The Simón Bolívar National Zoo and Botanical Garden (Parque Zoológico y Jardín Botánico Nacional Simón Bolívar) in San Jose, Costa Rica is a must see if stuck in San Jose. The Zoo is named after the General Simón Bolívar who was famed for his escapades in South American independence and was opened in 1921 some 5 years after the original plan began its fruition. The original concept was to provide shelter and protect endangered animal species in a safe environment, as well as serve as a scientific research facility and of coarse provide education about animals and their habitats to the public and scientists alike. The origins of the zoo stem back to the ‘Garden of Plants and Animals Institute of Costa Rica’ which was founded back in 1884 by Henry Pittier Prommond, and was originally near the Liceo De Costa Rica. This had to be moved when residents who lived close by complained about all the noise from the animals at the facility. So it was moved to the northwest of San Antonio close to Barrio Otoya.

..Check out our other things to do in San Jose.

What to Expect

The local name for the zoo is Parque Zoológico Simón Bolívar and is part of the Fundazoo project. Although not the largest zoo in the world it is interesting nevertheless. The zoo is part of many programs involving wildlife which you can learn about on your visit via the excellent education and tutorial exhibits within the park, most of which are in both Spanish and English.

Every year the zoo tries to have something new to offer and among some of the major changes that are still ongoing are the facilities in which the animals are kept. Not too long ago these cages were looking a little aged, but gladly and importantly this is changing for the better.

One of the main missions of the Simón Bolívar National Zoo is the preservation of indigenous species local to Costa Rica and the park does not disappoint. Visitors are treated to some local animals that you will only ever come close to in the zoo itself; unless of course you spend many years looking around the country’s jungles and wilderness’s.

Animals in the Zoo

Among the wonderful animals from Costa Rica, Asia and Africa housed at the zoo are the cheeky white faced monkeys and many species of birds including various parrots, toucans, cranes and eagles. All housed in exhibits that closely resemble their natural habitat.

There are many cats from both the big and small groups including favorites of both children and adults, the lions. The jaguars seem buoyant and happy to and will often come in close for the cameras.

The crocodiles are a fun and interesting sight along with other reptiles such as turtles and various lizards, which can be seen in their entire splendor.

Among the usual suspects are foxes, raccoons and other rodents and marsupials which are very entertaining so make sure you don’t forget your camera.

About the Zoo

What we have to remember is that this is a zoo in a third world country. It is there to help preserve species that need a little coaxing when it comes to survival. It is a shame when you read some previous bad reviews about the zoo and its inhabitants. The reviews are often not at all in any way an accurate description of what is actually a very good zoo for its size. It is a wonderful and beautiful location and place; all who are involved in projects at the Simón Bolívar National Zoo are doing a fantastic job. Although this is not to say that the zoo probably could do with ongoing investment that would surely help create some very good projects and updating for the zoo.

Not everything can be seen out and about in the zoo; there is a lot of behind the scenes with improvements to facilities and the work going on in the various research projects and funding projects. You can find out more about this through the education facilities on site and by just simply asking the keepers who are more than happy to answer your questions. So don’t be shy, they are quite knowledgeable!

All in all you will have a wonderful experience at the Simón Bolívar Zoo, it is well worth the visit. The zoo is one of the more exciting things to do when you are stuck in San Jose for a few days.

Original article can be found here: Simón Bolívar National Zoo and Botanical Garden

If you only have a limited amount of time to vacation in Costa Rica, I would highly suggest spending it in La Fortuna. This area has one of the highest concentration of all type of activities that are purely Costa Rica. You might not get the sun and beaches, but you get hot springs and volcanoes! Just about any sort of activity you want to partake in can easily be found in the area. And with a wide variety of accommodations, you can easily find one that fits your budget! There is even a super nice backpacking hostel that puts some area hotels to shame. It is called Arenal Backpackers.

The Volcano Arenal

Arenal in Costa Rica is a certain ‘must see’ on your list of travels around the world. One of the most famous sights in Arenal is its spectacular volcano. People flock from all over the world to see one of the most active volcanoes on Earth.

