Ten Tips For Choosing The Ideal Costa Rica Vacation Rental

Planning a Tropical vacation full of lush jungles, secluded beaches, and friendly people but not too expensive? Costa Rica is the place to go! But where do you stay, a resort or a private villa? Do you want long lines, crowded pools, kids running up and down the corridors? I think not.

Selecting the best Costa Rica vacation rental can be the difference between a great vacation and one where you feel like you are ‘doing without’.

Many vacationers consider the Costa Rica vacation rental as ‘just somewhere to stay’ since most of your time will be spent in or on the water, or enjoying local attractions. Don’t make that mistake. There is no reason to settle for less when, with a little planning, you can find a great Costa Rica vacation rental that you’ll enjoy as much or more than the other parts of your vacation.

Remember, your vacation home is where you’ll be sleeping, waking up, having many of your meals, and resting.

If it rains or is unseasonably hot outside, you may end up stretched out reading a book to while away the day or wanting to watch one of your favorite movies on the DVD – assuming there is a comfortable sofa. And when you meet new friends, you’ll want someplace nice for entertaining. Shouldn’t your vacation rental be a pleasant get-away with the amenities that make vacations a real treat? “A home away from home”

Here are 10 tips for selecting the perfect Costa Rica vacation rental:

ONE - The single most important factor is whether or not you can “see” actual recent photos of the interior and exterior of the vacation rental. It’s one thing to read a great description – and some of them are quite ‘complimentary’ (sometimes overly so) - but you need to see what you are getting.

With the Internet, a website is the quickest most convenient way for you to get information on prospective Costa Rica vacation rentals. If there are no pictures, you’ll know right away to keep looking. Brochures, books and guides are nice, but may have out-dated information.

TWO - List the amenities that are important to you, the ones without which you will feel incomplete. Next, jot down those that are nice to have, but not deal-breakers if not available.

With these lists as a guide, you’ll be able to quickly eliminate those rentals that won’t meet your needs. Your list might include proximity to the water, the number of bedrooms and bathrooms, type kitchen (full versus fridge and microwave), outdoor amenities such as decks and BBQ grills, ocean views, private pools, outdoor eating areas, tennis courts and other items important to you.

On your secondary list, you might have things like a hammock for lazing about, or pool waterfall for the relaxing sounds. Exterior stereo speakers, to enjoy your favorite music around the pool. Ice makers to mix your favorite drinks, especially in the heat of the day.

THREE - List the activities that you want to be able to enjoy while on vacation. A morning activity like scuba diving, snorkeling or canopy tour then coming back to the villa to relax may be a high priority for you.
You also need to consider how close the vacation rental is to the airport. It is very important to know how far the rental is from your arrival airport. Some rentals can take a half a day’s drive and after your flight even an hour’s drive can seem an eternity. Your travel time back to the airport at departure can also frustrate your entire vacation. Enjoying your last morning of your vacation by a private pool instead of traveling for hours to the airport can be very important to you. For Costa Rica vacation rentals that are only 20 minutes from the Liberia International airport visit www.costarica-vacation-getaway.com This will help you in selecting a general location.

You also need to consider how close you want your vacation rental to be to the attractions.

Some people feel that a great vacation is being able to walk or bicycle everywhere. Others don’t mind a short drive, and still others think nothing of getting on a freeway to enjoy attractions.

If you prefer a vacation without the hassles of traffic, parking problems, crowds and long lines, select a villa located in the quaint waterfront town of Playa Panama, Costa Rica. Visit www.costarica-vacation-getaway.com to learn more.

FOUR - Identify your first, second and third choice of dates for renting the villa.
With several dates, you’ll save time when making arrangements.

If you find a villa that you really want and you have some flexibility in scheduling, having alternate dates ready allows you to book right then, saving yourself the time and hassle of having to re-check everyone’s schedule and call back – and risking losing those dates in the interim.

FIVE - Call the telephone numbers for the vacation rentals that seem to meet your needs and speak directly with either the owners or the person who is handling the property.

Be prepared with a list of questions. This allows you to compare apples to apples, and keeps you from forgetting something important during the conversation.

It also gives you a feel for the person who will be your contact should you rent the villa and then encounter a problem. If you don’t get a warm, friendly welcome to your inquiries, don’t expect anything different when you have a problem.

SIX - Ask what amenities are included.
You may learn of something that’s not on your list but is perfect for your plans.
Does the rental have maid service? Last thing you want to do is make the beds or clean the dishes, even if there is a dishwasher.
Does the rental have a washer and dryer? If so, you will not have to take as many cloths with you. Will the maid wash your cloths before your departure? Coming home with a suitcase full of clean cloths is certainly a benefit.

