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The words that best describe Costa Rica are perhaps "pura vida". It means "pure life" and that is what visitors to this Central American country will find. From exotic animal life to exotic scenery, travelers will find themselves inexorably drawn to Costa Rica and its residents.
The abundance of activities available will have travelers checking and re - checking their lists to make sure they haven't passed anything up. Itineraries can include witnessing a spectacular volcano eruption from the luxurious warmth of a hot spring or a rushing trip through a cloud forest canopy. Of course, there are those who will do both!
Costa Rica means "rich coast" in Spanish and the words are not lost of this country. Named by Christopher Columbus, the country was colonized in the mid 1500s with Spanish settlers heading for the fertile central highlands.
One of the country's most important assets is its people. Gregarious and hospitable, the "Ticos" set themselves apart when it comes to welcoming visitors. Whether helping you out with some complicated road directions or finding a good place to eat, Costa Ricans will go out of their way to help out a puzzled visitor.
San José is the capital and is the most cosmopolitan area in the country. Visitors should spend a day or two here visiting city sights and enjoying shopping and dining. While the shopping and other attractions are worthwhile, take a few hours to visit the city's many interesting museums and colorful markets. The best of the museums are the Museo Nacional, which has displays of Costa Rica archaeology, colonial furniture, costumes and religious art; and the Museo del Oro Precolombino, which houses a dazzling collection of pre - Colombian gold pieces. One of the most impressive city buildings is the Teatro Nacional or National Theater. Built in the 1890s, it hosts plays, operas, symphonic orchestra concerts and ballets.
Juan SantamarÍa International Airport (SJO) is 15 - 20 minutes from downtown San Jose. Taxis are very inexpensive ($10 - $12 dollars each way) and are the only form of Mass Transit. You have two choices in getting around the country: fly commuter planes and hire a driver once you get to your destination or rent a car.
The most important item for a secure comfortable vacation when making a car rental decision in Costa Rica is having the right latest model rental vehicle that is well maintained with 24 hour emergency service and independent representative to stand up for you the tourist in the event of any problems or emergencies on the road. I would suggest you rent a four wheel drive if you are traveling throughout the country side.
The official currency is the Colon, however the US dollar is the unofficial currency. ATM machines dispense both colones and dollars. Just about anything you want to do can be done with dollars. The only problem with paying in dollars is that the "ticos" will only give you 400 colones/dollar in their everyday transactions. As of printing the official exchange rate is 458 Colones to the USD.
A 10 % tip is almost always included. Most "ticos" will round it up to the next 100 colones above the tip. If the service is outstanding you may tip above the 10% at your discretion.
Costa Rica is on Central Time. They do not observe daylight saving time so it can be a little confusing. Check the "Time Ticker" for current time in Costa Rica.
Effective May 1, 2003, the Government of Costa Rica will require that all U.S. citizens present passports valid for at least ninety days in order to enter Costa Rica. The Government of Costa Rica has advised that, until that date, adult U.S. citizen will be permitted to enter Costa Rica upon presentation of a U.S. birth certificate and photo identification. The Government of Costa Rica has further advised that minors who are traveling with both parents will also be permitted to enter Costa Rica upon presentation of a U.S. birth certificate and photo identification. Minors traveling alone or with only one parent will need to present a passport.
The State Department strongly recommends that every U.S. citizen travel on a valid U.S. passport even though lesser documentation may be required by the country of destination. Entry procedures in Costa Rica are currently in flux, and some U.S. citizens who have tried to enter Costa Rica without valid passports have been denied entry and returned to the United States.
U.S. citizens are generally permitted to stay up to ninety days; to stay legally beyond that period, travelers will need to submit an application for an extension to the Office of Temporary Permits in the Costa Rican Department of Immigration. Tourist visas are usually not extended except under special circumstances, such as academic, employment, or medical grounds. Extension requests are evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
Americans should always be prepared to present to Costa Rican authorities proof of their legal entry and stay in Costa Rica via their appropriately stamped passport (or, until December 31, 2002, their tourist card). Under Costa Rican law, a photocopy alone of the U.S. passport and entry stamps (or tourist card) is not sufficient to demonstrate proof of status. In recent times, Americans have been detained, deported, and fined due to their failure to demonstrate legal status in Costa Rica.
