San Jose is the most cosmopolitan city in Costa Rica. Anyone visiting the country will have to travel through or stay for a while here, as it’s the main transportation hub in Costa Rica. But, don’t worry, you won’t be getting bored. At most you’ll get tired of the urban life and want to get somewhere relaxing pretty fast.
The city is filled with quality museums , the parks which offer the best option for unwinding, while the many restaurants offer the traveler the possibility to enjoy the local cuisine.

Here is a list of some of the things to do in San Jose, Costa Rica:

Visit the Jade Museum

For someone who loves jewelry and precious or semi-precious stones, this is heaven. The museum is located on the 11th floor of the Institute for National Security and exhibits the largest American jade collection in the world. You can see over 6,000 items of pre-Columbian art and jewelry.
Open Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

A day trip to the La Paz Waterfall

The waterfall is located about 50 km from San Jose, so rent a car and drive there in the morning. The River La Paz forms the waterfall after traversing 8 km of volcanic terrain to continue through a rainforest.
Upstream from the fall, there is the La Paz Waterfall Gardens , which features a hotel and a park (where you can see the local wild life). There are also hiking trail available for those who want to spend more time in the nature.
Admission to the park is US$35 for an adult and US$20 for a child. Tours are available.

Half a day at the Pre-Columbian Gold Museum

If you like jade, chances are you also like gold, so don’t miss this museum either. It is located in a subterranean building underneath the Plaza de la Cultura and features over 1,600 artifacts of pre-Columbian gold dating back to AD 500.
You can see the first coin minted in Costa Rica , as well as amulets, figurines, earrings and erotic sculptures.
Entrance is US$10 (5500 Costa Rica colones) for International visitors. The museum is open year round from 9:15 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The same building houses the Central Bank Museum , the Numismatic Museum , temporary Exhibition Galleries and various cultural activities.

Day trip to the Arenal Volcano

It takes about 2 hours (137 km) to drive from San Jose to the La Fortuna Entrance of the Arenal Volcano National Park. Arenal used to be the most active volcano in Costa Rica but has been dormant since late 2010. However, no one knows when it might erupt again. While you cannot see the eruptions now, take the time to explore the area , spend time on the bank of Lake Arenal and visit the near-by waterfall.

Read more about:
>>Cheap Hostels in Arenal
>>Cheap Hotels in Arenal

Visit the Metropolitan Cathedral

Where you visit churches because you want to stop and pray for a while, or because you want to see the beautiful architecture, don’t miss the Metropolitan Cathedral. It was built in 1802 but was destroyed by an earthquake. It was rebuilt in 1871 and in the interior you can see the fine colonial style tiled floor and stainless windows.

The morning at Mercado Central (Central Flea Market)

The market spans over 3 blocks near Coca-Cola train station and it’s the best place to shop for variety. You can find anything from fruits to t-shirts, crafts and baked goods.
It may fell into the “tourist trap” badge, but if you are careful and watch your back, it should be fun and fine.

Take a break at Parque National

This park provides a green “escape” for those who spend most of the time in the city. Pick some food at the market and then head to the park for a short lunch break in between sightseeing. Concerts are held here on Sundays.

A weekend in the Parque Nacional Santa Rosa

Rent a car and drive to Liberia (or grab a local bus, but it takes longer) and set your base for further explorations. Most travelers come to Parque Nacional Santa Rosa for a chance to surf the Playa Naranjo.
Since the access to the park is quite difficult, you won’t need to worry about the crowds especially during the week days. In the wet months (July to December) you surely feel like you have the entire park for yourself.

>>read more about Getting from San Jose to Libera

>>read more about What to do in San Jose


Photo credits:Jade Museum , La Paz Waterfall , Pre-Columbian Gold Museum , Arenal Volcano , Metropolitan Cathedral , Mercado Central , Park , Playa Naranjo

Original article can be found here: Things to Do in San Jose

The Asis Project Costa Rica is interestingly place to visit for vacation in or to perform environmental based volunteer work, relax, or learn about Costa Rican culture. There are not many places in the world where you can experience life with a local family, learn the language from native speakers, and see local wild animals. People of all ages can come and experience the paid tours and learn from the Costa Rican people.