Almost everyday you can see hot lava flowing from the volcano as it rumbles into action sending columns of ash spewing into the atmosphere. Amazingly you can view these events in total safety from one of the many locations around the volcano itself.

Arenal Volcano is actually surrounded with many geological features and activities to entice your appetite for adventure and sightseeing with magnificent views.

The Hot Springs

There are many hot springs around the volcano including Baldi Springs which is 10 miles into the safety zone around the Arenal Volcano. There are ten hot pools which are serviced by a network of springs; these pools offer different temperatures ranging from warm to hot. You will also find two swim bars, a restaurant and changing facilities so you can change into your bathing attire before going for a warm swim in the pools. The Baldi springs are conveniently situated near the small town of La Fortuna making them easily accessible to travelers.

Baldi Springs is located nearer the inactive crater of Arenal Volcano and well situated so you are not to far from other activities that are available to the area such as; the more private Eco Thermales which has four hot pools a nearby waterfall, some amazing scenery and what better way to top it all off than have a delicious meal at the restaurant close by. Here is a complete list of hot springs in La Fortuna.

Town of La Fortuna

The nearby town of La Fortuna is itself a hive of activity and places to see. The town also has many hotels, banks, services, supermarkets and stores; so your every need is well catered for in the locality. The majority of which are nicely located within one or two blocks of each other in the town center.

La Fortuna offers some spectacular views and is only 4 miles away from Arenal Volcano. This is a picturesque town full of history and friendly people. You will find easy access to all activities in the region from horse riding, hikes and tours.

Famed as one of Costa Rica’s adventure centers you will definitely need to spend some time in the locality as there is just so much on offer to the region. It is actually quite difficult to put a time frame on your visit to La Fortuna as you will always find something that is new and exciting to experience.

Things to Do

Among the other experiences and adventures you will find situated in or around La Fortuna are; cave exploration, whitewater rafting, climbing, and various waterfall activities, plenty of hot springs and canopy expeditions around the volcano.

>> Paradise Adventures Costa Rica – Costa Rica’s Top Rated Wakeboard, Wakeskate and Adventure Company.

Also local to the area is Costa Rica’s largest body of water inland. Lake Arenal is full of activities; again with so much to experience you will need more than a couple of days stay in the area. The lake was increased in size by three times in 1968, and hosts Arenal Dam a hydroelectric facility that services 9% of Costa Rica’s electrical energy; a sight that is a must see on your visit to the Lake.

The lakes activities include many water sports such as windsurfing, kayaking and boating, fishing and excursions. You will experience beautiful scenery and views of the more active side of Arenal Volcano, especially night time displays from the lava flows and minor eruptions of hot ash from the summit.

Rainbow Bass sport fishing is one of the big attractions for the fishermen and women who visit the Lake, which is usually best experienced at sunset of sunrise for the best catches.

The main activities are centered around El Castillo which is on the southern most tip of the lake and nearer to the Arenal Volcano. There you will find hotels and inns, places to eat and Arenal Observatory Lodge where you can safely experience the views of Arenal Volcano and the amazing surroundings of Lake Arenal.

Why not try ‘Guapote’ a fish that is caught locally with a tasty white meat. These fish are known for there fighting characteristics and sharp teeth, so if you do go out and catch them before eating the fish be sure to expect to put up a fun fight with these members of the Cichlid family.

One thing is for certain that when you visit the area surrounding Arenal Volcano in Costa Rica you will have a world of experiences that are unique to the region, even the world. Once campaigned to be included in the ‘Seven Wonders of the World’, Arenal Volcano is definitely a place that will never leave you. Often people return again and again to take in more of what they didn’t get round to see on their previous visits as there is that much to experience.

Arenal, Costa Rica is a place memories are made of, and a place for the whole family to enjoy. Only one thing is left to do; pack your cases and get yourself out here as words to describe this magnificent land are hard to find.