There is a departure tax for short-term visitors (At printing is $26/person and it can be paid in colones). Tourists who stay over ninety days without receiving a formal extension can expect to pay a higher departure tax at the airport or land border. Persons who have overstayed previous visas may be denied entry to Costa Rica.
In an effort to prevent international child abduction, many governments have initiated special procedures for minors at entry and exit points. These often include requiring documentary evidence of relationship and permission for the child's travel from the parent(s) or legal guardian not present. Having such documentation on hand may facilitate entry or departure.
110 volts, 60 cycles AC. Exactly the same as in the states, so go ahead and take you're hair dryer!
In Costa Rica, as in the most of Latin America, Spanish is spoken. English is spoken mainly in tourist areas. Knowledge of survival Spanish is recommended.
Health care in Costa Rica is very good and sanitary standards are high. First-class hospitals are found throughout San José and some of the other largely populated areas. The water is safe to drink in all areas of the country. If you want to bring your dog or cat, you will need to get in touch with the Consulate of Costa Rica in your country, bring a health certificate from a Veterinarian plus all vaccination given to your pet, or a certified of this by the doctor. Once you have all these papers, the Consulate will seal all your documents; that will allow your pet to come into any country.
Cosmopolitan San José lies at an altitude of 3,770 feet above sea level. This Central American city with nearly perfect climate, modern surroundings and warm, friendly residents has lured many travelers to stay and call it home. Daytime temperatures average between 70 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit with a rainy season that lasts from May to October. During the rainy season, showers fall primarily during the afternoon hours and produce refreshing breezes.
January, February and March are superb months for Pacific Beaches, however the Caribbean coast around Limon receives the heaviest rainfall during this time period. Seasonal rains can create a problem when taking off road trips through the mountains. Most mountain lodges remain open during the peak rain fall, roads are kept operable all year with proper surface maintenance. Weather doesn't have to be a limiting factor in you vacation planning, tropical rainy seasons are limited to specific regions in Costa Rica . Temperature is basically warm all year round (75-80 F) with exception of higher altitudes.
The climate in Costa Rica is very consistent all year long except for the addition of rain for a few months in the summer. San Jose, being at such a high altitude, is surprisingly comfortable (with very intense sun) - the locals think that it's cold; and anywhere down from the central range is a different story. However, packing for a trip to Costa Rica is pretty simple. Minimal clothing is necessary for the coasts where it is rather warm and very humid. Latin countries do tend to dress up a little more than Americans so, one nice outfit is usually good to take along for a night out. Shorts are not appropriate at most restaurants and bars. Of course take a strong SPF.
Please note that the country closes for religious holidays. On Holy Week, not only is the country closed, but no alcohol can be sold or consumed in any public space.
Specific comments on bank and public holidays in Costa Rica
Public holidays that fall on a weekend are not forwarded. Most people now take the whole Christmas holiday week through New Year as an unofficial holiday.
Thirteen percent. In most restaurants and businesses, it will be added to your bill.
GayTours Costa Rica Tel: 506-777-1910 or 305-8044. Email Chicago office 773-293-1535. Email Montreal Office: 514-524-3045. Email They publish Circuito Manuel Antonio and offer comprehensive tours of San Jose city and Irazu volcano. They also offer rafting, horseback riding and canopy in Manuel Antonio. Highly recommended.
San José is home to nearly a third of Costa Rica's population. The bustling streets can attest to that figure in the early morning hours when everyone is heading to work. But don't be intimidated by the rush - head on out among them and take in the sights as you walk along.
Warning - San Jose is a very safe city but petty crime is on the rise. Guard your valuables! Leave everything you do not need in your hotel safe. Be very careful making change. There is an increase incidence of shortchanging tourists. They also tend to convert to dollars erroneously and in their favor.
