Costa Rica – Explore
Costa Rica – One of the World’s Happiest Countries.
We have planned 10 days trip to Costa Rica. Costa Rica is a Central American country . It’s capital is San Jose. Costa Rican Currency is Colon, but US dollars are accepted every where.
I have consulted many travel agencies and got quotes for the following itinerary that I wanted. We end up booking the trip with anywhere.com. The agent was very helpful and they planned our trip nicely.
Places considered for visiting :
1. Arenal
2. Monteverde
3. Manual Antonio
4. Jaco
5. Corcovado National Park, Osa pennisula
6. Tortuguero National park
7. Tamarindo
8. Guanacaste
9. Poás Volcano
Our Itinerary
With 10 days we have, we were able to cover the only first 5 in the list above. We wanted to be a relaxed trip with enjoying the surroundings and nature.
| Day | Activities | Stay |
|---|---|---|
| Day 0 | Started from SFO | |
| Day 1 | 1. Landed in SJO 2. Private car ride from San Jose to Manuel Antonio – 1:30 to 4PM 3. Check in to Hotel San Bada | Manuel Antonio |
| Day 2 | 1. Morning : 8:30AM – Pickup from hotel and drop at Sierpe. 2. We booked our next 2 days in hotel Aguila de Osa northern side of the Osa Peninsula, Drake Bay. This resort is only reachable by boat. They have pick up from Sierpe twice a day. Drop off in boat to Aguila de Osa – 11:20AM to 2PM 3. Private beach access | Aguila de Osa, Drake Bay |
| Day 3 | 1. CORCOVADO NATIONAL PARK GUIDED TOUR Full day tour Start at 6:30AM 2. Evening Kayaking and exploring the bay. | Aguila de Osa, Drake Bay |
| Day 4 | 1. Check out from Hotel Aguila De Osa Inn in Drake Bay 2. Boat ride from hotel dock to Drake bay and then van pick up from beach to air port. 3. Flight : 9:45Am to 11:10Am , Drake bay to SJO 4. Pick up from SJO and drop off in private vehicle to Monteverde. | Ficus Sunset Suite, Monteverde |
| Day 5 | 1. Morning Tour : Selvatura Suspension bridges, Butterfly garden and humming bird garden (8:30 to 11:30) 2. Afternoon Tour : El Trapiche coffee tour. | Ficus Sunset Suite, Monteverde |
| Day 6 | 1. Monteverde to Arenal – Taxi /Boat/Taxi (8AM to 11:30AM) 2. Walk to the observatory at the top 3. Dinner at Arenal Down town | Hotel Los Lagos, Arenal |
| Day 7 | 1. 4 in 1 Tour – Hanging Bridges and Baldi hot springs Pick up Time : Los Lagos in Arenal at 07:20AM. Drop off : 8:30PM at hotel | Hotel Los Lagos, Arenal |
| Day 8 | 1. Morning Tour : Zip lining/Canopy Tour 2. Lunch : Sand witches at resort restaurant 3. Afternoon Tour : Horse back ride | Hotel Los Lagos, Arenal |
| Day 9 | 1. Drive from Arenal to SJO – 8AM to 11:30AM 2. Flight back home at 1:55 pm, San Jose, CR (SJO) |
Highlights :
Birds chirping every where, Crocodiles crawling, Monkeys stealing, Iguanas, sloths sighting….
Natural beauty across the nation with Volcanos, Water falls, rain forests, National Parks with hikes, suspension bridges….
Plantains/Banana trees in the wild and on the plate and finally colorful Heliconias…
Travel Date : 12/17/16 to 12/26/16
FAQ:
1. When to visit Tortuguero National park?
The Green Sea and Hawks bill turtle’s nesting season runs from July to October with the peak in August, and the Leather back turtles nest from February to April. It is possible to see individual turtles at any time of the year.
2. What is the best time to visit Costa Rica?
The best time to visit Costa Rica is from mid-December to April (the dry season). This peak tourist season boasts plenty of sunshine making it an ideal time for exploring rain forests and lounging on beaches. That said, the dry season is the most popular (and expensive) time to visit
3. How is the food in Costa Rica?
Food is tasty and awesome in Costa Rica. They are restaurants and small street food stalls. Tap water is safe to drink in Costa Rica. Noticed most of the people order fresh smoothies along with the food. Raw Banana in almost all the time in breakfast, lunch and dinner. We loved the typical Costa Rican food in Banana leaf (Casado) , Fried rice with Chicken, sea food and vegetables and tasty fish.
4. What is the currency used?
Costa Rican currency is Costa Rican colón . 1 Costa Rican Colón equals 0.0016 United States Dollar. Every where US dollars are accepted, so you don’t need to convert to that currency.
5. Tipping in Costa Rica?
Normally you can leave for maid around $1 or $2, for the tour guide gratuity of around $3 to $10 per person a day and for Taxi driver around $3 to $6 dollars per person a day.
6. Do we have to book through the Travel agents?
7. Can we drive our self in Costa Rica?
8. Does people speak English?
9. How are the roads in Costa Rica?
10.