Original article can be found here: Tips on Visiting Arenal and La Fortuna

Tamarindo is located on the Pacific coast of Costa Rica in the province of Guanacaste. Tamarindo is often the first stop for travelers to Guanacaste because of its close proximity to the new international airport in Liberia. The town is a great place for backpackers and luxury travelers alike. Tamarindo is a rapidly growing place complete with 5 star dining, accommodations, and activities as well as budget friendly hostels and white, sandy beaches. Aside from swimming, sun bathing, and other water activities there are a variety of entertainment options in Tamarindo. Whether you seek adventure, leisure, or relaxation. The options are endless in Tamarindo.

Things to Do In Tamarindo

Off-Roading
Off-Road Costa Rica is an adventure tour company located in Tamarindo. They offer 4×4 rides in Toyota Land Cruisers through the jungle. Unlike many companies through the country that offer similar tours, with Off-Road Costa Rica you have the privilege of driving yourself (all vehicles have a manual transmission). Although you drive yourself, you still have an appointed tour guide to show you the sites and point out fascinating wildlife. One thing to note however, is that if you are a die hard off-roader this may not be the adventure you seek. There is no treacherous terrain or bouldering in this off-road adventure.

Golf
Guanacaste is home to some of those most pristine golf courses in the country as well as Costa Rica’s noted “best” golf course, Hacienda Phinilla Golf Resort, located just outside of Tamarindo. For more information on golfing throughout Costa Rica check out our ‘Golfing in Costa Rica’ article.

Sailing
Marlin Del Rey Sailing Tours is a company offering daily trips sailing the Pacific Ocean. This is one adventure that should be enjoyed by all travelers to Tamarindo. Spend the day on a 66 ft. boat soaking in the sun. This is the perfect way to enjoy whale watching as well as the viewing of other marine life. The trip includes an open bar, snacks, and snorkel equipment.
They offer two tours a day. If you choose the afternoon trip you can watch the sunset from the deck.

Private charters are also available.

Original article can be found here: Things to Do In Tamarindo

What was once a tiny and secluded beach where people went to watch turtles nest has become a well to do suburbia of expats from all around the world. Much has changed about the beach town of Playa Tamarindo, but the beautiful beaches that made it so popular years ago are still drawing in the crowds today. Thanks to new airports, bridges, and roads, Playa Tamarindo is becoming one of the most popular up and coming destinations in Costa Rica.

Location

Playa Tamarindo is located 171 miles directly south of San Jose on the Pacific Coast of Costa Rica. Travel time from San Jose is between four and half hours to five hours.

How to Get to Playa Tamarindo

Buses leave from the Empresas Alfaro office starting at 3:30AM, 5:45 AM, and 1:00PM. The bus ride from San Jose usually lasts around five hours.

Weather

Weather on the Pacific coast is about the same as on the Caribbean coast, hot and humid. From May to October expect very regular rainfall throughout the day. The temperature here stays pretty regular year round. The only difference in temperature comes from the altitude.

What To Do

Originally, Playa Tamarindo was made popular by tourists who wanted to view nesting turtles. If this is your thing, you will want to make sure your travel plans are during the summer months from October to March, as these are the turtles most active months.

Surfing is another big attraction for Playa Tamarindo. If you are heading here to ride the waves, you will want to visit during the rainy months of September and October. The increase in rain usually results in bigger swells and waves.

Nearby Parque Nacional Marino Las Baulas is a popular place to not only view the Leatherback Turtles, but a wide array of other animals. The park is open daily, but if you want to view the turtles, you will want to make a reservation.

Where to Stay

Backpackers – Hotel Coco Rico is a budget friendly hostel that is located close to Playa Tamarindo and even closer to plenty of bars and hangout spots.

Original article can be found here: Playa Tamarindo

If you are visiting Costa Rica, odds are you will be flying into the capital city of San Jose. Many people simply stay in San Jose because they have to, not because they want to. However, if you plan to go anywhere in Costa Rica, you will have to make your way to San Jose. San Jose is the central hub for transportation in the country.

Because of this, many travelers use San Jose as a layover city or as base camp of sorts. Its takes between 3 to 5 hours to get anywhere in Costa Rica from San Jose. This makes it hard to cross the country in a single day. Thus, forcing many travelers to spend the night in San Jose and catch a bus or plane in the morning.

Location

San Jose is located near the middle of the country and is home to the main international airport. From here, it is about 3 to 5 hours to many of the popular destinations in the country.

