Top 10 Costa Rica

There are positive and negatives for theater lovers in Costa Rica. I’ll start with the negatives first. This way, hopefully by the time I’m done writing I won’t be so depressed.

First and foremost is that unless a major blockbuster are being internationally released, we won’t be getting it for ages. So keeping up with current movie news can lead to inadvertent spoilers. I think Tom Petty said it best with his line, “the waiting is the hardest part” as sometimes the wait is excruciating.

Another complaint of mine is the cultural phenomenon of cell phone use and talking not only before but also DURING the movies here.

My final compliant is in regards to commercials before previews. When did this become acceptable? While I don’t mind the occasional well produced commercial, I didn’t come to the theater to be sold products. Yet, commercials have gone beyond “the sell” here, to include accusatory messages, because of piracy. While I understand piracy is problem for all sorts of reasons, do I need be reminded? Plus, if the pirate guy is already in the audience, it’s not like he’s going to see the anti-piracy ad, shrug his shoulders and turn off the camera!

On a lighter more positive note, prices here are reasonable compared to the exorbitant rates of the U.S. and European theaters. Also, most theaters here have that cool option where you can pick your seats prior to entering the theater. With the prior seat choice, there’s no need to worry about getting to the movies hours ahead of time.

Lastly, I have never been to a more luxurious theater than perhaps Terra Mall’s Cinepolis VIP theater. I’m talking black leather reclining La-Z-Boys, spiffed-out waiters (yes, waiters serve food and booze and great sound and screen clarity. It’s the perfect environment to enjoy a movie, almost like having your dream home theater.

These are some of the most popular things to do in Costa Rica.

Whitewater
As you might suspect in a country covered in rain forest that rises from one ocean to 12,000 feet and drops back to sea level in the space of 70 miles, whitewater abounds in Costa Rica. Trips cater to all ability levels and interests.

Beach
Sunning, swimming, surfing, sailing, scuba, snorkeling, and that’s just some of things you can do at the beach. Beach lovers might think that Christopher Columbus had them in mind when he dubbed this the land of the “Rich Coast”= Costa Rica.

Nature Walk
This category covers everything from a walk on a paved path to multi-night treks up the bed of a river to prime jaguar country. Most visitors to Costa Rica spend at least some time hiking through the rain and cloud forests or along the beaches.

Hot Springs
There are hundreds of hot springs in this volcanic land and a couple of them have spawned spas. If you want to relax your tired muscles (or have a masseur relax them for you) hit the natural pools, then spend a night at Tabacón resort.

Waterfalls
Rain forests, mountains, and canyons add up to countless waterfalls and you can enjoy anything from walk up viewing platforms a few yards from a restaurant to strenuous hikes into secluded skinny-dipping pools.

Bird Watching
Everyone becomes an amateur birder as soon as they land in Costa Rica. You can’t help but notice the remarkable colors, calls and plumage, and you’ll find plenty of serious bird watchers and qualified guides to fill you in on the habits and natural history of the species that you will see.

Canopy tours
Whether it’s a zip-line thrill ride, gondola, or naturalist educational trip through the treetops, canopy tours have exploded in popularity in the past years.

Coffee tours
Before it was overtaken by tourism, coffee was the driving force of Costa Rica’s economy. A tour of a coffee farm and processing facility is a great way to satisfy your curiosity about the source of your morning cuppa and get an introduction to Tico history and culture.

Surfing & Windsurfing
Costa Rica’s breaks are world renowned, and rightly so. Inland, Lake Arenal has constantly balmy water (66 to 71 °F, 19-21 °C), average wind speeds of 24 mph (40 kph), and an exquisite setting for windsurfers. Rental equipment and lessons for both types of board sport are available.

Volcano Watching
Arenal is the premier destination with its lava flows, fire belching, and rolling smoking boulders, but Poás and Irazú have their attractions as well.

Volcanoes of Costa Rica:
Volcan Irazu, Volcan Turrialba, Volcan El Viejo, Volcan Platanar,Volcan Poas, Volcan Porvenir, Volcan Arenal, Volcan Barva, Volcan Kakao, Volcan Tenorio, Volcan Miravalles, Volcan Rincon de la Vieja and Volcan Orosi

Nature Cruise
The canals of Tortuguero, wetlands of Caño Negro, and mangroves of the Damas estuary adjacent to Manuel Antonio are the most popular places to sit back relax and let the boatman be your guide to bird and wildlife spotting.

