Nicaragua is the largest country in Central America and has coastlines both at the Caribbean Sea and the North Pacific Ocean. Travelers come to Nicaragua for the beauty it has to offer. Whether you look for eco-tourism, beaches, adventure travel or colonial cities, you’ll find them here.

Many travelers choose to visit most (if not all) of the Central American countries during a single vacation, so getting between Costa Rica and Nicaragua (or the other way) is not only popular, but also affordable and easy to tackle.

Quick summary

The cheapest way to travel from Costa Rica to Nicaragua is definitely by bus. You can catch a bus from San Jose, the capital of Costa Rica, and travel to Mangua, Granada, or Rivas in Nicaragua. Single fare is US$26*.

Flights from Costa Rica to Nicaragua

Managua, the capital of Nicaragua, is served by Augusto C. Sandino International Airport (MGA) , which is the fifth busiest airport in Central America. It is hub for La Costena and focus city for Copa Airlines.

Flights from Costa Rica to Managua are available from San Jose – on Copa Airlines and TACA/LACSA – and Liberia – on Nature Air.
The flight time from San Jose (SJO) to Managua is 1h 20 min and , during the dry season, single fare starts at US$254 on LACSA.
The flight time from Liberia (LIB) to Managua is 35 min and, during the dry season, single fare starts at US$85 on Nature Air.

Read more about:
>>Cheap Flights to San Jose
>>Cheap Flights to Liberia

Buses from Costa Rica to Nicaragua

The simplest way to get from Costa Rica to Nicaragua by bus is to travel from San Jose to Mangua, Granada, or Rivas on Tica Bus . Regardless of the route, the single fare is US$26. Economic buses depart San Jose at 12 p.m. and arrive in Nicaragua at 2 p.m. , 3 p.m. and 9 p.m., respectively, depending on the destination.

Another option is to take a local bus to the border, walk to the other country and take another local bus for the reminder of the trip.

>>read more about Bus Travel in Costa Rica

Driving from Costa Rica to Nicaragua

There is only one border crossing from Nicaragua to Costa Rica if you choose to travel by car. That’s at Penas Blancas, near Lake Nicaragua.

So, rent a car in Costa Rica and drive to the desired destination in Nicaragua but make sure to ask whether the rental company allows the border crossing.

If you drive between the two capitals, there are two possible routes. Both take about 6 hours to drive (422 km). Route 1 (see map below) is via Liberia , while Route 4 is via San Jose de Alajuela.

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Note:* price valid at the time the article was written

Photo credit

Original article can be found here: Getting from Costa Rica to Nicaragua (and return)

The Arenal area comprises the Arenal Volcano National Park and Lake Arenal, along with the hot springs. The lake provides endless opportunities for activities such as fishing, windsurfing and many more. While the volcano is not active anymore, you can enjoy the sights and spend some lovely time in the nature.

Manuel Antonio national park is one of the most bio-diverse areas in the world. It is the smallest national park in Costa Rica but it offers a lot of things to do . You can enjoy time on the beach, hike in the rain forest or snorkel to see the coral reefs.

Manuel Antonio is located south of Quepos, while Arenal Volcano is located close to La Fortuna, so you are left with choosing the method of transportation between the two cities.

Quick summary

If you don’t fancy driving in Costa Rica, then the next best choice is to choose private shuttle between Arenal and Manuel Antonio. The single fares start at US$40 and depend on the bus company you choose.

Flights from Arenal to Manuel Antonio

La Fortuna Domestic Airport (FON) is the closest airport to the Arenal region. You can get from the Arenal volcano or lake to the airport by taxi.
The closest airport to Manuel Antonio is Quepos Managua Airport (XQP) , locate about 5 km from the city.
Direct flights from Arenal to Quepos are offered by Nature Air. The flight time is 30 min and the single ticket costs from US$70 but sometimes it’s not possible to book the cheapest fare (Locos) and you have to settle for US$91, which is the Promo fare. Return fares start at US$227, as it’s virtually impossible to grab the cheapest fare on both to and from flights.

