Ten Foot Square Central America

Think adventures. Think sports. Think treetops. Think raging waters. If outdoor thrills are your thing, Costa Rica has it all for you. Costa Rica is a haven for exhilarating sports activities. Visitors will have no problem incorporating an active itinerary into their vacation plans. From extreme sports such as whitewater rafting or canopy exploration to snorkeling or sports fishing, there is plenty to do.

Fort the truly adventurous, whitewater rafting on the challenging rivers of Costa Rica is a memorable experience. The Pacuare River is one of the top five rafting rivers in the world. Pass through deep gorges past thunderous waterfalls and serene streams while you steer your raft over interchanging calm and powerful waves. Costa Rica offers Class I-V rivers affording ‘hang on’ fun for novices or beginners.

For a more sedate adventure, kayaking the tranquil waters through a maze of magnificent scenery is a truly rejuvenating experience. A kayaking adventure around Arenal Lake includes a spectacular view of the mighty Arenal Volcano continuously spewing lava from its peak.

If flying 40 meters above the ground among the treetops seems an exciting and unique idea, then join a canopy tour. Get a monkey’s eye view of the verdant rainforest canopy where broad branches serve as platforms set on top of huge tropical trees more than a hundred feet above the jungle floor. Canopy tours or zip line adventures involves climbing a harness up to a tree platform. Once on the platform, you click the harness into a pulley and then glide across the cable to the next platform. Upon reaching the last platform, you rappel back to the ground. For the faint-hearted, an aerial tram takes spectators through the rainforest in the comfort and safety of an enclosed cable car. A series of hanging bridges link treetops for picture –perfect views.

Costa Rica has an abundance of marine life. Along the Pacific Coast of Guanacaste, there are live corals and reefs. Divers will discover a myriad of colorful fishes and soft corals. But the best diving site are the Murcielagos Island and Catalinas Island. Here, groupers, snappers, sharks, as well as tropical species abound. At the Punta Gorda dive spot, thousands of eagle rays swim in giant columns. Whale sharks can be found at the bottom and marlins hiding in pinnacle rocks.

Costa Rica has some of the most stimulating and picturesque biking/hiking trails in all of Central America. Mountain biking/hiking can be done on trails around the lush tropical forest and national parks. They range from smooth and relatively flat paths that are easily accessible for hikers/bikers. Others, however, are conservatively rated as strenuous. The more difficult trails are recommended for only the most physically fit and experienced trekkers. Several local operators and hotels offer group tours. Most are suitable fro all levels of competence. Majority of the tours involve cycling/hiking on the volcanoes so expect to be going up most of the time.

There are many different places conducive to sports fishing in Costa Rica. Barra del Colorado has four of the busiest sports fishing camps in Costa Rica. Tarpon is common in this place together with Gar, one of the oldest fishes on earth dating back from about 90 million years. Lake Arenal, 1,800 feet above sea level is brimming with elusive fishes and is popular with anglers and local fishermen. Lake Arenal is home to Guapote, the fiercest among fresh water fishes; machaca, a close relative of the piranha and the tasty but slippery Mojarra. Giant marlins, sailfish and tuna swim within reach off Nicoya Coast.

Every budget and palate will be first tempted and then satisfied by the variety of restaurants and food services offered within Costa Rica. From humble sodas (inexpensive lunch counters) to fine dining restaurants, a wide selection of dishes will satisfy discerning taste buds. But no matter which place you choose, your dining experience will be enhanced by an extra special feature – a spectacular view of the tropical paradise that is Costa Rica.

Costa Rican cuisine is simple, relying mainly on rice and beans. Gallo pinto, a rice and black beans dish, serves as the traditional breakfast. Casado is a variation of gallo pinto with fried plantains, meat, chopped cabbage and egg or avocado and is served for lunch. Arroz con pollo, chicken and rice; arroz con tuna, tuna with rice; beefsteaks; fish and chicken round off the regular Costa Rican menu.

Diners in the mood for inexpensive but hearty lunch should stop by the sodas scattered all over Costa Rica. Most sodas offer tamales, steamed cornmeal stuffed with chicken or pork and wrapped in a banana leaf; patacones, sliced fried plantains; pupusas, fried cornmeal and cheese cakes and other local snacks.

