Travel guide Costa Rica
In the heart of Central America, Costa Rica is bordered by both the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean, while being crossed by impressive mountains. But that's not all! Renowned for its magnificent tropical forests, this small country is also rich in a prodigious natural environment. Fauna and flora alone account for 5% of the world's biodiversity. Between its fascinating volcanoes including the famous Turrialba, Irazù and Arenal, its preserved jungle with lush vegetation like in Tortuguero Park or Corcovado Park, its beaches with crystal clear waters like Manuel Antonio, its rivers with sublime waterfalls, Costa Rica really has something to offer a pura vida to visitors, two warm words that have become the national motto. For an authentic immersion in the magnificent Costa Rican nature, the Costa Rican tour guide will allow you to see the country's unbeatable attractions and discover Costa Rica off the beaten track. It is the destination of the moment, at a time when we are talking about a return to a more responsible lifestyle, nature lovers will appreciate the country, which really makes us aware of the wonders of the wilderness.
What to see, what to do Costa Rica?
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When to go Costa Rica ?
Costa Rica has two main seasons: the dry season, between December and April, during which the weather is generally good with an average temperature of 25°C and the "green" or rainy season, from May to November. During this period it rains a lot in order to regenerate the rainforest. The best time to go to Costa Rica is during the dry season, as long as you avoid Holy Week, in March or April, when prices tend to soar and accommodations are crowded. During the rainy season, prices are much lower, especially between May and September.
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Pour varier les plaisirs et "rentabiliser" la longueur du trajet, prévoyez de rester minimum deux semaines. Si vous prévoyez moins de 15 jours au Costa Rica, attendez-vous à faire des circuits parfois intenses et à devoir écourter vos pauses. Dans tous les cas prévoyez de commencer au plus tôt vos journées, surtout pour la visite des parcs nationaux et afin d'observer plus aisément les animaux. Enfin, sachez qu'évidemment, vous ne pourrez pas tout faire. Il vaut mieux parfois ralentir la cadence et ne pas se laisser envahir par la frustration de ne pas "cocher toutes les cases" des fameux incontournables. Prenez le temps de bien cerner vos envies (randonnée, plongée, faune, surf, détente, découverte des volcans, exploration de la jungle, séjour dans les communautés autochtones...), vous pourrez donc ainsi vous concentrer sur des régions qui sauront satisfaire votre périple sans devoir courir partout !
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How to go Costa Rica
How to go alone
For solo travelers, be careful of flights in San José, on the Pacific coast in Jacó and Quepos, but also in Limón on the Caribbean coast. Don't be paranoid, however: Costa Rica is one of the safest countries in Central America. During the day, just dress simply, avoiding the "tourist style" if possible. As soon as night falls, avoid walking in San José, Quepos, Jacó or Limón: take a cab instead.
How to go on a tour
For a stay in Costa Rica, count ten days minimum. You can choose to do a combined Caribbean/Pacific coast tour but you will need about fifteen days there because even if the country is small, the routes of the tours can be long between the two coasts because of winding roads, not always paved. Don't forget to include in your discovery tour an excursion in the jungle to discover the incredible biodiversity of Costa Rica. You can also consider visiting a coffee plantation or national parks. Finally, don't forget that you are in the country of volcanoes (116 in total of which 5 are active). You won't miss the chance to climb the slopes of one of the craters.
How to get around
Buses are the best way to visit Costa Rica and they are quite cheap. It is however more convenient to rent a car to be able to go everywhere provided you know your route well. But you will have to rent a 4x4 to travel in some areas of the country where the roads are not paved. There are also domestic flights but they are often late and the planes have a small capacity.
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Discover Costa Rica
Located on the Pan-American isthmus, not far from the tropics, Costa Rica evokes a distant and rich land. Its exoticism is ensured by landscapes sometimes idyllic, sometimes wild: here nature is queen! A true lesson of biology in the open air, a trip to Costa Rica is an invitation to go green and to recharge your batteries. The majesty of its landscapes and its abundant biodiversity will completely fulfill your desires of elsewhere. But the small country is not limited to its natural treasures and presents in truth a singular identity. From the discovery of America by Christopher Columbus to the current ecological issues, through its cultural richness and its contrasting landscapes, dive into the different facets of this surprising country and live an unforgettable turnkey experience. Take your bearings: the better you know the Tico spirit, the better you will enjoy its assets!