There is a special wildlife preservation area, at the Asis Project Costa Rica that visitors can visit and contribute to with their volunteer work. The purpose of the Asis project is to work with the Ministry of the Environment and Energy and with the Monteverde Conservation League. This is a non profit that maintains to the 54,000 Children’s Eternal Rain Forest.

What to Expect

The wild animal rescue experience was designed with MINAE’s purpose of preserving the wildlife and participating in environmental conservation programs. With an increasing number of people living in modern cities and towns, it may be at once in a lifetime chance to experience this type of natural forest environment. This Asis Project has animals on display that have been rescued from harmful situations in the wild.

Volunteers that arrive are able to help with animal medical treatments, food, and introducing new animals to their new natural habitat home. Each volunteer has the ability to clean out cages, build cages, and interact closely with some of the animals.

In other areas of the Asis project volunteers can also help with local recycling ongoing projects, plant tree seedlings, participate in construction in the local community, and the assist the local rural English teacher. The voice of a naive English speaker helps the glass immensely.

Learn Spanish

Learning another language is a goal that many people have. However, there are not always abundant opportunities to learn a language from an authentic Spanish speaker. There is a Spanish institute that operates for four hours each day. This is plenty of time to practice of authentic Spanish while in Costa Rica. Spanish students are able to practice their language skills immediately. It is not always possible to hear, speak, and practice a new language around native speakers. The four hour study format leaves enough time during working hours for visitors to experience the rest of the Asis Projects tours. Touring programs are held Monday through Friday during the business week. There is an Animal Science program that helps explain details of raising cattle and acquiring dairy products. There are touring programs for entire families to come and experience Costa Rica together as a group.

Live with a Host Family

Host families open up their home so that visitors can experience daily Costa Rican family life. Visitors are allowed to become one of the family and live in their homes for an additional charge. A visitor can expect clothes to be laundered for them, prepared meals, private room for sleeping, access to the family bathroom, and hospitality. The house that the visitors stay is is similar to a modest middle class home.

While visiting all visitors have the option of exploring eight acres of the ecological reserve. In the reserve there are wild boars, monkeys, parrots, and many other animals native to Costa Rica.

Whos it For?

Touring the Asis Project Costa Rica is available for children as well as adults. There are programs for families, college students, groups on tour, professional corporate groups, and high school students. All visitors are encouraged to contact the Centers for Disease control to find out which vaccines they need to acquire if any, before traveling. A valid passport will be needed for travel and to exchange money once arriving in Costa Rica. It will be helpful for visitors to bring their own supply of bug repellent in travel size containers that are allowed in carry on luggage for travel. Use these travel tips when planning a family, corporate, or school trip to the Asis Project Costa Rica.

Original article can be found here: The Asis Project Costa Rica

As you have probably already heard before, the Latin American country Costa Rica is famous around the world for the exceptional coffee beans that they grow. And yet, when you go to Costa Rica on vacation, no matter where you go, the brews that you get are all really terrible! Although is seems ironic, this strange situation actually makes a lot of sense. Since Costa Rica is a developing country, the very best coffee beans grown there are all exported to other countries. The only beans left for local consumption are the reject beans that were not good enough to be sold elsewhere.

Cafe Milagro was created by a couple of gringos came to Costa Rica to visit in between years of college and never left. The “pura vida,” or pure life, of the country was simply too irresitable. Really, the only thing that the one young gringa missed about the States was her daily cup of coffee. So, she used her student loan money to buy her own coffee roaster and went into business for herself!

