Miles of deserted beaches, cascading waterfalls and magical rainforests; this is Costa Rica. The tiny country nestled between the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea attracts a spectrum of travellers from holidaymakers looking for some R&R to adventure seekers. And adventure is an understatement. The adrenaline-provoking activities could involve surfing one of the longest rideable waves in the world in Pavones or hiking Mount Chirripo, the highest mountain in the country.
Travellers on flights to Costa Rica will probably stop in the capital San Jose. The crowded and bustling city provides a good introduction to the country but a few days is plenty. After exploring its markets and visiting its colonial neighbourhoods, do as the locals (Ticos) do and head to the hot springs in the town of La Fortuna. Ecotourists booking flights to Costa Rica should fit a few extra days into their trip to visit the spectacular Monteverde Biological Cloud Forest Reserve in Monteverde, the village that was discovered by the Quakers in 1951. Covering 25,688 acres, the forest is home to more than 2,500 species of plants, 400 species of birds including the elusive Resplendent Quetzal, and 100 different species of mammals.
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Being tropical, there is little difference in temperature throughout the year, but there is a lot of rainfall, particularly from May to November. Temperatures along the coast are hotter, averaging 32 degrees Celsius, although they are tempered down by sea breezes. The highland areas are warm during the day and can be quite cool at night.
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Peak Season:
The best time to visit Costa Rica is during dry season - from late November to late April when the weather’s perfect for laying out on a beach or exploring its rainforest. It’s also the peak of the tourist season when flight and hotel rates are much higher than usual.
Off Season:
The rainy season runs from May to mid-November and is considered winter to Costa Ricans but unless you’re up in the mountains, temperatures are generally mild. If you’re looking for cheaper accommodation then this is the best time to visit except during the rainiest months, September and October, when some hotels shut down.
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Since most Costa Ricans don’t own cars public transportation, apart from the railway, is very well developed
Buses are the cheapest option to get around but tend to be rather uncomfortable and chaotic.
Taxis are probably the best choice for longer journeys and can be hired by the hour or for the entire day.
Cars and motorcycles are readily available for hire
Commuter flights in Costa Rica are the easiest way to get around the country with a choice of two domestic airlines: Sansa and NatureAir.
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- Spoil yourself with a day of pampering. Drive to the Tabacon Hot Springs & Resort in the La Fortuna/Arenal Volcano area and spend the afternoon soaking in a volcanically heated mineral bath or indulge in a spa treatment.
- Take a two-hour tour through the tropical gardens of the Butterfly Farm and watch as hundreds of colourful butterflies flutter around you. If you get there extra early for the morning tour you can watch a metamorphosis from caterpillar to butterfly.
- Visit the Monteverde Biological Cloud Forest Reserve that covers 25,688 acres of forest, home to thousands of species of plants and hundreds of birds and mammals. Then head to the quaint town of Santa Elena that’s renowned for its delicious cheese.
- If you only visit one park in Costa Rica, this is definitely the one: the Manuel Antonio National Park. Spend the day exploring the spectacular rain forest, home to the spider monkey, sloths and hundreds of bird species. After walking through the forest find a trail leading to the water and take a dip in the white-sand beach.
- One of the most remarkable museums in Costa Rica is the Museo de Jade Marco Fidel Tristan that boasts a large collection of pre-Columbian jade artifacts and polychrome terra cotta pieces.
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The main airport for travellers taking flights to Costa Rica is:
Juan Santamaria (SJO) is 14 miles northwest of the city.
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UK nationals must have a passport that is valid at least 30 days after the date of entry. A visa is not required for a stay of up to 90 days provided the passport is endorsed with British Citizen, British National (Overseas) or British Overseas Territories Citizen. Extensions can be arranged on arrival. In all other cases, a passport must be valid beyond six months and a visa is required.
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