Other things to consider: Is there a welcome basket? Will the owner have essential items in the refrigerator for you, before your arrival? Can you make arrangements for tours? Are there plates, utensils, pots, pans and other essentials for eating and meal preparation – or will you have to bring your own?
Does the rental have air condition or do you have to depend on the winds to comfort you?

SEVEN - Inquire about restaurants, events and activities and other forms of local entertainment that are close by. Here’s where your list of preferred activities comes in handy. You should be able to find links to local attractions, calendars and restaurants on the website of your Costa Rica vacation rental.

EIGHT - Are the owners local or do they have a management team helping 24/7?
Owners are a wealth of information about the area and can give you tips on great out-of-the-way places that aren’t in the guidebooks. They also care about your enjoyment and comfort while at their villa.

This can make a huge difference; especially should something need immediate attention in the villa. There’s nothing worse than calling the rental company about a stopped-up toilet and getting somebody’s bored teenager who’s manning the phones for the summer.

NINE - How long has the owner been renting vacation rentals?
If the owner has worked with rental properties, they know what tenants expect and how to get things done.

If this is a new venture, beware. The owner may be in it for “fun” and have no idea how to prepare the villa so that you can have a great vacation.

TEN - And last, when you look at the pictures, can you see yourself having a great time there?

Costa Rica The Hawaii of Central America

Why a Costa Rica vacation? Because Costa Rica is full of beauty, lush foliage, many wildlife surprises, incredible lakes, rivers, and waterfalls.

Considering a romantic or family Costa Rica vacation? You're choosing one of the best tourist destinations in the world. Costa Rica has been called the Hawaii of Central America. A Costa Rica vacation is full of beauty, lush foliage, many wildlife surprises, incredible lakes, rivers, and waterfalls.

Activities on a Costa Rica vacation include bird and butterfly watching, surfing, deep sea fishing, scuba diving, tree top (canopy) tours, four wheeling, snorkeling, shopping, hiking, river rafting, horse back riding and casinos. On a Costa Rica vacation you'll find pristine beaches, tropical jungles, clear blue skies, high mountain rain forest, and tropical sun. That's why Costa Rica was aptly named ‘rich coast’ by Christopher Columbus in 1502.

Nature is Costa Rica's green card. Wildlife diversity and exceptional landscapes merge in a long list of untouched lands and protected areas that will get you involved in as many Costa Rica expedition activities and adventure sports as you can imagine.

Costa Rica is unusually blessed by the diversity of its butterflies. There exists about 20,000 butterfly species worldwide. Of these, about 1,000 or 5% can be found in Costa Rica.
With more than 850 species of birds, all found within a tight geographic area, Costa Rica offers birders of all levels of expertise an unrivaled bird watching experience. Birders out on the trail in Costa Rica's forests should keep an eye out for mixed flocks foraging on certain types of food, especially fruit, in the forest canopy.

Costa Rica is home to roughly 150 species of amphibians, some of which are extremely colorful and exotic. There are tree frogs, which spend their entire lives above the forest floor, breeding in the water of tank bromeliads or in holes in the trunks of trees. Others, like the poison-arrow frog, are exuberantly colored, ranging from bright red with blue or green legs to bright green with black markings. There are over 200 species of reptiles in Costa Rica. The 14 turtle species include both marine and freshwater varieties. The largest of the marine turtles are leatherbacks. Their shells are up to 5 feet and they weigh upwards of 800 pounds! Marine turtles climb up sandy beaches to lay their eggs, a spectacular sight because it happens en masse.

Costa Rica is home to over 9,000 identified species of vascular plants, including over 900 different species of trees. Costa Rica is home to some 1,500 species of orchids. From sub-alpine dwarf vegetation, rainforest flora from sea level to mangrove swamps and seasonal dry forest with its deciduous trees, there is an astounding range of floral habitats for a country so small.

The protection of Costa Rica's natural heritage is managed by the respective national parks and reserves. These areas protect many species of mammals, birds, amphibians, reptiles, fresh and salt-water fish, and a vast number of identified vascular plants-representing 4% of the world's total floral and faunal species.

In addition, these management groups protect examples of almost all the existing natural habitats such as deciduous forests, mangrove swamps, rain forests, herbaceous swamps, cloud forests, paramos, hilillo forests and marshlands. They also protect areas of historical and archaeological interest, such as pre-Columbian settlements and early battlefields, as well as beautiful areas of scenic interest, such as beaches, valleys and waterfalls. But above all, the areas of particular interest to the conservationist are the zones which protect the last remaining examples of Central American dry forest and the beaches where the sea turtles nest.

