Flights to Costa Rica
Costa Rica, Spanish for the Rich Coast, is an idyllic tropical delight. A Central American country, Costa Rica is bordered by Nicaragua, Panama, the Pacific Ocean, and the Caribbean Sea. A local legend claims that the Virgin Mary came down from heaven to Costa Rica and never returned.
The landscape of Costa Rica is varied, ranging from dry forests to volcanoes, beaches, mountains, and the rain forest. The rain forest is the most diverse eco-system on earth. You will find unusual flora and fauna and hidden sultry beaches. The plains of north Costa Rica are home to several volcanoes and the Caribbean coast, the least visited region, is home to many rivers perfect for white water rafting.
The Arenal Volcano is located near the town of Fortuna. You may book a tour to the volcano and be assured of spectacular sights; the volcano erupts and average of forty-one times every day. Night visits are also allowed and you can hike the area while watching the eruptions illuminate the night sky.
To the south of Fortuna is the rain forest. The best way to see the rain forest is on a canopy tour. Mundo Aventura Canopy tours will take you sliding along ten cables above the rain forest canopy. You will hear the sounds of the rain forest and catch sight of volcanoes and waterfalls.
Take a taxi boat from Fortuna to Puntarenas. Here you can tour the Montverde and Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserves. There is a bat jungle with thousands of live bats and a frog pond where you can see many species of amphibians. In the town of Puntarenas is the Montverde Cheese Factory and many cafes, such as Bar Amigos where you can eat, drink, and visit with the local Costa Ricans.
The national drink of Costa Rico is guaro. It is similar to vodka, made from fermented sugar cane. Drink carefully because guaro packs a wallop! Be adventurous and sample the local cuisine. Casado is the distinctive lunch found here and includes rice, beans, and meat, chicken, or fish.
The locals are called “ticos” or “ticas”. They are very friendly and happy to have you visit their country. It is a good idea to learn a few words from the local slang, Pachuca, so you can communicate. “Ma’e” is the local word for dude, “pulperia” means general store, and “tuanis” means ok or cool.
You will find that Costa Ricans have a love of extreme sports. You will be able to surf, mountain bike, scuba dive, and wind surf. Golf and fishing are also popular.
Entering and leaving Costa Rica is very easy. There are two major airports, Juan Santamaria and Danuel Oduber. The Juan Santamaria services the most carriers as almost all major airlines fly in and out here. You will be required to pay a $26 exit fee upon departure. This fee can be paid at the airport or arranged before hand at your hotel. Flying out of Costa Rica will give you one last look at this tropical paradise so even your departure is unforgettable.