How to Get to San Jose

As mentioned before, if you are flying into Costa Rica, odds are you will be flying into San Jose. Because San Jose is the central hub for travel, it is very easy to get to. Just about anyone you ask should be able to tell you how to find the bus station for San Jose. It is fairly guaranteed that every city, no matter how large or small, will have a minimum of one bus a day whose destination is San Jose.

Weather

The weather in San Jose is much like that of other mountainous areas in Costa Rica. The days are either very hot and dry or windy and chilly. Nights can definitely bring on some chilly weather. Plan on wearing some pants and carrying around a light jacket when going out in San Jose, day or night.

What To Do

Short of some night clubs and a lot of museums, there isn’t much to do in the way of activities in San Jose. The city is a great place to make reservations for activities in other parts of the country though. Many of the tour companies that have offices in San Jose usually provide round trip transportation to and from San Jose.

If you find yourself stuck in San Jose for a few days and have some money to spare, you can make your way to the La Paz Waterfall Gardens. The gardens are an hour North of San Jose and about a US$80 round trip cab ride. Entrance to the park depends on the package you choose, but starts at around US$30 per person.

If you are into museums of any kind, you wont have a hard time finding one. From large theaters and national museums to private art galleries, it seems like there is some sort of museum on every corner.

For an interesting experience you can ask your hotel where the big street markets are. These are worth a visit just for the experience and assault on all of your senses.

Where to Stay

Backpackers – Hostel Pangea is one of the more popular hostels in San Jose. If you are looking for a party hostel, this is it. They have a built in bar, dance club, swimming pool, and restaurant.

Backpackers – Costa Rica Backpackers is another very popular hostel in San Jose. This one is much more laid back than Hostel Pangea. It is very large and has all the backpacker essentials like a kitchen, restaurant, computers, and more.

Photo By accrama

Original article can be found here: San Jose

Many consider Monteverde to be the second most popular destination in Costa Rica. This is, no doubt, due to the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve. Monteverde is regarded as having the most beautiful cloud forests in all of Costa Rica. Combine the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve with the neighboring Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve and you are blessed with miles and miles of picture perfect scenery.

Location

Monteverde is located about 94 miles from downtown San Jose. Travel time in either a bus or car will usually run around four hours and thirty minutes.

How to Get to Monteverde

If you are traveling to Monteverde to spend a few days, you will actually be staying in Santa Elena. The town of Santa Elena is located just a few kilometers from the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve. This is the closest town to stay in near Monteverde.

Weather

The Monteverde area is located high in the mountains and the weather certainly reflects this. Days are usually warm, but have heavy to light winds. Nights are much cooler and will require pants and a jacket.

What To Do

Because Monteverde is the second most popular destination in Costa Rica, there are plenty of things to do.

The most popular activity in Monteverde has to be the jungle tours, zip lines, and canopy tours.

Quakers settled the area in the 1950s and began dairy farming. There are a number of tours to local dairy farms.

In addition to the dairy farm tours, you can also visit some local coffee plantations for world class coffee.

Horseback tours to and around the Monteverde Cloud Forest are also a popular way to spend the day.

Where to Stay

As mentioned before, you will more than likely be staying in the nearby town of Santa Elena. For more information on the city of Santa Elena, please visit our city guide.

Photo By popsarmchair

Original article can be found here: Monteverde

Thanks to the very active Arenal volcano, La Fortuna is a popular stop on any travelers journey in Costa Rica. If you are looking for a wealth of outdoor activities and don’t mind putting up with loads of tourists, La Fortuna is a great place to spend a few days.

La Fortuna is a great place to spend a few days. There are a lot of things to do and something for every budget. the two most popular things that bring people to La Fortuna are the Arenal Volcano and the hot springs. Aside from those activities, you can also ride horses, hike the waterfall, go four wheeling, and much more.

The town doesn’t exactly have a budget backpacker atmosphere, but if you are a seasoned traveler you can find the deals around a town. The key is to wait later in the day, when the smaller tour operators are an hour or so from closing. These guys can’t pass up a buck, so if you wait till the last minute, you will have a lot more barging power. I once got a tour of the volcano and a trip to the hot springs for US$10 when it usually cost US$35.

