If in the Old World all roads lead to Rome, then in Costa Rica all the highways, trails and primers are delivered directly to the realm of wildlife, relic forests, rumbling waterfalls, foggy lakes that lurk at the bottom of extinct volcano craters, or at least , immediately into the impassable jungle .This destination is "number one" in Central America for ecotourism and adventure tours..You get here stunned by the long flight and the shabby life of Russian megacities, you leave from here - with tears in your eyes, scratches on the pumped calves and with such a charge of energy and strength that you yourself do not believe .
It is difficult to single out any one region or holiday style in Costa Rica: everything is fascinating here. And quiet, which is not quite traditional for Latin America, the rhythm of life that the locals call Pura Vida ("clean life"), and the secluded corners of the pristine paradise lost somewhere in the wilds of national parks, and waves perfect for the surf, and amazing beaches with such sunsets, which even "photoshop" will not be able to embellish. And all this against the backdrop of a well-developed infrastructure.
The capital is San Jose (San Jose).
National Park Tours:
"In the world of animals," 3n. - from 34 900 rubles / person + flight
"The Natural Paradise of Costa Rica", 9N. - from 108 900 rubles per person + flight
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How to get to Costa Rica?
There is no direct flight from Russia and the CIS countries to Costa Rica. A flight with docking is possible in Europe, the USA or Cuba. The most convenient options are offered by Iberia airlines - through Madrid, Lufthansa together with Condor - via Frankfurt and Cubana - via Havana. At departure, an airport charge of USD 26 is charged.
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Costa Rica visa
If the purpose of the trip is tourism, and the period of stay in Costa Rica does not exceed 30 days, a visa for Russian citizens will not be required.
Customs
Restrictions on import and export of foreign and national currencies are not present, thus the declaration is obligatory. Allowed duty-free import of 400 cigarettes or 50 cigars or up to 500 g of tobacco, 3 liters of spirits, perfumes, clothes and shoes within personal needs.
It is prohibited to import fruits, vegetables, plants, cuttings and seeds, products from vegetables, meat products, psychotropic and narcotic substances, weapons and ammunition, and pornographic publications. For the import of medicines, the appointment of a doctor or a medical tourist card will be required. It is forbidden to export archeological valuables, antiques, rare animals and birds, their skins and stuffed.
Costa Rica phone numbers
Embassy of Costa Rica in Moscow: Rublevskoe highway, 26, building. 1, ap. 23; tel .: (495) 415-40-42, 415-40-14; fax: 415-40-42; website
The Russian Embassy in San Jose: Apartado postal 6340-1000, San Jose, Costa Rica; tel .: 225-691-81, 891-590-83; website
Firefighters: 118, police: 117, police in rural areas: 127, rescue service: 911 (only in San Jose) or 122, road police: 222-93-30 or 222-92-45.
Transport Costa Rica
You can travel around the country by air or by bus, there is practically no railway communication between the cities. True, there is a tourist train from San Jose to Caldera (the entire road is about 90 km).
Public transport in the cities - buses and minibuses. The fare is around 0, 5 USD. Taxis are in all major cities and are "caught" right on the street. The fare is low, almost all cars are equipped with counters.
Rent a car
It is not difficult to rent a car: it's enough to be older than 21 years, to have an international driving license, a driving experience of more than two years and a credit card. Insurance is required.
Safety of tourists
The criminal situation in the country is calm, it is recommended only to adhere to standard precautions to avoid becoming victims of scammers or pocket thieves.
In Costa Rica, a law is in place, according to which any person must have identity documents with him. Therefore, tourists always need to have a passport (or a copy of his pages with a photo and a visa).
No special vaccinations are necessary before visiting the country, malaria prophylaxis is recommended. Tap water is relatively safe, but it's not worth the risk - it's better to drink bottled.
