Costa Rica Nightlife

Disco is not dead! Not in Costa Rica…there are numerous discotheques’ active and alive all throughout the region. These popular clubs boast of into the wee hours dancing, some are teaching patrons latino dancing. There are four disco clubs in San Jose alone. The Coco Loco caters to a more mature crowd, drawing it’s travelers in by subtle ambience and a large dance floor. Equally exciting is the flashy Infinite Disco which parties all night. Many locals as well as tourists flock to a club called Friends, which is next door to the Coco Loco, so you don’t have to go too far to club hop. For a more cultural and tropical setting, then Tango is an exciting choice. Scattered all through El Pueblo are an assortment of bars facing out of red roof and cobblestone buildings. One of the city’s top attractions is Club Idem. Not to be missed either when traveling from end to end is the piquant local bar called Gringo Gulc. Many travelers have said not to miss the local beer called “Imperial” before you leave Costa Rica.

Jaco beach is easy access from most hotels and located just a short walk down the beach is a famous bar called the Beatle Bar, collecting travelers, fisherman, and locals on a nightly basis. This bar was relocated three times before settling in on Jaco Beach. The Beatle bar is the funfest hotspot of Costa Rica. The Monkey Bar and The Jungle are appealing to a younger crowd, especially The Jungle because of the bar and dance floor being upstairs.

Costa Rica has casinos! They are usually a part of the hotel due to laws surrounding Costa Rica gambling. They are not the size of what you would find in American gambling cities but still an attraction for busy tourists. When booking your vacation, be sure to ask if the hotel you are staying at offers this as an amenity. With the quantity of hotels and hotel packages, there is something for everyone, including casinos for the gambling spirit.

If you want a taste of something other than bars and clubs, this cultural region has plenty of arts and entertainment available to travelers. Every Friday in the San Jose newspaper La Nacion there is an insert referred to “viva” section which list weekly theatre, arts and cultural events happening around the area. Tico Times also puts out a weekly addition for arts and entertainment as well. Some local color at night is to indulge in the Adrenal Volcano hot springs, checking out wildlife and tropical greenery on a moonlight walk, or pamper yourself with a choice bread at one of their bakeries. There is usually some form of inexpensive cultural entertainment going on nightly, such as watching Latino dancing, or theatre performances by the locals.

Costa Rica is designed to please almost anyone. There is an abundance of activities, day or night easily accessible and affordable for the traveler. Whether you seek a quiet man’s evening, cultural experiences or a wild night out, Costa Rica happily accommodates even the most hard to please tourist.

Costa Rica Attractions

There are preferred locations in Costa Rica that most tourists flock to and with good reason. These areas are not only full eco diversity beauty, but have been polished to perfection with tourism in mind. The pacific ocean beaches and the central region are just that. The picture perfect beaches in Costa Rica are Herradura, Flamingo, and Conchal. These beaches a 5 star exclusive beaches catering to the tourist every need. Chock full of cultural attractions, they also boasts of other activities like golfing, spas, marinas, and even real estate subdivisions. For more affordable or younger crowd beaches, Jaco beach is a favorite, as is Hermosa and Tamarindo. However, there are still untouched beaches all around the Costa Rica coastline.

Manuel Antonio National Park located in the province of Puentarenas costs only $7 to enter the park. The park opens at 7a.m. with a croc pond at the entrance, the crocs are brave to the tourists as are the monkeys at stealing tourist’s fruits. Playa Manuel Antonio is a great beach inside the park, so take the swimming suit. There are facilities and amenities readily available. There are a variety of activities like water sports, horseback riding, ATV tours, bird watching, and golf.

