¡Pura Vida! These words greet you as you get off the plane in Costa Rica. Meaning, “Pure Life!” it won’t take you long to understand why this country is so special. Here are a few things you should know before visiting Costa Rica for the first time.
The one thing that sets Costa Rica apart from many other destinations is their fierce dedication to eco-friendly hotels and sustainable tourism. When looking up your hotel of choice, make sure to check what their “Leaf” rating is to ensure the most educated decision about your accommodations.
While planning your possible flights, keep in mind that Costa Rica contains two major airports. While San Jose is the main international airport, many people prefer to fly into Liberia due to the proximity to the Guanacaste region. Which airport will be closest to your activities?
The currency in Costa Rica does not tend to fluctuate much so you can generally count on 500 colones to the dollar. Keep this in mind when looking at prices for things you are buying.
Pack for multiple weather climates! Cold, damp weather can be found in the Cloud Forest but warm, dry heat can be found in Tamarindo. Boots, sweaters, and beanies are just as important as your bathing suit and sunscreen.
Costa Rica has two distinct seasons - dry and wet. While one part of the country can be dry, another microclimate can be experiencing torrential downpours. Research the locations you wish to visit so you can be aware of what you are getting into.
The official language of Costa Rica is Spanish, but due to the tourism boom nearly everyone speaks English. Familiarize yourself with some basic Spanish, though, to make your time there easier.
Costa Rica was voted the “Happiest Country on Earth” by the Happy Planet Index. With a high life expectancy, an overall feeling of well-being, no standing army, and high literacy rate, it is no wonder that people love to live here.
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Erica Kuschel is half of the duo at the adventure travel site, OverYonderlust.com. Erica traded her ‘normal’ existence in Austin, Texas for a life of new experiences around the world. Erica, who is a photographer by trade, likes to view the world through her lens.Erica started Over Yonderlust in March of 2010, showcasing couple travel while maintaining a strong focus on photography, humor, videos, and writing with a trusted voice. She has been seen in publications such as The Huffington Post, The Chicago Tribune, BBC, and The National Geographic Channel’s online blog. Erica has been a finalist two years running for the Bloggies (in both travel and photography categories) and taking home Hostelbookers Most Epic Photography Blog Award in November of 2012.Follow Erica on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter or Google Plus.
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