Costa Rica is lined with beautiful beaches, tranquil rivers, incredible mountains, and exquisite cultural attractions. Although Costa Rica is not a large country, there are endless worthwhile sites to see and things to do here. While exploring this country, it’s best to utilize your time wisely so you can experience a great deal of the adventure and relaxation that the country has to offer. Costa Rica has something new for the nature enthusiast, adventurist, and anyone who wishes to have a truly unique experience. Below are three tips to help you ensure that you have an extraordinary trip within Costa Rica!
1. Remain Open
Travel plans may and often will change while traveling in Costa Rica. To truly experience the magic that the country has to offer, I suggest having a general plan of travel but remain open to being wisped away in a direction that may uncover an unexpected site or experience. Rental cars can run a steep price in the country but there are other very effective modes of transportation. Many tourist busses and local transit are available to individuals who wish to freely explore the country. The busses are good quality, typically on-time, and are a very cost effective option for travelers! Following a hunch or taking a detour could certainly lead to a private beach, hidden waterfall, or a chance to see some exotic plants and animals that may not be along the main route of travel!
2. Master some Basic Travel Spanish
Taking the time to brush up on the Spanish language will be highly beneficial while traveling around Costa Rica. There are areas of Costa Rica where English is spoken and one could essentially get around with a simple ‘Hola.” However, in order to make your travels run more smoothly and truly open yourself to an authentic Costa Rican experience, I suggest taking the time to learn the basics. Having some basic phrases handy opens up the doors of communication with the locals who truly make this country a special place. A large amount of valuable information is transmitted through word of mouth in Costa Rica. Basic Spanish language skills could largely impact the quality of your travel around the country and your confidence as a traveler!
3. Have Patience
Costa Rica can be a great tester and teacher of patience if you allow it to be. Always bring a good book with you on your travel around this country. Embracing the slower pace of life here allows for one to take the time to be present with their surroundings and gain many valuable experiences that could otherwise be missed! Use lulls between travel times to explore a new corner, slow down and relax, or dive into a new cultural interaction. The country is filled with breathtaking scenery for all of the senses to take in. Allow time to unfold as it should here and stay present so you don’t miss anything!
Learning Español
After living here approximately 1 month, and experiencing trying to order in restaurants, bars and even buying groceries at the local Maxi Pali and Automercado – I knew it was imperative that I try and improve the high school Spanish I learnt many moons ago. My...
A Pleasant Place to Live
Saludos a todos! My name is Joanna and I was born and raised in Venezuela. I have lived in Costa Rica for almost three years and it is the third country that I have lived in. Prior to here, I lived in the Dominican Republic and Peru and each of these countries are so...
The Run
I love and loathe the border run. For all of the perpetual tourists wanting to live the Pura Vida life here in Costa Rica it is a constant and now ever-changing-by-the-month with Covid dictating the rules and guide lines in place for everyone's heath and safety. Now...
How A Control Freak Learned To Pura Vida
Pura Vida. Two words that so fittingly capture the essence and beauty of Costa Rica. A simple slogan that encapsulates its way of living, one that favours connection, nature, joy, simplicity, peace, while declaring a relaxed attitude towards everything else....
Living Longer – What Costa Rica can teach us
Experts point out that there is no silver bullet to living longer. However, those who study the habits of people living in the “Blue Zones,” (which are the places in the world where people live the longest) say that making small changes to your everyday routine...
Starbucks First Coffee Farm
In the foothills of the Poas Volcano, approximately 30 minutes from San Jose International Airport, the beautiful Starbucks Hacienda Alsacia sits majestically in the valley. Hacienda Alsacia is Starbucks’s first and only coffee farm and where they are trying to learn...
The perfect getaway
If you are a couple, parents who need a break or just simply looking for a new date night – Casa Chameleon and Sentido Norte in Las Catalinas is the place for you! With Costa Rica being so family friendly, this is one of the only ‘adults only’ hotels and restaurants...
On your next vacation, why not Pure Life?
Costa Rica, in my opinion, is the premier Central American vacation and expat destination. While it’s a small country, geographically speaking, it offers a variety of experiences that few locations can match. Whether you love outdoor adventures or lazing by the...
Ten Dog Friendly Beaches
Guanacaste has lots of beaches to offer and depending on your sense of adventure can be the best way to get you and your furry best friend the exercise we all need. Apart from the usual dog walking items needed, make sure you and your furry friends have do/the...
The Amazing Andaz
I just really don’t know where to begin my review of the Andaz Costa Rica Resort at Peninsula Papagayo in Guanacaste. It is just under 30 minutes from Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport in Liberia and to put it simply everything was fabulous. I listed the...
A Jewel in Guanacaste
Golf is probably not the first thing that comes to mind when you are planning your vacation to Costa Rica, but it should be!!! We recently had the chance to speak with Andy Stockinger, Troon’s newly appointed General Manager of Reserva Conchal Golf & Beach Club....
Pacific Soul Sailing
Captain Nick and crew aboard the amazing Pacific Soul will give you their ALL to ensure your sailing/water excursion makes the LIFETIME memory list. From seamless passage on/off land to absolutely every detail in between all that is required of the guest is to bask...
