What Is Costa Rica Like, For Travelling?

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Tony Camonte

Costa Rica's main attractions are rainforest, scenery, and beaches. It also isn't bad for nightlife as the people there love to party and dance. It does lack the exotic cultural aspects of southern Mexico- there is very little Indian influence evident, and it is more Americanized than nearby countries, although still very Latin in culture. And Tico food is very healthy stuff but pretty unexciting compared to Mexico. And there is very little remaining colonial architecture- stuccoed concrete and corrugated tin roofs are the dominate structural form.

It's not quite a developed country, but by Latin American standards it is quite well run and orderly, with good public services, relatively low crime, drinkable water in most towns, etc. If you've been to southern Mexico, Costa Rica will be like a walk in the park for you.

The transportation system (buses and taxis) are a bit no-frills by US standards but are very extensive and very cheap- you can go almost anywhere in the country and usually for no more than a few bucks. They basically operate like Mexican 2nd class although the buses are more like Mexican first class. The roads are rather narrow, can be rough in remoter areas, and the drivers are a bit reckless.

If you go to hotels and restaurants geared towards locals, Costa Rica is more expensive than nearby countries but still cheap. Places geared to foreigners are often not so cheap. I was there back in 2002 but I recall clean if simple hotels for $5-10/night for a single, $1-2 for simple restaurant meals, $1 per hour of bus travel.

If it weren't for the nature, Costa Rica would be a pleasant but dull place to visit. As it is, while many other countries have virgin rainforest, this is the best place to see it easily, cheaply, and safely- you can usually take a bus or taxi to the park entrance, and there are well-marked, well-constructed trail systems- its often no harder than visiting a US state park.

Valerie A

Costa Rica is beautiful, the people friendly. Very clean and safe country. July is their rainy season, so best check that. Not that it will rain everyday, but still.

We rented a 4 wheel drive and saw the whole country. This is the best way to do it I think. The roads are not that wonderful in some places and there are mountains, so definitely rent a 4 wheel drive.

It is not necessary to make reservations in advance. The accomodations are spectacular. We stayed in one place that was like a large tree house in the jungle. We saw monkeys, birds and all sorts of wildlife.

It is a great place to go! :)

Valasske-34

I went to some countries in Central America a year ago, and Costa Rica's by far the better one, not only because its people are friendly and kind, but also because it is the most developed country in the region, so that makes the urban's landscape prettier and the poor ones are not going to run after you asking to buy their things...believe me!!, this is an important fact!!...lots of people speak english, and there are prices for all budgets...
And its volcanoes, beaches and nature in general are awesome!!!...oh!!, I forgot to tell you, it was ranked by Conde Nast Traveler Magazine as one of the five top desninations in Latin America.

Amanda H

we are going to visit friends who love there & operate white water rafting tours.
there are several volcanoes, wildlife preserves, zip lines thru the rainforest, etc..
pacific side beaches gorgeous & waves rival those found in hawaii for surfing.
also they have a gold museum from pre columbian days in San Jose
i can't wait to get to go.

beez

Your Spanish would come in really handy in Costa Rica. It is different than Mexico. Has rain forests, beaches on the Pacific and the Atlantic, bland food, heat, humidity, museums, public buses, international airport at San Jose, friendly and non-friendly people, increasing crime toward gringos, people come in several colors, flowers and birds are phenomenal...Good exchange rate.

Innowen

If you go, just make sure you stick to the Pacific Ocean side, where all the nice resorts are. Our cruise ship docked at a port on the Atlantic side and it was a slummy, seedy, scary area.

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