The climate of Costa Rica is
The climate in the country is subequatorial. There are two seasons: dry - from December to April and rainy - from May to November. On the plateau, the average temperature throughout the year is about +20 .. +22 ° C, and in mountainous regions it can be released up to +10 ° C (with possible frosts in winter). On the coast of the Caribbean Sea and the south Pacific coast temperatures range from +27 .. + 33 ° C, there is practically no difference between day and night temperatures. The best time to visit the country is the dry season, from December to April.
Actual information: weather forecast for the main Costa Rica resorts for the coming days.
Costa Rica Beaches
Beaches on the coast of Costa Rica are sandy, and the sand on them is of a variety of shades - from white and gold to silvery and even black. Almost everyone has his own specialty and "specialization." Beaches of Guanacaste Province: Playa del Coco is great for scuba diving, Playa Flamingo for sport fishing, Tamarindo for surfing, Playa Conchal gives off an amazing white sand, and on the Playa Grande, sea turtles lay eggs. Also in Guanacaste are popular beaches of Playa Nozar, Playa Carillo and Playa Hermosa.
In the south of the Pacific coast are two resort areas - Jaco and Punta Leon. The beaches of Jaco are famous for their nightlife and are suitable for surfing. On the Atlantic Ocean, near the Puerto Limon, the beaches of Portete and Bonita are popular.
Costa Rica hotels - $
The hotel base in the country is very diverse - there are hotels of 4-5 stars level that meet all international standards, and small hotels or bungalows. The voltage in the network is 110-120 V, 60 Hz. Rosettes are mostly American type, but sometimes you can also find "eurostandard."
Book hotel in Costa Rica at the best price
Banks and exchange points
Banks are open from 8: 30-9: 00 to 15: 00-17: 00 on weekdays and from 9:00 to 14:00 on Saturdays, Sundays - day off. The currency can be exchanged at the airport, bank, exchange office or hotel, but banks offer the most favorable rate. Preference is given to US dollars, other currencies are more difficult to exchange. In general, the American currency has a free circulation in Costa Rica, it is accepted everywhere. Rights, change is most often given in local currency.
Credit cards of major payment systems and traveler's checks are accepted in large hotels and shops. ATMs are usually located in bank branches or in supermarkets of large cities. Traveler checks in the country are more profitable to take in US dollars.
Active holiday in Costa Rica.
In Costa Rica, a huge number of opportunities for active pastime .For example, surfing is popular on the Pacific coast in the areas of Mal Pais, Santa Teresita, Playa Grande, Playa Jaco, Playa Carrillo, Playa Hermosa, Playa Dominical and Playa Pabones, as well as in more calm waters in the Playa area -Tambor, Playa Naranjo, Playa Herradura and Playa Manzanillo .There is something to do for surfers and on the Atlantic coast: suitable places can be found in the areas of Puerto Viejo (beaches of Salsa Brava and Cocles) and Limon (Playa Bonita) .The best time for the "big wave" from July to August is .
Windsurfers should go to Lake Arenal, which is considered one of the best places on the planet for practicing this sport. The best time is from April to December. Fans of scuba diving can spank plenty on the islands of Kako Island and Isla-Kok, the coastal waters of the Pacific coast, as well as in Bahia-Drake (the sea national park Ballen) and Kauita (Kauita National Park).
Fascinating anglers will approach the Pacific coast from Papagayo Bay to Golfito. And among the thrill seekers are popular alloys on inflatable boats on the thresholds of the mountain rivers of the country.
| Arenal Volcano |
| Basilica of Los Angeles |
| Romantic sunset |
Shopping and shopping
Most shops are open from 9:00 to 20:00, usually with a lunch break from 12:00 to 14:00. The most popular local souvenirs are all kinds of handicraft items: T-shirts, hammocks, bags, numerous figurines, as well as ornaments and products from different types of wood and coral, wickerwork, dishes and vases. In addition, from the country you can bring good coffee and unusual brands with the image of butterflies, flowers and birds.
