THE COUNTRY
A well established country for tourists to visit where you will find beaches, rainforests, volcanoes, and amazing wildlife. 25% of the area is made up of a protected jungle home to many exotic animals.
That being said, this is the most expensive country in Central America. The majority of the tourists here are retired or are in a vacation willing to splurge. There are a lot of high end resorts and other luxurious places catering to the lavish vacationer.
Costa Rica is a country that seems to "have it all" as a Central American country, but it comes with a high price tag.
VISA/ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
You need to ensure that your passport is valid for the next 6 months from the date you enter the country. You also need to have at least several blank pages in your passport.
A tourist visa for up to 90 days is available at no cost for any British, EU, Australian, New Zealand, Canadian and USA passport holders. If you hold a different from those mentioned, you need to check what other requirements are needed with the embassy.
CURRENCY
Colónes is the currency in Costa Rica. ATM's are practically everywhere. Being that Costa Rica is a popular tourist destination, USD is used just as much as Colónes here. Be sure that your notes are in good condition meaning no rips and tears.
Although USD is accepted, use the local currency as much as possible as your money will go further because you will get better rates for the Colónes. Debit and credit cards are accepted almost everywhere except small street vendors.
TRANSPORTATION
Public bus/Shuttle - The most common way to get around the country if you're on a budget. They're very safe and will be your cheapest option to get from one city to the next or to move around within a city.
First class bus - Sometimes you need to take a first class bus depending on how far your destination is.
Private Shuttle service - They're a bit more expensive as these types of shuttle services will take you and 6-10 other tourists. You can reserve tickets through the hostel/hotel you're staying at or any travel agencies in the city.
THINGS TO DO
Catarata Del Rio (Bajos del Toro) - A beautiful waterfall worth going to first thing in the morning.
Cloud Forest (Moteverde) - Take a stroll here. It is one majestic walk with lush surroundings.
Arenal Volcano National Park (San Carlos) - Known for its hot springs, Arenal Volcano, the lake, and seeing wildlife.
Paraiso Manantiales (Río Cuarto) - A hidden gem and untouched. Lots of waterfalls here and you will most likely to have this hidden paradise to yourself.
Manuel Antonio Park (Puntarenas) - Coral reefs, white sand beaches, hiking trails and a rainforest can be found here at the national park.
Cerro Chato (La Fortuna) - A rugged trail offering a rewarding lake at the end.
Tortoguero National Park (Límon) - If you want to see turtles, this is the place to be.
Corcovado National Park (Puntarenas) - Home to a vast wildlife.
Puerto Viejo - Do any sort of water activities here whether it's surfing, snorkelling, or diving.
Poás Volcano (Alajuela) - This volcano is 2,708 m high providing one of the most breathtaking views in the country.
Santa Teresa - A great spot to surf.
Montezuma - A great spot to do nothing by the water.
Irazú Volcano (Cartago) - Standing at 3,423 m high, this volcano is the tallest active volcano in Costa Rica. You will be taken to the top by a bus and you look down at its crater. There are no hiking trails leading up to the summit.
Catarata Río Fortuna (La Fortuna) - Another beautiful waterfall that you cannot miss. I highly suggest going here in the morning to avoid the crowd in the afternoon.
Although I feel like Costa Rica is a country I should visit when I'm retired, it's a country that should be visited by anyone from any generation. Tourism is not going to slow down here any time soon and there are plenty of good reasons why. I would love to hear from you so if you have any questions or feedback, do leave your comments down below. Safe travels everyone!