Most pubs and bars serve bocas with drinks for free or for a minimal charge. Bocas are yummy bite-size treats such as tortillas with cheese and arreglados, little puff pastries filled with beef, chicken or cheese.

San Jose, the capital of Costa Rica, boasts of a variety of dining choices. The formal restaurant of Hotel Grano de Oro is one place where you will not only partake of gourmet cuisine but get to observe the local elite close business deals over sumptuous meals. The cuisine is old-fashioned European. Prominent on its menu is native tilapia sautÈed in butter and finished off with vermouth. Another specialty is the rack of lamb crusted with fresh herbs. For dessert, there is Tican tres leches, a rich cake infused with condensed milk.

In a city teeming with Chinese restaurants, Tin Jo beats the competition. In addition to its rich selection of traditional Cantonese and Szechuan specialties, there are other Oriental dishes on the menu. Bokea housed in an old rambling colonial house serves fusion cuisine at its finest. For native Costa Rican food fare, check out Nuestra Tierra and Ti-pica, an open air eatery mirroring a rough-hewn country house.

In Manuel Antonio, the top picks are the in-house restaurants of posh resorts such as the Makanda-By-The-Sea and the Casitas Eclipse. Some stand-alone restaurants also provide extraordinary culinary delights. Along the beachfront road, Marlin Restaurant is a brilliant mix of Latin/Tex-Mex food and cozy ambiance. Just down the street, Mar Y Sombra provides simple yet scrupulously fresh local chow at affordable prices. El Gran Escape in Quipos serves fresh seafood dishes in generous proportions and just right on the pocket.

El Galeon at Los Suenos Resort is an epicurean delight. Its menu is pure genius – tempura tartar, ceviche and bisque; rack of lamb with jumbo shrimp; ravioli made of saffron, snow crab and toasted mushroom; whole red snapper with lime-caper sauce; pepper steak and capped off with brownie-a-la-mode with tropical fruit puree.

As with other resort towns, the finest and most exclusive restaurants in Arenal are at the uphill resorts. Los Tucanes at Tabacon and Acuareles at Montana de Fuego serve superb local dishes with a touch of international flair. In La Fortuna, good choices include La Choza de Laurel, Rancho La Cascada and Los Nenes all offering affordable menus.

The restaurants in Costa Rica provide just about every need for every palate. Think of any cuisine, chances are, Costa Rica has a restaurant offering a version for you.

In every corner of this stunning jewel that is Costa Rica, there are breathtaking attractions and heart-stopping adventures to be experienced.

Planning your first vacation to Costa Rica? To get the most out of your trip, consider the sojourn a series of short and contained journeys, each distinct from each other. The lush rainforests of the central highlands are worlds apart from the dry cactus-studded hills of Guanacaste or the isolated beaches of the Osa Peninsula. But because of its size, roughly the size of West Virginia USA, it is easy to get from one region to another. The only hitch is that given the vast choices of activities, you might tire yourself doing it all. Read on for a list of things to do on your first vacation to Costa Rica. It is impossible to list the myriad attractions and adventures in Costa Rica but below are some of the most popular.

Life in the rainforest centers high above the ground on canopies (treetops). Experience a spellbinding thrill by sliding from tree platform to tree platform like Tarzan but safely attached in a harness on a thick cable. For the faint-hearted, get a monkey’s eye view of the surrounding jungle aboard a cable car that ascends at different levels in the canopy. The “skywalk” features high wire bridges between trees and above deep gorges.

Volcanoes are major attractions in Costa Rica. Famous for its nighttime displays of red hot lava, Arenal Volcano towers above a lovely lake. The area has plenty of natural activities and adventures. Take a dip at the nearby thermal springs. Head off to Poas Volcano whose crater is said to be the second largest active volcano crater in the world. The Irazu Volcano is the highest in Costa Rica. Marvel at the sight of its crater submerged in pea-green sulfur-laden water amidst a rugged cliff face. It is a sight that will forever be etched in your mind.

For the truly daring, whitewater rafting on the powerful rivers of Costa Rica is a thrill of a lifetime. Enjoy the awesome scenery and the formidable power of the Pacuare River while you steer the raft over deep gorges. There are well-guided trips suited for everyone from high adventure rafting to gentle or controlled rafting for novices. Other regional rivers offer challenging rides.