The protection of Costa Rica's natural resources has implications beyond its borders because they encompass an incredible biodiversity, including numerous species on the verge of extinction. All of this is the reason the country has become one of the most popular destinations for visiting ecologists and biologists. On the whole, access to these areas and facilities are freely available provided the visitor respects the need to protect them. These protected areas are ideal for hiking and rafting, for watching the birds and other wildlife, for camping and just for enjoying in general, their rivers, beaches, jungles, mountain forests, volcanoes as well as their historic and archaeological sites.

A Costa Rica vacation is fast becoming the #1 romantic honeymoon and family vacation destination in the world. Whether it's your honeymoon or family vacation-- Exotic, Romantic and Nature-- the perfect ingredients for that special get away, what more could you ask for on your vacation. An unbeatable choice for those travelers looking for a combination of relaxation, romance and activity. The atmosphere on a Costa Rica vacation is "Pura-Vida", the pure life.

Arenal Volcano and Tabacón Hot Springs

This unique tour offers visitors a once-in-a-lifetime experience - the chance to get close enough to an active volcano to hear and feel the deep rumbling that precedes occasional eruptions of steam, smoke and molten lava. At night, if it's not cloudy, the show is even more stupendous as the mammoth volcano spews red lava and huge rocks glowing against the black sky.

This tour departs in the late morning, making it ideal for those who would like to sleep in a little or get in some early morning shopping. After a scenic three and a half hour drive through rolling coffee fields and emerald rain forests, you will arrive at the Hotel Arenal Paraíso, a stylish and cozy lodge set against the backdrop of the cone-shaped Arenal Volcano. Don’t be surprised to be greeted by deep rumblings and belches of multicolored smoke, as the Arenal is Costa Rica’s most active volcano. Clear evenings are the best time to view this fiery wonder, as glowing molten rocks shoot out across the sky, providing you with your own natural fireworks display.

On the second day, after a fresh Costa Rican style breakfast, you will head off to the Arenal Hanging Bridges, a fascinating rainforest circuit of interpretive trails and suspended bridges. The trails and bridges will bring you as close as you could ever hope to get to the birds, the flowers and the lush vegetation of the primary rain forest. Following lunch, you will hike up a path that ushers you through meadows and forests up the base of the volcano to hardened lava flows. Enjoy spectacular views of Lake Arenal and the surrounding rain forest as one of our tour guides leads you along Arenal Volcano National Park. Your fun-filled day ends at relaxing Tabacón Hot Springs, a system of streams and thermal pools nestled amid lush tropical vegetation at the base of Arenal Volcano. The Tabacón River emanates from deep within the heart of the volcano, and its naturally heated waters spring forth at about 102 F degrees year round. The thermal waters cascade over intriguing rock formations that create inviting falls and pools of warm, soothing water that soak away every aching muscle. Expansive landscaped gardens stretch in every direction and merge into the surrounding tropical rain forest. Visitors can spend a leisurely afternoon splashing around in more than a dozen pools and sampling a couple of volcanic-strength cocktails at the swim-up bar. For additional pampering, the spa at Tabacón offers facials, volcanic mud treatments and therapeutic massage.

The following day begins with a delicious breakfast, followed by a guided, unhurried bike ride along a paved road that snakes its way through forests and picturesque scenery surrounding the base of the Arenal Volcano. You will be back in San José by late evening feeling thoroughly relaxed and carefree.

The Treasure of Costa Rica

You're invited to join us for an unforgettable day of adventure and discovery on our "Treasures of Costa Rica" tour. This full-day tour is the perfect blend of free-spirited adventure and awe-inspiring discovery. You will explore three of Costa Rica's most unique regions - the vast Central Valley, the meandering Sarapiqui River, and the densely forested Braulio Carillo National Park.

This fast-paced and challenging tour is not for the faint of heart nor the timid of soul. Throughout this busy day you'll be inspired and moved by Natures' unspoiled beauty as you explore the diverse ecosystems that contribute to Costa Rica's unequaled beauty.

Your day of excitement begins from the moment you're picked up at your San José hotel by one of our knowledgeable and entertaining bilingual guides. While rolling through the hills of Alajuela Province in our comfortable minibus, your guide will explain the customs and culture of the people who live in the quaint pueblos that dot the countryside.

You'll pass coffee plantations where the harvesting methods have not changed in hundreds of years. After a short while we'll pause for a refreshing breakfast at the La Paz Waterfall Garden. Here you can enjoy a robust cup of Costa Rican coffee and a hearty breakfast while admiring the verdant rain forest covered with lush tropical vegetation.

After breakfast you'll explore the gardens and learn about the life of the butterfly in the world's largest Butterfly Garden.

