Costa Rica Vacations Blog

by Lisa Khajavi

Quick Guide
Updated October 10, 2008

General Information:

Country Name: Republic of Costa Rica

People:

Nationality: Noun and adjective–Costa Rican(s).  Locally known as ‘Ticos’ (Tica for female singular and Tico for male singular). Unlike many of their Central American neighbors, present-day Costa Ricans are largely of European rather than Mestizo descent; Spain was the primary country of origin. However, an estimated 10% to 15% of the population is Nicaraguan, of fairly recent arrival and primarily of Mestizo origin. Descendants of 19th-century Jamaican immigrant workers constitute an English-speaking minority and–at 3% of the population–number about 119,000. Few of the native Indians survived European contact; the indigenous population today numbers about 29,000 or less than 1% of the population.

Population (2006): 4.299 million.

Annual growth rate (2006 est.): 1.3%.
Ethnic groups: European and some Mestizo 94%, African origin 3%, Chinese 1%, Amerindian 1%, other 1%.
Religion: Roman Catholic 70.5%, Evangelical Protestant 13.8%, other 4.3%, none 11.3%.
Education: Years compulsory–9. Attendance–99% grades 1-6, 71% grades 7-9. Literacy–96%.
Health: Infant mortality rate–9.45/1,000. Life expectancy–men 74.61 years, women 79.94 years.
Work force (2006 est., 1.866 million; this official estimate excludes Nicaraguans living in Costa Rica legally and illegally): Agriculture–13%; industry–22%; services–64%.

Languages Spoken:

The official language is Spanish.  On the Caribbean Coast, a small minority of Jamaican descendants speak a local dialect of Creole-influenced English.  Even in rural areas most Costa Ricans can understand and speak a fair amount of Standard English. Quite recently all public schools made mandatory the learning of a second language.  Many people in the tourism sector speak English quite well and are proud and happy to practice!

Geography:

Area: 51,100 sq. km (19,730 sq. mi.) about the size of the states of Vermont and New Hampshire combined.  Cities: Capital–San Jose (greater metropolitan area pop. 2.1 million, the greater metropolitan area as defined by the Ministry of Planning and Economic Policy includes the cities of Alajuela, Cartago, and Heredia). Other major cities outside the San Jose capital area–Puntarenas, Limon, and Liberia.   Terrain: A rugged, central range separates the Eastern and Western coastal areas.

Climate:

Mild in the central highlands, tropical and subtropical in coastal areas.  Costa Rica has a stunning array of flora and fauna, and for a petite country boasts an incredible diversity of micro-climates.  Costa Rica is blessed with very pleasing and generally mild weather.  The year-round average in the Central Valley is 74° F and 85° F at the beaches.  There are two seasons, Summer and Winter.  Summer, or Verano in Spanish, is also called dry season which is from December to April and is characterized by beautiful, bright and sunny weather.  Winter, or Invierno in Spanish, is also called wet or green season which is from May to November and is characterized by daily afternoon showers.  There is a ‘little summer’ in July called ‘Veranillo San Juan’.  Some areas significantly change from the lush greens abundant in rainy season to a drier palate of beiges and brown in dry season, such as in the dry rainforest areas of the Guanacaste Province.  Winter used to be considered low season and Summer high season.  These terms are still used; however, even though there are generally fewer crowds and lower prices in low season, the popularity of Costa Rica has been so steady, that the most popular destinations are busy year-round.  Each season has its intense beauty and highlights, and because there is so much to see and do, one visit is usually not enough!

Currency:

Costa Rican Colon
Code:  CRC
Symbol:  ¢
Most major credit cards as well as traveler’s checks are widely accepted. The colon exchanges at approximately 554 per US Dollar (October 3, 2008) and 762 per Euro (October 3, 2008).  Travel costs are significantly higher here than in most Central American countries, but less expensive than in the US or Europe.  The value is very high for distinctive experiences, service and diversity.  More than a million tourists visit each year to indulge in volcanoes, beaches and rainforest activities, to name a few!

