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Thinking about taking a trip to Costa Rica? Here’s what you need to know about sustainable travel in Costa Rica, from Green Peace.
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Introduction to Costa Rica
Costa Rica is a tropical country located in Central America. It is bordered by Nicaragua to the north, Panama to the southeast, the Pacific Ocean to the west, and the Caribbean Sea to the east. Costa Rica is a popular tourist destination due to its pristine beaches, lush rainforests, and diverse wildlife.
Travelling to Costa Rica is a relatively safe and easy process, but there are a few things that you should keep in mind before you go. This guide will provide you with all the information you need to know about travelling to Costa Rica, including how to get there, what to expect when you arrive, and where to go once you’re in the country.
Why Visit Costa Rica?
Costa Rica is a country full of opportunity for eco-tourists. With rain forests, volcanoes, and plenty of beaches, the country has something for everyone who wants to experience nature at its finest.
The Costa Rican government has made a commitment to sustainable tourism, which has resulted in Costa Rica becoming one of the leaders in sustainable tourism practices. When you visit Costa Rica, you can rest assured that your vacation will not only be enjoyable but also eco-friendly.
Here are some of the reasons why you should visit Costa Rica:
1. To experience some of the world’s most beautiful rain forests
2. To hike or climb one of the country’s many volcanoes
3. To relax on one of Costa Rica’s stunning beaches
4. To encounter some of the world’s most exotic wildlife
When to Visit Costa Rica
The best time to visit Costa Rica is during the dry season, which runs from December to April. The shoulder months of November and May often offer nice weather as well, although there can be more rain during these times. December to February is peak season in Costa Rica, so accommodations and activities will be more expensive and crowded during these months. If you’re looking to avoid the crowds, plan your trip for the months of March or April. Keep in mind that Costa Rica’s weather patterns can vary depending on the region you’re visiting. The Central Valley, for example, experiences its rainy season from May to November, while the Caribbean side has rain year-round.
How to Get to Costa Rica
Getting to Costa Rica is easy whether you’re coming from North, Central, or South America, or even Europe. The country is served by two international airports, one in the capital city of San Jose and the other in the popular tourist destination of Liberia. Most major airlines offer direct flights to Costa Rica from North American hubs like Miami, Dallas, Houston, Atlanta, and New York City. Delta, American, United, Southwest, JetBlue, and Spirit all fly direct to Costa Rica from the United States.
From South America, there are flights to Costa Rica on Avianca, Copa Airlines, LATAM Airlines Group, and Taca. If you’re coming from Central America, you can take a short flight on one of the regional airlines like Volaris Costa Rica, Interjet Costa Rica, or Sansa Airline.
European travelers can fly direct to Costa Rica on conditional routes operated by Lufthansa and Iberia. These routes are typically only available during the high season between November and April. If you’re coming from Asia or Africa, you’ll have to make a stop in another country before arriving in Costa Rica. The only exception is if you’re flying on Copa Airlines from Panama because they offer a direct flight from Panama City to San Jose
Getting Around Costa Rica
Costa Rica is a relatively small country, but there is still a lot of ground to cover if you want to see everything it has to offer. The best way to get around is by renting a car, which will give you the freedom to explore at your own pace. However, driving in Costa Rica can be challenging, so be sure to brush up on your skills before hitting the road.
If you’d rather not deal with the stress of driving, you can also take advantage of the country’s excellent public transportation system. Inter-city buses are comfortable and affordable, and they offer a great way to meet other travelers. Just be aware that schedules can be unpredictable, so it’s always best to plan ahead.
Of course, no trip to Costa Rica would be complete without spending some time in the great outdoors. Fortunately, there are plenty of options for getting around without leaving a big carbon footprint. Hiking and biking are both popular activities here, and there are plenty of tour companies that offer eco-friendly excursions. So whether you’re planning to hit the beaches or explore the rainforest, you’re sure to find a sustainable way to get there.