Before you begin your walking tour (taking it on foot is the best way to really experience the hustle and the beauty), be sure to visit the offices of the ICT, the Costa Rica Institute of Tourism. Here you can pick up a comprehensive map of the city of San José and of Costa Rica. Personnel here can point you in the right direction of several city sights as well as provide you with a bus route and schedule for sights that are farther away.
The city offers a variety of sights for the visitor. Museums, the National Theater, and elegant cathedral are waiting to be explored. Below the Plaza of Culture lies the impressive Gold Museum, as well as the offices of ICT. The Plaza's museum complex also houses a collection of contemporary art exhibits.
The Gold Museum houses an impressive collection of pre-Columbian gold objects including jewelry, breast plates and even gold tweezers! The displays are as informative as they are appealing. You will see how the indigenous worked their gold using wax and solid casting methods. Try not to miss this wonderful museum!
When you want to visit an outdoor sight, head for the National Zoo which boasts some of Costa Rica's native species as well as a few from far away lands. Or head for one of the many tree - shaded parks found throughout the city. Take a stroll along the path or take a few minutes rest on a beach.
From San José, day trips can be taken up two semi-active volcanoes, where roads climb to the very brink of the craters! Irazú Volcano, just 35 miles fromthe capital, towers eight thousand feet above the Central Valley.
With an altitude of 11,260 feet, the summit is chilly enough to warrant using a sweater or jacket. Although often Irazú's fumarolic activity cannot be seen because of clouds, a strong sulfur smell permeates the air, a subtle reminder of the subterranean forces pent up just below your feet. A striking, yellow-green lake fills the volcano's large, principal crater, and is surrounded by jagged cliffs of sulfur-streaked lava. Just above the park's visitor area, the road forks and continues to the very summit of the volcano, from which, on a clear day, both the Atlantic and the Pacific oceans can be seen.
No less impressive is the 8,871 foot Poás Volcano, less than an hour's drive from San José. The road to the top winds through fertile hillsides planted with terraced rows of dark-green coffee bushes which look, from a distance, like a patchwork quilt. At the top of Po?s, tourists may wander through a National Park visitors center and hike about a half - mile of nature trails.
Manuel Antonio is only 20 min. by air from San José, Costa Rica. Flights leave San José for Quepos several times each day; the cost is approximately $40.00 one way. Call Grupo Taca or Lacsa. If you prefer to take a bus, there are three express buses per day from the Coca Cola bus terminal in San José, directly to Manuel Antonio. The cost is approx. $8.00 and the trip takes about three and a half hours; the daytime views of the mountains and valleys are spectacular.
Driving Directions from San Jose to Manuel Antonio (3 1/2 hours):
Everyone who travels through the mid Pacific zone, must visit Manuel Antonio. Not only is it easily accessible, but it is truly one of the most beautiful parks in Costa Rica. It sits along the Pacific Coast and boasts an estuary, mangroves, a lagoon, beaches and winding paths. All this on 638 hectares of land and 55,000 hectares of protected marine environment. Take a walk through the tropical forest and find mosses, ferns, flowers and epiphytes growing thickly on every tree. One trail leads you to an observation tower with a breathtaking 360° view.
Throughout the park, you will find the famous wildlife Costa Rica is known for. Licensed local guides are available at the park's entrance and are worth the investment. A guide is highly recommended if you want to spot all the wildlife - they're very good at hiding. A three toed sloth can be hanging right over your head and you'll never see it without help.
Knowledgeable and professional, they enable visitors to understand the habitat they are visiting and the roles of the animals, plants and insects. By following logical eco-sensitive advice, you can enjoy the park to the fullest. Ensure you don't scare away the furry residents by keeping voices low and stepping quietly. Although the capuchin monkeys are quite comfortable in coming close and gazing at you quite inquisitively, retrain from feeding them.
Take along a small pack and make a day of it! There are fresh water showers and bathroom facilities along the trail as well as picnic areas. You can hike for a while and stop for a refreshing swim at Third Beach or Gemelas Beach.
Be sure to get your hand stamped at the park entrance which allows you to come and go as you please for the day.