About the Cafe

Although you can get Costa Rican coffee at many stores and coffee shops in the United States, by the time you purchase these bags of coffee, they are not that fresh. It takes a substantial amount of time for those beans to be roasted, packaged and then shipped across the globe before they actually get to the store shelves. So if you have had Costa Rican coffee in the States and loved it, then Cafe Milagro will be a once in a lifetime treat! This is the real stuff!

Equipped with their own bean roaster, these gringos have learned the fine art of how to perfectly roast the beans. Most modern day coffee roast producing factories use human-free, digital technology. However, the old and cantankerous roasting machine at Cafe Milagro requires the folks at Cafe Milagro to employ their sight, smell, and taste. They watch the beans carefully every time they roast, ensuring that the beans are always perfectled. They now have years of experience making coffee, and produce amazingly rich, dark roasts. They also make a delicious smooth light roast made from the famous arábica beans from the Tres Ríos region of Costa Rica.

Tips for Visiting

Cafe Milagro does not offer any flavor-infused coffees, and you wouldn’t want them anyways! These pure and unadulterated roasts will make you fall in love with coffee all over again! So be sure to stop by and try Cafe Milagro at the beginning of your trip, because once you taste it, you will surely want to go back again and again while you in Costa Rica. Cafe Milagro is easy to find, it is on the main road in Quepos facing the ocean, near the bridge.

So when you are leaving the country, make sure to grab several extra bags so that you can keep enjoying the delicious Cafe Milagro roasts at home. But the good news is that now, even after you go back home, you can still enjoy the roasts of Cafe Milagro. Just recently, Cafe Milagro has begun shipping their roasts to anywhere in the world. If it has been too long since you have been back to the gorgeous Costa Rican coasts, you can at least have a little bit of the flavor of vacation!

The Cafe roasts the beans the day before they ship them so that they will be as fresh as possible when you recieve them. And, they just lowered their shipping prices! You can now get shipping within the United States for only ten dollars! In order for your coffee to always be really fresh, they recommend only buying enough bags at one time to last you a few weeks. Another thing you can do to keep your coffee fresh is buy whole beans and wait to grind them until just before you are about to brew them. This will give your coffee the best flavor.

Original article can be found here: Cafe Milagro in Costa Rica

San Jose is home to The Gold Museum. A collection of artifacts that date from pre-Columbian days, this is a must see. Gold artifacts, as you may rightfully assume and they are of all types, from simple to the most intricately detailed. Numbered at 1600 pieces, this collection is dated from 500 AD to 1500 AD. Christopher Columbus is credited with discovering Cost Rica in 1502 and was detrimental to spreading the word about the great supply of gold that was available here.

>>Check out other things to do in San Jose

However, Columbus was mistaken. The gold was not in great supply. It was prized because of its rarity and was used in religious ceremonies. It was also used to establish the difference between the social classes. Until 1982, this fine collection did not have a permanent home. Today The Gold Museum exhibits the pieces in an attempt to open the door to the world as it was in pre-Columbian days. The way the artifacts were used in the daily lives of the people who lived here many years ago is explained as well as their use in religious ceremonies.

About the Museum

The Gold Museum is under the Plaza de la Cultura. The Plaza de la Cultura is a 6,000 square foot building that is used for many gatherings. Wedding receptions and meetings as well as outside events are held here. The Plaza has 2400 square feet of striking landscape outdoors.

What to Expect

The Gold Museum extends underground for three stories. An architectural beauty, a long spiral staircase, is the connection between the three levels. One of the most valuable collections in the world is housed here. Animals of gold appear to be floating through the air. This is because they are hanging by transparent strings. The effect is an awesome sense of being surrounded by frogs, snakes, sharks, insects and birds all floating around in the air.

Two levels of the Gold Museum pertain to the gradual social development of Pre-Columbian art. The Coin Museum is a part of this same building. Containing a history of the money that has been used over the years in Costa Rica, there is also a collection which contains many types of coins that are quite rare and paper money. This is actually one of only a few pre-Columbian gold museums that are in existence today.

