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 impenetrable jungle . This direction - "number one" in Central America for ecotourism and adventure tours . You get here stunned from the long flight and the shabby life of Russian megacities, you leave from here - with tears in your eyes, scratches on the pumped x calves and such a charge of energy and effort that most do not believe .

difficult to single out any one region or style of holiday in Costa Rica: it fascinates everyone. 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.

Capital - San Jose

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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 the time of departure, an airport charge of USD 26 is charged.

Visa to Costa Rica

If the purpose of the trip is tourism, and the stay in Costa Rica does not exceed 30 days, the visa for Russian citizens is not

Customs

There are no restrictions on the import and export of foreign and national currencies, but the declaration is mandatory. 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 forbidden to import fruits, vegetables, plants, cuttings and seeds, produce from vegetables, meat products , psychotropic and narcotic substances, weapons and ammunition, as well as pornographic publications. For the import of medicines, the appointment of a doctor or a medical tourist card will be required. It is prohibited to export archeological valuables, antiques, rare animals and birds, their skins and stuffed animals.

Telephone numbers of Costa Rica

Embassy of Costa Rica in Moscow: Rublevskoe highway, 26, bldg. 1, ap. 23; tel .: (495) 415-40-42, 415-40-14; fax: 415-40-42; website

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.

Transportation of Costa Rica

It is possible to 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 whole 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 cost of transportation is low, almost all cars are equipped with counters

Rent a car

It's easy to rent a car: it's enough to be older than 21 years, to have an international driving license, more than two years of driving experience and a credit card. Registration of insurance is compulsory.

The safety of tourists

The criminal situation in the country is calm, it is recommended only to follow standard precautions to avoid becoming victims of scammers or pocket thieves.

In Costa Rica, there is a law according to which any person must have ID documents with him. Therefore, tourists should always carry a passport (or a copy of their pages with a photo and a visa).

No special vaccinations are needed before visiting the country, malaria prevention is recommended. Tap water is relatively safe, but it's not worth the risk - it's better to drink bottled.

Climate Costa Rica

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, the temperature ranges between +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 resorts of Costa Rica for the coming days

Beaches of Costa Rica

Beaches on the Costa Rican coast are sandy, with sand on them ranging from white and gold to silvery and even black. Almost everyone has their own specialty and "specialization." Beaches of the Guanacaste Province: Playa del Coco is great for scuba diving, Playa Flamingo for sport fishing, Tamarindo for surfing, Playa Conchal gives out an amazing white sand , and on the Playa Grande sea turtles lay eggs. Also in Guanacaste, the beaches of Playa Nozar, Playa Carillo and Playa Hermosa are popular

Two resort areas are located in the south of the Pacific coast - Haco and Punta León. The beaches of Jaco are famous for their nightlife and are suitable for surfing. The beaches of Portete and Bonita are popular in the Atlantic Ocean near Puerto Limon

Costa Rica hotels

The hotel base in the country is very diverse - there are also 4-5 stars hotels that meet all international standards, and small hotels or bungalow. The voltage in the network is 110-120 V, 60 Hz. Sockets are mostly American type, but sometimes you can also find "eurostandard."

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, delivery is most often given in local currency.

Credit cards of major payment systems and tourist checks are accepted in large hotels and shops. ATMs are usually located in bank branches or in supermarkets of large cities. Traveler checks are more profitable to take in US dollars

Active rest in Costa Rica

In Costa Rica, there are a lot of opportunities for active pastime . For example, surfing is popular on the Pacific coast in Mal Pais, Santa Teresita, Playa Grande, Playa Jaco, Playa Carrillo, Playa Hermosa, Playa-Dominical and Playa Pabones, as well as in more tranquil waters in the Playa Tambor area, Playa Naranjo, Playa Herradura and Playa Manzanillo .There are things to do and surfers on the Atlantic coast: suitable sites can be found in the area of ​​Puerto Viejo (Salsa Brava beaches and Cocles) and Lemon (Playa Bonita) . most opportune time for the "big wave" in July and August @@ .@ Windsurfers should head to Lake Arenal, which is considered one of the best places on the planet for practicing this sport. The best time -. From April to December

snorkellers are plenty shuffled fins on the islands Kako Island and Isla Coca, the coastal waters of the Pacific coast and in Bahia Drake (Ballen Marine National Park) and Cahuita (National Park Kauita). The Pacific coast from Papagayo Bay to Golfito is suitable for enthusiastic anglers. And among thrill seekers popular rafting on inflatable boats along the rapids of mountain rivers in the country.

Arenal Volcano in Costa Rica Costa Rica

Basilica de los Angeles, Cartago, Costa Rica

Romantic sunset

Shopping and shopping

Most of the shops work with 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, you can bring good coffee and unusual brands with butterflies, flowers and birds from the country.

Cuisine and restaurants of 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 in the form of sauce . A variety of salads from fresh vegetables, rice with vegetables are very popular and meat, rice, cooked in coconut milk, meat in banana leaves . As a garnish, give fried and baked bananas, as well as a mixture of rice and vegetables . should definitely try a baked fish "a la plancha" shells "Conchas" and patties stuffed with beef, cheese or chicken "arreglados"

Restaurants in the account usually include a tax of 13% and another 10% for service. It also happens that these percentages are included in the prices indicated in the menu. If the service is not included in the invoice, you can leave 5-10% of the order amount. Also, it is customary to give tips for tea to porters, maid (~ 0, 5 USD), driver and guide (1-5 USD). Taxis are not obligatory in the taxi @@ National parks

Impressive fact: one third of Costa Rica's territory is occupied by 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

most visited parks of the country:. International Park La Amistad National Park Manuel Antonio, parks Ita Cerere, Corcovado, Rincon de -la Vieja, Rara Avis, and Tortuguero, forest reserve Caño Negro, Carara reserves, Kuru, Ostonal, Cabo Blanco Marenco, Juan Castro Blanco and the forest of Santa Elena, as well as marine reserves Marino Ballena and Isla -doc-Coco, Chirripo National Park, National Park Las Baulas and the Monteverde Nature Reserve

Entertainment, sightseeing and attractions 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, the ancient cathedrals and the colorful souvenir market.

Alajuela, the second largest city in the country, is located not far from San Jose. 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 craft 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, the zone of meandering canals, the selva and the mountain ridges are very original. 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 ethnographic museum, numerous markets and Playa Bonita beach are interesting in the city.

North-western part of the country for tourists is the most interesting . Here are just some of its attractions: Bay Bay Balena Bay, Kuru Reserve, Wilson Botanical Garden, wildlife sanctuary of Cabo Blanco, Corcovado Park and Cagno Island, Marenko Reserve, Santa Rosa National Park, Liberia White City, Guanacaste National Park with Orosi and Cocoa volcanoes, Tabacón hot springs, Catarata de la Fortuna Falls, national park Manuel Antonio, the famous "island of tortoises" 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 little .

Photos of Costa Rica (10)