In and around Guanacaste there are a lot of attractions to dive into, like Liberia, the capitol of Guanacaste. Very few tourists know of this quiet, scenic town, so it’s relatively untouched and full of cultural opportunity. There are national parks there chocked full of wildlife and flora, and there are spectacular beautiful beaches to play on. Nosara beach is ideal to watch leatherback turtles on the black sands. Arenal Volcano is close by with a world all of it’s own to offer. The active volcano has tourist attractions catering to everybody, there are so many it is best to check with your travel agent or the hotels to set up a custom plan for your travels. Tamarindo has half day or full day jeep trips to their off beaten paths, also consider the season’s rodeos. They are becoming increasingly popular because of so much cultural flavor. There is also 2 national parks in Tamarindo, one provides kayaking through Tamarindo Estuary, a 1200 acre saltwater jungle with species like iguanas, birds and even crocs. Tamarindo has 5 popular beaches all sporting water adventures.

Tortuguero is another destination for tourists combing through Costa Rica. Tortuguero National Park has 11 different ecological habitats, making it a must see for nature buffs. Tortuguero has many small indigenous towns, with a lot to explore, and many ways to do it. You can rent bikes, hike, rock climb, horseback ride or even rent harley davidsons. This Caribbean paradise offers aerial tours of Tortuguero, and if you still have energy, the Colorado Wildlife Refuge is just north. Tortuguero is fascinating and still somewhat untouched territory by tourism.

Costa Rica has such a wide base of activities and attractions, all centered around their bio diverse environment, that the best way to visit Costa Rica is to think about what it is you love doing or have always dreamed of doing, and for certain, whatever it is, Costa Rica has it to give you.

Costa Rica Vacations

If you have decided to make Costa Rica your vacation destination…congratulations! You have chosen a tropical hot spot for travelers that is still a secret. This tiny Central American country reigns as the ultimate luxury in vacations due to it’s pristine and untouched natural resources and cultural preservation in environments. There are twenty six parks, endless beaches, volcanoes, conserved jungles and a variety of species just waiting for your exploration. If your are an adventurer than surfing or deep sea fishing amongst the coast will peak your spirit as well as checking out the active volcanoes by way of white water rafting down one of the many rivers prowling through wildlife filled jungles. Costa Rica is an ecosystem diverse from any other. This small paradise fills the soul with the simple joys of life’s offerings. Sunbathing on the abundant beaches or swimming with dolphins creates a memorable vacation only to bring you back again and again. Surfing and golfing are fast becoming great past times in Costa Rica too.

Costa Rica offers plenty of available, luxury hotels or resorts and lodges. You can even camp out in one of their campgrounds if you choose to sleep amongst the natural background. Inquisitive minds can combine hotel/tour packages to include activities geared to their own vacation expectations and needs. With so many options available, you may choose not to set an itinerary but instead foot through the many cultural and environmental activities on more of a spontaneous plan. The tropical climate has it’s rainy season from May to November with rain showers in the afternoon. If you prefer, a dryer vacation then plan on going between December to April.

Many nature enthusiasts take the route of one of the biggest attractions in Costa Rica known as the Arenal Volcano, located outside of La Fortuna-San Carlos. Many of the hotels in this area are dedicated to offering tours and adventure packages to the active volcano. Some of these activities include a canopy tour: flying through the air on a zip line for unbelievable views of the volcano as well as a true feel of the jungle created for the most hungry of adventurers. For a more calm experience, the hotel packages offer soaking in one of the near by volcano hot springs. This is just one idea of Costa Rica indulgence out of endless choices.

When booking your vacation to Costa Rica be sure to inquire about local flavor, activities, entertainment, and exactly what is available in hotel and tour packages. Usually you can personalize or customize your travel package to your needs, as well as benefit from inclusion of coupons, discounts, or special promotions. Costa Rica caters to tourism, and the locals are eager to welcome you. The largest city is San Jose, with around one million population.

Costa Rica vacations are becoming exceedingly popular as more and more travelers seek new places to discover. Ecologically untouched, it contains over 5% of the worlds’ bio diversity with its rainforests and jungle flora, rare and endangered species habitats, and coastal sea marine life. every traveler absorbs their own unique experience. No matter which part of Costa Rica you plan to stay, each will have it’s own distinctive flavor taking you to indulgences of it’s own. There will be shopping, restaurants, activities, nightlife available to round out your idea of a unforgettable vacation.