The town of Manuel Antonio offers restaurants, lodging and souvenir shops. Aside from the park, there are several activities that you can enjoy in the area. Horseback riding, volleyball, and sea kayaking are just a few.
Beach combing is not only a good way to explore the beaches, but it's also inexpensive!
Public buses run promptly from Quepos to Manuel Antonio and will let you out wherever it suits you. There is only one main road in the area and it goes from Quepos to Manuel Antonio. The bus continuously shuttles between the two towns all day and is quite reliable (if not always right on time.) And since parking is always an issue, the bus is recommended even if you have your own car.
You can experience horseback rides to jungle waterfalls, coastal cruises searching for dolphins, white water rafting, and hikes through the rain forest. Prices range from $30.00 - $90.00 US. All of your bookings can be made directly from your hotel or ask at the bar; some have gay guides.
In Quepos you will find a bevy of opportunities for experiencing the "pure life" (pura vida - you'll hear it a lot) of Costa Rica.
The town is small therefore making it a great place to walk around. From the outer edges, you can walk to the pier in about 20 minutes, taking into consideration that you will be wandering in and out of souvenir shops!
The town's residents are friendly and will go out of their way to point you in the right direction should you happen to get disoriented. Quepos has long been a hotspot for fishermen interested in rolling out over the waves and fishing for marlin and sailfish. The marina boasts state-of-the-art boats run by top notch operators to take you out. If you're on the pier at sunset you'll see several boats coming in after a day of fishing. Just look at the smiles of the passengers as they disembark and you'll know they had a good day!
Internet: Arte Net located in the main shopping drag of Quepos. Tel: 506-777-3447. Email
The one consistently functioning ATM is at the Banco Popular in Quepos. Theft is a concern whenever you are traveling, but not a huge issue in Costa Rica. Use a credit card in most shops, restaurants and hotels and prepaying is usually required for excursions and most take credit. Most souvenirs are inexpensive, so there is little need to carry lots of cash around.
Be sure to visit Rainmaker (506-777-0850), the attraction about 45 minutes from Manuel Antonio & Quepos (tours van take you there). It is a 1350 acre nature reserve, known for its steel suspension bridges strung up to 180 feet above the forest canopies. The longest goes for 300 feet.
Founded in the 1950's by a group of Quakers from the U.S., Monteverde has gained international renown as one of the most outstanding wildlife sanctuaries in the tropics. The reserve spreads out over 10,500 hectares of land that hold six different life zones. The climate and terrain of the preserve produce an incredible bio-diversity. There are at least 400 bird species in this high elevation rain forest, including the Resplendent Quetzal, ancient holy bird of the Mayans, over 100 species of mammals, 120 species of amphibians and reptiles and an estimated 2,500 species of plants making Monteverde a true "nature lover's paradise". The preserve has a definite wet and dry season, though the upper levels have fog and rain much of the year.
Delicate orchids, more than 400 species, grace the limbs of majestic trees. Their captivating colors of whites, lilacs, and yellows contrast with the emerald green of the forest.
Aside from the preserve, some other places merit attention while you're staying in nearby Santa Elena. The Children's Eternal rain forest, the first international children's rain forest in the world, the Monteverde Butterfly Garden, and the Hummingbird Gallery a must for those with a penchant for these winged, colored jewels of the forest, to name a few.
A novel and spectacular way to view the forest canopy without much physical effort is the Skywalk. Some of the bridges hang suspended at over 130 feet making for truly spectacular views.
Continuously active since 1968, Arenal Volcano dominates the local countryside. With smoking cinder blocks and fiery lava, this is Costa Rica's and one of the world's most active volcanoes, but by no means the only attraction of this area. Bass fishing, windsurfing, Tabacon Resort and Spa, waterfalls, horseback riding, hiking, Venado Caverns, and Cano Negro Wildlife Refuge make this an ideal stop for many visitors.
The four basic elements in nature come together in one exuberant place. The energy of the Arenal Volcano, the heat of the Tabacon River, the life of the tropical rain forest and the purity of its air. Visitors are transported to a higher level of energy, which makes Tabacon one-of-a-kind place in the World.
