Did you know
Costa Rica is pleasant year-round, with the period from December to March being the best overall (except for the Caribbean). A classic duration for travel is two weeks, but it necessitates making choices due to the multitude of things to see and do. Moreover, journeys can quickly consume a significant amount of time...
The Pacific Coast
Personally, my favorite region. A vast area where tourists don't tread heavily. As soon as you move a few kilometers away from the coast, you find yourself in low mountains, and therefore, it's a bit cooler (less hot, you know 😉).
Here's what I recommend visiting:
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Crocodile Bridge in Tarcoles: Home to the country's largest crocodiles (up to 6m and 800kg). Clearly visible from the bridge, on the gravel pit and mudflat below. Free to visit. There's also an option for a boat tour (2-3 hours), at a cost, offering a close encounter with these 'monsters' and a variety of wildlife (monkeys, macaws, toucans, herons, etc.). Group or private tours available from 3 people onwards. If interested, contact me for more information.
- Carara National Park in Tarcoles: One of the richest and most interesting national parks in the country, home to many mammals (ocelots, pumas, deer, anteaters, sloths, ...) and a huge variety of birds (toucans, parrots, herons, raptors, ...). This is the region where you'll find the most Scarlet Macaws in the country.
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Horseback rides in nature (hills, mangroves, riverbanks, or even mountains), privately guided and very affordable.
And also....
- Uvita: Boat tour to see whales and their calves (female humpback whales come here to give birth); also dolphins, flying fish, ...
If interested, contact me for more information. - Quepos: The restaurant 'El Avion' is worth a visit. Very unique as you actually enter an old military airplane; excellent food.
- Isla del Caño: Internationally known as one of the most beautiful and diverse places in the world for snorkeling! Exceptional. Day trip. If interested, contact me for more information."
The Central Valley
If you want to enjoy a dry climate, it's better to visit the Pacific coast or the 'Central Valley.' It's important to know that almost the entire country is (very) mountainous, with the highest peak reaching 3,840 meters. The capital (San José, altitude 1,200 meters) is in the Central Valley, which varies between approximately 800 meters and 1,500 meters. The climate is milder there (25°C during the day, 16°C-18°C at night), thanks to the altitude.
Along the Pacific, temperatures in August are around 30°C during the day and 22°C at night.
Here are my recommendations for places to visit:
- Choose Irazú Volcano rather than Poás (too touristy, too many restrictions). This volcano peaks at 3,440 meters (you'll feel it while walking). You can drive up to 100 meters from the crater. It offers a vast area for strolling. It's preferable to go in the early morning as there are fewer clouds obstructing the view.
It's essential to book online in advance as it's not possible to purchase the entrance ticket on-site.
Webpage : https://www.sinac.go.cr/ES/resvlinea/Paginas/default.aspx
Entrance fee : 15 USD
And also....
- Near Sarapiqui, there are several great places to observe wildlife (with a guide, highly recommended). Visit the La Selva Biological Station (OTS), which is very interesting, or take a boat tour on the river (privately or in a group).
If interested, contact me for more information.
- Rafting near La Fortuna (Arenal): it's an extraordinary experience, full of sensations and discoveries, which I have done several times with family or friends. There are numerous companies offering this tour, but two stand out. If interested, contact me for more information.
- The Zipline and hanging bridges, also close to La Fortuna, are truly worth it. The zipline consists of 7 cables, with the longest one being 800m and 100m above the jungle. Extraordinary!
If interested, contact me for more information.
- Hiking/trekking: possible in many places. Around the Arenal Volcano (starting from La Fortuna) or climbing Cerro Chirripo (a mountain at 3,800m), further south.
- The natural hot springs (geothermal) in La Fortuna are a must. These large pools surrounded by lush vegetation, in the evening under a starry sky, with water temperatures ranging from 32°C to 40°C, are simply beautiful. A true must! There are several, the most beautiful and pleasant being the "Paradise Hot Springs".
If interested, contact me for more information.
- And so much more…
The Caribbean
- For the Caribbean, the best season is September and October. It's important to note that on the Caribbean side, it rains a lot, often for long hours, and for 10 months of the year. This is evident in the vegetation. The beaches are very beautiful, and the food (Creole) is different from the rest of Costa Rica.
- The Tortuguero National Park (in the northern Caribbean) is very interesting but not in August and quite touristy.
- Don't panic, there is a wide selection of National Parks in Costa Rica (30% of their territory).