Costa Rica Information

Costa Rica is such a spectacular country with a consistent tropical climate and a diverse ecosystem that many consider moving there after visiting. Whether retiring or continuing to work in Costa Rica, there is a considerable amount of information available to go thru before you make the move. First, before anything else, visit Costa Rica. The pictures are nice and the internet makes it possible to have current information, photos, and access to arrange everything, but the true test is staying down there for at least a month, then deciding if it is for you. The advantages are many for living in Costa Rica. Aside from beautiful weather and endless activities, Costa Rica is a very peaceful environment sporting a healthy democracy in government. Everyone can own property in this stable economy. The standard of living is reasonable, and the country is proactive in environmental issues.

Know that you can easily purchase property in Costa Rica. Most of inhabitants live on the pacific ocean side or in the central region, due mainly because it is more inhabitable. If you choose residence under the pensionado or rentista ( personal) plan, you must be able to show ability of income. If you are considering residence under the inversionista (business) guidelines than you must show a feasible plan to the Costa Rica Tourist Board and also the Center for the Promotion of the Exterior Commerce for their approval first. You can become a citizen in Costa Rica without ever stepping foot in the country by depositing $60,000 into Banko Internacional de la Costa Rica S.A.(BICSA) for a period of five years. You can also open a bank account before moving or visiting as well. Anyone can bank in Costa Rica. Taxes on imported goods can be as much as 15 percent.

It is advisable to read recommended titles on retirement in Costa Rica and read the Costa Rica locale newspapers, all well as obtain as much information and assistance from the Costa Rican Chamber of Commerce. The Chamber of Commerce is a plethora of relevant information, including a job bank for those who want to pick up work in Costa Rica. There are English speaking real estate agents established in Costa Rica who have a working knowledge of the best way to buy your home there.

You are required to have a passport for Costa Rica. A tourist can get a visa for a longer stay for either 30 days or 90 days. When traveling around Costa Rica, always use the same precautions you would exercise in any foreign country, however for the most part Costa Rica is safe. Taxis are the best way for means of transportation, they are inexpensive and always available. Rental cars can get more pricey, but rates change intermittently and you can rent a car or 4x4 on a weekly basis. No immunizations are required, and the water is safe. Costa Rica accepts most credit cards, has ATM’s, and internet cafes all throughout. You will see Costa Rica’s ammenities are with the times and easily accessible. The most important thing before moving permanently to Costa Rica is to visit first, and always get as much information as you can find beforehand. This makes the decision so much easier.

Costa Rica Hotels

Costa Rica is bursting with hotels and many of these have several package deals. If you are going to visit Costa Rica why not choose a smaller, more unique hotel that is designed with local flair and character? Ambience and exclusiveness can top a vacation into a dream experience. An unforgettable hotel and service which treats you like family can fill your expectations of a vacation and have you reliving the vacation long after it’s over, only to bring you back again. Costa Rica has some memorable hotels to experience.

In one of the most popular of cities, San Jose, there is a small eccentric hotel converted from an old mansion called Grand de Oro. This warmly decorated hotel has more of a home feel with only 35 rooms surrounded by tropical gardens. The rooms are layered in deep earth tones and inviting comfort to feel apart of the natural resources. Italian tiles, atriums, Jacuzzi, and tours to Adrenal volcano are the draw of Grand de Oro.

Another spectacular small hotel is called the Peace Lodge. This beautiful place is built with natural wood sculpting beams, river stone and handmade wood flooring. Each room has a stone fireplace, Jacuzzi (which turns into a waterfall), and opens to a large balcony facing panoramic views of the rainforest. They include aromatherapy, stained glass art, and canopy beds in these rooms. They have the advantage for La Paz Waterfall Gardens Park, by giving their guests the option to indulge in the park before it opens or after it closes. They also offer many activities like horseback riding or bird watching for their guests.

