Costa Rica Travel Guide!
COSTA RICA:
Costa Rica, officially the Republic of Costa Rica, is a country in Central America, bordered by Nicaragua to the north, the Caribbean Sea to the northeast, Panama to the southeast, the Pacific Ocean to the southwest, and a maritime border with Ecuador to the south of Cocos Island.
—- 4 Destinations in 6 Days —-
1. La Fortuna
"La Fortuna" or in English, "The Fortune," is fittingly titled due to its abundance of tourist attractions and incredibly lush terrain.
2. Valverde Vega
Alajuela, Costa Rica contains the city of Valverde Vega. With many well-known attractions, such as Poas Volcano National Park and La Carreta, and more it should definitely be at the top of your list!
A beloved local artist named César Valverde Vega is how the city got its name. As a founding member of "Grupo Ocho," a group of Costa Rican artists who introduced abstract art to the country in the 1960s and sparked an artistic revolution in the national cultural landscape, he was one of the country's first muralists.
3. San Jose
The largest city and capital of Costa Rica is San José. San José is a city brimming with culture and has plenty to enjoy. The city is protected by towering mountains and lush hills that honor the natural diversity that permeates the entire national territory.
San José, which was established in the first half of the eighteenth century, is now a hub for travelers from all over the world; it is a metropolis full of intriguing locations, people, and colors that reflect the history of a population.
4. Santa Ana
This cute tiny village strikes a balance between conventional Costa Rican culture and contemporary conveniences.
The town is known as "Valle del Sol," which translates to "valley of the sun," and it has two championship golf courses, as well as restaurants, shops, and other amenities. The Feria del Agricultor, a farmers market offering fresh food, snacks, and the chance to interact with local vendors and growers while getting a taste of traditional Costa Rican life, is open every sunday morning to tourists and locals.
My tips and tricks will take you from dreaming about a tropical vacation to waking up in the destination of your dreams!
CURRENCY:
The Colón
One dollar is approximately equal to 500 colones. 1,000 colones is equivalent to around $2, 4,000 colones is about $8, 5000 is about $10, etc.
***exchange your currency at the airport***
***highly recommend using a currency conversion calculator throughout your entire trip***
FLIGHTS:
Travel prices actually rise when a specific route is regularly searched, according to cookies in your browser, as the website tries to scare you into buying the flight immediately before prices rise even further. To see the best deals, always search for flights in incognito or private browser mode.
TRANSPORTATION:
Rental Car! Costa Rica is abundant with nature and has a vast biodiversity, but it is not a metropolitan city. Having a car is a must, as apps like Uber or Lyft may not be as reliable like they are in the states. For the convenience of picking up your automobile right after your flight and dropping it off upon departure, airports often charge an additional fee.
Rental car agencies are notorious for upselling you on their insurance options! They are pretty persistent until you give in or they refuse to give you the car. If you have your own auto insurance, it can even cover personal liability for a rented automobile as well as collision damage. Calling your insurance company to find out what is covered is worthwhile.
ACCOMMODATION:
Use booking apps like Airbnb or Hostel World
ITINERARY:
Excursion #1
San Jose: Discover Sights and Delights with a Local (3 hours)
On a gastronomy tour of San Jose, discover the local cuisine and natural treatments of Costa Rica. To learn more about exotic fruits and vegetables, visit marketplaces. Visit a coffee shop and take a stroll across the neighborhood with a local to discover daily life.
Highlights:
Learn about the Central Market and Borbon Market of San Jose.
Learn about more than 30 locally grown exotic fruits and veggies.
Savor organic coffee and seasonal foods
Take a shared group or private trip to discover a side of San Jose that locals only know about.
Take a tour that is carbon-neutral, planned and conducted by a tour operator with an eco-certification.
Excursion #2
Poás Volcano, Coffee Plantation & La Paz Waterfall Gardens (10 hours)
This by far was the best day of my trip! There was so much to experience in one day and it was worth it! From the powerful waterfalls of La Paz to the decadent coffee at the Doka Plantation, this day was untradeable. We got to experience culture from guides that gave us the local experience.
On this escorted tour leaving from San José, see three locations in one day. See how coffee is produced, explore the Poas Volcano Crater, and take in the breathtaking scenery surrounding La Paz Waterfall Garden.
Highlights:
Climb the Poás Volcano to take in the scenery.
Take in the sights of the main crater's magnificent sulfur fumaroles.
Explore Costa Rica's most renowned waterfall, La Paz
Take a stroll across the lovely San Antonio National Park.
Excursion #3
Start the morning with a hike in the cool Costa Rica mountains, followed by a coffee tour and tasting, and finish by flying through the canopies! Can you think of a better day?
The journey takes you back to 1920s Costa Rica. A cobblestone path leads us to the "Bridge of Wishes," where we may take in the lovely gardens that surround the 16th-century building "La Capilla," which was inspired by the church of Oros.
Reaching "El Barrio," where the residents lived who worked on the coffee farms. They sample their exquisite high-altitude Arabica coffee, "Café Mi Momento," a Premium Gourmet Coffee.
Experience an adrenaline-pumping adventure amid cables, trails, suspension bridges, and breathtaking vistas in just 25 minutes from San José.
Excursion #4
Buy a day pass with lunch included at Baldi Hot Springs
Sadly, the trip is coming to an end. After an exciting week filled with culture, coffee, and fun it’s almost time to head home.
What is a trip to Costa Rica if you didn’t visit at least one Hot Spring!? There are many natural hot springs scattered throughout San Jose, Alajuela, and Liberia. We opted for a more luxurious option and went for a day pass that included a buffet-style lunch and complimentary drink by the springs!
Remember: Stay curious, humble, and kind!
With love,
