Destinations

What’s in a Costa Rica Vacation - The Essentials Part 1

By teletico ⋅ February 20, 2008 ⋅  Email this post ⋅  Print this post ⋅ Post a comment

I start off with what I like to call the Costa Rica Classics because these are the ‘must see’ elements that every guidebook will tell you to see on your first trip to Costa Rica. The country is probably best known for its rainforest. Without going into the boring details, there are more than 35 national parks and 40 protected areas and biological reserves. One of the best features of these areas is the amazing biodiversity that exists within the boundaries of each park. While some may be content with seeing wet plants and pretty mountain streams during their hike, others like myself want to see animals! Be prepared to witness monkeys, scarlet macaws, toucans, dolphins and more when you visit this country. National parks are easily accessible, trails are well maintained, and an entrance fee of $10 makes them an affordable and fun option for your daily activity. Here are my top 3 choices for national parks in Costa Rica:

Corcovado National Park / Osa Peninsula – A little out of the way and off the beaten path, but definitely worth the effort to get there. The park encompasses a large portion of the Osa Peninsula, accessible through Drake’s Bay to the north, and Puerto Jimenez to the south. National Geographic calls this place one of the most biologically diverse places on the planet. Here you can see all four species of monkeys that call Costa Rica their home (white faced capuchin, howler, spider, and the critically endangered squirrel monkey). Corcovado is also home to scarlet macaws, kinkajous, tapirs, jaguars as well as just about every other species of wildlife that can be found throughout Costa Rica. My simple theory is that when people moved into Costa Rica, the animals headed for the hills. When people followed them into the hills, the wildlife moved down to the Osa Peninsula. On the southern border of Osa Peninsula is the Golfo Dulce (Sweet Gulf) home to scores of fish, dolphins, giant whale sharks as well as some of the most breathtaking sunsets in all of Costa Rica. To the north, Drake’s Bay is known for its humpback whale sightings as they migrate from the northern and southern hemispheres. If you’re looking for wild encounters with nature, check this place out. You won’t be disappointed.

Orientation: Osa Peninsula on the southern pacific coast of the country.

Access: Domestic flight to Puerto Jimenez or Drake’s Bay (45 minutes from San Jose), self drive via rental car (6-8 hours from San Jose), or public bus (7-8 hours from San Jose).

Ideal For: Nature lovers, wildlife enthusiasts, adventurous tourists, as well as families.

Best Time to Visit: December to June

Best Place to Stay: Drake’s Bay, Puerto Jimenez, Carate, Sirena Ranger Station.

Best Kept/Un-kept Secrets: Dress appropriately; hiking boots, bug repellant, loose fitting clothing, sunscreen/hat, and raingear are a must. Diehard wildlife enthusiasts may want to check out the option to stayover at Sirena Ranger station for increased wildlife sightings, especially at night! Guided tours are best and increase your chances for spotting wildlife.

Gandoca Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge – This was one of the first national parks I visited in Costa Rica back in high school. Located close to Costa Rica’s border with Panama on the Atlantic/Caribbean Coast, this place is simply awe-inspiring. A 5.5 Km walk along the coast from Manzanillo to Punta Mona (Monkey Point) reveals some of Costa Rica’s most spectacular coastal views. The area is home to white sand beaches and offers safe swimming and snorkeling at Punta Mona. One of the most amazing experience the refuge has to offer is encounters with the giant leatherback turtles. These ancient creatures nest from March to July as their massive figures make their way up onto the beach to lay eggs. In my opinion, this is truly one of the wildest things you can see in Costa Rica. You may also want to check out the small community and retreat center at Punta Mona for a unique experience of wildlife, culture, and sustainable living. Goandoca-Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge is accessible for visitors staying in nearby Puerto Viejo.

Orientation: Manzanillo on the southern Atlantic/Caribbean Coast of the country.

Access: Shuttle transportation (5 hours from San Jose), self drive via rental car (4 hours from San Jose), or public bus to Puerto Viejo (6 hours from San Jose).

Ideal For: Nature lovers, sustainable travelers, adventure travelers, beach lovers.

Best Time to Visit: January to June

Best Place to Stay: Puerto Viejo, Punta Uva, Manzanillo

Best Kept/Un-kept Secrets: Be aware of humidity; use loose fitting clothing, sunscreen, and drink plenty of water. Guided tours are best. Hiking to Punta Mona with a return trip by boat the same day is best. Guided hikes with local naturalist guides are best (ask me about recommendations and reservations). Staying overnight at Punta Mona provides opportunities to experience a sustainable community and witness leatherback turtle nesting (March-July).

Manuel Antonio National Park – Coming it at number three, this park is probably the best bet for first time visitors to Costa Rica. Manuel Antonio National Park offers a little something for everyone with wildlife, easygoing trails, and beautiful beaches. The park itself is relatively small in comparison to other national parks, but remains one of the most visited due to frequent wildlife sightings and easy access. The park is located at the end of the hillside road in Manuel Antonio, right after the public beach. At lowtide the park is accessible by crossing a small stream, however during hightide you’ll have to make use of the boast available to take you across the same stream transformed into a river! Once across a small path will lead you to the official park entrance. One of the best things about the park is the frequency of monkey sightings. In fact, you are almost guaranteed to see a monkey during your walk through the park. White-faced capuchins are seen most often, followed by howler monkeys and the occasional sighting of the critically endangered squirrel monkey. My only gripe with Manuel Antonio National Park is how comfortable the monkeys are around visitors. This is due to the fact that guests have been known to entice the monkeys with food to draw them closer for ideal photo opportunities and interaction. PLEASE DO NOT FEED THE MONKEYS! This is very important, as the wildlife in Manuel Antonio is currently being pushed out of their natural habitat due to overdevelopment or dying off due to a dependence on humans for food and inability to survive using natural instincts. During your hike you may also encounter sloths, agoutis, peccaries, armadillos, coatis, raccoons, snakes, lizards, igaunas as well as numerous species of birds. After exhausting your search for wildlife, you will definitely want to explore one or more of the three beautiful beaches contained within the park. These beaches are easily accessible and perfect for sun bathing and swimming. These beaches are much better than the public beach located outside the park, so bring your swimsuit, a picnic lunch, and make the most of your day in the park. This place is a perfect option for families as kids will love the monkeys and beaches!

Orientation: Manuel Antonio on the Central Pacific Coast of the country.

Access: Domestic flight to Quepos (30 minutes from San Jose), Shuttle transportation (3-4 hours from San Jose), self drive via rental car (3 hours from San Jose), or public bus to Quepos (4 hours from San Jose).

Ideal For: Nature lovers, families, beach lovers, honeymooners.

Best Time to Visit: January to July

Best Place to Stay: Manuel Antonio, Quepos, Jaco

Best Kept/Un-kept Secrets: Dress appropriately; use loose fitting clothing, sunscreen, and bring bottled water. Guided tours are OK, but not necessary. Bring or wear your bathing suit. Picnic lunch is a great option if you’re staying for the day. Park is closed on Mondays. DO NOT FEED THE MONKEYS (I can’t stress this enough).

Next Up…Volcanoes

Email me at e4costarica@gmail.com if you have any questions

Can’t wait for the next segment or sick of reading? Visit our website at www.e4costarica.com for more information on Costa Rica as well as trip planning, reservations, and custom vacation packages. Sick of overpriced vacations and impersonal customer service? E4 is your home away from home based travel agent providing personalized travel services at the right price. Contact us today. We know Costa Rica because we live here. We know what you want, because we lived there!