Golden Family Night Tour

This is a true family experience when it comes to the Gold Museum. This is a night tour with special guides who will introduce families to the intricacies of the gold pieces they view. There is a workshop that teaches the repoussé technique, which is the art of forming a pattern on metal by hammering it from the other side. Often used on bracelets and medals, this is fun for the kids because they can use their own design. After the bracelet or medal is made, there is a dinner which is served in the lobby of the Museum.

Tips for Visiting

When visiting The Gold Museum the third level of the building is where the gold pieces are located. This section has a video to introduce visitors to the pieces they are about to view.

There is on the premises a museum store. Here you can purchase replicas of any pieces you saw on display that especially caught your eye. There are also facilities for special tours. The Gold Museum has guided tours for virtually any group size up to 150 people.

Many of the gold replicas of animals on display in the museum are the last remaining cultural myths for the people of Costa Rica. The importance of learning how their ancestors lived and their beliefs is going to be lost if it is not imparted to the young generation now. This is why the effort has been made to preserve the artifacts that have been rescued and put them together in one place for viewing.

Original article can be found here: Pre Columbian Gold Museum in San Jose

San Jose, Costa Rica is a phenomenal place to visit while on a tour or vacation, and offers a wide array of interesting things to do. Exploring the area can be incredibly fun and eye-opening, especially if you are fan of the outdoors and nature activities. San Jose also boasts an incredibly vibrant and exciting nightlife for those who enjoy nights out on the town. Thanks to its rich cultural heritage and amazing history, San Jose is also home to a splendid variety of museums which will surely please even the most discerning tourist.

Day Trips from San Jose

Simon Bolivar Zoological Park

One very popular and family friendly attraction in San Jose, Costa Rica is the Simon Bolivar Zoological Park. This zoo, while relatively small, is jam-packed with an incredible array of Costa Rican wildlife. There is also a large variety of other animals, including some from Asia and Africa. The Simon Bolivar Zoological Park is a great way to spend an afternoon, or even an entire day, in while visiting San Jose. You and your traveling companions will find a great number of opportunities for photographs of the many animals on display here. This zoo also offers a great educational opportunity, as visitors can learn many interesting facts about the various animals on display.

Museums

If you or people in your traveling party are fans or students of art history, there are many options for art museums in San Jose, Costa Rica. One example which really stands out is the Pre-Columbian Gold Museum. This is certainly one of the most unique art displays one could ever hope to encounter, and it is worth a visit. More than 2,000 incredible pieces of work, all done in gold, are on display here. All of the work at the Pre-Columbian Gold Museum is quite ancient and really gives visitors a feel for how the culture of Costa Rica must have been back in those ancient times. This museum is a great opportunity to educate yourself on the culture and history of Costa Rica; there is also an amazing display of stamps and gold coins here which will further enhance your visiting experience.

The Museo Nacional, or National Museum, is another great place to check out while you are inn San Jose, Costa Rica. This museum has an archeological room with Indian artifacts and items such as pottery and arrowheads. It also has a colonial room, where visitors can view and learn about the Spanish conquest and many artifacts from that period of Costa Rica’s history. In another area of this museum there are exhibits about various contemporary art in Costa Rica.

Turu Ba Ri Tropical Park

For those who enjoy hiking and being out and around incredibly scenic natural environments, the Turu Ba Ri Tropical Park is an absolute must for any visit to San Jose, Costa Rica. This intriguing park boasts nearly 600 acres of undeveloped, protected natural wildlife and amazing vegetation. With over 500 different kinds and species of plants, those who enjoy learning about and seeing different types of flowers and trees will certainly be incredibly entertained at this beautiful place. The park offers many wonderful hiking trails, so please bring your hiking boots, water bottles and perhaps even a light picnic lunch to bring with you while you explore the gorgeous surroundings. For those who enjoy a thrill, there is also a “Tarzan Swing” which is over 260 feet high!

