Costa Rica as a country which has got fortunately blessed forests, attractive beaches, wild life have become favorite destination for all adventurous visitors. From an environmental-friendly hiker to a businessman who comes to Costa Rica for work purposes to a family that is planning a vacation then you are assured of a good experience. Here, we will give you important information and some tips on how to travel Costa Rica on your own: transport, what to see, where to sleep, where to eat and much more.
Few Important Things to Consider If You Are Planning to Travel to Costa Rica Alone
1 Language and Communication:
As for the respondents’ opinion, it is necessary to mention the fact that Spain belongs to the group of countries, where Spanish is considered to be the official language; therefore, having at least some knowledge of the Spanish phrases and expressions is useful. Though, most people employed in the sector as well as guide books and information resources in Costa Rica are bilingual, the majority of employed people will be rather pleased to hear English spoken and will not mind using Spanish in conversation with travelers.
2. 2 Safety and Security:
In general, Costa Rica can be considered safe for tourists, however, it is always cautious and use your brain, just like in any other country, and avoid some districts and certain places in big cities. Always be alert when in public areas, do not wander about at night alone and refrain from being cuckold to little pick pocketing and conning amongst others prevalent in this country with reference to visitors.
2. 3 Health and Safety Precautions:3 Health and Safety Precautions:For the specific requirements of immunization or other medications that may be needed before visiting Costa Rica, it is recommended that the traveler seek advice from a doctor. Though it’s exceptional safe to take plain water from the tap it is advisable to use bottled water especially in the remote regions of Costa Rica.
And, to avoid malaria and other diseases spread by mosquitoes, it is crucial wearing insect repellent – particularly in the rainy season. Another essential thing is sunscreen with high numbers on the SPF scale, at that, since Costa Rica is close to the equator, sunburn is possible throughout the year.
2. 4 Currency and Payment Methods:4 Currency and Payment Methods:
The value of local currency is Costa Rican colón (CRC), but US dollars is also accepted in Costa Rica especially in tourist areas, in addition to credit cards. It is advisable to have a combination of cash in colones and dollars alongside cards since some of the small businesses may not accept cards, or they charge some extra amount for the transactions.
2. 5 Transportation:
As it was stated earlier, hiring a 4×4 car is one of the most effective ways to travel independently through Costa Rica and to get to the less known areas of the country. An exception is for those travelers who cannot afford personal cars or those that do not like to drive, there are always buses and minivans to offer services but they are not as convenient as cars.
3: Suggested Attractions that One Should Visit in Costa Rica
3. 1 Monteverde: 6.
Located in the cloud forests of the Cordillera de Tilarán, Monteverde is one of the most important destinations in Costa Rica focused on ecotourism and adrenaline activities. There are aerial tram tours in which visitors can go across and along the top of the trees by hanging bridges and cable, birds watching in the cloud forest, and the well-known Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve.
3. 2 Arenal: 6.
A popular attraction head Arenal which is well known for its cocoVolcano and is a thrilling destination for numerous tourists. Other than beautiful nature walks and hot springs some of the adventurous activities available in areal include zipline, rafting, and canyoning. Do not let this opportunity pass take a break to take a dip in the Tabacon Hot Springs after a day of hiking.
3. 3 Puerto Viejo and Manzanillo:5 Puerto Viejo and Manzanillo:
Puerto Viejo and Manzanillo are two small towns situated in the Caribbean side of Costa Rica also well-known for its relaxed atmospheres its beautiful sand beaches and rich Afro Caribbean culture. Visitors can take part in swimming, sunbathing, and enjoying various sorts of Caribbean dishes on the territory of the gorgeous beaches as well as take exciting hiking and observing the exuberant beauty of the Gandoca-Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge.
3. 4 Tortuguero:
Located in the province of Limon, it is still only accessible by boat or plane, and is especially well known for the sea turtles’ nests. Visitors in Tortuguero can either take a boat ride through canal systems or go for canoeing and experience the forest and search for those animals or witness the phenomenon of sea turtles laying their eggs at night.
4: The Asian millionaires, as seen in the case of Kwang and Jiyoung, prefer quick-service food, in-house dining, hotel living, and limited eating from outside.
4. 1 Accommodation:
accommodation is not a problem in Costa Rica which offers luxury hotels for the high end travelers, classic hotels for the world’s business elite, eco-resorts equipped with every luxury, home-stays, hostels, and guesthouses for the backpacker’s. If you are planning of having a beach cottage, a house surrounded by trees or a hotel central in a tourist area such as Manuel Antonio, Arenal, or Puerto Viejo, then you sure will find many to choose from.
5 Dining:
The food in Costa Rica is original and diverse: the influence of native tribes’ meals mingled with Spanish and Afro-Caribbean ones; sea foods, exotic fruits, and spices’ answered presence. Some of their most recommended foods include; gallo pinto (rice and beans), ceviche (raw fish), casado (rice, beans, meat, and salad), and plantains whether fried, sweet or tostones.
6. 1 San José:
San José is the capital and the largest city within Costa Rica; most of the tourists visiting the country start their trip in this city. San José might not boast magnificent landscapes, but it provides the visitors with the colonial charm, bright murals, and a multitude of markets.
Another sight to see in San José is National Theater which is even grace neoclassical building constructed in late 19th century. People can come and watch plays and other performances at the theater which is embellished with a gilded hall and beautiful paintings.
Also, the Pre-Columbian Gold Museum is one of the attractions of San José that is worth a visit where gold pieces from the pre-Columbian age are exhibited. It showcase historical and informative view on the native peoples who lived in Costa Rica before the Spanish invasion.