Electrical Plugs:

No Adaptors required for US/Canadian standard plugs

120 V     60 Hz

Time Zone:

Costa Rica is six hours behind Greenwich Mean Time (GMT), which is equivalent to Central Time in North America. There is no daylight saving time.
GMT/UTC -6

Country Dialing Code:
+506

Weights & Measures:
Metric

Entry Requirements:

With a valid passport and round trip or continuing ticket, citizens of the United States of America, Canada, Germany, Spain and Italy can travel to Costa Rica for a 90-day stay without a consular visa. Passports should be in good condition; Costa Rican immigration will deny entry if the passport is damaged in any way. To stay legally beyond the period granted, travelers will need to submit an application for an extension to the Office of Temporary Permits in the Costa Rican Department of Immigration. There is a departure tax for tourists of $26 per person, payable at some local banks or at the airport before check-in. Tourists who stay over ninety days without receiving a formal extension can expect to pay a higher departure tax at the airport or land border, and may experience some delay at the airport. Persons who have overstayed previously may be denied entry to Costa Rica.

Vaccinations:

As of this time, Costa Rica does not require visitors to have any particular vaccinations, although you should make sure that all your normal vaccinations are up to date.  For more information visit:  http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/default.aspx
For a wide variety of detailed traveler’s  information visit: http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_1093.html

Medical Facilities & Services:

Any foreigner who is temporarily in the country has the right to receive health attention at hospitals and clinics in case of an emergency, sudden illness or a chronic disease. Costa Rica boasts a modern and renowned medical health system, under the administration of the Caja Costarricense de Seguro Social (CCSS).  Two well known hospitals in the Central Valley are Clinica Biblica and CIMA.

To speak with an expert who lives, works and plays in Costa Rica contact:
http://www.naturevacations.com/

What to Bring:

•    Sunscreen and insect repellent, deet-based recommended if you are planning to hike in parks/rainforest/cloud forest, etc.
•    Shirts: cotton or light fabric, long- and short-sleeved.
•    Pants: cotton or light synthetic pants
•    Hiking shorts
•    2  swimsuits
•    Light summer wear if you are heading for the beach:  sarongs for the ladies are great and multi-purpose, shorts, tank tops, etc.
•    Footwear: waterproof, light-weight hiking boots, river sandals (Teva or Reef-type sandals), tennis shoes/running shoes. If you do not bring hiking boots, make sure you bring TWO pairs of tennis shoes so that you will always have a dry pair.  The former are recommended no matter where your destination for any activities you wish to experience.  If heading to the beach bring flip-flops and/or light sandals as well.
•    If you are traveling to turtle nesting areas bring dark pants and shirt, and closed-toe shoes without reflective material.
•    Socks: bring extra
•    Rain gear: poncho, raincoat and umbrella.
•    Hats with brim for rain and sun protection.
•    Plastic water bottle: especially for hikes and to refill to minimize waste.
•    Flashlight with spare batteries and bulb, especially for remote destinations.
•    Camera and plenty of film and extra batteries/battery charger and plenty of memory for a digital.
•    Ziplock plastic bags for gels and liquids, and plastic garbage bags for wet items.
•    Back-up prescription glasses and medication (if applicable).
•    Small day pack or fanny pack for hikes.
•    Light sweater or jacket for in and out of San Jose, or some of the higher elevation locations like Monteverde
•    Heavier Jacket if you plan to visit Mt. Chirripo
•    Extra Underwear.
•    Sunglasses.
•    Soft bag or backpack for souvenir shopping
•    Binoculars
•    Field guides for those interested in the local flora and fauna
•    Casually elegant evening wear for dinner depending on location
•    Adventurous spirit and smile!

Costa Rica Vacation Information

by Lisa Khajavi

Enhance your health and mood with tropical treasures

Imagine if the delicious cup of coffee, the freshly made piña colada, the exotic fragrance of wild orchids, or the rich rainforest chocolate could be part of your spa experience.   By featuring these, and many other ingredients, within various health, relaxation and beauty treatments, the spa pampering that you will receive here will give you a unique, personal connection to the local environment here in lush Costa Rica.  Many of the products can be purchased to take home with you so you can rejuvenate when back home as well, while being reminded of your exotic journey to Costa Rica.

