By Danny R. Johnson – Entertainment and Travel News Editor
San Diego County News recently embarked upon an adventure to the country of Costa Rica. Costa Rica is a small Central American nation, with a population of 5.094 million, that shelters six percent of the world’s biodiversity. Tourists can expect to see gorgeous orchids, colorful birds and butterflies, howler monkeys, and even the elusive margay, a spotted nocturnal cat that lives in the rainforest. In addition to natural beauty, there is a lot to love about a place that has not had an army since 1949. Costa Rica’s Ticos (as locals are called) have managed to avoid the conflicts that have devastated neighboring nations.
Things to do in Costa Rica
Most visitors come to Costa Rica for nature. Twenty-five percent of the country is protected, and most natural areas are easily accessible, though some require going off the beaten path. There are 186 areas covered by the National Conservation Areas System, including thirty-two national parks and fifty-one wildlife refuges. More than ten conservation areas are within reach of San José, the country’s capital, alone, and each offers a different nature experience. From the last remaining tropical wet forests in the Mesoamerican Pacific, located in Corcovado National Park, to the stalagmite- and stalactite-filled caves of Tempisque Conservation Area, travelers can see a variety of habitats in one trip. As for accommodations, there are plenty of options for roughing it, but Costa Rica also features upscale resorts, such as Marriott and Hilton, to satisfy all your needs.
Costa Rican Culture
Costa Rica is an anomaly in Central America. Like its neighbors, the country traces its cultural heritage back to Indigenous groups that occupied the land before the Spanish colonial period, but its modern history is quite distinct. Political choices to embrace democracy, abolish the national army, and protect rather than develop its natural assets have put the country in an economic and social position in which the quality of life here generally exceeds that of most Central American countries. Costa Rica has repeatedly been designated among the happiest countries in the world by international development researchers. Visitors come from around the world to discover the secret of “Pura Vida,” or pure life.
Shopping
Unlike most of its Central American neighbors—notably Guatemala, which offers one of the region’s largest markets, Chichicastenango—Costa Rica does not have a thriving handicraft culture. However, there are a few Costa Rican goods worth taking home—such as hammocks, jewelry made of fruit and tree seeds, and non-perishable food products like homegrown coffee and the famous “Lizano Sauce.” In Costa Rica, your money is best spent on epic experiences, from hiking and zip-lining to exploring caves and active volcanoes. Those memories will last longer than any souvenir.
MVC Los Suenos, Garabito, Puntarenas – Best Family Vacation Resort in Costa Rica
Tucked away in a small upscale and thriving working-class community in scenic Herradura Bay, Costa Rica, lies the magnificent Marriott Vacation Club Costa Rica. This eco-friendly resort, where the entire staff, from the valet parking associates who greet you upon your arrival to the servers and chefs in the restaurants, expect to be spoiled beyond your wildest expectations. In a proper design resort/hotel style, everything is tastefully done. The Los Suenos Marriott Vacation Club is an ideal choice for families, offering a wide range of on-site activities for every fitness level—think surfing, volleyball, golf, hiking, kayaking, horseback riding, and so on. The kids’ club provides organized daily adventures for children ages four to twelve. At the same time, parents steal a few relaxing hours at the oceanfront infinity pool or indulge in beachside massages at the spa. The restaurants and bars serve everything from casual burgers for fussy eaters to sushi, Asian fusion, and contemporary Costa Rican for those with more refined palates. And most of the guest rooms and villas have balconies or terraces with the ocean, garden, or pool views, as well as marble bathrooms with oversize tubs or rainforest-themed showers for maximum comfort. Spring for a spacious one-bedroom or two-bedroom suite with a separate living room area—a great plus if your little ones are early risers.
Local food is a way of life in Costa Rica. Corn, beans, and root vegetables are grown here and find their place on most Tico tables. Start the day with locally produced coffee, served alongside such Costa Rican fruits as pineapple, cashew fruit, and “sapote” at the Casa del Café Gift Shop or the Hacienda Kitchen restaurant. Do not be surprised by the heaping portions of the Hacienda chef’s signature and special dinner menu. Be sure that they have “Gallo pinto,” a rice and bean dish served any time of day. At breakfast, it is usually accompanied by an egg, tortilla, and a thick slice of farmers’ cheese. Plantains and meat often join Gallo pinto at lunch and dinner. Costa Rican food is not spicy; if you need an extra pop of flavor, splash a dash of the local favorite “Lizano Sauce” (akin to HP Sauce) on your meal.
General Information
– Costa Rica has several international airports. Most visitors fly into San José, the capital, or Liberia. Upon arrival, you will need to present your passport at the immigration kiosk, where you will receive a tourist visa; proof of exit in the form of a return or onward ticket is required.
– Costa Rica’s official language is Spanish, and the currency is the “colon.” Credit cards are widely accepted. Note that there is a sales tax of 13%.
– When you leave the country, you will be required to pay a U.S. $29 departure or exit tax; many airlines include the fee in their ticket prices, so double-check. – Voltage and plugs are the same as in the United States.
