YES, IT'S REALLY THAT NICE HERE.
YOU MIGHT AS WELL STAY FOR A WHILE.
In Costa Rica, you can enjoy stunning tropical beaches, adventurous activities, unique wildlife, beautiful scenery, vibrant culture—all the components of a vacation in paradise. It's so nice, you may choose to come back again and again. Or stay—for a very long time.
COSTA RICA VACATION
COSTA RICA: When Christopher Columbus landed on these shores, its breathtaking beauty inspired him to name it Costa Rica, "Rich Coast." Home to more than 5% of the entire world's biodiversity, a vast portion of the country is unspoiled wilderness that is nothing less than astounding: Waterfalls and streams cut through the terrain. Rainforests chatter with life. Active volcanoes captivate. Towering mountains inspire. Tropical beaches delight. Plateaus with lush green meadows touch cloud forests. Howler monkeys, scarlet macaws, and exquisitely colored butterflies charm. The people of Costa Rica are warm and welcoming, and love to share their culture. Many call it COSTARIFFIC!
Capital: San Jose, located in the central valley.
Population: 3.2 million
Climate: average temperature is 72 degrees. The "Green Season" runs from May to October, while dry season lasts from November to April. The Green Season is the perfect time to enjoy lush foliage and tropical ambiance.
International Airports: San Jose and Liberia
Electrical Voltage: 110, same as U.S.
Monetary Unit/Value: 450 Colon = ~ $1
Language: Spanish, although most "Ticos" (native Costa Ricans) also speak English.
Government: Independent democracy since 1848; disbanded its army in 1948.
Economy: Based largely on tourism, bananas, coffee and sugar.
Tax and Tips: 13% and 10%, respectively, are included in restaurant bills. Additional tipping is not required.
NICOYA PENINSULA: One of the most secluded and least crowded areas of Costa Rica, with beautiful beaches and small-scale tourist facilities, this region is the most coveted vacation spot in the country. More dependably sunny than other regions, the peninsula averages about 65 inches of rain a year. Almost-perfect year-round temperatures range from 80-85 during the day and 72-75 at night. The Nicoya Peninsula's coastline boasts the most desirable beaches in all Costa Rica, resulting in a beach "mall" for surfers, sunbathers, snorkelers, fishermen, and kayakers.
COSTA RICA BEACHES
Playa Guiones, long and curving, and just a short walk south from Playa Pelada, has garnered a significant reputation for consistent and rideable beach breaks. Surfing and bodysurfing are both good here. Most of the restaurants and bars are found along this beach, but discretely situated more than 200 meters back.
Playa Pelada is a short white-sand beach with three deep scallops, backed by sea grasses and mangroves. There isn't too much sand at high tide; however, at either end of the beach, rocky outcroppings reveal tide pools at low tide. It has received the Blue Flag of Ecology two years in a row, meaning that our beach is clean and pristine. Stand in the sea spray; explore the sea caves and tide pools.
Playa Nosara is a black beach on the north side of the mouth of the Nosara River. It is rich in biodiversity, and a naturalist's delight to explore.
Playa Ostional is further to the north, about a 20 minute drive. You can only cross the Nosara River and the Rio Montaña in a car during dry season, so a horseback ride or ATV is the only way to get there in wet season, when the river is up. It is the second largest nesting site in the world of the Olive Ridley Sea Turtle. During the "arribadas", thousands of turtles cover the beach.
ABUNDANT OPPORTUNITIES FOR ADVENTURE IN NOSARA!
Costa Rica Fishing: The Nosara area offers great fishing within easy reach of shore. Experience the thrill of catching Sailfish, Marlin, Dorado, Yellowtail and Tuna. Fishing in this area runs from the most local experience of a small panga to the fully-outfitted sport-fishing boat. Most of the guides on the bigger boats are English and Spanish speaking. Bring a hat and sunscreen! Expedition prices include the boat, bait and tackle, beverages and lunch. Angler keeps his catch. All bill fish are catch and release.
River Fishing: Enjoy a fishing expedition for snook, small sharks and other river catch on the Rio Nosara or Rio Montana.
Surfing Lessons: Guiones Beach is known for its terrific waves. Get private lessons or just rent a board and catch a wave.
LaGarta Biological Preserve: Just a short walk from Patos is the Nosara Biological Preserve located at LaGarta Lodge. The view from the dining area is SPECTACULAR! Take a self-guided tour and catch a glimpse of a large variety of birds and smaller animals.
Turtle Tours: Ostional Wildlife Refuge is the home of the Olive Ridley Turtle. The female turtles arrive every month to deposit their eggs in the warm black sands of the beach. This tour is only available when the turtles are in, usually at the time just before the new moon. Or, catch the "arribada," when thousands and thousands of turtles arrive on the beach at the same time during July or August.
Horseback Riding: Nosara has two riding operations, both of which offer tours through the jungle and on the beach. Tours are guided by multi-lingual guides.
Kayaking: Iguana Expeditions offers the best kayaking and adventure tours in this area. Take an easy paddle down the Rio Nosara, or a more adventurous four-hour trip (including lunch) to Rosada Island, our deserted, pink-beach island.
Treks: Treks with English and Spanish-speaking guides are a great way to experience Nosara's mystique: waterfall treks, a trek to Arcos de Nosara (especially impressive during the wet season), treks to Bat Caves, and guided tours through the Biological Preserve.
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