What to Pack for Costa Rica
What to Pack for Costa Rica
No matter what time of year you travel, you’ll need to pack some essentials. Here’s a list of what to take with you on your trip to Costa Rica:
-Passport and travel documents
-Money (credit cards and cash)
-Health Insurance card
-Cell phone and charger
-Clothes (appropriate for the season and your activities)
-Shoes
-Hat or sunglasses
-Sunscreen
-Bug spray
-First Aid kit
-Camera
Where to Stay in Costa Rica
Costa Rica is a small country with a lot to offer. With so many different microclimates, it can be hard to decide where to stay during your trip. Here is a breakdown of some of the best places to stay in Costa Rica, based on your interests.
Beach Bumming: If you’re looking to catch some rays and relax on the beach, your best bet is to stay on the Caribbean coast in Puerto Viejo or Cahuita. The beaches here are gorgeous, and the vibe is laid-back and chill.
Adventure Sports: For those looking for an adrenaline rush, Costa Rica’s Pacific coast is the place to be. Adventure sports like surfing, zip-lining, and whitewater rafting are all popular here. Tamarindo and Jaco are two good places to base yourself for these activities.
Nature Lovers: If you’re hoping to see some of Costa Rica’s amazing wildlife, your best bet is to head to Tortuguero National Park on the Caribbean coast or Arenal Volcano National Park in the northwest part of the country. Both of these areas are teeming with jungle animals like monkeys, sloths, and reptiles.
What to Eat in Costa Rica
eats. Especially if you are planning on doing some eco-tourism while you are there. Here are some of the foods you should try while in Costa Rica.
Casados- This dish is served everywhere in Costa Rica and usually consists of rice, beans, vegetables, salad, and sometimes meat or fish. It is a super filling dish that will leave you feeling satisfied.
Pinto Gallo- Another all-time favorite in Costa Rica is gallo pinto. This dish is made with rice and beans mixed together and usually served for breakfast or lunch. It is a simple but tasty dish that will give you the energy you need to explore all that Costa Rica has to offer.
Ceviche- Ceviche is a popular seafood dish in Costa Rica that is made with fresh fish, lime juice, cilantro, and onions. It is a refreshing dish that is perfect for a hot day.
Chicharrones- Chicharrones are fried pork rinds that are often served as a side dish or appetizer. They are crispy and delicious and go great with a cold beer.
Platanos Fritos- Platanos fritos are fried plantains that are often served as a side dish or snack. They are sweet and delicious and can be found at most any restaurant in Costa Rica.
What to Do in Costa Rica
Costa Rica is renowned for its incredible biodiversity, and there are many ways to experience it. Hiking through the jungle, zip-lining over the canopy, and visiting national parks are all popular activities.
If you want to get up close and personal with some of Costa Rica’s iconic wildlife, you can visit a sloth sanctuary or go on a safari. There are also plenty of opportunities to go surfing, rafting, and kayaking.
Whatever you decide to do, Costa Rica is sure to offer an unforgettable experience.
Tips for Traveling to Costa Rica
Here are a few tips to help you make the most of your trip and ensure that you have a safe and enjoyable experience while you travel to Costa Rica.
– BEFORE YOU LEAVE: Make sure you have all the necessary travel documents, including a valid passport, and apply for any required visas.
– WHEN TO GO: The best time to visit Costa Rica is during the dry season, which runs from December to April. However, keep in mind that this is also the busiest time of year, so expect higher prices and crowds at popular tourist destinations.
– WHERE TO STAY: There are a variety of accommodation options available throughout Costa Rica, from hotels and resorts to vacation rentals and camping sites. Choose the option that best suits your budget and travel style.
– GETTING AROUND: The easiest way to get around Costa Rica is by renting a car. However, keep in mind that driving can be challenging in some areas due to poor road conditions and aggressive drivers. Alternatively, you can take advantage of the country’s extensive bus system.
– WHAT TO PACK: Be sure to pack plenty of sunscreen, insect repellent, and comfortable walking shoes. If you plan on spending time in the rainforest or jungle, don’t forget to bring along appropriate clothing and gear.
– SAFETY FIRST: Costa Rica is generally a safe country to visit, but it’s always important to exercise caution when travelling to any new place. Avoid travelling alone or in isolated areas, and be sure to stay aware of your surroundings at all times.