>>read more about Costa Rica airfare

Buses from Arenal to Manuel Antonio

There are private companies which offer shuttles from hotels in La Fortuna to Manuel Antonio. One of the companies, Interbus offers two departures per day (at 8 a.m. and 2:20 p.m.) and the single fare is US$40.
Costa Rica Shuttle Bus Service also offers such a service, with only one departure a day from Arenal (at 8:30 a.m.) to Manuel Antonio. The single fare is US$44 and the travel time is 6 h.

>>read more about Bus Travel in Costa Rica

Driving from Arenal to Manuel Antonio

Another option is to rent a car and drive between the two national parks. There are three possible routes and the shortest is 232 km. You should be able to cover it in about 4 hours.

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Photo credit

Original article can be found here: Getting from Arenal to Manuel Antonio (and return)

Liberia features colonial style buildings and is the gateway into the beaches of Nicoya Peninsula, as well as the national parks in the area. It used to be a gathering point for the ranching communities, as well as a hub for transportation of all kinds. Thanks to the new airport which opened close to the city, Liberia is now even a larger hub in the area.

The Arenal Volcano is one of the must visit places in the country. The abundance of the activities to do here, makes it a heaven for adventure lovers. Until late 2010 Arenal Volcano was the most active volcano in Costa Rica, but has entered a resting phase. No one knows how long it would take, but meantime you can enjoy the views and not focus on the eruption itself.

Quick summary

Although the distance between Liberia and Arenal Volcano is rather short, the lack of proper bus connections, make it a long affair (at least 4h 30 min). And flying is not exactly a cheap option either, so a good option is renting a car and driving between the two places.

Flights from Liberia (LIR) to Arenal

Liberia is served by Daniel Oduber International (LIR), located right in the city. It is a major hub for those who visit Western Costa Rica and the Pacific Coast.
Nature Air offers direct flights from Liberia into La Fortuna, located close to the Arenal area.

In the travel season, single fare starts at US$98 (the flight is via Tamarindo), while return fares start at US$276. Flights can be booked online.

>>read more about Cheap Flights to Liberia

Buses from Liberia to Arenal

It is possible to travel by bus from Liberia to La Fortuna, via Canas and Tilaran. The travel time is either 4h 30 min or 11 h , depending on which connections you choose (how long you plan to stay in Canas and Tilaran). Once you get to La Fortuna, there are taxis to Arenal.

The scheduled can be checked here but they do not list prices.

>>read more about Bus Travel in Costa Rica

Driving from Liberia to Arenal

You can rent a car and drive from Liberia to the Arenal area. The shortest route is 126 km and you should be able to cover it in about 2h 10 min.

View Larger Map

Photo credit

Original article can be found here: Getting from Liberia to Arenal (and return)

There are quite a few different ways to get to Arenal from San Jose. Which way you decide to travel is a matter of preference and time. You can get there by taking a car, a bus, or a plane. Decide whether you are interested in looking at the sights or getting there the quickest.

This is a lovely area to experience and no matter whether you drive, ride, or fly. Besides the Volcano there are so many sights to see while in the La Fortuna-San Jose area. There are also hot springs, the largest lake in Costa Rica and lush rainforests. So enjoy your stay and take in all they have to offer.

Check out these indie travel tips for San Jose

Flights from San Jose (airport code: SYQ) to Arenal

If time is key and you are looking for a way to get from San Jose to Arenal quicker than taking land transportation, then you may want to consider air travel. Fly from San Jose to the La Fortuna-Arenal area from Tobias Bolanos National Airport (SYQ) in San Jose. Flights from San Jose to Arenal are operated by Nature Air.

Once you reach your destination you can take a taxi, rent a car, or take a shuttle from the airport to the hotel. One-way flights from San Jose to Arenal cost around $75 to $80. Round trip airfare starts at about $150. You also need to factor in the costs to and from the airport no matter which mode of transportation your take.

>>read more about Cheap Flights to San Jose

Getting from San Jose to Arenal by Bus

If traveling by bus is your preference that option is available as well. There is a regular bus service that will take you from San Jose to La Fortuna. From La Fortuna you can take a taxi the rest of the way.

Various bus companies also offer shuttles between San Jose and La Fortuna, with departures every morning. The travel time is about 3 hours. These shuttles cost more than public buses and rates start at US$40 per person, one way.

