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Selling Sizzle
- Unparalleled beauty . . . everything from endless beaches, vast rain forests, volcanoes and rivers.
- The island is big on eco-tourism; Great opportunity to experience the unspoiled environment!
- Many of the major expenses are tax deductible for U.S. organizations holding meetings in Costa Rica.
- Great destination deep sea fishing, zip lining and horseback riding
Plenty of things to do in Costa Rica attractions
The Real Deal
- The Papagaya area is located appoximately 45 minutes from the airport.
- Terrific opportunities to find shells of all types!
- Two type of beaches in Papagaya; light sand and dark sand. On the dark sand beach, you will find pinecones!
- There is very little road congestion, so it makes it easy to get around the island.
- Although the airport is small, there is suprisingly good lift into Liberia.
OVERVIEW
Things to do in Costa Rica
The most visited nation in the Central American region, Costa Rica is much more than an eco-lifestyle destination. It is an array of experiences – each unique, yet bound together by the country’s unrivaled natural charm. Costa Rica’s natural beauty and rich biodiversity are virtually unparalleled for a country of its size. One can travel from the capital city of San José, with its museums and shops, to fabulous white-sand beaches in a matter of hours. From the crystal waters of the Caribbean to the magnificent Pacific Ocean in the province of Guanacaste, Costa Rica wraps around unforgettable and thrilling sights and activities.
Costa Rica borders to the north with Nicaragua, to the south with Panama and to the east and west with the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean respectively. With landscape that features active volcanoes, lush rainforests and unspoiled wild rivers, Costa Rica is a land of contrasts and extremes. Whether days are spent rafting down turbulent rivers, swinging from tree-to-tree with wild abandon in the rainforest or soaking up the sun on pristine beaches, Costa Rica offers something for everyone. Guests may enjoy extraordinary day trips on the Caribbean Coast, delight in off-road excursions through the interior of the country or simply indulge in the epitome of luxury and civilization, with world-class golf and pampering resort spas.
Costa Rican culture is in many ways an expression of its racial mix. The predominant European influence is reflected in everything from the official language of Spanish to the architecture of the country’s churches and other historic buildings. The indigenous influence is evidenced in the tortillas served with typical Costa Rican meals and the handmade ceramics sold at roadside stands. Ticos – as Costa Ricans are commonly known – are famous for their generous hospitality. They are polite, well-educated and gregarious people, quick to offer a handshake and a warm smile. Their zest, harmony and positive vibe are embodied in the popular local greeting, “pura vida,” which literally means pure life.
Zip Set Snap Community Photos
CURRENT WEATHER
Tobias Bolanos International
- Broken clouds, mist
- Temperature: 21 °C
- Wind: West, 7.4 km/h
- Pressure: 1016 hPa
- Rel. Humidity: 94 %
- Visibility: 5 km
City 101
- The official currency in Costa Rica is the Colones.
- Heure Normale du Centre, North America, UTC - 6 hours
- The official language of Costa Rica is Spanish.
- 120 V 60 Hz
Best Time To Travel
Best Travel Time
- January – March
- October – December
Tip
- Hurricane season: June - late November
- High season: December - April
Convention & Visitors Bureau
Culture & Etiquette
- Avoid referring to the people as ricans; This term has a negative connotation. The people of Costa Rica are referred to as ticos.
- There is a strong sense of personal honor and social equality; Every person is considered to have value and dignity.
- Wealth and family lineage largely determines a person's social position.
- If bringing flowers as a gift, do not select Calla Lillies; They are associated with funerals.
Dining Customs
- Dining customs closely follow those found in North America, including the times restaurants are open for lunch and dinner.
- Lunch is the main meal of the day.
- Fresh seafood and beef are readily available.
- Many Costa Rican dishes are lean on veggies. You'll specifically need to order vegetables as a side portion.
Eco Friendly Travel
- Thousands of visitors explore Costa Rica's rich biodiversity.
- From its lush rain forest and rare wildlife to its beautiful beaches and impressive volcanoes, Costa Rica literally has something for everyone!
Holiday Information
January 1st: New Year's Day
March/April: Holy Week
April 11: Juan Santamaría Day
May 1: Labor Day
July 25: Annexation of Guanacaste Day
Aug 2: Honors Costa Rica's Patron Saint Virgin of Los Angeles
Aug. 15: Mother's Day
Sept. 15: Independence Day
Nov. 2: All Soul's Day
Dec. 25: Christmas Day
Getting Around
U.S. travelers will consider the road system to be somewhat primative.
- Taxis are readily available and affordable.
- Rental cars are a good option to consider.
- Helicopters are also available for sightseeing and transporation.
Major Events
Taxes
- Room tax: 3%
- Sales tax: 13%
Tipping
- Just as in the U.S., it is customary to tip for services if good service is rendered.
What To Pack
- Plan to pack light. Comfort is the key here.
- Consider bringing loose-fitting long-sleeve shirts and pants for gentlemen and resort casual with a light sweater for women is recommended for the evenings.
- Be sure to pack plenty of sunscreen and a hat.
- Good hiking shoes or boots will come in handy for sightseeing and hiking.
Comments
Costa Rica lives up to its name - “Rich Coast” and even more! Not just the beach but also the activities in here are overwhelming. We just had to try the line of aquatic activities offered to us like scuba diving, surfing, of course swimming, and the list goes on. We even tried horse riding and I have never ridden a horse so it was my first time in Costa Rica but it was so much fun. Getting acquainted with some of the locals was effortless because they were very accommodating. I highly recommend visiting their phenomenal volcanoes because there's a number of them.
I'd love to visit!