In this setting there are abundant quantities of the first natural element: WATER. Several hot mineral springs join to provide a unique, unparalleled experience. The Tabacon River flows through exuberant ecological gardens, forming natural hot mineral water pools and waterfalls, at temperatures reaching 39° C (102° F), and open to all visitors. Guests wishing to enjoy the therapeutic qualities of these waters can choose from 10 pools, offering different options. Temperatures range from 23 to 40° C. (73 to 104° F). Of course, the pools are open to guests of the resort at no charge.
Tamarindo National Park, where the large leather back turtles nest their eggs from approximately Dec. 1st to the end of March. There are Mango, limon, tamarindo and coconut trees; howler monkeys, iguanas, beautiful red squirrels and all types of birds make this spot an enjoyable stay.
GayTours Costa Rica Tel: 506-777-1910 or 305-8044. Email Chicago office 773-293-1535. Email Montreal Office: 514-524-3045. Email They publish Circuito Manuel Antonio and offer comprehensive tours of San Jose city and Irazu volcano. They also offer rafting, horseback riding and canopy in Manuel Antonio. Highly recommended.
Beaches on the Pacific coast are the most popular, the waves are adequate throughout most of the year. The less populated beaches on the lower Nicoya Peninsula, around the Golfo Dulce and the east of the Osa Peninsula, are most liked by the surfers due to their privacy.
Santa Rosa National Park (Playa Naranjo) is very popular but is difficult to reach approximately six months out of the year due to the condition of the only road to this great white sand beach.
The Central Pacific area, Jaco Beach and Manuel Antonio National Park are also two very popular spots.
The Northern Caribbean side has high waves approximately nine months a year, but is commonly visited by very aggressive bull sharks. Towards the south, waves are smaller than those on the Pacific , but surfers ride their boards to the clear coral reefs and snorkel for lobster.
Wind surfing is becoming very popular at Lake Arenal.
White water sports are the most publicized tours in Costa Rica. More than a dozen rivers are being used to operate these tours , from the Disney-like floats to Class IV. (Corobici, Reventazon, Pacuare and Chirripo just to name a few).
This adventure can be taken as a one day tour or the extended version of two days and three days, camping on the riverbanks just before sunset. All these tours are guided, and a few offer additional attractions.
For the independent driver/tourist, a car means freedom, to drive or stop, to change plans at any time or to stay a little longer in a very special place. Remember it's always raining somewhere in Costa Rica. From January to April San José is in the midst of the dry season, yet the Caribbean is getting the heaviest rains of the year.
This guide is divided into five circuits or routes, to help you experience an unforgettable vacation to anyone who appreciates nature. One way car rentals are available, and cars can be picked up at key cities serviced by Travelair or Sansa, the two domestic Costa Rican airlines. You can fly to any of these destinations rent a car, and return to San José the same day. You can not cross a border with a rented car. Don't cross, either border to the North or the South at any time in or out of a car - Panama and Honduras are not always the safest places to be. Consult your local car rental office for further details on requirements to rent a car in Costa Rica.
If you wish to get help from a tour company, Toto Tours (800-565-1241), Mariah Wilderness Expeditions (800-462-7424), Above And Beyond Tours (800-397-2681), OutWest Global Adventures (800-743-0458), Footprints (888-962-6211), Adventure Bound Expeditions (303-449-0990), and Venture Out are some of the choices the gay traveler has to finds help while traveling in the beautiful scenery.
Restaurants and cottages/lodges are all over the country, prices vary seasonally, some may not meet international standards, but they are very clean, this is a reflection of the people of Costa Rica and the cultural attitude.