>>read more about Bus Travel in Costa Rica

Driving from San Jose to Arenal

If you choose to take a car then the decision becomes whether to take your own car or rent a car. Be careful navigating through some of the one-way streets of San Jose.Whether taking a rental car or driving your own, the sights between San Jose and Arenal are beautiful. You will be passing through some of the most scenic areas of the country on this route. From Rolling mountains and meadows to patches of lush clouds and rainforests.

There are dairy farms and fields of papaya, citrus and cacao. Along the way you can stop at some of the villages such as Grecia, Sarchi, and Zarcero for souvenirs. Here are the driving directions from San Jose to Arenal: Take Panamerican Highway #1 North towards the airport. Once you pass the toll booth and the first street light take the Exit to Alajuela just in front of the airport and continue driving on that road until you go through downtown Alajuela. Once you pass the town of Alajuela you will start to climb the mountains and see the coffee plantations that will lead you to the Poas Volcano. Before you get to the Volcano you will see a sign to Varablanca. Turn right and continue straight ahead until the next stop sign. Once you get to that stop sign take a left to Cariblanco and San Miguel. Before reaching San Miguel follow the sign to Aguas Zarguas, Muelle, Tangue and into La Fortuna. After La Fortuna follow the signs to Arenal. Be prepared and enjoy some of the villages along the way because this is about a three hour drive.

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Original article can be found here: Getting San Jose to Arenal (and return)

Costa Rica is a beautiful country with many attractions. Travel can be fun but it can be difficult and dangerous depending on the time of year you are traveling. and where you are traveling to. In the rainy season many of the roads are washed out or very muddy and 4 wheel drive is required to travel these roads. Tamarindo, being as popular as it is, has various ways of being reached. The views out of the windows of any of these travel methods can’t be beat.

Quick summary

Flying is the fastest way to travel from San Jose to Tamarindo and the fares aren’t very high either. However, the cheapest way to travel between the two cities is by bus.

Getting from San Jose to Tamarindo by plane

Pavas International Airport is located near the capital of San Jose and is served by domestic and international charter flights. Some scheduled flights are also available from this airport.

Tamarindo is also served by airport (TNO) and it receives direct flights from San Jose operated by SANSA and Nature Air. During the wet season, the airport is often closed due to bed weather.

Nature Air has a fleet of small planes which hold about 15 or so passengers. It is a little small on space but a very enjoyable ride. Nature Air and the other domestic airline SANSA are very affordable at between $55 and $105 per person. Choose the “gringo” rate, there really isn’t much difference in seating. These smaller airlines do have baggage restrictions, so be sure to check before you go. It is possible to book flights online.

>>read more about Cheap Flights to San Jose

Getting from San Jose to Tamarindo By Bus

In downtown San Jose, you will find the central bus station where you can purchase tickets to travel by bus to many parts of the country. There are a couple of choices for buses, some are private and air conditioned whereas the main Ticobus is not usually air conditioned and makes many stops. There are some direct lines that will take you to Tamarindo with few stops.
This area can be dangerous, especially at night so if you must go there at night, it is recommended you take a taxi to the terminal. Not may buses run at night anyway.

There are also services in San Jose that will purchase your bus tickets for you ahead of time and pick you up at the airport, drop you off at the bus station a few minutes prior to the bus leaving so you do not have to wait in the terminal. The fees are quite reasonable for this service. They also run a shuttle service that will drive you most anywhere is Costa Rica. There are several shuttle services that will do this, but it is not really cost effective unless you have a larger party or can “buddy up” with another small group.

>>read more about Bus Travel in Costa Rica

Getting from San Jose to Tamarindo By Car

There are many car rental agencies in San Jose. Quite a few of them have offices at the airport or have shuttles to their offices nearby. A rental car is a fairly easy way to get around. It is suggestible to rent a four wheel drive vehicle for the trip to Tamarindo. You will need your passport, drivers license, proof of insurance in some cases and a hefty credit card deposit of around $700.

