"Pura Vida!" Top 5 Page for this destination Costa Rica by BEETLE_VERTE

Costa Rica Travel Guide: 6,352 reviews and 11,034 photos

I was 5 years old and I knew I wanted to see Costa Rica, because of a colorful book I had with pictures of red parrots. This country was on my list from the beggining and I've never been disapointed so far.

Planning the trip and being there, I discovered that Costa Rica is so much more. Everywhere you look, there's something amazing to see... from a sunset on the Pacific ocean to a volcano firework, from a sleeping sloth to a raging waterfall... Everywhere you go, there's something amazing to do... birdwatching, waves surfing, walking the cloud forest, sailfishing, bathing in hot spring, strolling on the beach, exploring mangrove or cavern or canopee,...

You'll see...

The places I've been... so far

First time around in 2004 we started in Alajuela . Went to San Jose to take the bus to Jaco , Quepos and Manuel Antonio; back to San Jose before going up to Fortuna , Monteverde and Santa Elena. Then back to Alajuela before leaving... snif!

Second time around, in 2005, we started off the same way, staying in Jaco and Quepos and Manuel Antonio, but then leaving for a week in Tortuguero.

Third time around, in 2006... Can't get enough of Costa Rica it seems... We spent a week in Puerto Jimenez on the Osa peninsula and a week on the Nicaragua lake near San Carlos, crossing the frontier in Los Chiles.

Patrick & Genevieve

Patrick and Genevieve... so happy to be here!

Pros and Cons

Pros:Paradise on earth for nature lovers
Cons:You'll get dirty... (in that good kid kind of way!)
In a nutshell:Pura vida!

Last visit to Costa Rica: Feb 2004
Intro Updated Mar 22, 2006
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Reviews (105)

Crocodile of the Puerto Jimenez mangroves - Costa Rica

Crocodile Bay Things to Do (30)

Puerto Jimenez A little east of Puerto Jimenez, large mangroves sustain amazing wildlife. A good hiding from the heat... more travel advice

Puerto Jimeneez Shopping (12)

But a few shops here to gather momentos and gifts in Puerto Jimenez. A cute and of good quality store (with the most... more travel advice

On the road to Carate outside Puerto Jimenez - Costa Rica

Rent a bike! Transportation (10)

Puerto Jimenez The cheapest way to get around is of course on bike. It's hot and large part of the roads aren't... more travel advice

Little bridge over the high tide in Puerto Jimenez - Costa Rica

Rent a car Transportation (10)

Puerto Jimenez We heard renting cars there cost a lot. I think around 1000$ a week, because they are big new sturdy... more travel advice

Restaurants (23)
See All The italian
Hotels (11)
See All Best Cabinas in town!
Warnings Or Dangers (7)
See All Ice cream scam
Tourist Traps (5)
See All Expeditiones Tropicales
Favorites (2)
See All Surfing...

Local Customs (2)
See All Slowly but surely
Nightlife (1)
Not a night bird?
Sports & Outdoors (1)
Sportfishing for sailfish!
What to Pack (1)
Less than you think
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Comments (36)

807Wheaton Mar 2, 2010 at 1:41 PM Report Abuse

Really excellent reviews of the accommodations you used. We are browsing different sites for some planning ideas. Thanks!
Goner Mar 6, 2008 at 5:06 PM Report Abuse

A gorgeous photo!
KimberlyAnn Feb 20, 2008 at 5:31 PM Report Abuse

Wonderful tips! The birds, wildlife, parks, and volcanos all sound so interesting!
libititus Jun 8, 2007 at 12:06 PM Report Abuse

Your page is just wounderful! congratulations.
GlobalMatt Apr 13, 2007 at 11:35 AM Report Abuse

These are fantastic pages! Are all the aereal photos taken by you as well? If so, what a great job...excellent. I'll have my Papagayo coast pages up soon. :-)
valiene Feb 6, 2007 at 8:24 PM Report Abuse

I really enjoyed your page alot I am leaving for Costa Rica on Feb 12 2007 I have notes but will check in with you again Thanks
windsorgirl Dec 4, 2006 at 11:37 AM Report Abuse

It sounds like you are THE expert on Costa Rica, I hope to get there one day and will definitely refer back to your pages. Thanks for the great tips and photos!
ALsouthernbelle Sep 23, 2006 at 7:17 PM Report Abuse

WOW! I love your page! I am planning my virgin trip to Costa Rica in February 2007 and your site has been most helpful! I cannot wait!
TempNomad Apr 14, 2006 at 12:02 PM Report Abuse

Some of the best hotel tips I've seen on VT. Well done!
SURFIN7TH Apr 5, 2006 at 12:57 PM Report Abuse

Best spot on earth.