The words that best describe Costa
Rica are perhaps "pura vida". It means "pure life" and that is what visitors to Costa
Rica will find. From exotic animal life to exotic scenery, travelers will find themselves inexorably drawn
to Costa Rica.
The abundance of of activities will have travelers checking and re-checking their lists to
make sure they haven't passed anything up. Iteneraries can include witnessing a spectacular volcano
eruption from the luxurious warmth of a hot spring or a rushing trip through a cloud forest canopy. Of
course, there are those who will do both.
Costa Rica means "rich coast" in Spanish and the words were not lost on this
country. Named by Christopher Columbus, the country was colonized in the mid 1500's with Spanish settlers
heading fro the fertile central highlands.
One of the country's most important assets is its people. Gregarious and hospitable, the
"Ticos" set themselves apart when it comes to welcoming visitors. Whether helping you out with
some complicated road directions or finding a good place to eat, Costa Ricans will go out of their way to
help out a puzzled visitor.
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San José is the capital and is the
most cosmopolitan area in the country. Visitors like to spend a few days here visiting city sights and
enjoying shopping and dining. While the shopping and other attractions are worthwhile, take a few hours to
visit the city's many interesting museums and colorful markets.
Tour operators have honed their skills to a fine art. They cater to visitors in a way that
will leave you with more than a passing desire to spend more time here. For nature lovers, the country
does not lack for an extensive variety of sights. With over 15 different ecosystems, the traveler is
exposed to a wide variety of flora and fauna, landscapes and everchanging climate. You can enjoy a trek
through the pristine cloud forest environment of Monteverde or drive up to the rim of a crater and enjoy a
spectacular view. The choice is yours!
The beaches are plentiful and postcard perfect. Whether you're in the area of Guanacaste,
Puntarenas or the Caribbean, the fine sand beaches with easy accessibility are a treat to visit and a
pleasure to behold.TRAVEL
NOTE: June is the start of the "green season" or "rainy
season" in Costa Rica and last well into November. Expect rain every day. In San Jose, the weather is
sunny and hot until noon, the clouds over for the rain. The rain doesn't last long, moving west over the
city. However, the downpours can be heavy. The coasts, both Caribbean and Pacific, experience heavy to
moderate rains and varies during the course of the day.
DATES TO REMEMBER:
May 1: Labor Day. Most business
and all banks closed.
August 2: Virgin de Los Angeles.
Famous trek to Cartago
August 15: Mother's Day in Costa Rica
September 15: Independence Day -
all banks, government offices and most businesses closed.
-
all banks, government offices and most businesses closed.
October 12: Columbus Day - all
banks, government offices and most businesses closed.
December 25: Christmas Day
- all banks, government offices and businesses closed. No public transportation. |