Once you have rented your car you have two choices to get to Tamarindo. You can take the scenic drive around Lake Arenal and down the main highway of the Guanacaste peninsula to Tamarindo, you can go to Puntarenas and take the ferry across the Gulf of Nicoya to the peninsula, or you can go across the fairly new Tempisque Bridge along the top of the Nicoya Penninsula. From there it is a short drive to Tamarindo. These roads all vary depending on the time of year. Check on the roads before you choose your route. The shortest route is 255 km and takes about 3h 30 min.

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Original article can be found here: Getting from San Jose to Tamarindo (and return)

Puerto Viejo is a small town located on the southern Caribbean coast in the province of Limon. It is the opposite of a tourist destination; the city has no golf courses, country clubs, tennis courts, almost no swimming pools, and only a few hotels even have air conditioning. But the city is incredibly laid back, and has a totally unique, non-touristy feel to it. The city is much more for the backpacking traveler who really wants to experience a place the way that the locals do. There are gorgeous rainforests there as well.

Quick summary

As a budget traveler, the best option is to travel by bus. For less than US$10 you can travel between San Jose and Puerto Viejo de Limon.

Getting from San Jose (airport code: SJO) to Puerto Viejo by plane

San Jose is served by Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO), the busiest and most important airport in the country. It is located about 20 km from the city. It is hub for TACA/LACSA and a focus city for Copa Airlines.

Puerto Viejo is served by Limón International Airport (LIO) and is one of the four busiest airports in the country.

TACA Regional offers scheduled flights from San Jose to Purto Viejo , while Nature Air offers only charter flights. Once you get to Limon you still have about an hour drive to Puerto Viejo. You can get a shuttle from Limon to Puerto Viejo for around $10.

>>read more about Cheap Flights to San Jose

Getting from San Jose to Puerto Viejo by Bus

Your second option is to take a bus. Costa Rican public transportation is actually really good. The buses are safe, efficitent, and very cheap. The seats are very comfortable, and most of the buses are very nice. The bus that takes you from San Jose to Puerto Viejo costs about $7.50 one way. If you are bringing your surf board, you will have to pay an additional $2.00. The bus ride takes about four hours, with one ten minute rest break when you are about an hour from Puerto Viejo.

There are five buses that go to Puerto Viejo every day. Make sure when you buy your ticket that it is for Puerto Viejo de Limon and not Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui. They are on opposite sides of the country. The seats on the buses can be a little too close together for some people, and so if you do not want to take the public bus, you can also take a semi-private shuttle. These buses can drop you off from one exact place to another, just like a taxi cab would. They are more expensive, at about thirty dollars per passenger (fifteen dollars each child). These buses usually have air-conditioning and are very convenient, but you are limited to one piece of luggage per person, and excess baggage costs $10 per piece. The drivers of these shuttles usually go slower than the bus drivers do.

>>read more about Bus Travel in Costa Rica

Getting from San Jose to Puerto Viejo by Car

Finally, you can also rent a car. If you go by car, the drive is about four hours long. From San Jose, you first take Highway 32 to Limon, passing the Braulio Carrillo National Park and the Rainforest Aerial Tram as you drive. This part of the drive is incredibly beautiful, going through the mountains and passing waterfalls that are right next to the road. However, the drive is also very dangerous. The roads are some of the worst in all of Costa Rica, so be sure and take your time driving. You will want to rent a four wheel drive vehicle, because there are immense pot holes. You will pass through Guapiles, Siquirres and Matina. Then, you will be out of the mountains and onto a road that is much safer, flatter, and straighter that takes you to Puerto Limon. Along this stretch of road you will pass many banana and pineapple plantations. At Limon, you will turn right on the coastal highway that leads to Puerto Viejo. This road becomes very bad again; there are several bridges that are only one-lane, and if you are not sure if it is your turn or not, it is always safer to yield.

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Original article can be found here: Getting from San Jose to Puerto Viejo (and return)

Traveling during the rainy season has become quite popular during recent years, but August enjoys an interesting time: little summer. It starts in July and during this mini dry season, it stops raining for about three weeks.

Weather

August falls during the rainy season, but most of the rain occurs in the late afternoon and evenings. The mornings are bright and sunny. However, “little summer” occurs in July and stretches until August. It’s a mini dry-season right in the middle of the wet season and you can enjoy the lovely weather in the northwest part of Costa Rica.

The Caribbean side is during the wet season, with rain falling almost every evening.