This rare learning opportunity demonstrates the butterfly's battle for survival from fuzzy caterpillar to beautiful winged jewel. You'll be able to observe many different species of butterflies in their natural habitats, including the strikingly beautiful Blue Morph, with its vibrant color in a backdrop of rain forest greenery.

Next you'll visit the Hummingbird Gallery where you will be serenaded by the hum of tiny wings lightly brushing the air as dozens of these colorful creatures buzz around you in search of food and a quiet resting spot. You'll want to stop and gaze upon the beauty of the smallest birds on earth moving at lightning speed about the gardens.

We'll then embark on a short walk through dense rain forest in search of magical waterfalls.

This short 20-minute hike winds past four different waterfalls, each one appearing to fall from the sky into a river of sparklingly water below. The spray of water from the waterfalls will cool your face, while the beauty of the falls calms your spirit and frees your mind. Once we have emerged from the depths of the rain forest, you'll be transported to the banks of the Sarapiqui River where a two-hour Class III white water rafting experience awaits you.

A professional, bilingual guide will accompany each raft for your security and safety. The first order of business is to don your helmets and life vests and practice your paddling techniques as a team. Then, from the moment you head your sturdy raft down river, your senses will be engaged in high gear as you scan the rapids ahead and follow the directions shouted out by your guide.

You'll learn to work as a team, honing your skills as you battle the pulsing rapids that seem to come alive as they push and pull against the sides of your small raft as it passes beneath the giant limbs of overhanging trees. Excitement abounds on this trip but you'll still have plenty of time to observe several different species of mammals and birds, including the brightly colored and raucously noisy Toucan, Costa Rica's most popular bird.

You'll be treated to a scrumptious picnic lunch with the aura of a magical banquet when we stop to feast along the riverbank. At the end of this memorable day you'll have time to shower and change into dry clothes in our private facilities before we return to San José.

Costa Rica Tour

Volcano, Cloudforest, Rafting and
Thick Jungle Exploration.

Costa Rica is a country of amazing biodiversity. Its wildlife, natural attractions and reputation for conservation attract nature lovers from all over the world. Bordered by both the Caribbean and Pacific Oceans, the seemingly endless coastline varies from lush, mangrove-fringed beach to rugged, rocky shore. With its exhilarating whitewater and varied terrain, this multisport mecca provides enough activity for the most adventurous traveler, yet the serene stretches of white sand beach are the perfect venue for relaxation as well. Over 850 recorded bird species and 1400 species of trees will keep the naturalist in your group happily occupied. Costa Rica lies at the heart of one of the most active volcanic regions on earth, and the spectacular glowing displays from the inexhaustible Arenal Volcano will delight visitors to the country's northwest. Costa Rica offers such diversity that you're likely to come back again and again.

Of all places to experience the rainforest, Costa Rica comes to mind as one of the best choices for families with children of any age. Small rainforest lodges with excellent guides and creative cooks dot the country and travel times are rarely longer than 3 hours. Some of these lodges have developed special programs for families traveling with children as young as 6 years old. In addition, the Costa Rica rainforest seems ideal for that first introduction to the jungle environment. Although the country has some of the largest tracts of jungle in Central America, it's also very easy to get to know this forest on short hikes, canopy walkways, horseback rides or half day rafting trips.

A wonderful Costa Rica trip for travelers of all ages is the ten-day Adventure Pacifica, one of the most complete Costa Rica tours to be found. Highlights include cloudforest, zip lines, canopy touring, and whitewater, with a grand finale of a few days at our secluded beach retreat set amidst Pacific rainforest. If you are looking for more Costa Rica tours options, Adventure Life Journeys has a number of other itineraries to choose from. You'll also find Galapagos tours, Peru tours, rainforest adventures in Belize and the Amazon, Patagonia tours and Antarctica cruises, and more! Adventure Life Journeys offers over 50 adventure tours in South America and Central America. They specialize in small groups led by outstanding native guides, and are happy to create a custom itinerary for your group or family!

THE HIGHEST ORIGINAL CANOPY TOUR IN COSTA RICA

The Pacuare Canopy Adventure begins with an exhilarating 20-minute hike
into the unspoiled rainforest surrounding the Pacuare Lodge. Upon arrival at the first platform, the lead guide reviews with you safety guidelines, and after a demonstration, the adventure begins. From the mountainside starting point, you will witness a panoramic vista of the Pacuare River and surrounding jungle.

