Costa Rica is a tropical paradise with a very stable government and economy. The national slogan is:
'Teachers not Soldiers'. Costa Rica is the first country to constitutionally abolish their army and maintain
only a peace keeping police force. Many people refer to Costa Rica as the "Switzerland" of the
Americas.
This country offers exotic jungles and rainforests with a huge diversity of flora and fauna - particularly
flowers and birds - in a lush, peaceful environment. For all nature enthusiasts; eco-tourists trips range
from jungle wire-slides, canoe rides and easy walks on well-serviced gravel tracks to seriously sweaty
off-piste hikes. There are incredible sporting options such as horse riding, white water rafting, and
surfing on incredible beaches in both the Caribbean and Pacific Coasts. But best of all Costa Rica travel
is inexpensive you can get excellent weekend deals for under $100.00 USD or budget even more if you plan
your trip on your own, which is highly recommend!
As far as weather, you can find an average year round pleasant climate throughout the country. The best
months to visit are definitely December through April thanks to clear skies and cool winds however, this is
the most visited time of year therefore you will likely find foreign tourist in every corner of the country.
Visiting from May through November provides a much less touristy feeling but the rainy season is in full
affect rising humidity and temperatures. A great advantage of coming during the rainy season is the spectacular
waterfalls that rise throughout the jungle and central valley. The coasts are both hot and humid, 20C - 33C.
Inland temperatures range from 15C - 27C.
Some of Costa Rica main attractions include:
Nature comes first, with about 70 great parks featuring all kinds of wild things. Jungle Safaris are also
becoming very popular and are very accessible at under $50.00 USD.
Arenal Volcano, near la Fortuna: climbing is forbidden, but the live lava views can be spectacular.
Rincon de la Vieja, a satanically misshapen volcanic landscape of craters and pools and bubbling mud. Good for
hiking, riding and simmering in hot springs. Definitely a must thanks to its unique geological features.
Beaches: many are near to nature reserves so beach/wildlife combos like Manuel Antonio are a good option. The
Pacific side offers the best selection of beaches though some - like Playa Jaco - are overdeveloped while
Puntarenas is unpleasantly polluted. The NW Peninsula de Nicoya is hard to reach but has some superb beaches
with laid back village support, including Playa del Coco, Playa Samara and Montezuma
Activities:
Hiking: mostly through the jungle/ rainforest, travelling with or without a guide, long or short, easy or
blistering, take your pick... Corcovado has the most serious hikes, though sticky. Santa Rosa is drier, while
Chirripo offers highland hiking.
Volcano watching: Arenal is currently the liveliest cone in the world and has mini-eruptions hourly while
the neighbouring town of La Fortuna offers loads of activities, including Arenal treks.
Biking: not a common form of travel because of the rough roads but possible, with some first class mountain
bikes for rent. Roads can be crude but empty and interesting, avoid the wet season for biking unless you enjoy
mud wading. Prime targets are the Orosi Valley near San José or trails around Lake Arenal. Serious bikers
may care to tackle the Ruta de los Conquistadores from the Pacific to the Caribbean; it is quite a physical
challenge.
Caving and jungle treks are not for the faint of heart. You wish to be careful when exploring these activities
because of treacherous terrain and dangerous insects or nocturnal predators.
Canopy tours are awesome since you are able to see the rainforest from a monkey's viewpoint. Platforms, wire
slides and suspension bridges high in the trees. River and sea kayaks are frequently available to travellers.
The list goes on with windsurfing, swimming and snorkelling, and deep sea fishing. Take your pick and Costa
Rica will provide.
Transportation: Buses are fine in Costa Rica but watch out for pickpockets. Choose official taxis with
a light on top and a yellow triangle. Others often fiddle their fares. Car rentals are also a great option for
moving around. Within the cities, moving around on public transportation is very easy and convenient. Mainly
in San Jose, there are public transportation buses that will take you anywhere in the city in no time at all.
Becoming familiar with the routes is not too difficult since they mostly run along major avenues.
Festivals: Jan 14, Santo Cristo de Esquipulas day is mainly celebrated in San Jose and includes
religious activities, fairs, dances, games. During the month of March you can enjoy the International Arts
Festival, San José. The 1st week of December welcomes the Light Festival in San José.
Cuisine: Costa Rica cuisine is on the solid side, featuring traditional Central American staples like
rice, black beans, corn, beef and chicken. Otherwise some Mexican-style food is on offer, such as tortillas,
or the usual North American suspects - pizzas and burgers.
Money: ATMs are picky over cards they pay out to. Visa cards are the only safe bet. Also take some
cash for emergencies, but buy some local currency too for little purchases out of town.
If you shop/eat/drink using your credit card you may find an absurd up to 10% surcharge on the bill therefore
you wish to avoid using your plastic for other than ATM withdrawals.
Phones: Don't use either credit card phones or special 'Call USA/Anywhere' phones. Prices are
outrageous. Buy a phone card instead which you can find at any convenience store.
Electricity: 120v, flat 2 pins.
Safety in Costa Rica: The country in general is quite safe, but you wish to take your precaution and
above all, use your common sense! Do not wear backpacks on your back or shoulder bags on your shoulder put
them across your chest; keep most of your money in at home, the rest in a zipped/ buttoned or velcroed pocket;
do not take your eyes off your bags/ cases for a second, unless you put an arm/leg through a strap first,
de-baggers are inconspicuous and very fast! Do not wear expensive jewellery/watches, nor even gold earrings.
Avoid empty streets and night walks.
Why TEFL in Costa Rica