Just like in July, the beaches and lowlands have high 90s during the day and upper 70 or low 80s during the night. If you look for relief from the heat, go to the mountains where the temperatures drop as you go up.

Some temperatures in August

Alajuela avg 69F/21C
Puntarenas avg high 87F/30C; avg low 75F/23C
San Jose avg high 78F/25C ; avg low 61F/16C

>>read more about Weather in Costa Rica

Facilities

Traveling during the rainy season has increased in popularity but it still doesn’t match the crowds during the high and peak season. You can get away with coming to Costa Rica without booking your hotel or hostel , in advance, but do book the airfare at least several weeks in advance and you can even find special sales for August.

Many accommodations offer discounts of up to 40% because of the lower numbers of travelers during this time of the year.

Read more about:
>>Cheap Flights to San Jose
>>Cheap Flights to Liberia
>>Cheap Hotels in San Jose
>>Cheap Hotels in Arenal
>>Cheap Hotels in Manuel Antonio
>>Cheap Hotels in Monteverde
>>Cheap Hostels in San Jose
>>Cheap Hostels in Arenal

Alternatives to traveling in August

If you cannot manage to plan your vacation in August, try July – which has a similar weather pattern in Costa Rica. Other good options are May, June and November, with little rain and low season price and crowds.

Things to Do

August is a good month for surfing, but you can also practice other water activities. Don’t forget to use sun screen all the time. Jaco and Playa Hermosa are excellent spots for surfers.

Try a more adventurous approach towards your vacation. Zip lining is fun for both adults and children (of at least 7 years old). White water rafting can be an exciting way to explore a river, while sea kayaking is a less challenging way to explore the waters. Hiking on a volcano will reward you with lovely views of the surrounding area. Poás Volcano is located close to San Jose and can be climbed.

Costa Rica is known for the coffee farms so you can enjoy a strong coffee and see how the trees are grown and the coffee is processed.

Don’t miss the opportunity to see the wildlife very close to you. In Manuel Antonio National Park , the capuchin monkeys swing overhead and you can take lovely photos of them.

Should you stay in San Jose for a while, don’t miss the Jade Museum and the Pre-Columbian Gold Museum. Pick up some souvenirs from the Central Flea Market and enjoy the local cuisine.

Read more about:
>>Things to do in San Jose
>>Things to do in Manuel Antonio
>>Things to do in Tamarindo

Photo credit

Original article can be found here: Costa Rica in August

Not long ago only locals and insiders knew about traveling to Costa Rica in July and why it’s a good idea to plan your vacation during this time of the year. But now the secret is out and tourists come here during “little summer”.

Weather

The weather is bright and sunny in the morning and eventually rains in the late afternoon or evening. This pattern dominates the weather in Costa Rica from May to November, but July is somewhat different. Although right smack in the middle of the rain season, for three to four weeks, the country experiences “little summer” or a mini-dry season especially in the northern Pacific. So July is a bit drier than the rest of the month during the wet. However, it might as well be very wet but it doesn’t happen too often. The Caribbean side, however, experiences heavy rain fall.

The beaches and the lowlands experience low-90s during the day and low-70s during the night. In San Jose , the temperature is typically 5-10 degrees cooler.

Some temperatures in July

Alajuela avg 71F/22C
Puntarenas avg high 87F/30C; avg low 76F/24C
San Jose avg high 77F/26C ; avg low 62F/16C

>>read more about Weather in Costa Rica

Facilities

July has grown immensely in popularity during the last few years and now rivals December and January in terms of travelers arriving here. Booking the airfare and accommodation in advance is strongly recommended especially if you head to the volcanoes, Nicoya peninsula and the central beaches.

In July, you can still find some low season discounts, but as the number of travelers increases , so do the prices. However, when it comes to airfare, you can still find excellent deals if you are flexible and book 2 to 12 weeks in advance.

Should you want to save some money, consider staying in a hostel , but remember to book the bed ahead of time. If you arrive early in the day you might be able to find some available beds even without a reservation but that’s the case if you don’t mind too much about where you’ll end up staying.