Plaza de la Cultura

While in San Jose, Costa Rica, you may find yourself wanting to do a little shopping. Perhaps you would like to pick up some souvenirs for yourself or for friends and family back home. If so, head right over to the Plaza de la Cultura (the Plaza of the Culture). This is undoubtedly the most popular and varied shopping area in all of San Jose, and you are certain to find many wonderful items to remind yourself of your Costa Rican trip for many years to come. There are many street vendors in this area, as well as many delicious and enticing options for dining out and trying the fantastic local cuisine. Or you can simply stroll around the area and watch the comings and goings of the local residents of San Jose. No matter what you do there, you are sure to have a great time.

Finally, no trip to San Jose, Costa Rica would be complete without sampling some of its incredible nightlife. Whether you seek dancing, entertainment or a simple but pleasant dining experience, San Jose has plenty to offer. There are many great dance clubs and restaurants to go to in San Jose, and a night on the town here will never be forgotten by you or anyone in your tour group.

Original article can be found here: What to do in San Jose

Easter is a major Catholic holiday all over the world, and Costa Rica is no exception. In fact, Easter in Costa Rica is probably one the longest and most widely celebrated holidays in Costa Rica. Second only to Christmas of course. During the week of Easter and the weeks leading up to it, you can expect to see all kinds of festivals, celebrations, parades and more. This is true for even some of the smaller and more remote areas of Costa Rica as well.

What to Expect

In Costa Rica, Easter is a very big holiday for the locals. It is a holy week with religious masses, and processions. The actual holiday takes place on the Thursday and Friday before Easter Sunday. The streets are extremely crowded, with local Costa Ricans celebrating the Easter holiday. There are not a lot of visitors during the holidays in Costa Rica, but when there are, it is a time to relax on the beaches or join in the Costa Ricans holiday celebrations. In the Costa Rica Easter celebrations, they have processions and depict the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, as most Costa Ricans are of Roman Catholic decent.

During the Thursday and Friday holiday, all transportation is off, and no one is working. That is one of the reasons that there are not many visitors on the holiday, because there is no transportation to any attractions. Everyone celebrates together, and the streets are full of people attending processions. Many businesses are closed the whole week long, so they can celebrate the holiday without any interruption. There are street fairs with dancing, music, traditional food, and what is known as toro a lo tica. Which is basically bullfighting without any bloodshed. The Easter holiday is a time for the locals to put off work and relax.

Festivals during Easter

One very popular festival during the Easter time in Costa Rica is the Fiesta San Vincente de Moravia. This fiesta is a huge party that all locals attend, it is basically a street festival with a lot of partying. It is like a fair with music and dancing all over the streets, and traditional Costa Rican food is served. It is a time for the locals to relax and enjoy their faith. The festivals flood the streets, and all local Costa Ricans participate in the celebration. Some have time off of work for the whole week before Easter Sunday, and have a large festivals throughout the entire week.

The celebrations start the Thursday before Easter and do not stop till Easter Sunday, and even into the Monday after Easter. The holiday however is really only the Thursday and Friday before Easter Sunday, but many locals will celebrate throughout the entire week. In Costa Rica it is one of the largest holidays for the locals, and includes parades, festivals, celebrations, and many other activities. The holiday is of a Christian descent since Catholic is the primary religion, but nowhere else in the world has celebrations for Easter like Costa Rica does.

History of Easter in Costa Rica

Most of the local Costa Ricans are primarily Roman Catholic, so during the Easter time they are celebrating the resurrection of Jesus Christ. The Roman Catholic is a descent of Christianity, and during Easter time is the time when Jesus Christ was crucified on the cross. According to the Christian faith, the body of Jesus Christ was put in a tomb, and three days later on a Sunday, Jesus was not in the tomb any longer. The family and disciples were looking for Jesus Christ in his tomb saw him, and Jesus told them he had resurrected to be in Heaven with God. It is celebrated in Costa Rica throughout the entire weekend, as in other parts of the world it is only celebrated on Easter Sunday. That is what makes the holiday so special for the locals, being the largest religious celebrations for them.