Money Exchange – There are plenty of banks and money exchange places in La Fortuna. Many places in town also take credit and debit cards as a form of payment.

Location

La Fortuna is located about 3 to 4 hours North of San Jose in the Central Valley area.

How to Get to La Fortuna

How to get here all depends on where you are coming from. Many independent travelers make there way here via included transportation from a tour such as whitewater rafting or canopy tour. For the best means of transportation to the area, ask your hotels front desk. La Fortuna is a popular destination and they should be able to tell you the best way to get there.

Weather

Because of the overall location of La Fortuna and the Arenal volcano, weather here can be quite unpredictable. One things for sure though, expect it to be cloudy and overcast most of the time. Since you are closer to the mountains, it can get a little chilly at night. Mist and light rain come and go at an irregular rate.

What To Do

Top Things to Do in La Fortuna

Volcano and Hot Springs Budget Tour

Eco Termales

There is certainly no shortage of activities to do here. The only catch is that just about all of them cost money. But, if you will only be in Costa Rica for a few days, this is a great place to experience a ton of activities in one area.

Next to the volcano, the hot springs are one of the most popular attractions in the area. There are three main companies that offer access to the hot springs. Each one has its own price range and feel to it.

Arenal Volcano is the main attraction here because on clear nights you are almost guaranteed to see some lava exploding from the volcano.

The Arenal Waterfall is another cool place to visit. Cold is actually a better word to describe it, as the water from the waterfall is freezing. At US$8 a person, this is one of the cheapest things to do in the area.

If you want to do some nature travel, there are a number of tours to the Cano Negro Reserve.

Where to Stay

There is a newer hostel in the La Fortuna area that has become the first choice for any backpacker heading to La Fortuna. this hostel is call Arenal Backpackers.

Arenal Backpackers advertises its self as a five star hostel and it truly lives up to that promise. It might not be the equal to a three star hotel, but it is damn nice by hostel standards. Some things the regular backpacker will appreciate about this place include the air conditioning, a hot water shower in every room (including dorm rooms), and key card entry into the rooms.

The hostel also has a tour desk that can help you arrange all of your tours and activities for the day. the desk is run by one of the most respected tour operators in the country, Exporadores Outdoors. the guys here are nice and aren’t just after a commission.

>>>To hear more bout the hostel, be sure to check out our review of Arenal Backpackers

Average Costs of Accommodation in La Fortuna

• Private Droms US$25+
• Shared Dorms US$10+
• Hotels US$50+

Top Places to Stay in La Fortuna

• Arenal Backpackers
• Silencio del Campo Hotel

Original article can be found here: La Fortuna

Sitting in the Northern areas of the Puntaranas province is the small mountain town of Santa Elena. The town is located only a few kilometers from the Monteverde Cloud Forest and is the closet town to the reserve. Because of its proximity to the cloud forest, Santa Elena is the best location to stay in while planning activities around Monteverde.

Location

Santa Elena is located about 4 to 5 hours from downtown San Jose.

How to Get to Santa Elena

Many people going to Santa Elena make there way here either by included transportation in a tour, such as rafting or canopies. Many visitors also take advantage of the “Jeep-boat-jeep” tours out of La Fortuna. One thing worth mentioning, the jeep-boat-jeep tours are actually bus-boat-bus tours.

Weather

Santa Elena is located high in the mountains and because of this, weather is much colder and much more windy. You will definitely want a pair of pants and a light jacket if you plan on walking around at night. During the day the temperature is pretty nice, but the wind is still very strong.

What To Do

Since Santa Elena is located so close to the Moneteverde Could Forest, there are plenty of outdoor activities to take advantage of.

Zip lines, jungle tours, and canopy tours are the most popular thing to do in the area. Any hotel or tourist information center in the town can help arrange these for you. Most all of the tours include round trip transportation to and from your hotel in Santa Elena.

There is also a neat day hike to the “strangler fig” tree located in Santa Elena. You may have to ask around for directions on how to get to it, but it will be well worth the trouble. This might be the coolest thing to see in Costa Rica. Best of all, its free!