Unspoiled beaches await visitors on the coasts of Costa Rica. Take your pick from powdery white to ash-black sandy beaches. There are public beaches, secluded beaches, great surfing beaches, whatever you prefer, Costa Rica has them. The sandy beaches of Manuel Antonio are popular with beach aficionados. While in Manuel Antonio, explore the lush rainforest filled with monkeys and magnificent flora and fauna.

A must on any visitor’s itinerary is the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, resplendently enveloped in hanging clouds. This awe-inspiring panorama will surely take your breath away. That is not all, everyone journeys to Monteverde to get a glimpse of the quetzal, said to be Latin America’s most beautiful bird. The best time for a sighting is from March to May, its nesting season.

National parks and protected areas abound in Costa Rica. Tortuguero National Park lies on the edge of the Caribbean Sea. It contains a web of natural canals and lagoons that serve as waterways for boats. The park is also the nesting ground for the Atlantic green sea turtles. The virgin rainforest in Corcovado National Park covers more than half of the Osa peninsula. It is home to scarlet macaws and other wildlife. Adventure naturalists will love this place. The only coral reef on Costa Rica’s Caribbean coastline can be found in Cahuita National Park. Its other attractions include monkeys, raccoons and 500 fish species.

To know more about the rich history of Costa Rica, visit its many museums mostly located in San Jose, the capital city. The Gold Museum underneath the Plaza de la Cultura houses more than 2,000 pieces of pre-Columbian antiquities. On display at the Jade Museum are jaw-dropping pre-Columbian jade, gold and stone relics. The National Museum in the old Bellavista Fortress provides insightful lessons on the history and culture of Costa Rica.

There is so much more to do here. One visit to Costa Rica is never enough and once entranced by the magic this country exudes, you will keep coming back for more.

There is no time like the past. A visit to the museum is a smart way to learn and have fun. With millions of objects to see, from pre-Columbian artifacts to taxidermy collections, there millions of reasons to visit the many museums of Costa Rica.

El Museo de los Ninos (The Children’s Museum) offers exhibits about children’s culture and their rights in Costa Rica. It also has exhibits about science, music and geography, all catering to young visitors. This museum is recommended for children up to 12 years of age.

El Museo de Oro Pre-Colombino (The Gold Museum) is home to thousands of pre-Columbian gold artifacts. The antiquities date back from 500 BE to 1600 AD when the new world was discovered by Christopher Columbus. The artifacts range from simple round earrings to intricate pieces depicting animal images. The Museo de Monida (The Coin Museum) is housed in the same building.

El Museo de Jade (The Jade Museum) located in the National Insurance Building displays an impressive collection of jade objects crafted through different techniques by the native Costa Rican indigenous people. Also on exhibit are pottery and metal works from the same period. The museum offers guided tours in English and Spanish.

El Museo Nacional de Costa Rica (The National Museum of Costa Rica) built in 1917 was originally the headquarter of the Costa Rican army. The museum showcases the history of Costa Rica from pre-colonial days up to the recent past. In addition, the garden courtyard offers visitors a magnificent view of the city of San Jose.

El Museo de Arte Costarricense (The Costa Rican Art Museum) popularly known as “el MAC” is located on the eastern end of Sabana Park. This museum exhibits a permanent collection of some of the finest Costa Rican art pieces. The collection includes approximately 2,575 pieces comprising of sculptures, paintings and woodcarvings. The museum houses a lecture hall called the El Salon Dorado (The Gold Room) where conferences and seminars are held. An exhibition hall, the Alternative Section, is used for temporary exhibitions.

El Museo de Arte y Diseno Contemporaneo (The Museum of Arts and Contemporary Design) houses contemporary national and international art pieces especially experimental works and new techniques in art and design. The museum occasionally holds exhibitions of art forms from young emerging artists.

El Museo de Ciencias Naturales La Salle’s (The La Salle Natural Sciences Museum) core possession is its butterfly collection. A taxidermy collection of other animals is also on display.