From the pulsating capital San Jose to the lush rain forest of Monteverde, from white sun-drenched beaches to rugged jungle treks, Costa Rica offers an amazing variety of scenery and atmosphere. But there is still much more to interest the traveler. Add to all these, a vibrant cultural life and you’ll wonder why you did not visit Costa Rica sooner.

Values, traditions, religion, language, education, dance, music and cuisine together make up the culture of Costa Rica. But it is mainly its people that represent its culture. Ticos, as Costa Ricans are commonly referred to, possess a unique identity that differentiates them from neighboring countries. Ninety-seven percent of the population is mestizo (mixed blood generally Spanish with Native American) or of direct European descent. Of the mestizos, majority are of European ancestry thus are fair-skinned. Afro-Caribbeans represent two percent and the original inhabitants, the Native Americans, make up less than one percent of the total population.

Costa Ricans are generally warm and friendly. It is easy to make friends with them. They are also consistently helpful and polite. They are typically laid-back and thus worry little about deadlines and even arrive late for personal appointments. Costa Ricans are non-confrontational. They prefer to avoid conflicts and just stay on people’s good sides. Faced with a difficult situation, they tend to laugh at the situation or just be cynical to diffuse the problem. Costa Ricans are very family oriented. Spending time with family and friends is of utmost importance. Most of them even prefer jobs that will allow them free time. An important aspect of Costa Rica’s cultural legacy is the people’s love for peace and democracy. In a region plagued by civil unrest and dictatorships, Costa Rica is an exception. The country has a stable democracy without an army.

Nearly 80% of the population is Catholic. However, most Costa Rican Catholics view their religion more as a tradition than as a form of faith. The Catholic hierarchy does not exert a powerful influence either politically or culturally. Moreover, Costa Rica is tolerant of other religion.

Most festivals in Costa Rica are religious-oriented. Some of these religious festivals are the festival in honor of their patron saint Virgin de los Angeles, Holy Week and the festival of the Virgin of the Sea, among others.

Spanish is the official language but basic English is spoken especially around the tourist areas. Costa Ricans of Caribbean descent speak Creole which is derived from English.

Education is very important in Costa Rica. In fact, 27% of the national budget is spent on education. As a result, 95% of the population is literate. Primary (1st-6th grade) and secondary (7th-11th or 12th grade) education are free and mandatory for all citizens. Public schools are dispersed all over the country. There are four big public universities which have become major universities in Central America.

Costa Rican cuisine is a combination of Spanish, Mexican, American and Southern American influences. This style of cuisine is shared by most of Central American countries although with individual local variations. Gallo pinto, a popular dish, is mainly a combination of black beans and white rice seasoned with cilantro, garlic, salt and a local sauce called Salsa Lizano. Other dishes are arroz con pollo (rice with chicken); olla de carne (a broth soup) and cascado (one plate meal consisting of beans, rice, meat and side dishes). A common practice is to have fruit drinks called “refrescos’ with meals.

Music includes a rhythm known as tambito and a distinct music genre called punto. Nowadays, rock music popularized by bands such as Gandhi and Evolucion are famous among the young crowd.

Most important, Costa Rican culture revolves around “pura vida” which literally means pure life. This phrase sums up how Costa Ricans view life. For them, “life is cool”.

The ten best places to go in Costa Rica in no particular order.

This is a subjective list of our opinions

1. Jaco & Playa Hermosa
Situated along the Central Pacific Coast, Jaco and Playa Hermosa are top notch surf zones with consistent breaks all year round. Ideal for experts as well as beginners to surf here. Playa Hermosa is for the expert surfer, and holds an international surfing competition here every year.

2. Rincon de la Vieja Volcano
An eco-adventure haven, the Rincon de la Vieja is an active volcano that is more than a million years old. Sitting inside a national park sharing the same name, this area boasts dramatic sceneries, roaring waterfalls, relaxing hot springs, bubbling mud pits and wonderful picnic areas to enjoy.

3. Cahuita National Park
Protecting Costa Rica’s largest and only coral reef, the Parque Nacional Cahuita combines beautiful beaches with lush coastal rain forests to provide a truly wonderful atmosphere to relax in.

