Top 10 Activities

#1. Canopy Tours
There's no better way to see the rainforest than from above and amid the canopy. If you're the adventurous type, try a zip-line adrenaline ride. If soaring among the tree tops isn't your style then there is the more sedate option of a lovely gondola ride that allows you to enjoy the view at leisure.

#2. White Water Rafting
There are so many different white water rapid tours and rides available in Costa Rica, catering to beginners and experts alike. Even if you've never shot the rapids before, there are gentler waters to ride to get the hang of it, but if you're more adventurous there are some exhilarating white water rides, tours and guides available here.

#3. Waterfalls
In a country covered with rainforests that rises from the ocean up to 12,000 feet and then back down to sea level again within 70 miles, it's not surprising to find so many glorious waterfalls. Hidden among the rainforest growth, bursting out from rock outcroppings, trickling into tropical lagoons or gushing from the mountain, the sheer number of beautiful waterfalls to explore is amazing.

#4. Hot Springs
Costa Rica boasts hundreds of natural hot springs. This is a volcanic rainforest so many areas have spas, warm pools and hot springs you can enjoy. These are a great way to relax.

#5. Hiking
Even if you're not into hiking, some of the nature walks and walking trails winding through the rainforest or along the beaches are a favorite with most visitors to Costa Rica. You'll find simple paved pathways and narrow dirt tracks or you can explore river beds.

#6. Hit the Beach
With such stunning weather and gloriously warm water temperatures, you won't be able to resist Costa Rica's beaches. Take a relaxing cruise or just soak up the sun and sand on the gorgeous sandy beaches.

#7. Nature Cruise
Take a cruise down the canals of Tortuguero or along the wetlands of Cano Negro and really get among the rainforest scenery. There are plenty of waterways so book a cruise and enjoy floating past mangroves, massive tropical trees and plants and see how many of the brightly colored birds you can spot on the shore or in the canopies above you.

#8. Volcano Trek
If you're interested in seeing real lava flows, fire spewing out of rock and smoking boulders reacting to the volcanic activity below, then head out to Arenal for a bit of real volcano watching.

#9. Water Sports
Costa Rica is a haven for lovers of water sports. The surf breaks are renowned around the world, so if you enjoy surfing this is the place for you. For those who prefer calmer waters, Lake Arenal offers calm, warm water with great breezes that are ideal for wind surfers.

#10. Coffee Tours
Coffee was once the economic lifeblood of Costa Rica and you can still find coffee farms operating. Take a coffee tour and see how coffee is grown, processed and finally brought to you. You'll learn plenty about the history and culture of Costa Rica during this tour.

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Costa Rican Cuisine

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Best Time To Visit

Costa Rica boasts a stunning tropical climate with a rainy season that extends from April through to October. Their rainy season is a little misnamed as you may find that the rain tends to fall for an hour or two in the afternoon and serves more to cool down the countryside for a refreshing respite rather than drenching everything all day. October sees heavier rains.

From November to March, the weather is warm and sunny. January and February are ideal times to visit as the visibility for volcanoes is better with the rain clouds gone, so the views are unhindered. The same is true for snorkeling or scuba diving. During rainy season, the run-off from the rains can often reduce visibility.

When you're searching for the best Costa Rica travel deals, be sure to consider how the weather will affect your plans.

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Travel Shopping

You'll find a huge contrast in shopping throughout Costa Rica, from simple traditional and local items and produce through to high fashion boutiques and plenty of department stores. In most towns, you'll find that certain sections of town will be blocked off to make way for local markets. You can pick up some of the freshest and cheapest produce here.

The shopping districts boast plenty of malls, boutiques and stores, so you can expect to buy many of the same items you can buy at home.

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Festival Events

Festivals are an integral part of Costa Rican culture, so you'll find something is happening at most times of the year. Beginning with New Year's Eve, you'll find huge street parties with music, dancing, food and drinks and plenty of fireworks to light up the night sky.

Fiesta de los Diablitos:
During late February the Fiesta de los Diablitos is a festival featuring a re-enactment of the battle between the toros and the diablitos (the Spanish troops and the Boruca Indians). The participants dress in fearsome masks and traditional costumes.

Dia de San Jose:
In mid-March the Day of San Jose is a celebration featuring plenty of good food, music, parades, Tico-style bullfighting and many more festivities. It's also considered the traditional day to visit the volcano.

Dia de los Trabajadores (Worker's Day):
May 1st is Dia de los Trabajadores and the cities celebrate with parties, music, food, dancing and plenty of cricket matches.

Fiesta de la Virgen del Mar (Festival of the Virgin of the Sea):
Held in mid-July, this festival features well-adorned fishing boats that form a colorful regatta as they carry a likeness of La Virgen del Monte Carmelo. The festival is celebrated with sporting events, parades, special masses, dancing, music and fireworks.

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Basic Spanish Phrases

Hello - Hola

Goodbye - Adios

Yes - Si

No - No

Thank you - Gracias

Please - Por favor

How much do I owe you? - ¿Cuánto le debo?

How much is this? - ¿Cúanto es?

Do you speak English? - Habla Ingles?

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Explore Costa Rica

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