El Museo Criminologico (The Criminology Museum) is a pretty gruesome museum. Attractions cover bizarre pictures and human body parts. Besides the weird objects, there is a narration of Costa Rica’s history of criminology and law enforcement.

El Serpentarium (The Snake Exhibit) presents an exotic display of live tropical reptiles and amphibians such as poisonous snakes from Costa Rica, deadly cobras from Asia and Africa, giant pythons as well as different tropical lizards and harmful dart frogs.

Visitors of all ages will find these museums informative as well as entertaining. There is something for everyone, providing an insight into the history and culture of Costa Rica.

As a traveler, you may no longer harbor ambitions to climb the summits of majestic mountains but that does not mean you have set aside your thirst for adventures and challenges. From river safari adventures to treks through the rainforests, there are plenty of adventures still to be had. No wonder, senior travelers flock to Costa Rica, an oasis of natural bounty – volcanoes, rainforests, beaches, wildlife and marine life.

When planning your trip to Costa Rica, be sure to mention that you are a senior when making travel arrangements, be they airplane tickets or hotel reservations. In Costa Rica, it is not a common policy to offer senior discounts but ask any way, who knows you may get lucky. Always carry some identification such as driver’s license to show proof of your age. If you are over 65 and needs to get a prescription filled, you are likely to get discounts. When renting a car, inquire about promotional car rental discounts on top of senior citizen rates. However, some rental companies will not rent out cars to people over a certain age.

You can choose from a diverse range of activities to do in Costa Rica. There are hikes in nature parks and visits to exquisite garden farms guaranteed to be so peaceful and relaxing.

First on the list is a visit to Poas Volcano. It is a giant active volcano that often spews lava from the center of its enormous crater. An excursion to La Paz Waterfall Garden will acquaint you with tropical flora and the largest butterfly farm in Central America amidst breathtaking views of cascading waterfalls.

Next stop is the Monteverde Nature Reserve. Get to experience the famous Monteverde Cloud Forest from the Skywalk, suspension bridges between trees and above gorges. You can also enjoy the view while seated in a slow-moving cable car. The reserve is also famous for its diverse life forms and the elaborate system of trails that wind through the park ensuring senior travelers to discover and learn about plants and animals in relative comfort and safety. Within the reserve is the Monteverde Butterfly Farm, home to a rich variety of butterflies. The Moteverde Ecological Farm has the highest biodiversity in Costa Rica. Trails lead to a lush forest. Small mammals, reptiles and different kinds of birds including the famous Replendent quetzal inhabit this farm.

While in Monteverde, you will surely take pleasure in bird watching. Bird watching is such an extraordinary experience. With approximately 800 species recorded to date, Costa Rica offers excellent birding in its protected areas which encompasses diverse habitats from dry forest, tropical rainforest and cloud rainforest. Because of its mountainous and hilly terrains combined with varying temperatures and levels of rainfall, a wealth of birds find sanctuary in Costa Rica’s rainforests.

The most sought after bird in Costa Rica is the Resplendent Quetzal which is easily seen at Monteverde as mentioned. Other bird species that can be found at Monteverde are the scarlet macaws and hummingbirds. Other good birding spots are the La Selva Biological Station in Northern Plains and the Tortuguero National Park.

Another destination for senior travelers is the Arenal Volcano Park, home of the towering Arenal Volcano and the world-renowned Tabacon Hot Water Spring. At the foot of the Arenal Volcano is the Arenal Lake, Costa Rica’s largest lake. Watch red-hot lava as they flow down the mountainsides. Take a rejuvenating dip in the thermal pool. At La Fortuna Waterfall, plunge into crystal clear waters for an invigorating bath. The highlight for many senior travelers is the boat ride through canals passing through stunning scenery.

Senior travelers will enjoy the subtle pleasures gained from these Costa Rican “gentle” adventures.

Kids love adventure. And Costa Rica provides just that!

Costa Rica is the perfect destination for a fun learning experience for kids. It is a treasure trove of wildlife, rainforests and volcanoes. The diversity of its natural landscape and plant and animal life offers endless opportunities for kids of all ages to discover the natural world. Slide through treetops like Tarzans, float down a river teeming with exotic wildlife, experience dense forests, waterfalls and rivers on horseback., view dozens of colorful butterflies flitting around a tropical garden, be amazed at the wide collection of historical relics. All these and so much more await the kids.

