Costa Rica

Greatly influenced by the culture of Spain, having been one of their many conquered colonies, Costa Rica laid claim to its original indigenous heritage upon gaining full independence in 1821. While some might find it’s rustic infrastructure as struggling due to lack of connections with European suppliers, its beautiful uncontaminated natural wonders have thousands of visitors flocking to Costa Rica every year.

During its occupation by the Spanish Empire, a Spanish governor in 1719 described Costa Rica as “the poorest and most miserable Spanish colony in all America.” This caused Costa Rica to be under inhabited and left to develop on its own. It’s a country brimming with biodiversity, stunning cloud forests, untouched beaches along the Caribbean and Pacific costs, majestic active volcanoes and breathtaking river valleys.

Sitting above 14,000 acres of parkland is one of the most astonishing places in Costa Rica, the Poás Volcano National Park. With myriad hiking trails and viewpoints over an area dense with vegetation and wildlife, the crater remains a powerful symbol of geothermal forces that once formed the country’s landscape. An hour and a half’s drive from San José and a cost of only $30, Poás is the perfect day trip.

If bathing in the waterfalls of nature is one of your dreams, then La Fortuna Waterfall should be on your bucket list. Braving the hike down the canyon will be rewarded with one of the country’s most stunning waterfalls situated in the rainforest near the edge of the Arenal volcano. There’s a small admission fee, and you can swim in the stream and the small rapids directly below the fall.

If you desire to nestle among sea turtles, the Guanacaste Beaches are the ultimate tropical paradise offering a perfect combination of lush scenery, pristine beaches and clear waters perfect for fishing, swimming, diving and surfing. Located in Tamarindo, these endangered creatures take over the beach from November to April, digging their nest up to 1m deep, then laying their eggs before returning to the sea.

A booming travel destination for thrill-seekers, Playa Santa Teresa has managed to hold onto its tranquil charm. The town is not only known for being a haven for surfers of all levels, but it also offers fantastic hiking, horse-back riding and even canopy tours.

Made famous as the island that greatly inspired the Jurassic Park movie francise – Cocos Island is a mecca for scuba divers who can visit one of 20 dive sites and come face-to-face with the ocean’s population of scalloped hammerhead sharks, rays, moray eels and dolphins. Nobody can stay on the remote island; therefore, visitors can only explore it aboard a professional Costa Rican live-aboard dive boat.

There’s no sleeping with the sloths when you have a selection of hotels such as The Westin Conchal Golf Resort & Spa in Guanacaste. The Westin has more than 400 rooms, an adults-only section, six restaurants, and a stunning white-sand beach. This resort features a good balance of what customers expect: a great beach, good on-site dining, and outstanding service.

The Springs Resort and Spa, Arenal Volcano. With stunning volcano views, this luxury hotel features 17 spring-fed thermal pools and a wildlife sanctuary. Rock-climbing, river tubing, kayaking, horseback riding, are all accessible on-site as well. With many connecting suites, 2, 3 or ultra-luxury 5-bedroom villa options, it’s a family favorite. This property is great for a romantic getaway too. Enjoy the view of the Arenal Volcano from your private balcony while lying in a comfy hammock. Sip tropical cocktails while relaxing by one of natural hot-spring-fed lagoons and pools.

The Nayara Gardens & Nayara Springs Resorts, Arenal Volcano seem to be always one step ahead of the competition. They offer a unique combination of luxury bungalows with volcano views, great dining, and unparalleled service.

For those who like to rest among nature, the most recent addition are the luxurious Nayara Tented Camps, which just recently opened for the 2020 season.

Conveniently located just over 1 hour from the San Jose International Airport, Los Suenos Resort and Marina, Herradura Bay near Jaco Beach features 2 & 3-bedroom condos and some of the most luxurious villas in the country. Los Sueños is popular for its world-class marina. This sheltered bay is home to some of the finest luxury sport fishing boats and yachts.

Cala Luna is found just outside of the popular Tamarindo Beach, on the North Pacific coast of Costa Rica. This charming boutique hotel is a gem among small Costa Rican hotels. The Guanacaste region is well known for come of Costa Rica’s best beaches, year-round sunshine, and a stunning tropical dry forest. There you can spot monkeys, birds, and iguanas. The hotel is surrounded by lush gardens. They offer laid-back luxury with fantastic, personal service.

Almost as diverse as its flora and fauna is Costa Rica’s nightlife. With laid-back neighborhood bars, comedy shows at the local theaters, thumping dance clubs, karaoke bars and live reggae nights, Costa Rica nightlife offers something for everyone. You also won’t have look very hard to find live music, festivals or unique events to fill your nights. Whatever kind of nightlife you’re seeking, you’re sure to find it in Costa Rica.

Look for these popular spots:

Club Vertigo – Paseo Colon, San Jose 10PM-6AM (Fri=Sun)

Castro’s Discotheque – Calle 20 11a, San Jose 12:05PM-1AM (Mon-Wed); 6PM-3AM (Thurs-Sun)

Jazz Café – San José Province, San Rafael 6PM-12AM (Mon-Sat)

Le Loft – Costa Rica, Jaco 10PM-4AM (Thurs-Mon)

Orange Pub – Pastor Diaz Ave, Puntarenas Province, Jaco 8:0PM-2:30AM (Mon, Thurs-Sat)

The Beatle Bar – Pastor Diaz Ave, Puntarenas Province, Jaco Daily, 11AM-12AM

Sharky’s Sports Bar – Avenida Central, just next door to Pacific Park, Tamarindo 11:30AM-2:30AM (Thurs-Tues); 5PM-2:30AM (Wed)

El Garito – Centro Comercial el Punto, Cerca de Arenas Surf and Skate, Provincia de Guanacaste, Tamarindo 7PM-2:30AM (Mon-Tues; Thurs-Sat)

Costa Rica Nightlife Tips

• Though Costa Ricans love to party, weekends remain the best time to enjoy Costa Rica nightlife when most clubs and bars are active and open till late hours.

• Be on the lookout for special events like discount nights and ladies’ nights at various venues to get some great deals. Lots of places also offer free cocktails for ladies on some nights.

• You need to dress according to the type of bar or club you’re visiting and the weather of the city. San Jose gets cold at night so you need to put on more clothes. Nice top or dress paired with jeans or skirt and shoes/heels is always a good idea.

• Some upscale places have strict dress code for men and women both. No hats, tank tops or jeans with holes at these Costa Rica nightlife places.

• It’s socially acceptable for boys and girls to ask each other for a dance in a club or discotheque.

• Since everyone in Costa Rica loves to dance, you can shake off your inhibitions, step on the dance floor and pick up few steps of salsa or meringue to join the party!

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