A small place located in the heart of Central America, south of the United States, Costa Rica. Between the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean, it is a land of natural beauty.

Costa Rica‘s tropical climate allows for year-round visits. However, from December to April – during this time there is less rain, so it is quite comfortable to walk around. The area of Costa Rica is 51,100 square kilometers, which is almost half of West Bengal, India. This tiny country has 5% of the world’s ecosystems.

Table of Contents

Budget trip to Costa Rica

A trip to Costa Rica is not very expensive, but following some tips will allow you to travel more budget friendly:

When to go to Costa Rica: Rain can disrupt travel during the rainy season (May to November), but the costs are lower.
Airports: Costa Rica has two major international airports – San Jose and Liberia. Getting off at the airport near your destination will save both time and money.
Local Transport: Buses are the cheapest form of transport. There is also a shuttle service and taxis.
Accommodation: Hotels, guesthouses and Airbnb stays are less expensive.
Food: Eating at a local restaurant is cheaper. You can buy food at supermarkets.

Places to visit in Costa Rica

There is no shortage of places to visit in Costa Rica. Blue sea, green mountains, rainforests, volcanoes – it’s a paradise for nature lovers. Some of the popular places are:

San José:

Costa Rica’s capital, San Jose, is a vibrant city. There are many museums, art galleries and historical sites. There are also many attractions outside the city, such as the Poás Volcano and the Doka Estate Coffee Plantation.

Museums and Theaters: Learn about Costa-Rica’s history and culture at the National Museum. You will be surprised to see the ancient gold artifacts in the Jade and Gold Museum. You can enjoy drama, opera, and ballet at the National Theatre.
Market: In the central market, you can buy local fruits, vegetables, coffee, and handicrafts. A variety of street foods are also available.
Barrio Amón: This historic neighborhood features amazing architecture, art galleries, and cafes.
Outside the city: From the cave of the Poás Volcano, you can enjoy stunning views of the surrounding area. You can learn about the process of coffee production at Doka Estate. The park is home to many different kinds of animals and birds.

Tortuga Island:

Located in the Caribbean Sea, this island is famous for its white sand beaches, blue waters, and coral reefs. There are several things to do in the surrounding area, including snorkeling, diving and swimming.

Beaches: These beaches, Playa Blanca, Playa Gigante, and Playa Tortuga, are great for swimming and relaxing.
Scuba diving : You can see colorful fish, turtles, and other marine animals on the coral reef.
Cuisine: There are variety of restaurants and bars on the island, where you can enjoy local food and drinks.
Hiking: Hiking in the island allows you to see wildlife and birds.

Santa Teresa:

Located on the shores of the Pacific Ocean, this city is famous for surfing. There is also the opportunity to watch the sunset.

Surfing: Santa Teresa is one of the best surfing spots in the world. There are various surfing schools where beginners can learn surfing.
Beach: Santa Teresa beach is ideal for surfing as well as swimming and sunbathing.
Yoga: There are many yoga studios where you can practice yoga.
Nightlife: Santa Teresa has a variety of bars and clubs, where nightlife is high.

Tortuguero National Park:

This national park is home to turtles, monkeys, sloths, and various species of birds. You can see wild animals on boat journeys here.

Boating: Boating in the river will allow you to see monkeys, sloths, crocodiles, and various species of birds.
Turtles: Many tourists come to see the eggs laid by the species of green turtles.
Kayaking and Canoeing: You can enjoy the beauty of the forest by kayaking and canoeing in the river.
Hiking: You can hike through the inner part of the national park and spot wildlife on foot.

Poás Volcano:

A lot of tourists come to see the volcano located near San José. Also, the view from here is amazing.

You will be surprised to see the dark blue volcano and the smoke coming out of it.
Scenery: The view from here is amazing. The views of the green hills and coffee plantations will take your breath away.
Hiking: You can walk around the hiking paths surrounding the volcano and take in the beauty of nature.

Monteverde:

Known as the Kingdom of Clouds, this area has dense rainforest, hanging bridges, and zip lining opportunities.

Monteverde Cloud Forest: You can enjoy the beauty of the forest by walking on the hanging bridge. You can spot wildlife on many hiking trails.
Zip lining: Ziplining through the forest offers thrilling adventure.
Coffee Tour: Monteverde has many coffee plantations, where you can learn about the process of coffee production.

Arenal Volcano:

The volcano that is most active in Costa-Rica is Arenal. Hiking, taking a hot spring bath, and seeing volcanic lava are all possible.

Volcano: It’s really exciting to see red lava erupting at night.
Hiking: You may walk around the hiking paths surrounding the volcano and take in the beauty of nature.
Hot Springs: There are many hot springs nearby, where you can refresh both body and mind by taking a bath.
Fountain: You can bathe in the La Fortuna Waterfall.

Tamarindo Beach:

Situated on the shores of the Pacific Ocean, this beach is famous for surfing, swimming, and watching the sunset.

Beach: You can spend the whole day on this beach of blue water and white sand.
Surfing: Tamarindo Beach is also ideal for surfing.
Nightlife: There are variety of bars and clubs, where you can have fun at night.
Food: There are many restaurants, bars and shops.

