Having fun in Costa Rica

1 The Coast

Costa Rican shores stretch along the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea. With approximately 1929 kilometers of coast line; that’s a lot of tropical beaches.

The Pacific coast offers fun and funky surfing towns rich in flavor with that laid back surf mentality. For more up to date and modern amenities try Jaco Beach, where you’ll find a good selection of hotels, entertainment and nightlife. Jaco beach is also a great choice for sport fishing. You’ll have the opportunity to reel in Marlin Sail Fish and Tuna.

The Caribbean coast offers wonderful opportunities to scuba dive and snorkel in turquoise waters among colorful fish and beautiful ocean floors. When you’re finished enjoying the underwater marvels relax on the white sand beaches of some of the most luxurious beach front hotels.

For more primitive and secluded beaches try the Nicoya Peninsula, only accessible via ferry or light plane. Though secluded don’t expect to ruff it at these destinations. Most hotels and even vacation rentals will provide modern necessities and often many luxuries to make your stay enjoyable and memorable.

2 Nightlife

The most active nightlife in Costa Rica can be found in San Jose with 100’s of bars and nightclubs for the dance till you drop crowd. Casinos in Costa Rica provide just the right atmosphere for an exciting nightlife and can be found throughout the country in many of the more populated travel destinations. San Jose is home to many of these hotspots. Don’t worry though if San Jose isn’t one of your stops because many of the larger tourist destinations have an active nightlife that can provide fun and excitement. Try Jaco, Quepos, Tamarindo, and even Puerto Viejo de Talamanca for an energetic and exciting nightlife scene.

3 Events

Events festivals, parades and holidays in Costa Rica revolve around family and tradition. Ticos are conservative people and their holidays and other special occasions reflect this. Despite their traditional roles Ticos love to have a good time and you can easily find some sort of festival or celebration every month of the year. When visiting these events, don’t forget to sample the local cuisine for some of the best and most unique food anywhere.

Festivals and celebrations are popular for Ticos, but holidays are a time to celebrate traditions. Easter in Costa Rica is a time to relax at the beach or participate in some of the local processions depicting the crucifixion. Christmas especially is an important holiday in Costa Rica. You’ll find nativity scene competitions and cities and towns light up from the beginning of December to New Years.

The Fiesta Palmares in January is the largest of the Costa Rican fiestas and includes bull fighting and horse parades; carnival rides concerts and food booths. This event is held the first two weeks in January. The National Orchid Show in March attracts growers from all over the world. You’ll find anything and everything you need to grow orchids. If you’re visiting in July don’t miss the Fiesta of the Virgin of the Sea. You’ll get to see a colorful regatta of decorated boats carrying statues of Puntarena’s patron saint. In Costa Rica it’s never hard to find a celebration; to attend a festival, or to celebrate a holiday.