Click on Image

You will then soar along a horizontal cable through the verdant tree-tops of one of Costa Rica’s internationally famous rainforests to the highest canopy platform in Costa Rica; a height of nearly 90 feet (30 meters)! In a series of maneuvers that include swinging, climbing and hanging between platforms and horizontal slides, you will experience what can only be described as a pulse-stopping view of the most complex of earth’s biological communities. After almost an hour of pushing your senses to their limits, this impressive aerial adventure ends with the longest rappel in the country. Hold on to your safety harness as you drop a distance of 70 feet (24 meters) to the forest floor – just meters from the main lodge. Come join the adventure!

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Limon Costa Rica

The famous east coast of Costa Rica with places like Cauhita, Puerto Limon, Tortugeros and Barra del Colorado is a completely different thing then the west coast.

You can fly here or take highway 32 from San José and enjoy the amazing scenery while driving. You can drive through Brauilo Carillo National Park and straight down to limón or go north and pass by the Volcano Barva, followed by Puerto Viejo and Sarapiqui.

The temperature stays around high 20s all year but due to rain almost the whole year, the clouds will give some protection from the burning sun.. The best time on the year (to avoid rain) is in February to Mars, and August to October.

You’ll find restaurants scattered all along the road if you feel the urge for eating.

Limón is also the place where almost all of Costa Rica’s bananas are shipped when exported.

Crime has been found somewhat higher then on the west coast so beware.

The Beaches

Four kilometers north of puerto Limón are two small beaches. Playa Bonita with fine yellow sand, palm trees and some hotels. The water is not perfect for tourists though. Playa Portete has a dock where local fishermen land with their catches. Even further north is Moín where the government built a industrial harbor for freight ships back in the 1980´s. Going south you’ll find the most visited place, the beach Cauhita.

Cauhita is a quite large village with many thousands of inhabitants and is a hot target for backpacking tourists. It can be hard to find a rental in Cauhita. White san beaches fringed with coconut palms, a relaxing atmosphere and a calm Caribbean way of life attract a lot of tourists.

There are also several smaller beaches close by Cauhita.

Even further south Talamanca is the place to go. Close by are Playa Cocles, Playa Chiquita and Punta Uva.

Sights of Limón

Cahuita National Park. Over 1000 hectares of land with more then 14Km of beaches, all with nice mixes of coconut palm trees, mangrives and dense forrests,Snorkeling is offered all over the coast for those who would like to try it out.

In the south the Gandoca-Manzanillo Game Preserve is of interest. You can visit punta mona (Monkey Point), said to have received its name from Columbus himself.

Also plan a visit to Tortugeros and a trip on the canals. You’ll most likely have to set aside 1-2 days for this trip as it is a long way to go. Make sure you bring clothes to change (after rain), insect repellant and clean drinking water and you’ll have a much nicer time!

Not only will you find an extreme jungle here, you may also be lucky enough to encounter a sea turtle or two.

Parque Vargas in Puerto Limón with its tall attractive palms and other tropical trees, flowers and animals close to the waterfront is a pleasant way of enjoying the beauty of the tropics.

Eating

The food on the east coast is everything from local specialties, normal Costa Rican food, Caribbean food to French and Chinese. Be aware of the fact that not all food is compatible with all tourists!

Bars & Nightclubs

Night open bars and cantinas can always be found around the central parks in almost all Costa Rican towns. Puerto Limón is no exception. But many of these places in Limón should be avoided by tourists and single women should not be out after dark themselves without company.

Limón with Cauhita is different from other beaches. The much greener water on the Caribbean side of Costa Rica makes a nice contrast to the bluish west coast water.

You’ll often find larger waves on the east coast as well.

by: Steven Hollstein

Costa Rica Fishing - A Great Sport For The Whole Family

Why should you think about Costa Rica for your next vacation?

There is question that holds many answers, but here are just a few of the key points.

1. The large choice of things for you and your family to do in such a small area. Eco tours, fishing, swimming, surfing, mountain climbing, camping, hiking, volcanoes, scuba diving, snorkeling, cruises, wildlife, plant life, and the list just goes on.

2. Costa Rica is affordable if you plan ahead for your vacation.

3. The people in the country most always are very friendly to foreigners and tourists. They will do almost anything to win your friendship or help you out. Yes, Spanish is the main language spoken here but if you have a little translation dictionary, or one of those new electronic devices by Casio or Franklin you won't have a problem. There is usually always someone near by to help you with Spanish, and more than likely they will speak your language fluently also.

4. Car rental is reasonable, but for those that really want to get to know the country I recommend using a bus. Yes, I know it sounds wild, but it can be a lot of fun and you will meet some interesting people. You can travel for hours going through the mountains or along the Pacific Coast and only spend $2 or so for the fare.

5. Costa Rica is a very safe place for your family also.

How much can you expect to spend for a Costa Rica Fishing Vacation?