Downtown San Jose has a plethora of kid-friendly attractions. A visit to the Gold Museum is a step back in time. It houses the biggest collection of pre-Columbian gold jewelry in Central America. A glittering array of pins, pendants and other decorative items in stylized animal shapes is on display. At Serpentario, kids can view colorful reptiles such as iguanas and dart frogs. They will be astonished by the sight of myriad colorful butterflies hovering around the tropical garden. The orchids and waterfall are likewise feasts for the eyes.

At nearby Alajuela, the Zoo Avenue, a wildlife conservation park, is the excellent place to see animals that are native to Costa Rica. In search of the elusive quetzal bird? Here at Zoo Avenue kids are guaranteed a long look at the beautiful emerald-colored most beautiful bird in the whole of Latin America. Kids can have a fill of colorful parrots, toucans, crocodiles, iguanas and other birds at the open air enclosures.

The tiny town of Tortuguero is home to the Tortuguero National Park. Each year hundreds of green sea turtles come to the beach to lay their eggs. The kids will have a great time watching these unique primeval creatures, descendants of the dinosaur age. Aside from turtles, they can trek through the rainforest swelling with monkeys, bats or leaf cutter ants or take a boat trip through the network of canals and spot iguanas, calmans, or even a boa constrictor camouflaged on a branch.

The Arena Volcano is the most active in Costa Rica. What sets it apart is that it spews lava regularly and spits out ash and rocks everywhere. On clear nights, kids can join a night tour to watch the volcano put on a fireworks display of red-hot molten lava. They may even hear the rumbling sounds of the volcano. They will surely be mesmerized. During the day, kids can sign up for one of the hiking trails or go horseback riding around the Arenal National Park.

Monteverde is famous for its “cloud forests”, verdant forests where streaks of rain envelop the hillsides and clouds race across the sky at high speed. This is a great place for kids. Kids will surely enjoy the Ecological Farm Night Safari. Armed only with flashlights, kids get to follow English-speaking guides who will help them hunt for nocturnal animals. Near the entrance to the reserve is a section of the rainforest, the Children’s Eternal Rainforest maintained by children from all over the world. Kids can take the Bajo de Tigre Trail and help contribute to its preservation.

But the most exciting activity in the reserve is the SkyTrek. It is a thrilling aerial adventure where kids get to zip along through the trees like monkeys suspended hundreds of feet above the ground. For the more timid kids, the Skywalk is a loop trail with a series of suspension bridges. From the bridge, kids get to gaze into an extravaganza of colorful plants. For those who love horses, they can go horseback riding through the forest and catch glimpses of the coast far in the distance.

The Manuel Antonio area has plenty of places for kids to explore. There are mangroves, pristine warm beaches, lush tropical rainforest, and exotic wildlife such as the endangered scarlet macaws, sloths and toucans. The Manuel Antonio National Park is one of Costa Rica’s popular parks. The trails through the park are easy and convenient for kids. The park has unspoiled beaches. Kids can swim at the nearby Manuel Antonio Beach.

In Costa Rica, it is great to be a kid.

When the sun goes down and the lights go up, the streets of Costa Rica, the country of “pura vida” are all full of surprises. A night out in one of the cities of Costa Rica can be quite an experience. There is more to Costa Rica than verdant foliage and thrilling adventures. The party-going side comes as no surprise as Costa Ricans love to have fun. It is there for the asking and any visitor is spoilt for choice. Costa Rica’s wide range of theaters, cool discos, interesting pubs and bars are as lively as can be.

Many areas especially in San Jose, the capital city, have a host of nightlife activities to satisfy the nocturnal needs of tourists and residents alike. To know what is going on in San Jose, the best source of information is the English daily “Tico Times” and the Spanish language newspaper” La Nacion”. The “Weekend” section of the former lists where expatriates hang out while the “Viva” and “Tiempo Libre” section of the latter highlights what is going on in discos, movie theaters and the live entertainment scene.

Costa Ricans love to dance. You will find plenty of places to dance the night away. Salsa and meringue are the main beats. Restaurants-cum-pubs-cum-dance halls are everywhere.

