Costa Rica small group tours

Costa Rica Travel Guide: Exotic Holidays and Adventures

Costa Rica sits on the narrowest isthmus of Central America, which connects two large areas of the continent. On the southwest, the Pacific Ocean washes the state, and on the northeast, the Caribbean Sea. A coastal strip stretches almost 1,300 km. The Reventason River, which runs east of San Jose, is the best place to raft.

Costa Rica can safely be called a sanctuary state. Mountain and ocean flora and fauna amaze with their variety. People come here to see national parks, mountains, and underwater caves. Volcanoes, waterfalls, and river valleys are all popular. About 25% of the country is protected.

The exotic republic has a lot of uninhabited islands that are protected by the government. Beaches, palms, exotic birds, and animals await tourists here. For fishing, swimming with snorkels and flippers, and exploring the underwater world with scuba diving, this is the place to be.

What to Do in Costa Rica

Even though Costa Rica is a small country, there are plenty of fun things to do on the small group tours. Here's what you need to do to make your vacation memorable:

• Get some original souvenirs at the colorful markets in San Jose, or go butterfly fishing at a farm in Alajuela.
• Take a stroll among the coffee and sugar cane plantations and try fried plantain stalk patacones.
• Explore La Amistad Park's Indian reservations or swim with tiger sharks on Cocos Island.
• Take a tour of Arenal, the country's youngest active volcano, or visit one of the 19 caves in Barra Honda.
• Explore priceless ruins and archaeological finds at Manuel Antonio National Park.

The Chirripo National Park also offers unique natural scenery, including mountain peaks. Visiting Costa Rica's oceans is possible in one trip, and you'll see why it's called the greenest country on earth.

Best Places to Visit in Costa Rica

There's no better place to relax than Playa Grande beach in Costa Rica. There's miles of soft white sand for sun lovers and huge ocean waves for surfers. In the Mariano Las Baulas Marine Reserve, you can see a rare species of leatherback turtle.

San Jose, the country's capital, was founded in 1737 and is impossible to miss on a holiday. A magnificent architectural monument from the colonial period stands in the middle of the city – the Metropolitan Cathedral of San José. The National Theater is a must-see for history buffs. Simón Bolívar Zoo and Botanical Garden is fun for the whole family.

In the miniature town of Zarcero, Parque Francisco Alvarado strikes a chord with its unique landscaping. Visitors can walk through incredibly interesting labyrinths of living plants and sculptures covered in moss grown by special technology. There are already 130 different species of greenery here, and new ones are being planted every year.

Tips

Costa Rica is a relatively safe country for tourists. Even though petty fraud and pickpocketing happen sometimes. It's easy to avoid them if you follow the rules. Travelers should also follow these tips to avoid spoiling their journey:

• Every Costa Rican must carry an identification card when they're in the country. Passports aren't necessary all the time, you just need a photocopy.
• Costa Ricans begin their days very early, so most local businesses close by 4:00 pm. It's rare for tourists to eat after 10 p.m. in popular restaurants.
• It's hard to find a non-smoking area in solid restaurants. There's a lot of tobacco smoke in Costa Rican bars and cafeterias.
• There's a 110-120V electrical grid in the country. Only five-star hotels have European outlets.

Tourists can easily get around Costa Rica's major cities thanks to picturesque, well-maintained streets and plenty of signs. Provincial towns, however, have a lot of potholes, dirty sidewalks, and uncovered sewage ditches, which pose a danger to travelers.

FAQ About Journey in Costa Rica