Population
5,216,559 million people
capital
San Jose
Language
Spanish (Costa Rican Spanish)
currency
Costa Rican Colon
Flight time
10hrs 50mins from the UK
time difference
GMT -6 hours
best time to go
between mid-November and April

Introducing Costa Rica

Holidays in Costa Rica offer the charm of stunning scenery and a staggering array of wildlife. There is a tremendous diversity of scenery to discover, from hazy forests and verdant vegetation to majestic volcanoes and lush beaches, positioned between the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean.

With so many amazing natural attractions in San José, whether it’s turtles in Tortuguero or macaws in Manuel Antonio, an amazing wildlife adventure is at your fingertips. A leader in ecotourism, this destination values exploration and sustainability. Costa Rica can offer you a spectacular adventure, from zip lining, to surfing or just unwinding in hot springs, surrounded by breath-taking vistas.

Location

A small country in Central America, Costa Rica, features Panama and Nicaragua on its southern and northern borders, respectively. To the east is the Caribbean Sea, and to the west is the Pacific Ocean. The size of Costa Rica is comparable to that of West Virginia, in the States.

Weather

Mid-November through to April is the ideal time to travel to Costa Rica. In addition to being the driest time of the year, it’s also quite warm, with temperatures averaging approximately 28 degrees with up to twelve hours of sun per day. The wet season of Costa Rica is from mid-May to mid-November, with September and October seeing the highest rainfall. But don’t let that deter you from going. It’s common to have bright mornings and cloudy afternoons, so if you don’t mind some rainstorm, it’s a perfect time to visit Costa Rica away from the crowds of peak season.

Cuisine

Costa Rican food is characterised by its use of fresh ingredients, vegetables and fruit. It varies from other Latin American cuisines; in that it is milder in flavour and does not taste spicy.

Gallo pinto: The local dish of rice and beans known as gallo pinto is typically spiced with bell peppers, cilantro, and onions. Although it’s commonly just called pinto, the name, which translates to “spotted rooster,” alludes to the spots on the beans that contrast against the white rice.

Chifrijo: Beans and fried pork is occasionally served with a base of rice or toppings like avocados and tomatoes. Most of the time it is enjoyed like nachos.

Olla de carne: Short ribs and other cuts of beef are typically cooked for four to eight hours with some vegetables, such as yuca, potatoes, chayote, carrots, maize, or plantains, and rice with beans.

History and Culture

In Costa Rica, family is very important. Until they get married, kids frequently reside with their family. For Costa Ricans, leisure comes before work. Ticos, as Costa Ricans are known, believe that people should enjoy their life even though labour is important to make a living. In 1561, the Spanish arrived in Costa Rica and began to dominate the country. For almost 250 years, it was a Spanish colony. In 1821, Costa Rica and several other Central American nations officially declared their independence from Spain. In 1949, the voting rights of women and those of African heritage were established.

Family

Families will find Costa Rica to be a fascinating and thrilling holiday destination due to its gorgeous and diversified topography.

There are plenty of family-friendly activities in Costa Rica, including wildlife preserves, beautiful woods, and tropical beaches.

Manuel Antonio National Park
This national park is a must-see because it offers a captivating combination of beautiful beaches and animal exploration.
Several adorable animals, including sloths and rare birds, can be found as you stroll around this vast park. In addition, the park features family-friendly pathways that take you to amazing beaches and vistas.

National Museum of Costa Rica
Families will love exploring the exhibits in this museum’s archaeology, anthropology, and biology sections as they learn about the history of the nation. A butterfly garden welcomes you as you enter the museum.

Don Olivo Chocolate Tour
Learn about the chocolate making process when you visit this fantastic location. Each member of your family will receive a cup of hot cocoa and chocolate bars when you take the Don Olivo Chocolate Tour. In addition, the tour offers complimentary tastes of their fresh sugarcane juice, milk, apples, and papaya.

Beautifully placed between the Pacific Ocean and Caribbean Sea, Costa Rica charms with its spectacular scenery and landscapes, abundant flora and fauna and its stunning coastal paradise.

Top Locations in Costa Rica

Monteverde Rainforest
The Monteverde Rainforest is Costa Rica's most well-known cloud forest. One of the coolest things to do in Costa Rica you can look forward to trekking, zip lining, and looking for lengthy suspension bridges with scenic beauty of the rainforest. There are other tiny villages nearby that provide eco-lodges, tourist-friendly museums, and dining options.
Tortuguero National Park
One of the best spots in Costa Rica's Caribbean coast to take in the natural beauty and view distinctive species is Tortuguero National Park, which is only reachable by boat or small plane. By exploring the beaches, woods, and mangroves here, you can find a wide variety of various animal species. The several varieties of sea turtles that nest on the beaches here between February and October are among the most interesting sights to watch.
San Jose
Start your visit to San José by strolling down Central Avenue, the city's main street. There are many stores, restaurants, cafes, and museums in this neighbourhood, and at night, it comes alive with performers and shop owners. The National Theatre, the Museum of Modern Art & Design, the San José Central Market, the Gold Museum, the Jade Museum, and the National Museum round out the list of things to do in San José, Costa Rica. You can learn about the culture, art and history, whilst also trying local cuisine at the Central Market.

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