A good place to sample San Jose’s swirling nightlife is in El Pueblo, a huge entertainment complex built like an old Spanish colonial village. The structure houses gift shops, art studios, bars, restaurants, clubs and discos. Within the complex is Discotheque Infinito. It features several dance floors and bars. You can choose what type of music you want to listen to and proceed to the appropriate spot. Another good dance club in the complex is the Cocoloco where nightly “fiestas” are held.

When you have had enough of El Pueblo, check out the hip three-block stretch of San Pedro, south of the University of Costa Rica. After dark, the streets are filled with students, professors barhopping or simply hanging around. Stroll along the strip and take your pick. La Villa caters to artists and bohemians. Pizza Caccio is the preferred meeting place for many. It is a high energy and fun venue with good music, pizza and pasta and bottles of beer.

If you prefer noisy crowd and loud music, head off to Planet Mall Disco inside San Pedro Mall. This is a huge discotheque that can accommodate more than 2,000 people. It is equipped with the latest sound and light technology. Across the street from the mall is the All Star Bar and Grill. This is a popular American-style sports bar with large TV screens featuring American sports games.

El Cuartel de la Boca del Monte is the in-place where San Jose’s hippest crowd congregates.

For jazz lovers, there is Jazz CafÈ. Listen to relaxing jazz music amidst cozy New York bohemian ambiance. The cafÈ is decorated with original paintings and sculptures.

If loud music, sports bar, large crowds or a raucous atmosphere is not your thing, there are intimate venues around San Jose. The Hotel Grano de Oro has a lovely patio where you can unwind and enjoy your favorite cocktail. You can also relax and enjoy afternoon tea at the Amstel Hotel Lounge.

There are several gringo bars in San Jose. These are bars that cater exclusively for expatriates. Hotel Presidente’s News CafÈ is San Jose’s newest watering hole where the trendiest crowd gathers. Other popular gringo bars are the New York Bar, the Monkey Bar and the Dunn Inn Hotel.

Outside San Jose, other places across Costa Rica have quite a healthy nightlife as well. The Big Bazaar in Tamarindo is a huge beach party complete with a big bonfire. Party all night at the dance clubs and pubs in the strip at Jaco Beach. In Manuel Antonio, there is the Mar Y Sombra. It has a large open air dance floor and tables set in the sand at the beach.

Loose yourself in Costa Rica’s lively nightlife.

Taking a trip to Costa Rica is not just about sequestering yourself in a luxurious resort and recreating your life at home. Costa Rica is a land of natural wonders and ecological diversities where unique vacation adventures abound. Dare to whitewater raft through the pristine jungles or slide through a canopy of trees on vines? These and much more is Costa Rica. To ensure that you have a thrilling and memorable time in Costa Rica, here are some handy travel tips.

First and foremost, leave behind pre-conceptions about what your Costa Rica sojourn will be like. Expect the unexpected. Expect an adventure. Upon arrival, adapting to a totally different environment may at times be difficult but look at it as a positive and interesting learning experience. This way you will truly enjoy your trip.

Costa Rica, a tropical paradise, is at the mercy of Mother Nature. Thus, varying weather conditions exist. Dress in layers. Being able to add or remove clothes will be very convenient. As a whole, comfortable lightweight is the ideal. However, in higher elevations such as Monteverde, bring warm clothing. Temperatures can fall considerably.

Wear sunscreen, higher protection than 15 SPF for adults and at least 45 SPF for children and water proof if possible. Do not forget your sunglasses and wide brim hats. Costa Rica is close to the equator. The sun’s ultraviolet rays are much more direct and stronger making the skin burn faster.

As mentioned, weather in Costa Rica can be very unpredictable. Bring along a foldable umbrella or a rain poncho as rain showers can be unexpected and sudden.

Other suggested items to pack along on a trip to Costa Rica are binoculars, camera and lots of film as these are quite expensive in Costa Rica, comfortable footwear such as waterproof lightweight hiking boots and sandals, one or two swimsuits, plastic water bottles for hikes, flashlight with spare batteries, small day pack or backpack for hiking, plastic bags for wet items, insect repellant and medicines if necessary.