Costa Rica is one of the most biologically diverse and intense places on the entire planet.  Each region has its own microclimates with specific representative flora and fauna to dazzle you.  It is amazing how many things grow and flourish here, providing an incredible array of fruits, nuts, spices and oils which end up in hand-made organic spa products.  Many spas offer a holistic or integral service of international quality, in a warm and personalized manner characteristic of the Costa Rican people. Add the wondrous source of natural, local ingredients such as coffee, brown sugar, coconut, papaya, mango, sea salt, organic rainforest chocolate and the result is magical; a small taste of the treasures in store for you here.  These local gems in the able hands of soothing local practitioners will put you into relaxed bliss, leaving you thinking about your time here long after you leave.  What a way to enhance your trip-  this is Pura Vida!

One of my favorite places is Hotel Punta Islita in the Nicoya Peninsula, home to the  Casa Spa which artfully incorporates herbalist wisdom from the local Chorotega tribe into their treatments.  Punta Islita’s own organic garden provides the ingredients for many of the spa’s treatments. According to Dorelia Mulca, director of the Casa Spa, the current trend is to return to our origins, where great value is placed on the natural. “We must not forget that the ancestral indigenous shamans would heal with herbs and rituals,” she points out.  Choose from an array of wonderful treatments for him or her, families, athletes, kids, teens even special treatments for women that are pregnant.  The Punta Islita Ritual massage is amazing, featuring heated river stones, herbal oil-infused compress ball, and a Guaro Cacique (local Costa Rican sugar cane spirits) drizzle.  The Guanacaste Traditions body treatment and massage uses papaya, mango, banana and pineapple which smells and feels great, and leaves your skin super smooth.  The Cappuccino Massage with almond oil and chocolate or the Green Coffee Pick-Me-Up (detoxifying with organic coffee beans) are to die for.  There are so many to choose from using ingredients such as cucumber, mint, aloe, orange, honey, volcanic mud, avocado, sesame oil, rosemary, vanilla, honeysuckle, golden algae; the list goes on!  Dorelia has done a terrific job.  The hotel is also stunning and has a great mix of nature, art and community in a stunning setting.  Check out the local church and school built with the design and funding of the architect and his wife Ronald Zurcher.  The infinity pool at the top of the resort is great, but you can also enjoy a pool lower at the seaside, and dine there also to the sounds of the sea.

Another great spot is the Neidín Spa at Arenal Kioro Suites & Spa in the basin of the majestic Arenal Volcano in the Inland Volcano area.  In Bribri indigenous dialect, the word neidín means small nest or point of rest to recover lost energy. Thanks to amazing views, excellent service, and top quality treatments, you can’t help but leave the spa with a sense of complete luxury and well-being. Tocando El Cielo is a great pampering and includes a grape pulp wrap, followed by an orange and honey polish, a “wave” massage (two therapists and four hands), an exotic herb and flower bath and a glass of sparkling wine to finish; scrumptious!  The Chocolate Fantasy is the ultimate; starting with the chocolate and sugar glow, followed by the sweet chocolate body wrap and finishing with a super aromatic mint and chocolate bath.  This is the nicest hotel in Arenal, with stunning views of the volcano.  Don’t miss the trails surrounding the property that are gorgeous with the species of fauna marked for you.