Close to Manuel Antonio National Park is another lovely aesthetically pleasing resort called Hotel Arenas del Mar. It seeks to blend harmoniously into the rainforest and beach environment to heighten their guest’s Costa Rican experience. There are two restaurants with ocean views, a spa, and a gift store. They offer drinks by the pool. Their guests rooms all have private beach access. They have endless activities available from fishing, white water rafting and even surf lessons.

Another unique hotel located in San Jose is Hotel Villa Caletas with it’s French inspired décor. A true Victorian hotel which boasts of being on top of everything…literally. This hotel stands 1150 feet above the ocean on a hilltop, overlooking everything. It has a 180 degree panoramic view of the ocean and mountains as the backdrop. With the old world charm combined with tropical jungle, this flavor filled hotel promises romantic notions and visual enlightenment for all it’s guests. There are many amenities and activities included in the hotel offerings. Kayaking, sports fishing and tours to Tortuga Island are just a few.

If a seaside community is more your niche, then the lovely Hotel Captain Suizo in Tamarindo, may be your hotel destination. They have a centered huge free form swimming pool surrounded by tropical gardens and located next to the beach. A quaint little hotel immersed in the beach community providing access to beaches, shops and interesting restaurants and bars. This hotel offers bungalows and mezzanine bedrooms with many amenities. One draw is the howling monkeys visiting often from the area jungle. They provide their guests with a large list of activities and tours.

About Costa Rica

* There are two seasons in Costa Rica: dry and wet. The wet season is between May to November, producing spring conditions. The dry season is December to April.

* Most of the beach resorts are located on the Pacific side where it remains hottest.

* Temperatures remain at an even degree constant with variety of altitudes.

* Costal waters are continually a warm 74 degrees.

* There are 31 museums located throughout Costa Rica and 3 symphonies.

* Export and tourism are the number one economy.

* Bananas and coffee are responsible for over 50 percent of exports, behind that ornamental and cut flowers.

* Tourism over the past year brought almost 300 million dollars in for the Costa Rican economy.

* The official currency is called the colon.

* The official language is Spanish, second is English.

* Costa Rica has at least 93% population who can read and write.

* Ticos is what the Costa Rican people are called. There are over 3 million Ticos residing in Costa Rica, most living around San Jose in the central valley.

* 90 percent of Costa Rican’s are roman catholic.

* Costa Rica has over 600 natural sites to visit.

* Tourism is so big, that more than 124,000 Costa Rica families are involved in tourism.

* Scores of activities exist for tourists; such as snorkeling, deep sea fishing, kayaking, white water rafting, zip line, horseback riding, golfing, bird watching, butterfly nature excursions.

* There are hundreds of tour agencies dedicated to travel packages of Costa Rica as a vacation destination.

* Connecting North and South America is a bio-geological land bridge.

* There are over 400 species of mammals in Costa Rica, many on the endangered species list. There are six species of cats, jaguar included, also on the endangered species list.

* Costa Rica has more bio diversity in environment more than any other place in the world.

* There are 12 different variety of zones in Costa Rica for climate, environment, fauna and flora all being unique to that particular zone.

* The Costa Rican government and it’s people are dedicated to conservation and protection of their land, preserving over 3 million acres, as well as upholding the private preservation of thousands of other acres.

* There are over 850 species of different birds in Costa Rica, that is more than the whole continent of North America, making it a destination world wide for birdwatchers.

* Costa Rica’s government is democratic, and maintains a peaceful policy with other sister countries. It has been nominated twice for the Nobel Peace Prize.

* Christopher Columbus was the first foreigner to step foot on the tiny county.

* In 1821, Costa Rica became liberated from Spain, claiming and keeping independence.

* September 15th is a national independence holiday for Costa Rica.

* Tamales are the most popular food item in Costa Rica, coffee is the number one drink.

* North Americans can freely buy property in Costa Rica.

* Costa Rica and Belize are the number one hotspots for retirement.

Arenal Volcano National Park - When will it blow again?

Arenal is the most active volcano in the Western Hemisphere and has been in a constant state of activity since it last erupted in 1968. Located on the southern shore of Lake Arenal, it has a perfect conical shape which rises from the surrounding hills.



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