North Central Route Alajuela and northern plains of San Carlos is one of the most exciting adventures. Once you have crossed the Central Mountain Range, the Arenal Volcano will almost always be present. Cone shaped, constantly active and emitting gas and ashes, a majestic scene. There are various different ways to reach this area, but the most commonly used are two, taking Highway One(Pan-American) to the North, until you reach San Ramón, or up the middle of Heredia via Vara Blanca, and passing by one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the world - Angel Falls. This route winds through San Miguel and Agua Zarcas, meeting the other road at the town of Muelle de San Carlos. The are more differences than similarities in the two routes between San José and Muelle. The one around San Ramón and through Zarcero cuts through small cattle farms, coffee plantations, pineapple plots, and acres of citrus. Almost anything grows here (what we call "tropical" house plants grow in ditches as weeds). There is even more in terms of rich foliage after leaving the Heredia coffee plantations where drivers begin rapid ascent around hairpin turns up the Central Mountain Range and through one of the richest forests in the country. More than 80 species of birds can be found in this area. This is protected land under the control of the forestry service and collecting anything is prohibited. Picking up Route Thirty Five from Muelle takes you to Los Chiles and nearby Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge. Caño Negro is a 1,000 hectare wildlife refuge, where caimans, and many species of birds can be observed. On the way back take your time stopping at any of the roadside stands that offer local-made cheeses, candy, and bread, don't miss this treat.
Central Pacific Route This is the most popular leisure route. It's less than two hours from San José and has a well established infrastructure with many of the country's newest hotels. In route lie some of the region's greatest surprises such as the Carara Biological Reserve, the Tarcoles River and dividing line where obvious transitions begin with the dryer north and much wetter south meeting in subtle mixed vegetation surrounded by ponds and wetlands. As its turn around point north of the Manuel Antonio National Park, the road skirts some of the most beautiful scenery along the Pacific. During much of the year the rolling waves entice surfers from all over the world. The drive throughout the central Pacific coast areas is leisurely, non-stressful and a joy except for the tension caused by deciding where to stop next and what to see in the few days most people have on short vacations.
North Pacific Route Driving on Route One ( Pan American Highway) from San José, takes you over one of the original trails cut by the indigenous people of the Pacific coast then turns into one of the oldest routes that led from the tip of the Nicoya Peninsula on to Nicaragua and southern Mexico more than a thousand years ago. It is an adventurous mosaic of the old and the new as well as the region where Costa Rica's national dances and songs emanate. Here in Guanacaste you'll find the national tree. The earth here is a giant graveyard. Finding pieces of ceramics dating back a thousand years is not uncommon for local farmers. It was here in Nicoya where skilled craftsman produced intricately worked jade symbols and gold trinkets for the wealthy and spiritual intellects of the Maya Culture.
It was here in Guanacaste where Costa Rica's first national park was established, the Santa Rosa National Park, now a part of a much larger project that focuses on the reestablishment of a duplication of the original forest model that may take over one hundred years to accomplish. The biological attractions of the dry tropical forest along the northern coast contains many of the popular experiences sought by visitors from around the world offering less density for better wildlife observation.
Making choices becomes the most difficult part of the trip. Take the road to Arenal Volcano or the road to Ostional to watch the Pacific Ridley and their nesting grounds. If the weather is right you can hike up to the crater's rim of Rincón de la Vieja Volcano. You can drive south to Santa Cruz and on to Guaitil where Chorotega artisans make reproductions of ceramics that originally came from the region two thousand years ago. Or you can turn off the main road and drive the 38kms to Monteverde to observe the Resplendent Quetzal (4 wheel drive recommended). The beaches are always beautiful. The mountains are always scenic as are the small farms and dry forests.
South Pacific Route For the purpose of this guide, the south coast begins at Dominical, once a stopover point for pirates and renegades until the early nineteenth century. Rainfall begins to rise in proportion to kilometers on the speedometer as one heads south towards the Panama border. With the exception of the Osa Peninsula and the Golfo Dulce regions, the remainders of the region has a very short dry season. In some years, differentiating between the wet and dry seasons is as simple as calling the months with the least amount of rain the "dry season". The Corcovado National Park stands out with a well documented dry season, it has little or no rainfall from January through the last weeks of March. The southwest is rich in biological and cultural history, the real gem in terms of wildlife and cultural attractions. The indigenous cultures produce much of the finest handicrafts found in the stores in San José. And it's here where the giant stone spheres are found. It may be the location of their production, no one knows for sure but it's hard to believe that a nine ton solid rock sphere round or not, could be moved too far in this hilly country. A very exciting adventure, between Cartago and San Isidro del General you will drive through a tropical mountain plain over 10,000 feet in altitude, the highest point in the Pan American Highway, the road is narrow so take care where you stop, the mountains are often fog shrouded. After reaching San Isidro you can stop in the midst of thousands of acres of pineapples, sugar cane or bananas. Buy the fruit fresh in stands along the highway, and indulge yourself with one of the exotic fruit juices like mora or cas. In Palmar Norte, you will see the gardens decorated with the large stone spheres along the road, down the road the sign for the Sierpe River turn off, a mandatory stop if you are into fishing. Golfito offers the region's main concentration of facilities. But lodges and cottages can be found in every little town.