Another popular way to get the the Monteverde Cloud Forest is to take a horse back tour. These tours can be round trip or be a means of transportation to a zip line or canopy tour.

There is a butterfly garden and frog exhibit in town that costs about $5. If you are completely bored and have nothing else to do, its a good way to waste time and money. Otherwise, I would suggest passing.

Where to Stay

Backpackers – Pension de Santa Elena is a cool, artsy hostel in town. Its very rustic, but very cheap. The staff here are awesome and can also give you directions to the strangler fig tree.

Original article can be found here: Santa Elena

Literally translated, Mal Pais means “bad lands.” After spending a week here, I have come to think that the name was made up just to keep people away. In my opinion, Mal Pais is one of the prettiest beaches on the Pacific coast of Costa Rica. Go visit this beach while you can. Its only a matter of time before it ends up just like the other overpopulated, surf beaches on the coast.

Location

Mal Pais is located on the Pacific coast of the Nicoya Peninsula.

How to Get to Mal Pais

From San Jose you will have a full day of travel ahead of you. The trip will go from bus to ferry to bus. As with any transportation in Costa Rica, don’t expect buses to run on a tight schedule. The road to Mal Pais is unpaved and quickly becomes undrivable in rainy conditions, so plan accordingly.

Weather

Weather here is typical of beach cities. The days are super bright and hot. Even when overcast, your skin will feel the effect of the sun. So make sure to wear sunscreen here. Late afternoons bring light showers and the evenings are cool and comfortable.

What To Do

Surfing, surfing, and more surfing. This is the main reason people make their way to Mal Pais, and with good reason. There are excellent breaks almost all day long.

The town is small and not quite touristy yet, so there aren’t a lot of activities other than beach combing.

If you get up early enough and make your way to the beach, you’ll find tons of really cool tidal pools in the rock formations that litter the beach.

Where to Stay

Backpackers – Tranquillo Backpackers is the most popular place to stay for surfers and backpackers. The hostel offers a nice mix of party atmosphere and laid back people.

Original article can be found here: Mal Pais

Quick Facts

Average costs of stuff in Montezuma

• Hostels $12 – $30
• Hotels $20 and up
• Beer $2 a bottle at bars
• Food $7 and up
• Internet $2 a hour (dial up internet café)

Money Exchange – No banks or strictly money exchange businesses in town. Your best bet is to visit the ATM in your departing city.

Overview
Montezuma is probably what many tourists envision when they think about Costa Rica. The city of Montezuma is very small and quaint. Its full of beach side bars, brightly colored buildings, and streets littered with arts and jewelry merchants. Prices here a bit high compared to many other beach side cities in Costa Rica, but thats because real estate hear comes at a primium.

Montezuma is a small town with limited accommodation’s. In the busy season it is not uncommon for every hotel and hostel in town to be booked up. If you plan on visiting Montezuma during any of the busy months, it is highly encouraged to make a reservation ahead of time.

Where to Stay

If you are looking for some nice budget friendly accommodations, Hotel Lucy should be your first stop. Prices here start at around $15. Due to its popularity, brought in part by its recommendations from just about every guide book, Hotel Lucy is constantly full in the busy months. Unfortunately you can’t make a reservation here. Your best bet is to stay somewhere else your first night in Montezuma and visit Hotel Lucy early in the morning to reserve a room.

If you need and even more budget friendly place to stay, there is a camp ground just outside of town and 15 minutes down the beach. The camp ground is nothing more a Tico families beach front yard, but it does offer a few basic amities like a few primitive showers, grill, and a group storage locker. Prices here start at around $2 a night. This camp quickly fills up with budget travelers and is a favorite of all the hippies and artists selling goods around town.

Average Costs of Accommodation in Montezuma

Hammocks & Camping $2
Shared Dorms $12 – $15
Private Rooms $20 and up

Top 5 Places to Stay in Montezuma

El Jardin
Hotel Lucy
Hotel La Aurora
Tajalin
Casa Colores Rental Houses

Where to Eat

Original article can be found here: Monetzuma