichever season you visit Costa Rica, you won’t want to miss out on the gorgeous beaches. Most of the tourist beaches are found on the Pacific side near San Jose. The lesser populated beaches are actually in the tropical rainforest to the south and also on the exotic Caribbean side.

With more rivers than anywhere else on the globe, rafting is a popular past time that allows for amazing views of the country. The most popular trips are offered in the Arenal Volcano area. El General, situated on the Pacific slope is common with travelers for multi-day adventures and is the perfect kayak spot. Cost Rica is the first country to ever practice catch and release fishing and is home to amazing fishing spots. The northern regions are popular for Snook and Tarpon. Turtles have become a popular cuisine.

Surfing is a must in Cost Rica with the best times being November to August. The Central Pacific and Guanacaste have some great spots and in Guanacaste there are a number of surf-friendly beaches. Another way to explore and appreciate the land is on bicycle. There are a number of routes near Turrialba, Irazu and Arenal Volcanoes. For golf enthusiasts, the country has been described as a haven for tropical golfing environments. Any course in the country will deliver a mixture of mountain, jungle, exotic creatures and unbelievably blue ocean backdrops. The 3 best areas for courses are San Jose, Mid Pacific and Guanacaste. The country is favored by extremists who can indulge their adrenalin with wind surfing and canopy tours too.

Although simple, the cuisine is nutritious and delicious. Not as spicy as its Latin American counterparts, the food is typically simmered in large pots, blending an array of fragrant flavors.A typical lunch is known as casado and comprises rice, beans and meat, fish or chicken, served with fried plantain and salad. Fresh, exotic fruit is always available. Bottled water is readily accessible wherever you visit but an absolute must is the refrescos – a fresh fruit drink with sugar and water or milk.

The rich culture stems from the diversity of the country’s inhabitants. Over the centuries, various inhabitants have contributed to the richness. The country proudly boasts over 50 years without a military and a century of democratic tradition. The sheer peace of the country makes it a delight to visit.

The national transport symbol of Costa Rica is the oxcart and it has become an expression of art. This can also be said for the yoke – a wooden type of tool that is placed over the necks of oxen, allowing them to be harnessed together to pull a cart. It is in Costa Rica that visitors will find the world’s largest yoke and oxcart. Ancestors in the South Pacific left their legacy in the form of elaborate stone spheres whose meaning has always been a mystery. To date there are 235 spheres throughout the country, equally perfect and measuring between 2 meters and 20 centimeters. They are said to be more than 1 000 years old.

Costa Rica is rich in culture, adventure, landscape and art and will not disappoint its tourists.