South Caribbean Route The old road through Cartago and Turrialba, or the new highway through the Braulio Carrillo National Park. This is a one day tour; you can take either one when you begin in San José. Both roads are enjoyable and scenic. The old route takes travelers through one of the oldest historic districts of the original capital of the country, Cartago. The route winds across ridges and through valleys, old homes, churches and more traditional villages. It cuts through the heart of the citrus belt. High elevations and cooler temperatures, minutes later you meet the new highway leading to the Caribbean and Limón. The new road takes you through a totally different world. The Braulio Carrillo National Park is one of the most outstanding examples of tropical rain forest in Central America. Very busy road, pay close attention to the driving and the big eighteen wheelers on the road. Moist and foggy weather as the road climbs and cuts through the mountains and the Zurqui. Soon after, the heat of the Caribbean will hit as a hardball.
Banana plantations, macadamia, and citrus are part of the scenery as you drive through the flat lands of the Caribbean, before reaching Puerto Limón. Limón, for the first time visitor, feels like entering a contrasting cultural entity devoid of much of the influence they left behind in the Central Valley. Black faces predominate along the street and sidewalks. You begin hearing steel drums yet there is no music, these are the Afro-Caribbean families that began settling this coast in the early eighteenth century. This coast and its cultures are one of the most intriguing to tourists because of the color and style and language, English is common, color runs rampart on tee shirts and road signs, every day is an extension of the prior day. The region's humidity and heat, the sun and hot sands slow down residents and visitors alike, it starts taking effect as you drive towards the South from Limón. For some visitors, the real adventure begins at Cahuita National Park, and continues all the way to Puerto Viejo. Pandora, Hitoy-Cerere, Bri Bri and Sixaola, are some of the side trips you can take. Punta Uva, Gandoca-Manzanillo are also two more places of interest, palm lined beaches, offshore coral reefs, and lighter color sand. Bare feet or sandals, tee shirts and shorts are appropriate with a hat, all year round.
There are 10 things you should know about Costa Rica
We recommend Gay Costa Rica for information on the current gay life in San Jose.
Manuel Antonio & QueposWe recommend Gay.com for the latest information on gay life in the west coast.
Costa Rica offers those who love to browse and buy a rich variety of items that reflect the country's tastes and culture. In major urban areas and especially in San Jose, shopping malls offer a broad selection of merchandise: quality clothing, accessories, toys, linens, furniture. Costa Rica's malls are complemented by smaller specialty shops located in the business districts.
Crafts can commonly be found in artisans markets. Handmade ceramics, wooden articles, straw items and other handicrafts, all of which make excellent souvenirs. Many store, sell reproductions of pre-Columbian gold and silver pieces, as reminders of the nation's heritage.
All these works of art can be acquired at places such as: Plaza de la Cultura next to the National Theater and the Gran Hotel Costa Rica, in downtown San Jose. Other suggested places for souvenirs are: The National Handicraft Market and CANAPI, as well as the town of Moravia, east of San Jose, that offers a wide variety of handicraft stores and workshops.
The most important woodcraft center is Sarchi, a picturesque town located in the Alajuela province, here the visitor will be able to buy not only bracelets, earrings or jewel boxes made out of wood, but at the same time they can take home an impressive piece of precious wooden furniture or the famous Costa Rican oxcart, well known throughout the world.
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