Cuisine and restaurants in Costa Rica
The national cuisine of the country is a hell (in a good sense of the word) a mixture of Spanish and Indian cuisines .Its basis is rice, black beans, meat, vegetables and spices .In the most spicy dishes usually not so much, most often they are served separately as a sauce .Very popular salads of fresh vegetables, rice with vegetables and meat, rice, cooked in coconut milk, meat in banana leaves .As a garnish often served fried and baked bananas, as well as a mixture of rice and vegetables..You should definitely try the baked fish "a la la placa", shells "konchas" and pies with a filling of beef, cheese or chicken "arreglados" .
The most popular alcoholic beverage in the country is the rum of local varieties Centenario, Abuelo, Cacique and Platino. Also, do not ignore the coffee liquor Cafe Rica and light beers Imperial, Bavaria or Pilsen. Costa Rican coffee is considered almost the best in the world, and it is drunk here in huge quantities.
National Parks
An impressive fact: a third of the territory of Costa Rica occupy various national parks and reserves. Moreover, in this small country there are 120 volcanoes, 70 of which are active. Their slopes are covered with tropical vegetation of the famous "cloud forests", which are rapidly disappearing from the mountain flora of Central America.
The most visited parks of the country are the international park of La Amistad, the Manuel Antonio National Park, the Parks of Itoi-Serre, Corcovado, Rincon de la Vieja, Rara Avis and Tortuguero, the Cagno Negro forest reserve, the reserves of Carara, Kuru, Ostional , Cabo Blanco, Marenko, Juan Castro Blanco and the Santa Elena Forest, as well as Marino Balena and Isla del Coco marine reserves, Chirripo National Park, Las Baulas National Park and Monteverde Reserve.
Entertainment, Excursions and Attractions in Costa Rica
The capital of Costa Rica, San Jose is located in the heart of the country. The architecture of the city is a mixture of different styles: in the center there are very few modern high-rise buildings, most of the buildings are in neoclassical or colonial style. The main attractions are the National Museum, ancient cathedrals and a colorful souvenir market.
Not far from San Jose is located Alajuela, the second largest city in the country. The local "must see" is the Poas volcano, the butterfly breeding farm and the museum in the former prison building. In the neighborhood you can visit the artisan center in Sarci, the old Spanish fortress in Heredia, the Coffee Museum in San Pedro de Barva.
In the south-east of the capital is the province of Cartago - green valleys with plantations of coffee and sugar cane. The city of Cartago was once the capital of Costa Rica, but, unfortunately, its historical heritage was almost completely destroyed by earthquakes in the early 20th century. Here you can admire only the most beautiful cathedral and the famous basilica of Our Lady of the Angels, as well as visit the local ethnographic museum.
The eastern part of the country is very original, a zone of meandering channels, selva and mountain ridges. Its inhabitants speak a wild mixture of Spanish, English and Indian languages, listen to reggae and grow cocoa and rice. In the east is the most picturesque city of the country Limon, in the vicinity of which you can visit Indian reservations in the park of La Amistad, as well as wander through the reserve Estrella. The city itself is interesting ethnographic museum, numerous markets and Playa Bonita beach.
North-western part of the country for tourists is most interesting .Here are just some of its attractions: Bay Bay Balena Bay, Kuru Reserve, Wilson Botanical Garden, Cabo Blanco Wildlife Sanctuary, Corcovado Park and Canyo Island, Marenko Reserve, Santa Rosa National Park, Liberia White City, Liberia National Park Guanacaste with the volcanoes of Orosi and Cocoa, the hot springs of Tabacon, the waterfalls of Catarata de la Fortuna, the Manuel Antonio National Park, the famous "tortoise island" of Tortuga and, of course, the formidable Arenal volcano with the same lake .Arenal remained idle for 300 years, but in the late 60s of the last century woke up so that it did not seem too small .
Photos of Costa Rica (10)