The newest destination by Grupo Islita of Hotel Punta Islita is El Silencio Lodge & Spa
nestled within the cloud forest of Los Bajos del Toro.  Located just an hour and a half away from San Jose in the inland central volcanic region, treatments at The Wellness Spa are just as natural as the sounds of nature surrounding it. It offers a menu designed to rejuvenate the mind, body and spirit. Recommendations: El Silencio Purifying Revival Massage in the cone room. This is an aromatherapy massage treatment utilizing hot oil compress ball with herbs like thyme, oregano and mint meant to increase relaxation.  The cone-shaped room was specifically designed to capture positive energy from the forest that surrounds it, with the intent of enhancing the effectiveness of the treatments. Also offered are packages that combine wraps, exfoliating treatments, facials and aromatherapy using more fabulous ingredients: lime, honey, volcanic clay, coconut, carrot, and so on. The hotel’s organic orchard on property supplies fruits and vegetables to be used in the treatments.  For couples the Meditation Duet is amazing.  It starts with an organic herbal massage, followed by the brown sugar, vanilla and coconut body polish accompanied by organic wild blackberries and sparkling wine, such bliss!  You can hike in splendor, visit nearby canopy zip-lines, river rafting trips and horseback riding.  This place is heaven in the cloud forest.

Next is the place with my favorite view in all of the Quepos area:  Hotel El Parador Boutique Resort & Spa.   Located on the Central Pacific Coast in a region of great beauty, El Parador boasts gorgeous, panoramic ocean views.  This gem is close to the Manuel Antonio National Park where you can hike through the park to pristine white sand beaches, viewing a myriad of wildlife along the way.  Back at the hotel, the Pacífica Spa offers all kinds of natural treatments, including special day packages. Highlights include sand exfoliation, aloe vera relief wrap (if you have had too much sun), and the papaya and honey facial.  The ginger-orange body mask is invigorating and super aromatic.  The ylang-ylang milk bath is especially soothing.  For men the Naturally for Him is excellent which includes a relaxing exfoliating cappuccino bath, a volcanic mud wrap with a hydrotherapeutic massage, a facial and a hot stone massage.  Also offered are yoga lessons and a special place designed for couple’s massages with a spectacular ocean view.  All spa visitors receive a plate of fruits. The spa also has its own line of products.

Another option near Manuel Antonio National Park is the only 5 star hotel in the area: Gaia Hotel & Reserve featuring the Terra Spa.  The surrounding forest reserve is a perfect backdrop for the spa with great sounds and sensations.  This hotel is very modern and elegant with clean long lines and great light.  Terra Spa offers an array of treatments and therapies that use organic natural products, many of which are certified and produced by locals that also follow the sustainable concept adopted by the hotel.  Terra Tuning is one of the most popular and holistic packages.  This 4 hour splurge includes a sauna session, Reiki chakra balancing, Thai massage, and organic facial treatment using all local hand-made products.  The organic facial is called the Arco Iris and includes Papaya Exfoliation Polish, Citrus Cleansing Lemon Meringue Mask, and Mango Dream Hydrating Cream.  Part of the facial is a sumptuous acupressure scalp and foot massage.  Also available is the “Vichy Rain Shower,” which consists of a hydrotherapeutic massage of a warm rain shower in the tropical forest where you select your desired temperature and which is recommended to follow with an exfoliation.  Elegance and sophistication in the rainforest!

Last but not least is another all-time favorite, Xandari Resort & Spa.  Located in tropical paradise some 1,200 meters above sea level and boasting a beautiful view of the Central Valley, the Xandari Spa is located at only 20 minutes away from Juan Santamaría International Airport in Alajuela.  This is fabulous on your way in and out of San Jose traveling internationally, you can do fabulous day trips or half-day trips very easily from Xandari to Poas Volcano, Doka Coffee Tour, Sarchi, La Paz Waterfall Gardens, Sarapiqui, Reventazon, or Pacuare River Rafting, Villa Blanca Canopy Tour and many others.  One of the Xandari Spa’s outstanding feature is that each spa treatment provides you your own palm-thatched jalapa with its own Jacuzzi. There you may experience the feeling of mind, body and soul melting into nature in complete privacy.  One of the big treats is Xandari Heaven, which involves three hours of enjoyment in your private jalapa: Jacuzzi jets, followed by an aromatherapy treatments for your hair, exfoliation for your entire body and a soft or deep massage of your choice. Some of the key special treatments that focus on local ingredients include: Selva de Osa mud wrap using 100% natural sediment from the Osa Peninsula, Coffee and Macademia Buff to polish and hydrate your skin, or Papaya Body Polish.  The views, service, architecture, art all come together for a unique and special Costa Rica experience only 20 minutes from San Jose’s International Airport.  Those of us that live here in the central valley can escape to Xandari in minutes and feel we are a world away with all the amenities you could ever hope for.