Although you can travel around Costa Rica without speaking Spanish, you are missing a great experience if you do not try to acquire at least a rudimentary knowledge of Spanish. You can start a conversation with a local with whatever Spanish you know. Any Costa Rican will cheerfully try to help you when he/she knows you want to speak the language. Communication with the locals will be so much easier and fun if you know even a little Spanish. In any case, always flash your sweet smile. It is the best form of communication.

Bear in mind that punctuality is not something Costa Ricans adhere to or expect from others. Efficiency is not also a common trait so be very patient and calm.

As in most places around the world, crime is a given. Visitors to Costa Rica should pay attention to personal safety. For one, leave expensive jewelry at home. As much a possible use traveler’s checks instead of cash. Just carry enough cash for the day and only one credit card.

Keep your tickets and money separate while traveling around Costa Rica in the event of theft/loss. Always keep your belongings in sight and reach. Never leave your things unattended not even for a second. It is advisable to use a money belt or a concealed pouch for valuables.

While inside a car, keep doors locked, windows up and valuables out of sight. When you leave your car, look for a guarded parking lot. If you must leave things in your car, keep them out of sight.

When walking, avoid secluded areas or go with a group or a reputable guide. Never walk alone at night.

Finally, make every effort to preserve and conserve Costa Rica’s natural resources during your stay in the country.

Exclusive, intimate and supremely luxurious, Costa Rica’s fabulous boutique hotels and world-class resorts ensure a travel experience nestled in the lap of luxury, whether you marvel at the cloud forests of Monteverde, witness the rage of Arenal Volcano or just simply sunbathe in the pristine beaches of Manuel Antonio.

Each luxury hotel in Costa Rica is built embracing the local environment, history and culture, affording a unique look, mood and experience. Thus, travelers wishing to be immersed in an exotic tropical culture yet demanding nothing less than luxury will find that a posh hotel in Costa Rica is the perfect choice.

Perched atop a sloping hillside, hidden below the treetops in a forest at Peninsula Papagayo, Four Seasons Resort provides breathtaking vistas and adventures through all the four seasons of Costa Rica. It echoes harmony between architecture and natural flora and fauna. Guest rooms are spread out in three low level buildings near the water while private villas rest above in separate units. The 153 generously sized guest rooms are furnished with indigenous wood and stone finishes. Each room opens to a balcony and an amazing panorama of the lush forest. Feeling hunger pangs? Sample Italian cuisine at its finest at Di Mare. Another dining option is the Papagayo which offers a sumptuous breakfast buffet served indoors or al fresco at the patio. Aside from an Arnold Palmer designed 10-hole golf course, guests can also enjoy two private beaches, water sports galore, mountain bikes to enjoy the rainforest or nature trails to experience the best of both worlds.

Think green. From the air you see big clumps of green in a blue sea. If you lie on the ground and look up at the blue sky, the view is mediated by the green of the foliage. The Paradisus Mella Playa Conchal is an exclusive resort nestled in 2,400 acres of green forests amidst Costa Rica’s stunning North-Pacific Riviera. The resort resembles an elegant modern village. A significant feature is its astounding infinity pool where one is treated to views from every vantage point. Ideally situated in Guanacaste, known for its gorgeous beaches, Conchal is undoubtedly the most pristine beach in Costa Rica. The white sands of Conchal are just a few steps away from your suite. Paradisus Playa Conchal boasts of 300 deluxe suites ensconced in 39 two-storey private bungalows each with eight suites. Service is impeccable. A sense of harmony is achieved between accommodating staff, exquisite scenery and the sound of nature.

There is nothing more awe-inspiring than the sheer beauty of nature. John and Karen Lewis sought out the most impressive sight in Costa Rica that nature has created and built their resort in a style that embraces rather than mars the natural milieu. Set in a private nature reserve, Lapa Rios Ecolodge opens up to the Corcovado Natural Park on the Osa Peninsula. From the deck of its main lodge, soak up the picture-perfect view of the calm Golfo Dulce as it meets the wild Pacific Ocean. Climb up the main lodge’s hardwood circular stairway and fix your eyes on verdant tropical forests and stunning ocean vistas. Check into one of Lapa Rios’ bungalows and marvel at your surroundings.

