COSTA RICA, “THE JEWEL OF CENTRAL AMERICA”

By Clay Larroy

 

We lead such busy lives working, going to school, taking children to different activities that often we do not stop and talk to our children. We usually do not have time to sit around the dinner table and ask our children what they did today. Family vacations are so important, as it gives us a way to connect with each other in a stress free relaxed environment. Families that take vacations together build memories that will last a lifetime. Family vacations and travel can be a most rewarding experience.  When you are ready to plan a vacation contact me!

 

Travel to Costa Rica

Overview

Although a small country, there are a wealth of attractions in Costa Rica and only the most jaded of travelers could fail to be excited by the plenitude of exciting things to see and do. A whopping 25 percent of Costa Rica is taken up by 75 different national parks, wildlife refuges and biological reserves, making it a paradise for eco-tourism. Adventurous visitors are spoiled for choice with activities like surfing, kayaking, hiking, fishing, white water rafting, canyoning, climbing and zip-line tours available all over this diverse country. For those inclined to relax, Costa Rica boasts truly beautiful beaches and these alone could fill a holiday with sun-tanning, swimming and snorkeling.

The northwest region of Costa Rica is famous for two particularly spectacular national parks: the Arenal Volcano National Park, with the seemingly perpetually active Volcan Arenal at its heart; and the world renowned

Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve, a unique and awe-inspiring wilderness area that enchants visitors with its mystical atmosphere. Fortuna is a good base from which to explore the region and a visit to the Monteverde community, spread in the hills of the cloud forest, is a fascinating excursion.

The Pacific coast is well developed for tourism and is scattered with picturesque villages and great beaches. Jacó is a beach resort town perfect for surfing, sunning and partying in the midst of this wonderful coastline. Puntarenas, the largest town in the region, a popular stop for cruises, is also a good base for exploring the area. The Manuel Antonio National Park is the most celebrated reserve of the region and here you will find a captivating variety of wildlife, as well as the chance to enjoy numerous adventure activities.

The Caribbean coast of Costa Rica is becoming increasingly popular; it has a more relaxed atmosphere and is less developed for tourism, but it is a beach haven and the local communities are charming, friendly and happy to share

their yummy cuisine and vibey music. Puerto Limon is a bit rundown, but it receives regular cruise passengers and acts as a doorway into the stunning coastal areas and pristine rainforests of Caribbean Costa Rica. Puerto Viejo de Talamanca is a popular tourist destination nestled on the coast. The best parks in this area are the Cahuita National Park, which protects a wondrous coral reef and is a treat for divers and snorkelers, and the Tortuguero
National Park, in the north, a famous breeding ground for sea turtles.
And in the middle of this natural wonderland of a country sits the capital, San Jose, which is a lively and modern city with good shopping, restaurants and nightlife. It has some architecturally beautiful colonial areas and a few
great museums. From this urban center you can find no end of things to see and do in Costa Rica.

Climate in Costa Rica

Costa Rica has a typically tropical climate which means that the seasons are not distinct: little difference occurs in temperature throughout the year. There is a lot of rainfall, particularly from May to November, and it can rain at any time of the year. However, December to April gets significantly less rain. Temperatures along the coast are hotter, averaging 89ºF (32ºC), although they are tempered down by welcome sea breezes. The highland areas are warm during the day and can be quite cool at night.

The sun shines year-round in Costa Rica and there is no real winter which makes it a year-round holiday destination. The coolest months of the year are November, December and January and the hottest months of the year are March, April and May, but there is not a big difference ultimately. Peak tourist season in Costa Rica is from November to April, but the weather is good all year round, so for those looking to avoid the crowds, it is better to visit out of season.

Health Notes when travelling to Costa Rica

There are no vaccination requirements for Costa Rica. As a precaution, vaccinations for hepatitis A, hepatitis B and typhoid are recommended for travel to Costa Rica. There is a year-round risk of malaria in some regions of Costa Rica and advice should be taken on which areas are currently risky places to visit. You should also check out what precautions and medication, you must take to protect against the disease. Water in cities is generally safe but it is advisable to buy bottled water, especially outside the main towns where there is a risk of contamination. Dengue fever is one of a number of diseases carried by insects that also occur in this region, especially during the rainy season; protection against insect bites is the best prevention. Medical services are reliable in cities and the standard of hygiene and treatment is very high.

Safety Notes when travelling to Costa Rica

There is no history of terrorism in Costa Rica, however there are incidents of violent crime, occasionally targeting tourists. There has been an increase in attacks on tourists leaving the airport in hired cars in San Jose. Belongings

should be watched carefully at all times and in all places, particularly in bus stations and on public transport. Theft of, and from, cars is common. Do not wear jewelry or carry large amounts of cash and avoid moneychangers on
the street. Strikes, protests and blockades have recently taken place without warning and further demonstrations could disrupt travel on main roads, particularly those connecting San Jose with the coast.

REFERENCE SITES:

http://www.travelresearchonline.com/

 

 

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