Obviously that depends on many things like the type place you wish to sleep, where you choose to eat, and the type of transportation you use while here. When it comes the cost of the actual fishing trip itself, well they can range from $200 for a half day, up to $6,000 for a week if you really want the best of everything including lodging, food, and transportation for your whole family.

Keep in mind that if you're a penny pincher, you could spend a week here fishing, surfing, and swimming with lodging food and all for less than $1,000. Now that is hard to find somewhere else. Costa Rica has what your looking for, now all you have to do is grab your sun screen, pack some bags, bring a camera, and plan to have a great time.

by: Lee Johnson

Manuel Antonio Costa Rica

Introduction

There are very few places on earth that have the dazzling beauty Manuel Antonio National Park has. The Manuel Antonio Beach was declared recently one of the ten most beautiful beaches in the world. Lush jungles enfolding beautiful small bays with turquoise water, the area offers travelers many nature attractions, adventure activities and a few of the best Hotels and restaurants Costa Rica has to offer!

Manuel Antonio National Park

Despite its relatively tiny size, Manuel Antonio National Park holds an incredible biodiversity. Visitors can expect to see Families of White Face monkeys (Squirrel Monkeys) playing and feeding on swarms of green and black grasshoppers. On a short stroll through the jungle, on the way to one of the three spectacular beaches, you will probably see three-toed sloths, occasionally, even a mom and her baby, hanging on a branch taking an afternoon nap.

Many birds, parrots and iguanas inhabit the Manuel Antonio National Park and its surrounding area.

Manuel Antonio National park is one of the most popular parks among Costa Ricans and tourists, its proximity to San Jose together with the easy access to the beaches, to all age groups, makes Manuel Antonio a very good place to start your vacation in Costa Rica.

Location: 35 miles (56 km) in a straight line south of San José on the Pacific coast. 53 miles (86 km) by the shortest overland route (4WD required).

Entrance fees—$US 6

Hours

The Manuel Antonio National Park is closed on Mondays. On other days the park is open from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm. Make sure you arrive early to avoid the crowed.

by: Andres Marchevsky

Planning for Costa Rica

When traveling it is essential to plan ahead, so when you arrive at your destination, you lessen the chances of being at a loss of what to do. Knowledge gained from others travel can be invaluable, especially when planning to travel to somewhere you have never been before. The advice on this page is helpful to everyone planning a trip to Costa Rica.

Money

The money used in Costa Rica is called colons. You can change dollars into colons at the airports in San Jose and local banks. The exchange rates can be from the low 200s to 400s colons for each US dollar. (Now everywhere in Costa Rica you can buy or pay in US dollars, but I think things are cheaper if you pay in colons.) Other ways you might get colons is if you pay for something in US dollars, you will receive change in colons. During my stay at Costa Rica, I once paid a cab driver in US money, and I received change in the local currency. You should also make sure your dollars are not torn. Local banks and businesses do not accept torn US dollars. I tried to exchange a torn $50 bill, and the bank would not accept it!

-Bringing Money

On my trip I brought my money half in dollars and the other half in American Express cheques. When a traveler cheque is used there will be a commission fee.

When to visit/weather

Costa Rica has two seasons – the dry season and the green season (or rainy season). The dry season is from December to March. The dry season is the busiest time in Costa Rica. Prices are much higher and it is harder to find a place to stay. Now in the green season you will find much cheaper prices. The green season is from April to November. During the rainy season it generally rains for a few hours and then clears up.

Traveling within Costa Rica

Bus – You can catch one to most parts of the country. There are a few places where the bus comes only once a day though…

Cab – There are red cabs throughout the country. If the cab driver tells you the meter is broker, just get out. First it is illegal for a cab driver to drive with a broken meter in Costa Rica; secondly he might just be trying to rip you off.

Renting a Car – You can rent a car, but to me personally I would find driving in Costa Rica difficult, since I’m not from the country and it seems there are a lack of street signs. Also the prices for a car rental can be pretty expensive.

Local airlines – You can catch local flights to places throughout Costa Rica. They are regularly scheduled and reasonably inexpensive.

Cities and Towns

Cities in Costa Rica are San jose (The Capital) Alajuela, Cartago, Heredia, Jaco, Liberia, Manuel Antonio, park, Pochote, Puerto Limon, Puntarenas, Parismina, and Tamarindo.

by: Terrell James

Costa Rica's Exciting Culture

Cultures are often known for their importance to the constructs of a given society. Costa Rica is not an exception to this theory on culture. Costa Rica is rich with culture, and there are many different venues that Costa Rica has to offer which shows their culture.

