Costa Rica has long been a favourite vacation destination for those wanting to experience the tropical climate. For that reason, many of the hotels to be found in the country cater to holiday travellers, rather than the business traveller. There are quite a few low cost options to be had, but those looking for a higher end stay will also be able to find it.
Top Things about Costa Rica
Besides the lovely weather, there are many attractions to be seen in Costa Rica. For example, San Jose Central Market is one of the city’s main attractions, with hundreds of kiosks there to see food and goods. This market has been up and running since 1880.
Those interested in a little history can check out the Pre-Columbian Gold Museum, which is also in San Jose. In this museum, hundreds of artefacts can be seen, all of which illustrate the tradition of pre-Columbian gold rendering. The oldest of these artefacts date all the way back to AD 500.
Natural beauty can be witnessed in many areas of Costa Rica, but perhaps the most striking example of it can be found in the Lankester Botanical Gardens. These are located just outside of Cartago, and they were created in the 1940s as a private orchid garden.
Going further with the nature part of the vacation, a ride on the Rain Forest Aerial Tram gives visitors a bird’s eye view of the precious vegetation. This can be a fun and educational experience, and the bonus is that people of all ages are allowed to ride, so that this can be tried by the whole family.
Best Cities to Visit
San Jose is the capital of Costa Rica, as well as the largest city in the entire country. There are many attractions to be found in the city, including the National Museum, where the history of Costa Rica is described in detail. This museum is highly organized, and is housed in a building with roots in the 19th century.
The natural history of Costa Rica is an interesting one, and there are several places throughout the country where more can be learned about it. For example, the Spirogyra Butterfly Garden has an informative set-up that also allows visitors to get a glimpse of how the various butterflies of Costa Rica interact with the environment around them.
Another piece of natural history that may be absorbed in the area is the National Park, which is an ecological gem. The varied vegetation that can be found in this setting helps to make it one of the most charming destinations in the country.
Jaco is another city centre in Costa Rica, and this coastal city is home to many beaches and other outdoor activities. On the north side of Jaco are the Herradura Bay beaches, which are home to the fishing capital of Costa Rica. Surfing lessons can also be obtained at various locations along the bay, for those travellers who feel inclined to test the copious waves.
Events
People who have an interest in the local arts scene should consider coming to Costa Rica in March, since this is when the International Festival of the Arts takes place in San Jose. This is a multidisciplinary festival, and as such musical performances, theatrical performances, and live dancing are all a part of it.
Corpus Christi, a traditional religious feast, is celebrated every May in Costa Rica. The celebration is localised in Pacayas and Cartago, and though it is based on a religious holiday, offers parades and food that appeal to secular visitors, as well.
Carnival is celebrated every October in Costa Rica, particularly in Puerto Limon. The lavish festivities usually associated with Mardi Gras take place over the course of this festival.
Local Cuisine
In Costa Rican food, beans and rice are a staple, and can be found in many of the country’s traditional dishes. To sample such dishes, visitors can seek out restaurants such as the eatery in San Jose’s Hotel Grano de Oro. The lavish setting of this restaurant has long been the place where celebrities come to dine in the city. Traditional European fare is the order of the day at this establishment.
Some may be surprised to find out that there are many Chinese restaurants in the city of San Jose.
Like the hotels in Costa Rica, the restaurants in this country cater to a wide variety of price ranges, so as long as they do their research beforehand, diners need not worry about the meal costing an arm and a leg.
Culture
Costa Rica is home to several notable theatres. These include Melico Salazar Theatre in San Jose, which holds musical as well as dramatic events. This building was first completed in 1928, and it has been home to some of the foremost stars of the performing arts world.
The National Theatre of Costa Rica, located right in the middle of San Jose, is yet another place where local culture can be taken in. This theatre was completed in 1897, and has held cultural events ever since. Costa Rica’s National Symphonic Orchestra performs at the venue regularly.
The Teatro Variedades was built in the late 1890s, and is now one of the country’s oldest movie theatres. The theatre is still used for screenings, which means that a visit to this destination is bound to be a combination of history and culture. The range of movies shown here is everything from Hollywood fare to local independent films.
Costa Rica Hotels
In order to see this beautiful country, potential visitors do not have to spend a fortune on accommodation. Low cost hotels abound when it comes to Costa Rica, and as such, a wide variety of people may be able to travel there. The gorgeous weather, stunning scenery and thriving cultures of this country are enough to make people want to travel there, but the fact that the hotel will be cheap certainly does not hurt.