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The complete Costa Rica Travel Guide for the perfect vacation!

Here you will find the most complete Costa Rica Travel Guide to help you be fully informed of what your paradise vacation will be like.

What will you find in the travel guide?

This Costa Rica Travel Guide is meant to show you why this country is the most visited nation in the Central American region, and you’ll understand this once you’ve witnessed this country’s unique and spiritual lush rainforest, rare birds, smoldering volcanic peaks, clear flowing rivers, and exotic fruits. A tropical paradise protected by genial people, rich with urban historical culture, it’s no wonder so many flock here to see Mother Nature’s magnificent work. Costa Rica Monkey Tours delivers more than just adventurous getaways. We take biking, white water rafting; zip line tours, beach-going, surfing, and cultural sightseeing to a whole new level. This Costa Rica Vacations guide will help you sort and decide where you want to go once you are here.

A favorite retreat for North Americans and Europeans, Costa Rica is an affordable destination point, with kind hosts providing safe and friendly service in secure surroundings, ensuring experiences of a lifetime for you and your group. Some of the favored locations in Costa Rica include:

  • The Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve
  • The Tortuguero Canals
  • Corcovado National Park
  • Marino Ballena National Park
  • The Province of Guanacaste

The Meaning of Pura Vida

You will also learn in this Costa Rica Travel Guide a few of the sayings that represent the people of this county. Pura vida is the most common Costa Rican phrase. Literally translated, it means pure life, but it can also mean “plenty of life”, “full of life”, “this is living”, “going great”, or “real living.” The phrase can be used as a greeting or a goodbye, as an answer expressing that things are going well, or as a way of giving thanks. Even if you don’t speak the language, uttering the simple words, “Pura vida,” brings you closer to state of mind and to embracing the relaxed and gracious disposition of “ticos.” You’re on vacation. Right? Why not spend it with people that cater to travelers like you in the land of “Pura vida!”

Costa Rica — Geographically Speaking

Just north of the equator, this flourishing oasis is one of the planet’s most bio-diverse regions, and its national parks will take your breath away with their majestic glory. More than a third of the country has been set aside for you to enjoy in its protected natural state, abound with flora, fauna, and exotic and animated creatures. You will be able to see this in your travel guide to paradise Costa Rica.

If you aren’t a nature lover, Costa Rica will assuredly change that, with its pristine beaches and jungle backdrops, breathtaking sunsets, silky and pungent orchids, and amusing native creatures, including four indigenous monkey species and more than 800 types of colorful and often raucous birds.

Yes! There are Cultural Offerings

While its cities may not be Costa Rica’s premier attraction, that’s not to say you shouldn’t make a stop at one of its urban centers enhanced by local artists commissioned to create bronze and concrete sculptures, mosaics, and mural art. Get a sense of local life and culture as you explore downtown San Jose and its myriad of architectural styles, street performers, kiosks, cafes, and dozens of museums showcasing art and reflections of Costa Rica’s culture and history. Your Costa Rica Vacations Guide will show you that most museums are located in the country’s capital, including the popular Gold Museum, the Costa Rica National Museum, and the Jade Museum. Only a short taxi ride from there is the La Sabana Metropolitan Park which offers the Costa Rican Art Museum located inside what used to be the Control Tower of the old San Jose International Airport. It’s worth spending some time in the cities; if only experience this multi-faceted country, its charming people, their culture, and cuisine.

What about food in Costa Rica?

Costa Rican cuisine is a combination of Spanish, South American, Caribbean, and American influences. Its style is shared by most of Central America, although local variations have appeared in each of the countries. One national dish is gallo pinto, a combination of black beans and white rice spiced with cilantro, onions, garlic, salt, and a local condiment called Salsa Lizano. It is typically eaten at breakfast with eggs and sometimes sour cream. We suggest you try this native dish at least once, maybe with fried plantains, and indulge yourself with a side of either corn tortillas or fresh-baked bread. These articles disclose a little bit more about Costa Rican Cuisine:

  • Traditional Easter Foods
  • Is the food the same everywhere in Costa Rica?
  • Typical Food of Costa Rica
  • What is Costa Rican food like?

Gift Ideas for when returning from your Costa Rica Vacation

Costa Rica was once famous for its principle production of coffee, though bananas, pineapple, sugar, lumber, wood products and beef are still important exports. Coffee here is abundant, varies in texture, aroma, and flavor, making it quite simply irresistible. Coffee also makes a great gift, so be sure to take some home to share with friends and family. However, save some for yourself as a romantic and reminiscent reminder of your Costa Rican lifetime experience.

Marino Ballena National Park in Costa Rica

Mar 20, 2015
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Migrating Humpback Whales are the BIG deal at Marino Ballena National Park in Costa Rica, but they aren’t the only attraction found in the Puntarenas Park. December to April is the period when Humpback Whales return to the waters of Marino Ballena National Park each year. The...   [ Read More → ]

Los Quetzales National Park Costa Rica

Mar 19, 2015
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Named for the emerald and crimson quetzal, Los Quetzales National Park in Costa Rica is the newest national park protecting 12,000 acres of cloud forest. The highest elevation of Los Quetzales National Park is 9,843 feet above sea level. At these high altitudes the mountains...   [ Read More → ]

La Amistad International Park

Mar 19, 2015
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The enormous La Amistad International Park, which stretches from Panama in the south into the Province of Limon, Costa Rica, is simply stunning. A UNESCO World Heritage Site La Amistad International Park has been declared as a world heritage site by UNESCO, and since that...   [ Read More → ]

Traditional Easter Foods in Costa Rica

Mar 18, 2015
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The week of Easter (Semana Santa) is bearing down upon us here in Costa Rica, and already the foods for the Lenten period have been turning up in cocinas across the land. The list below represents some of the traditional dishes and treats of the Easter Season in Costa Rica: 1....   [ Read More → ]

Juan Castro Blanco National Park Costa Rica

Mar 18, 2015
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Hot springs and three volcanoes can be counted among the attractions at Juan Castro Blanco National Park in Alajuela, Costa Rica. Juan Castro Blanco National Park is a sizeable park at 35,000 acres centrally located in the province of Alajuela, Costa Rica. Despite its size, Juan...   [ Read More → ]
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