4. Tortuguero National Park
A key turtle breeding ground in the Caribbean, the Tortuguero National Park is the habitat and nesting ground of four of the eight species of marine turtles in the world. Known for its meandering rivers and lovely lagoons, this area is also home to the endangered West Indian manatee.

5. Grecia & Sarchi
Located in the gorgeous highlands of San Jose, the picturesque towns of Grecia, Sarchi and San Ramon provide a wonderful escape from city life. Great communities to get an up close view of Tico culture, places like Sarchi are known for its intricate and artistic wooden handicrafts.

6. Manuel Antonio National Park
What this park lacks in size, it makes up for in the incredible wealth of attractions found here. Stunning tropical beaches, an amazing array of birds and wildlife, rich dense forestation, easy accessibility and a plethora of things to do, all make this park one of the most popular tourist attractions in the country.

7. Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve
Shrouded in clouds, the stunning Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve has a unique air of mystery to it. A distinctive mountain rainforest where the humidity is usually 100%, Monteverde is home to more than 3000 species of animals and plants.

8. Arenal Volcano & Hot Springs
The most active volcano in Costa Rica, Arenal is indeed a sight to behold. Visit La Fortuna, a tiny town near the base of the volcano to catch a glimpse of the fireworks on display. While you are there check out the marvelous Hot Springs, a tropical paradise where you can relax both your mind and body.

9. Tamarindo & Playa Langosta
Found along Costa Rica’s ‘Gold Coast’ both Tamarindo and Playa Langosta are superb surfing destinations for the serious surfer. Laidback towns with beautiful beaches and plenty of water sports to enjoy, this area makes for a great getaway for some fun in the sun.

10. Drake Bay & Corcovado National Park
Located on the gorgeous Osa Peninsula, the Corcovado National Park has been called as one of the most biodiverse places on earth. Together with Drake Bay, this region has become an ecotourism hot spot for those who want to be one with nature.

Warm waters year-round, an unparalleled tourism infrastructure, and limitless attractions spanning both coasts are the reasons Costa Rica’s beaches rank among some of the best in the world. And since nearly two thirds of Costa Rica’s borders are coastline, there are a whole lot of beaches to explore.

1. Nicoya Peninsula
Okay, obviously the Nicoya Peninsula isn’t a single beach. But Costa Rica’s largest peninsula is ringed by so many blissful strips of sand, it deserves a top ten list of its own. Besides livelier beach cities like Montezuma, Tamarindo, and Mal Pais, Nicoya boasts many Pacific beaches that are far more remote and relaxing: Playas Hermosa, Samara, Flamingo, Conchal (pictured at right), and Playa Grande.

2. Manuel Antonio
Manuel Antonio is not only one of Costa Rica’s most beautiful beaches, but one of the most beautiful in the entire world. Imagine: perfect horseshoe bays bordered by soft white sands, dazzling blue-green waters, and hilltops piled with jungle and streaming waterfalls. Dive, snorkel, surf, kayak, hike, or zipline — Or just relax and enjoy the unforgettable views.

3. Montezuma
Located on the inner base of the Nicoya peninsula, Montezuma is a gathering place for Costa Rica’s most idiosyncratic locals and travelers. Dreadlocked Rastafarians, tattooed bohemians, sun-kissed surfers, and other examples of exceptional beauty are the norm at this picturesque little beach, which also boasts tide pools, forested waterfalls, and wildlife (Capuchin monkeys! Crocodiles!) viewing.

4. Tortuguero
At the helm of Costa Rica’s Caribbean side, Tortuguero is a eco-tourist’s fantasy. Travelers can experience any number of exotic attractions: tours down jungle canals in dugout canoes, scenic hiking trails, guided safaris. Sixteen of Costa Rica’s endangered animal species live in the Tortuguero National Park, like tapirs, ocelots, manatees, and green sea turtles, after which the region is named. To top it all off, Tortugero’s beaches are perfect for sunbathing.

5. Playa Tamarindo
While Playa Tamarindo offers world-class shopping, dining, and coastal amusements, budget travelers might find themselves priced out. But Tamarindo’s natural perks make the splurge worth it — on the beautiful beaches adjacent to Tamarindo, giant leatherback turtles (and others) annually clamber ashore to lay their eggs.

