When visiting this multi-faceted country it would be a pity if you would only stay in one place. From beaches, to jungle, to vulcanoes, to mountains to national parks, there are so many different parts to explore, so try and rent a car (4WD preferable) and see a lot.
Pura Vida!
An expression you’ll hear often in Costa Rica is Pura Vida. And you will start saying it even more often. At first it feels like a ‘cheers’ / ‘all is well’ kind of expression, but it is more than that. It is being said for happy, but also for sadder occasions. A better translation would be ‘that’s life’.
Tico
Tico means typical Costa Rican. So a tico restaurant is a restaurant with typical local meals and people. There are lots of small family owned restaurants with 6 tables or less. Have a meal at those, the food is great and the service is outstanding. You may have to share your table with some other people, but no better way to make new friends (over a tequila or two).
Tortuguero National Park
Since it is a national park, the best way to explore this area is via an agency. Stay for at least two nights to get to see this swampy jungle park. They offer a night tour on the boats, which is definitely worth it. An early morning tour is great as well to spot lots of animals. A jungle walk can be very muddy, it is a swamp like area after all.
Muelle
It’s just a tiny little town, but if you happen to be in the area, check the tree with all the lizards (try and count them!) next to the bridge.
Arenal
One of the popular vulcanoes to visit in Costa Rica. There are some nice walks you can do here and on clear days you can see the whole vulcano. Look for nose bears and monkeys when walking or driving around here, you’ll find plenty. The close-by town of La Fortuna is great for restaurants, cafes and supermarkets.
Rincon de la Vieja
Yet another kind of landscape is what you will find in Rincon de la Vieja. It’s dry, sunny and hilly. When staying at the Buena Vista Lodge, you may be up for some horse riding, seeing some waterfalls and end up at the spa and swimming pools.
Samara
This cool hippie kind of town on the Pacific ocean is lovely for a few days of relaxing on the beach. With a boat trip you can go and spot dolphins and sea turtles. Snorkeling is okay, but not too spectacular. At the Samara Pacific Lodge in the north you’ll find Spiro’s restaurant. The food is amazing and you may have to reserve a table, that’s how popular it is.
Monteverde
In the beautiful mountainous area you’ll find Monteverde. If you happen to be driving, try to avoid the 145. The navigation could send you this way, so pay attention. This road is very very rocky (it looks like a moon landscape). The Claro de Luna hotel has a lovely attic room if it is available. For great food and beautiful murals, check out Morphos restaurant. In the Selvatura park you can hike over the jungle via wobbly hanging bridges, and snap some pictures of the fast-fluttering hummingbirds.
Manuel Antonio Park
This national park is a great one to finish your Costa Rican trip. It is quite touristy, but still beautiful to explore. The advantage of this park is that if you have missed some of the animals elsewhere, you’ll spot them over here. In the nearby town of Quepos you’ll find Barba Rojo, a pirate themed restaurant with a beautiful sunset view over the Pacific.
To eat
For breakfast rice and beans, for lunch rice and beans, and for dinner: beans and rice. Gallo pinto (rice and beans) is a tico part of pretty much every meal.