To feel the pulse of the city, the Mercado Central where people buy anything from vegetables, fish, clothes and local souvenirs. It is a beautiful location to try real Costa Rican foods, such as casado – rice, beans, meat, and salad or gallo pinto – rice and beans, normally eaten in the morning.
6. 2 Manuel Antonio:
It is identified that flora and fauna of the park include rare species of monkeys, sloths, birds, and other numerous wildlife and beautiful rain forests and beaches.
Tourism In Manuel Antonio there’s a system of trails which open to the public, that let the visitors get to unruly beautiful beaches, look upon panoramic terrains, and get acquainted with the freshwater streams. Among all it has attractions Cathedral Point lookout that provides a scenic view of the coast and a rainforest.
Besides hiking there are other Mal pais attractions that one can engage in and among them are snorkeling, kayaking, and paddle boarding. While at the park, you are likely to find many species of water animals and therefore, it would be suitable for a water based adventure.
There are numerous places to stay and sleep when in the destination; these include, Excellent accommodation facilities in the destination include luxury resorts, Eco lodges, and guest house. Most of the accommodations in Manuel Antonio have ocean views, and are within walking distance of the park and its trails or the beach.
6. 3 Monteverde:
Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve situated in the northern part of cost Rica is one of the premier ecotourism destinations and species rich. The place is endowed with several natural resources such as floral and faunal diversity; it hosts hundreds of orchid species, butterflies, and the big cats such as jaguars and ocelots.
It is always recommended to take a guided tour of the cloud forest of Monteverde: the better to appreciate wildlife and the peculiarities of this landscape. It also has more adventurous activities including, zip-lining, canopy and night tours where individuals are also able to learn the forests from another angle.
Having explored the natural brilliance of the region, one cannot ignore the fact that Monteverde also has beautiful towns such as Santa Elena and the town of Monteverde that offers tourists an opportunity to taste culture and local food. Try the casado and arroz con pollo (chicken with rice), at one of the many family – run restaurants in the country.
Regarding the lodging, there is plenty of choice in Monteverde, both for the low prices and high standards; ranging from the budget and original cabins; the diverse eco-lodges and the bed-and-breakfast solutions, to the more luxurious resorts and elegant boutiques.
6. 4 Arenal:
This still lively volcano which last saw eruptions in 2010 forms the centrepiece and the Central African country’s highlight to anyone who wants to come face to face with the force of nature at its very best.
Arenal National Park is being also well-known for rainforests, hot springs, and a variety of species of the fauna like monkeys,sloths, toucans, etc. Several trails are offered for hiker; the trail heads to scenic overlooks, sheltered waterfalls, and gushing hot springs.
The most prevalent attraction that holidaymakers can participate in in Arenal is the hot spring which is fed by geothermal energy. There are modern luxurious hot springs to enjoy or hang out at a more natural like setting; there are cheap and expensive hot springs in the Arenal area for everyone.
As for the underlying, Arenal has choices for the travelers in terms of lodgings like Eco lodges, Boutique hotels, and luxurious resorts. There are numerous great houses with incidence of the volcano peacefully and handy proximity to the hiking trails, hot springs, and other places of interest.
6. 5 Puerto Viejo and Manzanillo:5 Puerto Viejo and Manzanillo:
In the Caribbean of Costa Rica, far from the colorful atmosphere and the traditions of the rest of the country, Puerto Viejo and Manzanillo are energetic and warm and attract lovers of black sand and sea, fans of reggae and Afro-Caribbean music. Tourism in Puerto Viejo includes basking on the beautiful sun kissed beaches such as the Playa Cocles and Playa Chiquita, or go to the Cahuita National Park, which has beautiful coral reefs, mangrove forest and several sea creatures.
Besides the natural attractions, the town has a rich taste offer when it comes to the restaurants, where one can taste real Caribbean food, such as jerk chicken, rice with coconut, plantain chips, etc. Don’t forget to try local food on the beach café, food cart or restaurant that is close to the beach area.
Regarding lodging services, Puerto Viejo has cheap hostels and guest houses, mid price range hotels, and luxurious hotels and eco-lodges. Most accommodations may be built on the jungle or beach frontage, giving the visitors natural experiences of the surroundings.
6. 6 Tortuguero:
Spreading to nearly 320sq.km, Tortuguero National Park in the northern Caribbean region of Costa Rica is an attractive famous place for viewing wildlife and the nesting of the sea turtles. Visiting the park is very difficult since one has to travel by boat, or even better by air making the place to be so mysterious and remote.
Of the attractions that we have at Tortuguero, one of perhaps the most popular, at least during the period between July and October, is that of sea turtle nesting. At this period, tourists are privileged to watch dwarf turtles crawling to the shoreline to lay their eggs which is a breathtaking experience that tourists will never wish to miss.
An even greater surprise that Tortuguero has to offer is a great variety of other animals like monkeys, sloths and countless tropical birds. There are boat rides in the park, snorkeling and canoe rides through the canals of the park; people will see animals on their trips.
In terms of the accommodation, Tortuguero presents lodges that are built like tree houses deep in the jungle, ecolodges, up market resorts, and even all inclusive hotels. There are many properties in the area that are capable of giving local guided tours and other activities that enable the guests view the park and some of its animals.
7: Conclusion
The Costa Rica destination consists of beautiful locations largely representing different types of tourism for different categories of tourists. From the glorious rainforest to the serene and beautiful beach to the cultural diversity of Costa Rica’s city, nothing is missing.