Easter falls at the end of a forty six day Lenten season, beginning with ash Wednesday. During the forty six day period, there are six Sundays that fall in the time period. On the last week of the Lenten season, it is considered the holy week. It is the highest festival for the Christian faith, and is a continuation of penitence in preparation for Easter Sunday. In Costa Rica it is one of the largest festivals, even all over the world it is celebrated for being the highest festival in the Christian faith. It is the most important holiday, because of the resurrection of Jesus Christ which pieces together the entire Christian faith.

Original article can be found here: Easter in Costa Rica

Beach goers who like to have the option to go nude should have no problem doing so on a Costa Rica beach. While it is slightly frowned upon outside of major hotels and resorts in tourist areas; for the most part it is widely excepted. In smaller beach towns it rarely causes a reaction. If you feel uncomfortable being nude around groups of clothed people, it is often very easy to find a private stretch of beach.

Though there are no actual beaches targeted for nudity in Costa Rica, there are plenty of “clothing optional” hot spots throughout the entire span of this beautiful Central American oasis. It is true that legally, in Costa Rica, public nudity is not acceptable, so what are you to do if you are a tourist feeling the need to relax in the buff? Where would you go?

Manuel Antonio Beach

First, I have to mention Manuel Antonio Beach. This is a popular place for all kinds of tourists, and is primarily a more conservative place to sunbathe and play, however, north of the public area is a nice little area where you will find a lot of topless basking. Sometimes, though rare, you will even find completely nude beach-goers. This is also known to be the gay and lesbian friendly part of the beach. The locals call it Playa de Playos.

Montezuma Beach

Montezuma Beach (or Playa Montezuma) is the perfect place for those who are of the “bohemian” persuasion. This is perhaps the most budget friendly of get-aways and attracts a wide and colorful spectrum of liberal minded folk like backpackers, gypsies, surfers, street musicians and other fun loving tourists and locals. As if the entertaining mix of locals and tourists, and the veritable smorgisboard of cuisine in Playa Montezuma isn’t enough, just take a scenic drive (or hike) farther North and behold Playa Grande, a secluded, yet vibrant patch of beach that just comes to life with art, surfing, bonfires, and of course, the option to go bare!

Hotel Villa Roca

Hotel Villa Roca is a Gay owned resort for the gay, lesbian, and transgendered community, found within the city of Quepos, overlooking the Pacific Ocean with grand views of the rain forest. Though this is not a designated clothing optional resort, after ten o’clock pm, it is permitted. Quepos, on the road to Manuel Antonio, is a world renowned gay/lesbian hot spot and tourism firehouse. Not only is this resort nestled in perhaps the most beautiful region of Costa Rica, the owners take pride in their environment and run all of their jacuzzis on solar power. Enjoy nature, and wildlife, and feel free to take off some clothes after ten!

Club Mi Amor

There is also a fine little place called Club Mi Amor. It is a nudist/clothing optional resort, and the only of its kind found in Costa Rica. Club Mi Amor is easy to locate, right between San Jose, the capital city, and the coast, about 40 miles from Juan Santa Maria Airport, making it convenient for tourists and travelers. Accommodations include luxurious poolside rooms, with breathtaking views of the scenic Central American landscape complete with a spectacular waterfall to gaze upon on those hot, clothing optional nights. Club Mi Amor takes up about sixty thousand square meters, and offers twenty different high quality suites both poolside, and gardenside, with color television, central air conditioning, and private wash facilities.

With the recent onset of non-local resort owners in Costa Rica, there are fewer and fewer places to enjoy a buff romp in the sand. Most clothing optional areas are found within the walls of adult’s only, or swingers clubs and resorts, tucked away from the eyes of tourists and not-so-liberal-minded locals. Even Manuel Antonio’s own Playa de Playos is threatened by new developments in so called “upscale” business, that frown down upon the openness of its visitors.