6. Corcovado
Corcovado is the jewel of Costa Rica’s Osa Peninsula. Its beaches are windswept beauties, with dark sands shaded by towering palms, while the mountainous inland jungles of Corcovado National Park are home to some of the country’s most distinctive wildlife. No trip to Corcovado is complete without a boat excursion to the nearby Isla del Caño, which offers fantastic diving as well as the opportunity to examine the island’s ancient stone spheres.

7. Mal Pais
Surf culture is the principle philosophy in Mal Pais and its coastal neighbor, Santa Teresa. If you’re not a wave-worshiper, book a boat tour and watch dolphins, manta rays, and other creatures thriving in the area’s protected waters. Travelers can also hike to the Montezuma waterfalls and take a flying leap, or conquer the 4-hour trek through the Cabo Blanco Nature Reserve to its pristine, white sand beach. However, Mal Pais’s own beaches are even better for stringing up a hammock and swaying in the sun.

8. South of Limon
South of the port city of Limon (towards the Panama border), a number of stunning beaches are the personification of the low-key Caribbean lifestyle. The Cahuita National Park is an excellent place to camp — if you don’t mind waking to the sound of monkey chatter! Travel farther down the coast and enjoy dramatic sunrises at Puerto Viejo. Or head straight to Manzanillo, a protected area with tropical rainforest, palm swamps, coral reefs, and of course, idyllic Caribbean beaches.

9. Jaco
Right in the center of Costa Rica’s Pacific coasts lies Jaco Beach, a surfer’s mecca with no shortage of attractions for travelers. Jaco is in such close proximity to San Jose (2 hours by car), it flourishes with nightlife, international dining options, and even casinos. But because of the budget surf crowd, accommodations and amenities span the entire price spectrum — No one is left out at Jaco, .

10. Tambor
Northeast of Montezuma, Tambor’s crescent-shaped bay (called Bahia Ballena) was once frequented by whales. Now, it’s frequented by travelers — enough to keep the gentle giants out at sea, but not enough to drive them away completely. The bay’s mild waters make it one of Costa Rica’s best beaches for swimming and snorkeling. Tambor’s inland areas are fun to explore on horseback, while its pinkish-gray beaches are perfect for a barefoot stroll. Boats also launch from Tambor to the Tortuga Island, home to immaculate beaches and unparalleled Scuba diving.

Costa Rica boasts a wide variety of stylish shopping centers and malls.

Centro Comercial del Sur

One of the oldest shopping centers in the country, the Centro Comercial del Sur includes two levels of shops, supermarket and a several fine restaurants. Located near the Desamparados traffic circle.

Mall International Alajuela

Located near the airport in Alajuela, this somewhat run down two-level mall includes a small food court, shops and a movie theater.

Mall San Pedro

The first true mall in Costa Rica, this three level behemoth lies next to the San Pedro traffic circle and includes numerous specialty shops, boutiques, a two level food court, a ten-screen movie theater and a disco on the top floor

Multiplaza del Este

Younger sibling to her sister in the west, this medium size mall offers upscale shops and boutiques, a food court, movie theaters and supermarket. Located on the road from Zapote to Curridabat.

Multiplaza Oeste

Located off the highway to Santa Ana, this upscale two level mall boasts 246 shops, a supermarket, movie theaters and a large food court. Department stores and shops include: Tommy Hilfiger, Liz Claiborne, Kenneth Cole and Cemaco.

Outlet Mall

A three-level mall just up from the Mall San Pedro. Includes shops, small food court and movie theaters

Paséo de las Flores Mall

Located on the road to Heredia, the Paséo de las Flores Mall is the most recently built of Costa Rica’s malls. This two level mall includes shops such as Aeropostale, Nautica, Brusini, Levi’s and Dockers. Fast food restaurants include Taco Bell, Burger King, Quiznos, Hamburger Factory, Pizza Hut and KFC.

Plaza Colonial

Located on the old road to Santa Ana, this small shopping center includes fashionable boutiques, shops and two movie theaters.

Plaza del Sol

Located in an exclusive section of Curridabat, this single level shopping center includes a small food court, 52 shops and a large supermarket.

