If you are planning to visit or relocate to Costa Rica, you might be wondering what to expect. What are the people like? What are their customs? Costa Rica culture is easy to adjust to as they are a relaxed, friendly people. In fact in a study done in 2009 by the New Economics Foundation, Costa Rica was named the happiest country in the planet. The study used life expectancy, life satisfaction and ecological footprint to measure countries overall happiness. Their culture reflects that happiness. Here are several things to keep in mind about Costa Rica culture.
Costa Rican culture, like many Latin American cultures reflects their Spanish Heritage. There are also large Jamaican and Chinese populations in the Read more
La Fortuna de San Carlos in Alajuela is a beautiful town and a very popular tourist destination. The reason? Volcán Arenal, the country’s most active volcano is a must see. Every night the sky is painted with red sparks and lava spewing out the top of the volcano. A visit to this area of the country deserves a couple of days, so where should you stay? Here are two great places to consider.
Hotel La Pradera is a family owned and operated bussines. They offer two kinds of small villas, Standard room and Mountain Cabin. All rooms have hot water, A/C, cable TV and a gorgeous view of the volcano. If you want to get to know the Read more
If you are white, and especially if you have blond hair, there is very little you can do to not stand out as a foreigner in Costa Rica. However, there are a number of things you can do that will make you seem more Costa Rican and not call attention to the already obvious fact that you aren’t a Tico.
When you greet a person, touch your cheek to theirs and kiss the air. Main mistake made by foreigners: actually kissing the cheek. To remember:Men kiss women, women kiss women, but men do not kiss men.
At smaller parties and gatherings greet everyone this way and do the same when saying goodbye. Main mistake made by foreigners: Only greeting the
The amount of time I could spend talking about the things you should or shouldn’t do when thinking of relocating are endless. I have been trying to shorten my list to include a few essential do’s and don’t’s for those considering making the move to Costa Rica. Here is what I have come up with.
DO take your time in deciding where you want your home in Costa Rica to be. (Or if you want to stay here permanently at all… this is not something to rush into.)
DON’T buy the first piece of land or first house you see.
DO Rent a place in that area before you buy!
DON’T expect things to be the same as they are
Planning a vacation to Costa Rica? I strongly recommend going with a villa or vacation home rental as opposed to a hotel or an all inclusive and here’s why:
Vacation Villas offer a more private vacation experience.
Villas accomodate larger groups and families better than hotels.
When split among a group a villa rental is a more economic option than multiple hotel rooms.
If you get a villa rental with a pool, you don’t have to share it!
With a villa or vacation rental you can do your own cooking in the kitchen. (Some vacation villa rentals offer an all-inclusive package, for those who don’t like to cook.)
Vacation villa rentals are more secure since no one is entering into
Friday scientists from the University of Costa Rica and the Costa Rican Electricity Institute raised the volcanic alert of the Arenal Volcano from 2b to 3, on a 4 level scale.
Level 3, which is the yellow alert, means that in the 10 days, or weeks/months to follow there is a high possiblity of eruption or strong changes in the eruption patterns. Right now changes in the volcanic process are to be expected, which could result in an eruption or damaging rock and lava flows, are reported in The Tico Times.
Since about March scientists have been monitoring an increase in vapor explosions, which have continued for the Read more
The small town of Katira is home to one of the most spectacular rivers in the entire world, known as Rio Celeste or The Blue River makes this little town an unknown treasure. The river’s intense turquoise water is the product of a whimsical combination of pure river water and volcanic minerals makes this one of two rivers in the entire world that can produce waters this color. Natural hot springs, boiling pool and an insanely blue lagoon are just a few of the attractions in the area. There is even a beautiful waterfall that is well worth the trip down the long winding dirt road.
You may want to bring food and snacks before you come
For me there is nothing like being able to sit down in front of the TV. with a beer and pizza after a long day of work. In Costa Rica there are a couple of options for cable companies and one for satellite. Cable Tica is probably one of the largest and well known throughout the country.
Compared with the United States, Cable Tica they have great pricing and a great choice of channels. They offer a wide variety of channels from the Disney channel, Discovery channel, History, HBO and Cinimax. This is all under their basic cable service and will cost around thirty dollars.
There is only one problem I have noticed with Cable Tica: most
Zarcero is located just outside of Naranjo if you are traveling to Ciudad Quesada. Zarcero has captured the hearts of many people for several reasons; first of all being that the Climate is much cooler than other parts of Costa Rica. When visiting you will want to make sure you have a sweater or a light coat. Its climate is clearly a positive for those who love the country but can’t bear the heat. Due to this, those who have such health issues as Multiple Sclerosis that can worsen with heat may find that Zarcero is not only the place for them to visit but also the place for them to live. Though the climate is much cooler it Read more
As airports go, San Jose international (SJO) is one of the best that I have ever had the pleasure of flying in and out of. Though a rather small airport in comparison with other travel destinations, it is very well maintained. The bathrooms are very clean and well kempt as routine cleaning is done regularly. As far as food goes, don’t expect the dozens of choices you would find at most larger airports but it is modestly equipped with a Burger King, Church’s Chicken, Papa John’s Pizza and a small salad and sandwich shop. As is normal with most airport food, expect to pay extra for the “convenience” of having options within the airport. If you do decide to eat Read more
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