Generally, however, the further South you travel, in Costa Rica, the fewer tourists you will see, which leaves you plenty of opportunities to get some all over sun, without the tan lines. In most cases, locals and authorities will overlook the festivities, just make sure to respect the customs of the smaller towns, and make sure its okay before you disrobe!

Original article can be found here: Nude Beaches in Costa Rica

While Costa Rica might not be well known for festivals, parades, and parties; there are still a number of major events that happen though out the year. This list represents most of the major holidays and events that happen in Costa Rica thought out the year.

A word of caution; not all of these events are tourist friendly. By that I mean they can be very unsafe situations for tourist. Even if you travel in a group, some of the larger events can draw some locals with bad intentions. Use your best judgment, never travel alone, and be smart with your money and valuables.

JANUARY

• Palmares Civic Fiestas – This is festival rich with culture. During the festival you will see a vast amount of folk dances, rides, music, bullfighting, and more.
• Alajuelita Fiestas – This festival is held honoring the Black Christ of Esquipulas, Alajuelita’s Patron Saint.
• Santa Cruz Fiestas – A typical festival that consists of dancing, marimbas and bullfighting.

FEBRUARY

Check out this post to see what is like during February in Costa Rica.

• San Isidro del General Fiestas – This is the annual agricultural and industrial fair. You can expect to see bullfights and a flower exhibition among other things.
• Fiesta of the Diablitos – This is the annual reenactment of the fight between Indians and the Spanish.
• Puntarenas Carnival – A large carnival like festival that draws a crowd from all over the area.

MARCH

Check out this post to see what is like during March in Costa Rica.

• Dia de los Boyeros (Oxcart Driver’s Day) – This a kind of cool sight to see. On this day the farmers parde oxcarts around down to have them and their crops blessed by local priests.
• National Orchid Show – A small festival that showcases a wide variety of extremely beautiful orchids in COsta Rica.

APRIL

Check out this post to see what is like during April in Costa Rica.

• Holy Week – Being a major Catholic country, you can expect to see lots of festivals and parades all over the country.
• Juan Santamaría Day – This is a national holiday that remembers a soldier who gave his life in the battle against William Walker’s troops in 1856.

MAY

• Puerto Limon – There is usually a carnival and/or festival of sorts every May.
• San Isidro Labrador’s Day – A small holiday that honors the patron saint of farming.
• Corpus Christi Day – A religious holiday that happen on May 29.

JUNE

• Saints Peter & Paul Day – Small religious holiday that falls on June 29. No big festivals, but occasionally there are parades in small towns.

JULY

• Virgin of The Sea – This festival takes place in the fishing town of Puntaranes where the fishing boats honor Puntarenas’ Patron Saint. You will also find parades, dances and fireworks.
• Guanacaste Day – A typical festival in the Gunacaste area.

AUGUST

• Virgin of Los Angeles – A religious holiday that honors Costa Rica’s Patron Saint , “La Negrita” with nationwide pilgrimage to the Basilica in Cartago.

SEPTEMBER

• Costa Rica’s Independence Day – This celebrated on September 15th. There are a variety of festivals all over the country. Some places have parades filled with children and lanterns.

OCTOBER

• Limon Carnival – This is the biggest festival to hit the Carribean side of Costa Rica all year.
• Tres Rios Virgen del Pilar’s Day – Another religous holiday the honors the Patron Saint with parades and costumes made entirely of corn husks and byproducts.

NOVEMBER

• All Souls day – On November 2 Costa Rica celebrates its day of the dead. While its not nearly as exciting as in other countries, you may find a random parade here or there.
• Central Valley Coffee Festival – An all around fun festival with a coffee pick contest, music, food, vendors, and more.