Costa Rica has a vast history of music, food, and morals. Music in Costa Rica is often associated to Spanish –style music. Spanish music is highly affluent in Costa Rica. Often times, the Spanish music is played with mariachis, and can be heard in restaurants, concert halls, and on the pedestrian lined streets. Costa Rican’s take pride in their food, which is evident in their cooking. There is a lot of passion and care that is placed into every meal, as the natives believe that every meal that is eaten should be satisfying. The foods that are offered are very flavorful, and have incorporated the spices of the land. Cumin, commonly referred to as cumino, and other spices such as chili powder, season every Costa Rican dish, and give it that extra bit of flare that Costa Rican meals offer.

A sense of family and religion are very important morals in the Costa Rican culture. Costa Ricans are known for their tight-knit families, and their deep devotions to their desired religion. The morals that are given in the Bible often dictate how a family operates in Costa Rica. Churches, commonly referred to as iglessias, are always packed every Sunday as mass is in session. Families convene into churches to worship, and carry on the morals of the culture that was passed down to them from previous generations.

The Costa Rica culture is multi-faceted, but overall, there is a main thread of loving one another that is evident in the communities. Learning how one culture can learn from another is what Costa Rica offers. For those that are visiting, there are a lot of different backgrounds that can be appreciated in Costa Rica.

by: Ashley Allen

Investing in Costa Rica Property

Talk about foreign investments and there’s nothing that can compare to Costa Rica. Its fame as one of the safest and most attractive country for foreign investment in Latin America holds true today! Thanks go to the Costa Rican government as well as to its departments of ministry and financial institutions. The decidedly pro-U.S. and continental stance regarding the financial security and tax laws are an outcome of their joint efforts. .

Examples are plenty that speak accolades about the investment-friendly climate of Costa Rica. Equally responsible are the government policies that are in the process of making Costa Rica the Silicon Valley of Latin America. A trend that caught up fast, Costa Rica has already drawn in multi-nationals such as Microsoft, Acer, GE and Intel into its realms by offering facilities that have boosted major production and distribution. Evidences are to be found from the bill provided by the World Bank that certified Costa Rica as being the possessor of overall political and economic health as well as the land where the most stable and robust democracies rule in Latin America. The healthy economic growth rate is another factor that made the World Bank pass the felicitation.

While talking about personal investments in Costa Rica, it’s the land which people mostly focus upon. The major economic resources for Costa Rica being its fertile land, it makes more sense to the educated population to invest in it. And though the national forests and picturesque beaches occupy one-fourth of Costa Rica’s land, the remaining three-fourth provides enough space for the personal investors to move in. Areas like Guanacaste, Papagayo, Arenal, Puntarenas, Manuel Antonio, Dominical on the Pacific Coast are considered the prospective sites, while on the Caribbean, Puerto Viejo, Punta Uva, Cocles and Manzanillo are given the first preference.

If the investment is being made for setting up a business in Costa Rica, office buildings and business centers for sale and for rent are plenty. For small-scale manufacturing industries, Costa Rica has numerous numbers of warehouses for sale and on a rental basis. The locations deliver the entire necessary infrastructure, therefore, the investment value always stay upscale.

Costa Rica is one of the world’s primary tourist locales and is rapidly becoming a destination for a huge host of émigrés. The exotic natural environment, fair climate throughout the year and a secure and established government make investment in Costa Rica property very promising. The last few years have seen a major leap in the demand for Costa Rica property where a growing number of people wish to settle down. The scenic beauty of Costa Rica is perhaps the primary focus for most people who invest in Costa Rican property. The sight of the active volcanoes, the reposeful coasts, the beautiful mountains, the lovely rainforests with their bio-diversity and of course all the warm Costa Ricans are reasons enough to make people long to live in Costa Rica and therefore invest in Costa Rica property.

There are various things you should keep in mind while purchasing Costa Rica property. The most important issue involved in buying Costa Rica property is the property registration. The legal ownership of the Costa Rica property should be verified properly and only then should you invest in the Costa Rica property. A thorough research will help you to make sure that you do not make a bad investment and avoid being cheated by frauds. The two most important documents that you will require while buying Costa Rica property are the title documents that verify the registration of the Costa Rica property and the plot map. You can appoint an attorney to handle the legal formalities and procedures involved in buying Costa Rica property.

If you personally know the documentation and formalities that are required for buying Costa Rica property it will be easier for you to supervise the work of your attorney. The essentials involved are a proof of the tax payments, certification proof of the municipality that states the location of the Costa Rica property involved, and the availability of finance (that includes tax, fee for registration and fees for notary) for buying the Costa Rica property and finally a proof that the previous liens, judgments, mortgages, etc. have been resolved.

by: David Lovendahl

Costa Rica Caribbean Travel

If you're considering where to go on your next vacation, try the world of great tropical adventure called Costa Rica.