Islas Murciélagos:

Snorkelling and diving here are popular. This area is home to a wide range of wildlife, such as dolphins, turkeys, and deer.

Diving and snorkeling: Colorful fish, turtles, sharks, whales, and dolphins swim on the coral reef.
Hiking: Hiking in the island allows you to see wildlife and birds.
Kayaking: Kayaking in the sea lets you to view the islands’ natural beauty.

Guanacaste:

This region of Costa-Rica has many beautiful beaches, national parks, and resorts.

Beaches: Playa Conchal, Playa Tamarindo and Playa Flamingo – these beaches are ideal for swimming.
National Parks: Santa Rosa, Rincón de la Vieja, and Palo Verde are national parks with diverse wildlife.
Resorts: Guanacaste has a variety of resorts, where you can spend a luxurious vacation.

Travel to Costa Rica: Tips and Information

Visa: Bangladeshi passport holders need a visa to travel to Costa Rica. Book your visa well in advance.
Currency: The currency of Costa Rica is the Costa Rican Colón (CRC). However, the US dollar also runs in most places.
Language: Spanish is Costa Rica’s official language. However, English is also quite used in tourist areas.
Clothing: Costa Rica’s climate is tropical, so wear light and comfortable clothing. Also, keep raincoats or umbrellas with you.
Sunscreen and mosquito repellent: Use sunscreen and mosquito repellent to protect from the sun’s heat and mosquito bites.
Transportation: Bus travel is the most affordable in Costa Rica. There is also a shuttle service and taxis. You can also rent a car. However, some roads are quite bad, so drive carefully.
Accommodation: Costa Rica has a variety of accommodations, such as hostels, guesthouses, hotels, and resorts.
Food: The food in Costa-Rica is very good. A wide variety of meats, fish, eggs and seafood are available.
Costa-Rica is a safe country. But, as with anything, you need to be careful. Do not walk alone at night, and do not carry valuables with you.

Some information about Costa Rica

Capital city: San José.
Population: 5,153,957 people
Language: Spanish
Currency: Costa Rican Colón (CRC)
Climate: tropical
Religion: Christian (mostly Catholic)
Economy: tourism, agriculture (coffee, bananas and pineapple) and high technology
National Parks: 25% of Costa Rica’s land is national parks and protected areas.

Attractions of Costa Rica

Costa Rica, a small country in Central America, is a paradise for nature lovers. Blue sky, green hills, rainforests, mountains – there’s so much to see and do. Tourists will love the friendly people, rich culture, and thrilling activities.

The Attractions of Costa Rica

Wildlife: You will be amazed to see different species of monkeys, sloths, turtles, birds, and snakes.
Beaches: There are many beautiful beaches along the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea. Surfing, swimming, sunbathing or just sitting on the sand and enjoying the beauty of the sea – you can do it all here.
Volcanoes: Costa Rica has many beautiful and active volcanoes. Watching the volcano erupt, bathing in the hot springs, and hiking around the volcano will be outstanding experiences.
Rainforest: Rainforest covers more than half of Costa Rica’s land. Here you can walk on the hanging bridge, enjoy the beauty of the forest, do zip lining, and watch the wildlife.
Activities: Costa-Rica provides opportunities for a wide range of activities, including surfing, diving, snorkeling, hiking, kayaking, rafting, canoeing, horseback riding, and zip lining.
Culture: Costa Ricans are friendly and hospitable. The culture here is quite diverse in food, music, and festivals.

Planning a trip to Costa Rica

A few things to keep in mind when planning a trip to Costa-Rica:

Visa: Bangladeshi passport holders need a visa to travel to Costa Rica.
Time: December to April is the best time of year to visit Costa Rica.
Budget: The cost of traveling to Costa Rica depends on the type and cost of your trip. However, if you want to get around safely, take the bus, stay in a hotel, and eat in a local restaurant.
Transportation: Buses are the cheapest way to travel. There is also a shuttle service and taxis.
Accommodation: Hostels, guesthouses, hotels, and resorts.
Safety: This is a safe country. However, always be careful and take care of valuable things.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is Costa Rica expensive to backpack?

No, backpacking in Costa Rica is not very expensive. However, the cost can be more or less depending on the type and cost of your trip.

Is it easy to travel in Costa Rica?

Yes, it is quite easy to travel in Costa Rica. The people here are friendly, and the tourism system is also quite developed.

What is the cheapest way to travel in Costa Rica?

Traveling by bus and staying in a hotel is the most cheapest way to travel in Costa Rica.

Is it cheaper to buy clothes in Costa Rica?

No, clothes are not cheap in Costa Rica. You can find good deals in the local market.

Conclusion

Costa Rica is truly a beautiful country. The beauty of nature, the diversity of wildlife, and the friendliness of the people here will surprise you. If you love nature, adventure, or vacations, Costa Rica is your ideal destination. Plan your vacation to Costa Rica now.

Sillery Gaon Travel Guide | Offbeat Destination And View Point

Top 10 Best Places to Visit in Costa Rica | North America