DECEMBER

• Fiesta de los Negritos – This is a popular event held in the Indian village of Boruca. At it, they perform an ancient Indian ritual that honors the Virgin of the Immaculate Conception.
• Nicoya Fiesta de la Yeguita – Another typical Costa Rica festival that is complete with bull fights, music, dancing, fireworks,a nd more.
• Carnival – This is San Joses equivalent of Mardi Gras. A large festival full of music, drinking, food, and events.

Original article can be found here: Festivals in Costa Rica

April in Costa Rica is still very much part of the dry season. So much so in fact, that it is one of the dries months for the Caribbean coast. The result of this is very little rain and some really hot days on the coast. April is when I would personally classify the end of the high season. By the end of the month, many of the major crowds are gone in all the amjor tourists areas. Less popular areas are almost deserted with the exception of long term travelers and round the world style travelers.

April Events in Costa Rica

There are a lot of religious celebrations going on all over the country. Don’t be surprised to see small parades or celebration in any sized city in Costa Rica.

Holy Week
The Easter celebration, or Semana Santa, is one of the most celebrated holidays in all of Costa Rica. This holiday celebration usually starts the Sunday before Easter Sunday and last the entire week. Much of the country shuts down from Thursday until Monday in honor of Easter. Parades, festivals, celebrations, and other activities are not uncommon to see all over the country.

Juan Santamaria Day
This is a small holiday that really only effects government offices. This holiday celebrates the countries national hero.

April Weather in Costa Rica

The weather in Costa Rica is very mild across most of the country, with limited rain fall and warm temperatures.

San Jose
Highs of 78ºF Lows of 60ºF Average Rainfall: 1.7 inches Humidity: 79%

Manuel Antonio
Highs of 89ºF Lows of 71ºF Average Rainfall: 6.6 inches Humidity: 84%

Limón
Highs of 87ºF Lows of 71ºF Average Rainfall: 10.9 inches Humidity: 85%

Getting to Costa Rica

The middle and end of April are when you can really start finding the best deals and cheap airfare to Costa Rica. If you book way in advance you can find some really great deal on the major ticketing sites. Even last minute tickets to Costa Rica will be fairly cheap this time of year.

Where to Stay

Rooms and reservations are starting to slow down now. Most of the hotels, hotels, and resorts in Costa Rica will be back to their off season rates. You will probably be able to get away with visiting major tourist areas and finding a hotel without a reservation. However, on the weekends it may be another story. If you plan on traveling on the weekends, you may still want to call ahead.

Original article can be found here: April in Costa Rica

March in Costa Rica is still part of the dray season. This means there is a lot less rainfall in many parts of the country. However, the downside to this is that it can be exceptionally hot and humid in some areas. Some will also say that March also marks the end of the busy season. In my opinion, this is only partly true. You still have large groups of tourists anywhere you go, there is just a little less of them in the more remote places.

March Events in Costa Rica

There isn’t too much going on in Costa Rica during the month of march as far as festival and activities go.

St. Joseph’s Day
March 19 – This is a religious holiday that honors the patron saint of San Jose. You may see a small parade or gathering near churches in San Jose.

March Weather in Costa Rica

San Jose
Highs of 77ºF Lows of 60ºF Average Rainfall: 0.5 inches Humidity: 78%

Manuel Antonio
Highs of 89ºF Lows of 71ºF Average Rainfall: 2.4 inches Humidity: 80%

Limón
Highs of 87ºF Lows of 69ºF Average Rainfall: 9.2 inches Humidity: 85%

Getting to Costa Rica

As I mentioned earlier, so travel professional will say that March marks the end of the busy season. I tend not to agree with this as far as crowds go, but you do start to see price drops around March. If you are planning your trip in advance, look into ticket prices from mid March and beyond. This is when you can expect to start seeing some more affordable flights to Costa Rica.

Where to Stay

As with the drop in airfare prices, you may also start seeing hotels in Costa Rica start going back to their off season rates. Likewise, it may be a bit easier to find rooms in hotels and hostels without a reservation. It is still a good idea to call ahead and make a reservation if you can though.

Original article can be found here: March in Costa Rica