Plaza Itskazú

A colonial-style strip mall with a hotel, a number of fine restaurants and upscale shops. Located across from The Multiplaza mall on the road to Santa Ana.

Plaza Mayor

This two-module shopping center offers two move theaters, a large supermarket, small food court and a number of small shops. Located on the Romhoser Boulevard about a 20-minute walk from the U.S. Embassy.

Plaza Real Cariari

Located on the highway to the airport about 20 minutes from downtown San José. Includes three levels with movie theaters and large food court. Department stores include Alyss, Blooms and Brand Fashion..

Plaza Romhoser

This recently completed shopping center offers a wide variety of shops, food court, and supermarket. Located on the Pavas road about a half-mile west of the U.S. embassy.

Terra Mall

Touted as the largest mall in Central America, the Terra Mall is one of the newest malls on the Costa Rican shopping scene. Located off the highway to Cartago, the mall offers 125 shops including Guess, Kenneth Cole, Levi’s, Tommy Hilfiger, Payless and the mega department store Alyss. Fifteen movie theaters and a VIP viewing lounge offer the latest Hollywood blockbusters. Parking is available for 1500 vehicles and a large food court includes a variety of local and international fast-food chains such as Spoon, Rostipollos, Oliva Verde, Inka Grill, Quiznos, Subway, McDonalds, Hooligans and Pops ice cream.

It’s not a Hotel, it’s a destination!

The Hotel & Casino Del Rey is located in the heart of San Jose, Costa Rica within walking distance of the city’s museums, theatres, shops and night life.

Located in a completely renovated neo-classic building, the Del Rey offers 104 rooms with all the amenities of a modern hotel including the 24 hour Casino. Del Rey is San José’s number one meeting spot, specially for single mail looking for night live activities.

The world famous “Blue Marlin Bar” is also open 24 hours and is San José’s most exciting night spot.

Hotel Del Rey

Farmacia Alvarez is a licensed Costa Rican pharmacy located in downtown Heredia, providing discount medication prices to our customers.Our dedicated staff offers high quality, affordable service for all your pharmaceutical needs.

Farmacia Alvarez is the best pharmacy for your pharmaceutical needs, offering you:

• Brand name medications and high-quality generic versions
• Consultation of your treatment in English and Spanish
• Discount drugs from a licensed pharmacy
• Injections and blood pressure tests free of charge
• Medications delivered to you , by DHL, to anywhere in Costa Rica



Visitors to Costa Rica can save on the cost of their medications. Compared to the prices you may be paying now, you can save up to 80% at Farmacia Alvarez.

How much can you save? Click here for examples.

Did you know…?

• Some basic medications are sold over the counter (no prescription required) in Costa Rica, such as skin creams, anti-fungal treatments, and heartburn treatments. If you do have a prescription from your doctor, please bring it along so we can provide you with the best service possible.
• You can take a 90-day supply of medicines back home with you for personal use.

Keep your eye on the big bull!

Despite the presence of many informal bullfighters at the Zapote festival, this hunk of hamburger on the hoof seems to have singled out a man in a blue shirt.

Will someone please tell this bull that he is not supposed to jump over the barricade and that he is supposed to remain in the central ring?

story by am Costa Rica 

A sampling of the activities inCosta Rica

	Boat Tours The rivers are like roads to the deepest parts of the rainforest and you are likely to see more wildlife from the water than from a trail. The two main destinations for river/canal/marsh cruises are Cano Negro and Tortuguero National Parks.
	Golfing The weather is nearly always perfect for a round, and the sport is gaining popularity in Costa Rica as more courses are built.
	Horseback Riding Costa Rica has a strong equestrian tradition. Guided rides are common, and one of the best is offered by Rancho La Merced wildlife refuge north of Marino Ballena National Park.
	Rafting As you might suspect in a country covered in rain forest that rises from one ocean to 12,000 feet and drops back to sea level in the space of 70 miles, whitewater abounds in Costa Rica. Trips cater to all ability levels and interests.
	Sportfishing World class tarpon and snook fishing attract anglers from all over, and other game fish include bluegill, rainbow bass (guapote), alligator gar and machaca in the rivers of Barra del Colorado and around Cano Negro.
	Scuba Diving Costa Rica, the rich coast offers a number of excellent dive sites.
	Surfing With its huge ratio of coastline to land mass, Costa Rica is a surfer’s paradise. You can cross from the Pacific to the Caribbean in under an hour in a small plane, so you can chase the waves wherever they are best.
	Wind Surfing The constantly balmy water, average wind speeds of 24 mph (40 kph) and the exquisite setting combine to make Costa Rica a world class destination for windsurfers.
	Birding Avid birders know that Costa Rica is one of the top spots in the world, but you don’t have to spend hours with binoculars glued to your eyes to see fascinating bird life in Costa Rica.
	Butterfly Gardens Large domes created from nearly transparent netting concentrate hundreds of species of butterflies in gardens of their favorite flowers and fruits. You’ll see them fluttering in the wild, but the gardens also often provide educational materials and guides.
	Turtle Nesting It’s possible to see turtles nesting any time of the year, but there are definite seasons for the spectacular ‘arribadas,’ when hundreds come ashore in a single night to lay their eggs. Tortuguero National Park is one of the world’s most spectacular sea turtle nesting sites.