A Costa Rica Caribbean vacation lets you explore active volcanoes, see wild animals, see lush rain forests up close, and swim and lounge on great beaches. Costa Rica is one of the few ultimate paradises that have been left untouched on planet Earth. There are no military bases or nuclear power plants, and Costa Rica has lots of culture. In addition, Costa Rica is a tropical climate, so there's no winter to contend with. Costa Rica is a democratic society and is one of the most peaceful in the world. Its last civil war occurred in 1948. Since then, it has abolished armed forces and has also avoided despotic dictatorships, military coups, terrorism and any other forms of conflict so common in other parts of the world.

In addition, Costa Rica has a very friendly country. Costa Rica Caribbean travel provides a friendly, warm welcome no matter what part of the country you wish to visit.

Costa Rica means "rich coast," but Costa Rica has far more to offer than just its coast. Costa Rica is a country of incredible natural beauty and it contains many species of animals not present in many other parts of the world. Some of these animals are very rare and can only be seen if you go to Coast Rica.

In addition, plants are very diverse and beautiful as well. There are well over 10,000 species of vascular plants and many gorgeous flowers. In addition, almost 2000 tree species have been recorded in this beautiful Latin American country. Visiting this astonishing country should give you an incredibly exciting Costa Rican Caribbean travel vacation, with such unusual and innumerable flora and fauna to view in its natural habitat.

In addition to land mammals and birds that anybody interested in ecology would love to see, Costa Rica also has approximately 835 species of fish. 700 of these are saltwater fish. Anglers and fishers should have a wonderful time fishing in Coast Rica's clear blue waters, as they challenge themselves to see if they can catch any of these unusual fish species.

Now, let's focus for a minute on the northwest region of Coast Rica, called Guanacaste. Most Costa Rican Caribbean travelers go there these days because of its ever-changing scenery and the many activities offered. There are many tours you can take; no matter what your interests, you should find something you like. With these tours, take an close look at all of its exotic trees, plants, flowers, animals and fish. For an experience you'll never forget, a Coast Rica Caribbean vacation is just the ticket for you.

Whatever your interests, you should find something you like to do on your Coast Rica Caribbean travel. Some of these will depend on the region of the country you go to. In the rain forest, bird watching walks with English-speaking guides who are experts in identification themselves should let you see exotic species up close, while horseback riding provides another view of your Costa Rican Caribbean travel vacation

Another option is to take a canopy tour, which is a popular tour in every region of Coast Rica. However, to best experience Costa Rica's precious rain forest, avoid tours that go through areas from the north towards the west. In these areas, climates are drier so that vegetation is not as lush as it is in other areas.

by: Valorie Jay

Costa Rica Vacation Package, And Why You Should Take One

A Costa Rica Vacation Package is something to be thought about very carefully, even if you have never considered Costa Rica before as a vacation destination.

Apart from the fact that Costa Rica is both exotic and tropical, the fact that it is a dream destination for a lot of people ought to make you check it out, because it could be just the right thing to do to book a Costa Rica Tour package this year.

There are good reasons for this not the least of which is that Costa Rica is one of the most naturally beautiful places you could ever wish to visit. A tiny South American country has got everything you need for the ultimate in getaway holidays.

When you consider the variety of sights to see and places to go, including fiery volcanoes, lush green tropical jungle with lots of unusual and exotic plants, animals and birds. This is not to ignore the beautiful beaches lining the Pacific coast.

A Costa Rica Vacation package can include any or all of these things, and then there is the huge variety of places to stay with accommodation to suit every budget.

Be a little careful and don’t arrive during the high season between December and April hoping to find a good hotel. You need your Costa Rica vacation package in place before you arrive.

Private lodges, all inclusive resorts, expensive hotels especially in remote areas should always be reserved in advanced to avoid any problems at all times.

If however you are looking for a luxury vacationcosta rica then the Golfo de Papagayo is gret. This part of Costa Rica is where the most expensive hotel in Costa Rica is, and that is the Four Seasons.

If you want something within your budget, then you could do worse than go to the Nicoya Peninsula. There are fantastic beaches here, and all types of accommodation and prices.

To find lower prices on your Costa Rica Vacation Package try the rainy season between April and November. The weather will still be pretty good just interspersed with short sharp rain showers, so you can save yourself quite a bit of money. One thing to beware of is the mandatory sales and tourism tax of 16.39% on everything!!

Nevertheless a Costa Rica Vacation Package can be very good value for money.

by: Peter R Stewart