Read more about:
>>Cheap Flights to San Jose
>>Cheap Flights to Liberia
>>Cheap Hotels in San Jose
>>Cheap Hotels in Arenal
>>Cheap Hotels in Manuel Antonio
>>Cheap Hotels in Monteverde
>>Cheap Hostels in San Jose
>>Cheap Hostels in Arenal

Alternatives to traveling in July

August is quite similar in terms of weather and you can find low season discounts again. May, June and November are also months with little rain and even less tourists, so you get to experience the country without the hustle and bustle of the tourist season.

Things to Do

Unless you plan to drive on a mountainous road while it rains, there aren’t any restrictions to the things you can do in Costa Rica in July. Plan to visit one of the volcanoes – Arenal Volcano is a very popular choice, while Paos Volcano can be climbed all the way up to the crater.

Spend the time on the beach in the mornings , when it’s hot, and finish the day with a traditional meal while enjoying the weather which cools down the area. The Gold Coast beaches of Tamarindo, Playa Grande, Flamingo, Conchal and Ocatol are excellent choices.

Visit a coffee farm and learn about how they grow and process it. Enjoy a nature walk, regardless of your fitness level.

Should the weather be too rainy, stay in San Jose and visit the Jade Museum or the Pre-Columbian Gold Museum. Spend some time in the Central Flea Market and shop for souvenirs.

Read more about:
>>Things to do in San Jose
>>Things to do in Manuel Antonio
>>Things to do in Tamarindo

Photo credit: Tamarindo Beach

Original article can be found here: Costa Rica in July

December starts with lower prices but ends right smack in the peak season, with airfare and hotel prices reaching their maximum during the year. It’s a busy time to visit Costa Rica and all the activities are in full swing.

Weather

Early December weather in the Costa Rica Mountains is a bit of gamble. The rainy season is typically gone and it’s common to have beach weather during the entire month. However, occasionally the rainy season ends only a week before Christmas , but overall it’s sunny in the morning and it showers in the afternoon or evening.

On the Caribbean side of the mountains, it’s wet at the start of December and gets even wetter by the end of the month.

Beaches and lowlands experience perfect weather for sunbathing (mid-80s during the day and mid-60s at night). Around San Jose , the temperatures are usually 5-10 degrees cooler.

Some temperatures in December:

Alajuela avg 69F/21C
Puntarenas avg high 87F/30C; avg low 76F/24C
San Jose avg high 75F/23C ; avg low 58F/15C

>>read more about Weather in Costa Rica

Facilities

December is the most popular month to travel to Costa Rica and definitely competes with Easter in terms of bookings. It’s the peak travel month for international travelers but it also falls during the school break, so the accommodations fill up quickly. So do the activities and tours. Booking ahead – as far as 6 months in advance – is recommended.

Hotels http://www.costaricatravelscout.com/hotels have higher peak season (up to 50% higher than during the high season) around Christmas and New Year’s Eve. At most resorts the festive dinners are mandatory (and add additional costs to the vacation). Minimum stays range from 3 to 7 nights during this time of the year.

Should you plan to visit Costa Rica in the second half of December, book the hotel and airfare at least six to three months in advance. A good alternative for saving money is to book a hostel bed , but also remember to start your search way in advance.

Read more about:
>>Cheap Flights to San Jose
>>Cheap Flights to Liberia
>>Cheap Hotels in San Jose
>>Cheap Hotels in Arenal
>>Cheap Hotels in Manuel Antonio
>>Cheap Hotels in Monteverde
>>Cheap Hostels in San Jose
>>Cheap Hostels in Arenal

Things to Do

Your first encounter with Costa Rica will most likely be San Jose, its cosmopolitan capital. Before heading to another place, take some time to enjoy the city’s most important sights. Visit the Jade Museum and the Pre-Columbian Gold Museum. You can also take a day trip to the Arenal Volcano.

If you don’t manage to visit Arenal Volcano, then just at an hour drive from San Jose you can visit Paos Volcano and you can walk up the crater for some lovely views of the area.

Should you decide to spend some time in the Manuel Antonio National Park, don’t forget your swimsuit and sunscreen because you’ll want to spend some time at the beach. Learn to swim, watch the wildlife or try zip lining in the forest.