Located on a rugged mountain outpost and overlooking the Pacific Ocean, Hotel Punta Islita in Central Guanacaste welcomes visitors with the famous Costa Rican charm. Rustic colonial architecture, perfect natural location and superior service for the most discerning guest set apart the Punta Islita experience. Guests will never hunger for new experiences. Take a dip at the hotel’s inviting hillside pool. Pass time leisurely cooped up in a cozy hammock by the beach. Trek through the rainforest. Go whitewater rafting. Get a monkey’s eye view of the rainforest canopy. The list of adventures goes on. Punta Islita offers a wealth of activities.

Drown yourself in luxury, privacy, splendor and adventure in magical Costa Rica.

The minute you touch down in Costa Rica, you will know you have arrived at one of the world’s premier ecological destinations. Never before has such a dazzling array of natural wonders – active volcanoes, exotic wildlife, unspoiled beaches, wetland sanctuaries and dense forests been so readily accessible to explore.

Costa Rica, about the size of West Virginia USA, beckons with myriad choices of hotels and resorts. Costa Rica offers a wide range of lodgings in a variety of prices. There are cheap pensions, beach cabinas or cabins, budget hotels and luxury hotels. Whatever your budget, Costa Rica offers a place where you can stay in almost any part of the country.

Not planning to spend a fortune on accommodations? Costa Rica is teeming with comfortable and homey budget hotels. Rates for these nice budget hotels usually range from $50 - $75. Whether you choose a humble cabina or a posh suite, remember to make reservations well in advance especially during peak seasons.

Hotel Aranquez is one of San Jose’s most popular budget hotels. This family-run bed and breakfast offers the comfort of a Costa Rican home. It has extensive gardens and lively common areas where guest can engage in tete-a-tete. It has 33 rooms. Each room has a distinct motif. Some have private gardens and some have small sitting rooms. The complimentary breakfast buffet, a mouth-watering spread of eggs, pastries, tropical fruits and Costa Rica coffee is served on a relaxing palm-shaded garden patio. Hotel Aranquez is just a few minutes away from San Jose’s many attractions such as the National Park, Museo de Artes Costarrincense. Hotel amenities include private bath, hot water, cable television, direct dial phone, laundry service, safety deposit box and internet service.

Gran Hotel Costa Rica is aptly named. This 1930’s hotel was once the grand old dame of San Jose’s hotels. It has just gone through major renovations to reclaim its “gran” title again. Rooms are now larger with small windows and tiled baths. Gran Hotel Costa Rica is the prime choice of travelers who want to be where the fun is. It has a bar, a health club and a restaurant. The CafÈ 1930, in front of the hotel, is a convenient stop for a bite any time of the day. It is open 24 hours a day.

The classy hotel, Hotel Le Bergerac, occupies two former private homes and is decorated with antiques. All rooms, 20 of them, have custom-made dressers and writing tables. Deluxe rooms are twin-sharing with two beds, a private balcony and a spacious bathroom. Perched on a steep hill, the hotel provides guests with a magnificent mountain panorama. L’lle de France, its restaurant, is one of the best in San Jose. Breakfast is served on the garden patio. Impeccable service and a beautiful location set this hotel apart.

In La Fortuna, Arenal, Luigi’s Lodge attracts numerous guests. This small cozy hotel has a commanding view of the imposing Arenal Volcano. It has 20 air-conditioned rooms complete with bath tub and hot water. Amenities include a large swimming pool, jacuzzi, private parking and daily shuttle service. The hotel is near Arenal Volcano National Park, Tabacon Resort and Hot Spring. Guests can take a hike to the volcano, go whitewater rafting, canopy tours and horseback riding to Monteverde and much more.

While the garden restaurant is the main attraction at the elegant Villa del Sueno Hotel in Playa Hemosa, its rooms are never far behind. The superior rooms are spacious with bamboo furniture, two double beds and brand new closets. The standard rooms around the pool area have no air-conditioning but high ceilings, good ventilation and fans keep the room comfortably cool. For longer stays, there are 12 apartments to choose from.

So, kick back and enjoy your stay at these cozy and affordable budget-friendly hotels. They are sure to leave you with the best vacation memories.