by Lisa Khajavi

What is the ideal Vacation Package to Costa Rica?  Pretty much whatever you can dream up is available in Costa Rica.  For a country roughly the size of Vermont and New Hampshire combined, there is an incredible amount of diversity available for any kind of traveler.   The geography and the resultant micro climates alone are amazing.  From rain forests to cloud forests, Pacific and Caribbean beaches, volcanoes, islands, abundant national parks, and the bustling Central Valley, there is literally something for everyone.  What is the vacation you have been dreaming of?

Adrenaline on Demand:  The All Out Costa Rica Adventure Vacation

Are you happy when upside down or in constant motion?  There are many ways to satisfy this craving in Costa Rica including: class 4 white water rafting on the Reventazon, bungee jumping over the Colorado River Gorge, dramatic waterfall rappelling in Arenal, exhilarating zip line canopy tour in lush Monteverde, hiking into the depths of the amazing Corcovado Park, sea kayaking in the Caribbean, action-packed guided mountain bike tours, camping and climbing to Costa Rica’s highest peak Chirripo, hard-core custom surfing trip to Witch’s Rock and beyond, diving with the dolphins off of the Osa and Canos Island.  The list goes on…

Beach Bum:  Sun and Sand

Looking for the endless summer? Nearly two-thirds of Costa Rica’s borders are beaches.  Combine this with year-round summer temperatures averaging in the 80’s and you don’t have to look hard at all.  Whether you seek night life or seclusion, local culture or surf culture Costa Rica has it all, and with accommodations to fit every budget/lifestyle.  Some key beaches of the Nicoya Peninsula include the lively Tamarindo, Malpais, and Montezuma as well as the more secluded Samara, Nosara, Hermosa and Playa Grande.  One of the most visited parks and beaches is Manuel Antonio just outside of Quepos.  Farther South you have the raw and seemingly untouched Drake Bay in the Osa Peninsula, and on the other side near Golfo Dulce you have the Pan Dulce, and farther up over on the Caribbeaan Coast the beautiful Manzanillo and Cahuita.  All the beaches have easy access to many activities and National Parks as well.

Hooked on Ease:  The All Inclusive Vacation

We have heard from many people from various professions, married or single, with or without children that they love all-inclusive.  The highlight is definitely on convenience; everything is taken care of from transportation to lodging,food and drinks, and in many cases the activities and tours as well. The time to unwind and feel like you are really on vacation is minimal, you sink right into ultra-relaxation mode.  If you have teenagers with constant appetites, no problem, with all meals and non-alcoholic drinks included.  Many places have special kid’s activities and shows with child care centers for the smaller ones.  The resorts are safe, contained communities, where you don’t have to worry about your teenager wandering too far in uncharted territory.  If you want to have a bit more flexibility and see some of the surrounding areas, you can arrange during your visit many different day and half-day tours.  Canopy zip-line adventures, national park tours, hiking, rappelling, white water rafting to name just a few.  You can do as little or as much as you like with all the basics covered.

I could go on an on with all of the options:  spa and hot springs packages, luxury resort packages, casino resort experiences, cultural tours, indigenous focus vacations, eco-naturalist vacations, agro-packages including an organic chocolate plantation in Talamanca,the best custom surf camp packages from beginner to advanced, volcano/mountain/beach combo packages…..  The list is endless, and the best way to come up with your ideal trip is to talk to one of our travel designers that lives, works and plays in Costa Rica.  Our travel designers will listen to your expectations and wishes and custom design the Vacation Package to Costa Rica of your dreams!

For your Vacation Package to Costa Rica -click here-