If you didn’t have a chance to visit the beaches at Manuel Antonio, head to the Gold Coast beaches in the Guanacaste area. Tamarindo, Playa Grande, Flamingo, Conchal and Ocatol are some of the best choices.

While in Costa Rica, don’t miss taking a coffee tour – you can visit a coffee farm and a processing facility – and enjoying the hot springs. Nature walks are an excellent way to enjoy the natural beauty and don’t worry if you are not a fitness enthusiast. There are 1-3 hours tracks suitable for anyone.

Read more about:
>>Things to do in San Jose
>>Things to do in Manuel Antonio
>>Things to do in Tamarindo

Photo credits: Coffee farm – baby plants , Arenal volcano

Original article can be found here: Costa Rica in December

Costa Rica and Panama both have Caribbean and Pacific Ocean coasts, as well as rainforests. While Costa Rica does a great job at preserving its natural beauty in its numerous national parks, Panama is more of an idyllic destination for those looking for beach getaways and a more bustling capital for those looking for partying.

Panama City, the capital of Panama , is definitely more exciting than San Jose , the capital of Costa Rica. Travelers to Costa Rica can extend their vacation and also include Panama in their plans.

Quick summary

If you need to travel between the two capitals – San Jose and Panama City- then the cheapest and easiest alternative is to travel by direct bus. It takes 16 hours and the single fare is US$35.

Flights from Costa Rica to Panama

There are two major airports serving Costa Rica:

• Juan Santamaría Airport (SJO), located close to the capital of San Jose, the main airport serving the country. It is hub for TACA/LACSA and a focus city for Copa Airlines.
• Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport (LIR), located close to Liberia on Nicoya Peninsula, and is the second busiest airport in the country.

Panama is also served by two major airports:

• Tocumen International Airport (PTY) , located about 24 km from Panama City , and is hub for Copa Airlines. It is the busiest airport in Central America in terms of passenger traffic. Direct flights from San Jose are operated by Copa Airlines and TACA Airlines. The flight time is 1h 16 min.
• Enrique Malek International Airport (DAV), located in the city of David. It receives direct flights from San Jose operated by Air Panama and Sansa Airlines. The flight time is 1h 45 min.

Single fares from San Jose to Panama City start at US$306 on Copa Airlines or LACSA, regardless on when you travel during the high season. Return fares start at US$487.
Single fares from San Jose to David start at US$125 on Air Panama.

Read more about:
>>Cheap flights to San Jose
>>Cheap flights to Liberia, Nicoya Peninsula

Buses from Costa Rica to Panama

Both Tica Bus and Expreso Panama offer direct buses from San Jose to Panama City. The 16 hours journey is definitely the easiest, fastest and most comfortable way to travel between the two countries.

On Tica Bus, an economy ticket costs US$37 one way and US$74 return. Buses depart Costa Rica at 12 p.m. and arrive in Panama at 4 a.m. the following day.

Expreso Panama offers two departures per day, at 12 p.m. (arrival at 3p.m. or 4 p.m. in Panama) or 11 p.m. (arrival at 3p.m. or 4p.m. in Panama). A single ticket is US$35 while return tickets are US$70.

Should you decide to see more of Costa Rica while you are traveling to Panama, you can take two alternative routes. The northern route starts in San Jose, from where you can take a bus to Sixaola, on the Atlantic coast (about 6 hours). Cross the border to Changuinola (Panama) and then take a direct bus to Panama City.
Another option is the southern route which also starts in San Jose. Take the bus to Ciudad Neily (about 8 hours) and from here take the 30 minute bus across the border to Canoas in Panama. From here, take a direct bus to Panama City.

Driving from Costa Rica to Panama

You can rent a car in San Jose, Costa Rica and drive to Panama City, Panama, stopping along the way to enjoy the views and rest. The total drive time is about 12 hours (800 km) and a large part of the road is right by the coast line.

Just for general reference, the route highlighted in the map below is between San Jose and Panama Canal (close to Panama City)

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You can also drive from San Jose to David , which is located on the Pan American Highway. David is a popular stop for those interesting in gambling as it is home to some casinos. You can also take a day trip to some hot springs.
There are 350 km between San Jose and David. The drive time is about 5 hours.

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Original article can be found here: Getting from Costa Rica to Panama (and return)