The 12 keywords Costa Rica
1. Atardecer
The Ticos often gather on the beach to admire the sunset. The most majestic ones can be seen on the Pacific side where the sun disappears into the ocean. Facing the sea or the mountains, an atardecer generally offers a spectacle with flamboyant colors where the sky is tinted with cameos of mauve and pink. A peak of magic!
2. Biodiversity
This is one of the main goals of a trip to Costa Rica. If you are not very receptive to natural wonders, you might get bored! The geography of the country produces an exceptional biodiversity, qualified as the green gold of Costa Rica. A wealth that should be protected since the country has 6% of the world's biodiversity.
3. Coffee
It is the miracle crop and the national drink of the country! Benefiting from an ideal climate, the coffee trees have found here the perfect lands to produce a coffee with a unique taste. Often referred to as the "best coffee in the world", Costa Rican coffee is one of the pillars of the country's economy, with most of the plantations located in the central valley.
4. Canopy
Thecanopy is the upper canopy of the forest that is almost never seen from the ground. To observe it, you have to climb by means of cables or suspended walkways. On the tops, you can admire orchids, reptiles, birds, frogs and other insects.
5. Lodge
A lodge is a hotel in the middle of nature. A perfect lodging option to keep a constant link with the forests, volcanoes, mountains and beaches... and to promise yourself a total disconnection. Designed to adapt to its environment while respecting nature, the lodge is the preferred accommodation for ecotourism.
6. Mae
A typical Tica expression! "Maje" used to mean "moron" in Spanish slang, then "dude" (pronounced "maé"). It has become an interjection often used to start and end sentences. It is a friendly expression that is not used in a formal setting. In French, for a man, it would be the equivalent of "mec".
7. Pura vida
¡ Pura vida! is used to greet and wish "good luck" to the other person. To the question ¿ Qué tal? ( "How are you?"), the answer is ¡ pura vida! ("Perfectly well!"), which is a sign of good humor. Literally meaning "pure life", it could be translated as "enjoy all the wonders of life".
8. Quetzal
A symbol of the Maya, it is considered one of the most beautiful tropical birds in the world. The resplendent quetzal gave figure to the god Quetzalcoatl, which can be seen on many pre-Columbian sculptures. This bird lives in the high rainforests, but it can be seen in the park dedicated to it.
9. Surf
Why not try surfing and try to tame the Costa Rican wave? Whether on the Pacific or Caribbean coast, the surf spots have nothing to envy to their Hawaiian, Australian or Californian counterparts. This sport has developed a lot in the last few years and contributes strongly to the tourist offer of the country.
10. Tico
there are several ways to name the inhabitants of Costa Rica. If the term "Costa Rican (ne)" seems to be the most instinctive, it is however the term "Costa Rican (ne)" that should be preferred in French. The term "tico/tica" comes from the habit that Costa Ricans have of using and abusing diminutives by sticking "-tico" to all words.
11. Green
Here the green dominates and nature is queen. A true horsehair where the vegetation is adorned with its most luxuriant green coat, Costa Rica is all the more sumptuous during the rainy season, called "green season" from May to mid-December. Between sun and tropical showers, you will be able to admire the fauna and flora in better conditions.
12. Volcano
Located on the Pacific Ring of Fire, Costa Rica is home to 166 volcanoes and 300 volcanic cones. Dating back 65 million years, only 5 of them are active. Most of them are accessible via hiking trails. Majestic, they produce fumaroles, present lakes of bubbling mud or green lagoons.
You are from here, if...
If you use the expression "tuanis", a way of saying that everything is fine or that you find something really beautiful. This is how Ticos recognize themselves abroad.
If you approach Costa Ricans easily. Here, locals do not hesitate to greet each other or approach each other for any information. Ticos always answer each other with a smile and a warm manner.
If you constantly marvel at the natural beauty of the country. If there is one thing that is fascinating about Costa Rica, it is the constant wonder of the Ticos for their fauna and flora. A sloth, a monkey or a toucan appears daily in their garden? You will always get the same reaction: an enchantment to be able to be so close to the wild life!
If preserving the environment is one of your priorities. Educated and sensitized to the protection of the living world from a young age, the Ticos participate in the effort to preserve biodiversity.