Map of Costa Rica.

Costa Rica Casinos

Costa Rica is an excellent destination if you love gambling and casinos. With increasing incomes and number of foreign tourists who come to Costa Rica, the gambling industry has truly benefited.

There are Casinos in most of the popular tourist areas and all of the large cities. They are usually part of a large hotel; however they are not huge casinos like in Las Vegas. They are fairly informal places, and dress codes are casual. Minimum bets in most places start at about 500 Colones (about $1).

The most popular Casino game is 21 also called “Rummy”, which is similar to blackjack but with tico rules. You get two cards, you can then ask for another card or stay with the two you have if you have 21 or close to 21. As in blackjack, the idea is to get as close to 21 as possible without going over. All the rules just mentioned are just like blackjack. Here is where the game differs from blackjack: if your first three cards are the same, three of a kind, or a straight (say 4, 5 & 6 of the same suit), you have a ‘rummy’ and you are paid double. And if your three of a kind happen to be three sevens (which is 21), you get an even higher bonus. But if you get 21 with two cards or five cards without breaking 21, there’s no double bonus as you get in many other international casinos. Splitting pairs is allowed as is doubling down.

Some of the other games include roulette, where the numbers are drawn from a lottery tumbler rather than spun on a roulette wheel. There are also electric slot machines; however most are different than the Las Vegas style. There are also other, uniquely tico, card games you’ll need to learn before you can play

Costa Rica Casino Quick Reference Guide:

Arenal Volcano Funk Groove - For more amazing video clips, click here

Listed below is a list of popular Costa Rica Volcanoes:

Arenal Volcano:
Known as the youngest of the Costa Rica Volcanoes, Arenal Volcano is supposed to be one of the most active volcanoes in Costa Rica. It was Arenal Volcano that recorded the latest volcanic eruption in Costa Rica in the year 2000 causing one person’s death and severely injuring two. Located at a height of 1, 657 meter above the eastern shores of Lake Arenal, Arenal Volcano was constructed towards the northwest of the older Chato volcano.

Irazu Volcano:
Rising as high as 3, 432 meters towards the east of San Jose, Irazu Volcano is known as the highest Costa Rica Volcano.
The most serious volcanic series eruption that took place in Costa Rica was that of Irazu Volcano in the year 1963, with ashes flowing for over two years and smoke clouds blowing all over San Jose and other major parts of Costa Rica.

Poas Volcano:
Do watch the Poas Volcano during your Tours to Costa Rica. Situated near the southeastern end of the Central American arc, Poas Volcano comprises of three craters out of them only one is active, which is considered as the second widest crater of the world. Poas Volcano has recorded more than 40 eruptions since 1828. Miquel Alforo was the first one to visit Poas Costa Rica Volcano in 1828.

Rincon de la Vieja:
Known, as the largest volcano in northwest Costa Rica, Rincon de la Vieja comprises of 9 craters. The name “Rincon de la Vieja” means “the corner of old lady”. Located at the eastern end of a smaller crater, Santa Maria Volcano is the highest peak of the Rincon complex.

Other Costa Rica Volcanoes include Turrialba, Orosi, Kakao, Porvenir, El Viejo, Platanar, Barva, Tenorio and Miravalles. Do try to have a look at some of these Costa Rica Volcanoes during your Costa Rica Travel.