COSTA RICA

• Hi Paulina!
  Happy new year! I'd say that the best time to visit is between November through May. That's the summer, but it is also peak season so airfare will be more expensive. During those months you can enjoy nicer weather and more cultural events. The places that you mentioned are a must. How many days are you planning to stay? Will you be traveling with children?
  Overall, Costa Rica is pretty safe and very tourist friendly. As far as looks (blond, blue eyes) you will be surprise at the amount light skin, light eyes Costarricans, but of course tourist stand out more. The good thing is that Costarricans are very used to tourists and they are definitely the most peaceful people in Central America. Like any other place, you have to be cautious of not leaving things in your car or expose expensive jewelry in places like downtown San Jose, but I imagine you will be outside of the city.
  Since this will be the first time you travel there, I recommend the places that you mentioned and also the west coast. I personally love all the beaches on the peninsula. I will attach a map so you can see. As far as tours, they can be pricey, but they have the advantage of doing travel packages which are convenient, specially if you are traveling with family.
  Accommodations are pretty inexpensive, and food too if you're outside of the city. Surfing is very popular anywhere you go on both coasts and I think sloths are more visible on the east coast, but I will find out. I have never seen one (shame on me!) Please let me know what other activities you would like to do and if you're traveling with children.
  As far as illnesses, the main advice is to buy bottled water and have the main vaccines up to date. I wouldn't worry much about malaria. They have had cases on the east side of the country, but mostly among the indigenous groups which represent less than 1% of the population. I will also attach another link with good information about health and traveling.
  Here are my favorite places to visit: Arenal volcano, Monte Verde, Tabacon hot springs, Manuel Antonio (located in Puntarenas on the west coast), Samara, Nosara, Langosta beach, Tamarindo beach, Playa Grande (leatherback turttles lay eggs on this beach from Nov-may or Nov-march), Santa Teresa. All the beaches are on the peninsula which are in the province of Guanacaste. Hacienda Guachipelin (this is a great place close to the Rincon de la Vieja volcano in Guanacaste, close to the beaches, horseback riding and whitewater rafting).
  I am more than happy to help you with more questions. I also have skype in case you do too and you would like to talk.
  Here are some helpful links:
  http://www.mdtravelhealth.com/destinations/mamerica_carib/costa_rica.php
  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Costa_rica (this is pretty accurate)
  http://www.nytimes.com/2010/01/07/opinion/07kristof.html?_r=0
  http://www.vacationcity.com/templates/showimages.php?pic=/images/stock/map_page/40822-costa-rica-detailed-map.png&picalt=Detailed%20Map

  MD Travel Health - Costa Rica - vaccinations, malaria, safety, and other medical advice

  www.mdtravelhealth.com

  mdtravelhealth.com - complete travel health information, updated daily, for physicians and travelers.
• 

  6:34am

  Paulina Kurz

  Dear Claudia
  Thank you so much!!!! You Rock!!!
  We still haven't decided if we go with kids or alone but I am happy to hear that it is so safe there Probably we will go in january next year, but it depends on ticket deals:) and unfortunately we won't have more than 2 weeks:(
  Claudia thanks again, I know it is very soon but I love planning everything in advance:) and please let me know if you want to visit Poland or any other place I've been to, so then I can help you:):):)
• Friday
• 

  10:25am

  Jairo Hernandez

  Hello Paulina, I think Claudia did a wonderful job describing the best things to do in Costa Rica. I would only add some very personal considerations, with my own perspective, specially nurtured with the fact of being far from Costa Rica as I currently work representing the country in Singapore:
  - There are some interesting things to do in the Central Valley as well. San Jose is not the prettiest and best planned capital city of the world, but if you like culture, there are some nice museums and interesting corners (National Museum, Museo del Oro, Museo de Jade, Museo de Arte). You have to take some precautions when walking in downtown (after being in such a safe country like Singapore, I realize how unsafe most of the rest of the world looks!). Some groups run by friends of mine put together walking tours of the city at night to explore the historical buildings. Trying the local food is always a worthwhile experience, but of course the city offers all kind of international restaurants, and even a recently opened Chinatown!
  - The Central Valley also offers famous volcanoes (Irazu and Poas); La Paz Waterfalls; Cartago (the former capital in colonial times with its traditional Catholic Church); Orosi Valley, a place with beautiful coffee plantations and very typical CR countryside scenes; night folk shows/dinners above San Jose (in Aserri or Escazu); souvenirs markets (downtown, Moravia, Mercado Central, Sarchi); butterfly farms within easy reach,
  - The country has become famous for its nature and adventure-oriented recreational activities/sports, including white water rafting, ziplinning, bungi-jumping. In some of the places mentioned by Claudia, there are plenty of options for nature-oriented sights (waterfalls, hiking, bird or monkey-watching). The country has approximately 25-30% of its territory devoted to national parks or protected areas. The national park system is very well structured and offers a wide variety of things to see.
  Please do not hesitate to ask more if any further assistance is needed, or well to contact me as the time for your trip gets closer.
  Best regards,
  Jairo