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costa rica
This country is known for its rugged landscape and tropical rainforests. You can also find some of the best surf in the world here and the friendliest people! Fun fact because this country is so peaceful, they have no military! When I was told that it blew my mind! They had a small civil war in 1948 and after its conclusion abolished its army and that has been in effect since 1949! You will also here everyone saying Pura Vida which means good life!
Costa Rica
explore Costa RIca
costa rica
Spanish is the dominant language in Costa Rica but most do speak English.
Language Spoken
Pura Vida – Good vibes
Hola – Hello
Buenos Dias – Good Morning
Buenas Noches – Good Evening
Por favor – Please
Gracias – Thank you
words to know
Sarapiqui
Featured in Suicide Squad
La Fortuna de San Carlos
Featured in After Earth
Arenal Volcano
Featured in Spy Kids 2
Film Locations
Top 3 Hotels
Located in one of the most diverse regions in all of Costa Rica. Tortuguero is truly amazing and offers adventures such as watching sea turtles nest. This lodge is unique as the price includes your transportation, all meals and tours!
the average price per night starts at $250 USD.
This accommodation is truly an experience within itself. With only 12 villas on site each offers a view of the jungle or Pacific Ocean. Floor to ceiling glass windows allow you to be 100% immersed in nature for the ultimate relaxation.
The average price per night starts at $390 USD.
You will be hard pressed to find a better hotel in Costa Rica. Its located in Guanacaste atop hill overlooking the Gulf of Papagayo! I mean seriously this property is breathtaking! Some of the rooms even include private pools, this is true luxury at its finest.
The average price per night starts at $1,275 USD.
Oxygen Jungle Villas
Laguna Lodge Tortuguero
Four Seasons Costa RIca
Remember me telling you they have no army this guy is the one who implemented that! Jose served for three presidential terms and was president during the only civil war. He was able to help lead it to end within a year and then passed the law abolishing the army. He then went on to create the most successful political party in Costa Rica the Partido Liberacion Nacional. He is considered the most important political person in all of Costa Rica’s history.
Jose Figueres Ferrer
Jose Figueres Ferrer
Historical Figure
Travel Guide
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The national dish is the Gallo pinto which means “spotted rooster”. It’s a mixture of rice and beans that are then stir fried and cooked together in a pan. They are also widely known around the world for their amazing coffee!
This is a hidden restaurant near the Montezuma waterfalls. Its amazingly cheap but still high-quality food. They specialize in seafood and tacos with homemade corn tortillas!
Average meal per person is $15 USD.
Cocina Clandestina
Located in Manuel Antonio this restaurant is five star’s without the price. They serve everything from seafood to steak and offer a vegan and vegetarian menu.
Average meal per person is $25 USD.
La Luna at gaiA Hotel
This restaurant is fine dining at its best with an amazing menu! Known for dishes such as marinated red snapper this is a truly five-star experience. You can do their six-course tasting with wine paring.
Average meal per person is $110 USD.
Park Cafe
Top 3 Restaurants
The Ticos
by Richard Biesanz
Monkeys are made of Chocolate
by Jack Ewing
The Monkey Thief
by Aileen Kilgore Henderson
BOOKS BASED IN costa rica
Costa Rica is on the A and B socket that is same in the United States. You won’t need a converter or an adapter here if from the US. However if you are from another country to avoid issues, you will need an adapter AND convertor! I would recommend BESTEK Universal it works in multiple destinations and has USB ports. I have been using it for a while and love it! Now all my ladies out there you will need a DIFFERENT adapter for your curling irons and straighteners. I know its extra money but trust me! I have blown out a few curling irons, it’s worth the extra money and luggage space. Conair has the best adapter for pretty much every country. Check it out here.
Plugs
That Costa Rica is Southeast Asia cheap. Sorry to say that is not true Costa Rica is not as expensive as Europe but it’s nowhere near as cheap as Southeast Asia. As its grown as a popular tourist destination the cost has adjusted.
Common Misconceptions
Costa Rica is generally a safe place, but it has been known to have some muggings and pickpockets. As a solo female this is why I personally opted to do a guided tour. I was able to have some alone time but a whole group of people who would notice if I was gone. Plus, some of the activities like hiking and such was much better in a group. For more information click here.
Safety
Costa Rica is split into two seasons rainy and dry. I would recommend visiting at the end of the dry season because cost won’t be as high, and the tourist are mostly gone. That would be April to May you will just be catching the beginning of the rain season.
When to Visit
Tipping is not necessary as all the bills add a 10% gratuity charge. You can still leave extra money if you felt the service was great.
Travel Tip
Other Tips
the Costa Rican colón is the form of currency but most tourist areas will accept American dollars. You can also use credit cards at most locations
Local Currency
HOW TO GET AROUND
If you are exploring Costa Rica you will need a car to get to most places. I recommend hiring a driver or joining a guided tour. This will eliminate the stress of navigate through the jungle which can end badly if you get lost.
STAYING CONNECTED
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Wifi is available at most locations for free but it will be limited. Depending on the length of your trip either add international to your plan or invest in a portable wifi. A company I use often is SkyRoam, they have very affordable rates!
Visiting a chocolate planation was such a cool and unique thing to do. You can see how chocolate starts as this Avatar looking fruit called a Cacao and then is turned into the chocolate you see in the store.
Unique Experiences
Monteverde Cloud forest reserve
Manual Antonion National park
Tortuguero national park
Corcovado National Park
Arenal Volcano
Sky Adventures
6 Things you must do
6 things you must do
Film Locations
Unique Experiences
Top Restaurants
Top Hotels
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I have made tons of travel mistakes that were easily avoidable. Forgetting convertors, not packing properly, the list goes on. To make sure you avoid the same mistakes I have made I have complied a list of travel must haves.
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macbook pro
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