dreamland costa rica

You haven't visited Costa Rica yet? Then you've missed something wonderful! This small country in Central America is a true dreamland and has a lot to offer: From rainforests and volcanoes above nature reserves, where you exotic animals such as hummingbirds, sloths, tortoises or squirrel monkeys. There is not only greenery as far as the eye can see, but also dreamy beaches on the Pacific and Caribbean coasts, which are perfect for swimming, diving and surfing. The "Ticos" and "Ticas", as the inhabitants of Costa Rica call themselves, are extremely welcoming and helpful and are happy to welcome tourists to their country. Costa Rica - the land of Pura Vida! Here you can enjoy life to the fullest and experience everything from hot volcanic springs to tropical beaches.

Favorite places in Costa Rica

NICOYA PENINSULA

The Nicoya Peninsula on the Pacific coast of Costa Rica offers everything you could wish for during your stay abroad, nestled in a tropical rainforest, you will find the most beautiful beaches in the country. The region is characterized by ecotourism, and the largely natural bays and coastal forests provide the perfect backdrop for your adventures. adventures. The nature reserves extend into the ocean to reveal the protect the impressive reefs and sea turtles. Some places on the peninsula have become true surfing hotspots, as the conditions are perfect. perfect. Many of the beaches also offer good conditions for beginners, so you should definitely get on a surfboard yourself. It's up to you whether you go into the water on your own or take a surf lesson at one of the countless surf schools. A relaxed vibe and interesting people from all over the world make your stay on Nicoya unforgettable. Our favorite places on the Nicoya Peninsula are Montezuma, Santa Teresa, Sámara and Tamarindo.

From and to Nicoya Peninsula

Buses run several times a day from San José to Santa Teresa, Montezuma, Samara and Tamarindo, taking around 5-6 hours and costing less than 10 euros.
There are direct shuttle connections between the tourist resorts on the peninsula and local buses often run from place to place with a stopover.

MONTEZUMA

Montezuma is a magnet for backpackers from all over the world! Here the clocks tick slower, people are relaxed and enjoy this enchanting corner of the world. Montezuma is a small and beautiful place on the southernmost tip of the Nicoya Peninsula in the province of Puntarenas. This unique natural paradise is a little off the beaten track and is therefore still a little insider tip and not overcrowded. Almost exclusively young backpackers and hippies get lost in Montezuma to enjoy the landscape.

Here you can explore everything on foot. The most popular beach, Playa Montezuma, is located to the north of the city. People meet here to sunbathe, lie under the palm trees or swim in the sea. Probably the most popular excursion destination in Montezuma are the waterfalls south of the city. They consist of three cascades with something for everyone. While some just relax or picnic at the largest waterfall (almost 24 meters high), the more adventurous can swim or jump into the water at the other two. You can also visit our Turtle Protection Project on your trip to Montezuma and see how the little turtles are released.

You can also have a good time in the extensive restaurant and bar scene. Thanks to the mix of locals and immigrants, there is a wide variety of cuisines from all over the world to try here. What's more, in Montezuma you are right in the middle of wild nature and can observe the species-rich animal world with monkeys, birds and butterflies right on your doorstep.

To and from Montezuma

As Montezuma is located at the lower tip of the Nicoya Peninsula, it can be reached by ferry from Puntarenas or via the mainland.
Buses to Puntarenas depart daily from San José, take about 2 hours and cost around 5 euros.
Santa Teresa is only a stone's throw away from Montezuma. The bus, which runs several times a day, only takes 30 minutes and costs a few euros.

SANTA TERESA

The laid-back surfer village has a relaxed vibe and you'll find everything you need to be happy there. We simply love this laid-back place on the Pacific coast! The surf hotspot is much smaller than Tamarindo, but it has just as much to offer. The beautiful beaches offer waves of different sizes depending on the time of day. Beginners can learn their first steps in one of the many surf schools and hire boards at reasonable prices. Of course, splashing around in the sea and hanging out on the beach is just as much fun. Although Santa Teresa can only be reached via a gravel road, the small village has turned out to be a tourist magnet. You can meet lots of young people from all over the world there and socialize at one of the many beach parties. As everywhere on the Pacific coast, there is a beautiful sunset in Santa Teresa, which is celebrated by all travelers and locals as a daily ceremony. Take some cool drinks and snacks with you to the beach and enjoy not only a breathtaking natural spectacle, but also a gathering of the whole town. Santa Teresa is not just about surfing, but also about partying. Find out about weekly jungle parties or pay a visit to the local club "La Lora".

To and from Santa Teresa

You can get to Santa Teresa by bus and then by ferry from San José.
There are also shuttles that you can book from San José, for example, which will get you to your destination a little faster.
If you come to Santa Teresa via the mainland, you also have the option of taking a shuttle or one of the local buses.
It only takes 30 minutes by bus from Santa Teresa to Montezuma.
Sámara is approx. 2 hours away, also accessible by shuttle or bus.

SÁMARA

The pretty little village of Sámara on the Nicoya Peninsula is a magnet for young travelers from all over the world who come here to surf and relax on the beach. The town center borders the beautiful beach and is full of restaurants, hip boutiques, bars and hostels. Sámara is surrounded by deep rainforest, which is home to a rich variety of wildlife including monkeys, iguanas and many species of birds.

Sámara's biggest attraction is its beautiful beach. With its palm trees and light brown sand, Playa Sámara attracts many travelers every year who are looking for a relaxed atmosphere. Because you won't find any stress here. Whether it's a cocktail at the beach bar, dozing in a hammock or strolling in the sunset - everyone will find happiness here.

Just 20 minutes from the center of Sámara is the Belen waterfall. This small cascade and series of natural pools is a popular spot with locals that few tourists know about. The entrance is in the middle of the countryside and is not marked. From there, a rustic path leads to the river. However, make sure you have good directions as it is easy to drive past. During the rainy season, the current at the waterfall can be strong and should therefore be enjoyed with caution.

From and to Sámara

There are several direct buses from San José to Samara that take about 5 hours and cost less than 10 euros.
From Sámara you can reach Nosara in 30 minutes, where buses run several times a day.
You will be in Tamarindo in about 4 hours, for this you have to take the bus to Nicoya and from there change to a direct bus.

TAMARINDO

Tamarindo is Costa Rica's absolute paradise for surfers and anyone who wants to become one! The lively and bustling town is located in the north of the Nicoya Peninsula and is the surfing hotspot par excellence. Many opportunities for diving, snorkeling and swimming await you there. The city owes its good reputation to its dream beaches and the variety of hostels, hotels, restaurants and bars. With pleasantly warm water all year round, there is no better place to catch the perfect wave than Playa Tamarindo. There are also numerous other beautiful beaches just a few kilometers away, such as Playa Conchal. During the day, you can enjoy water sports such as swimming, surfing or fishing and enjoy the vibrant nightlife after sunset.

Playa Grande beach in the Marino Las Baulas National Park is also very close by. The national park is a protected area and owes its name to the Baula turtle. These magnificent giant turtles are the largest marine reptiles in the world and come to Playa Grande in large populations from November to April to mate and lay their eggs. The tours to Las Baulas National Park are particularly recommended. Here you can explore the local flora and fauna together with a tour guide. A trip there after work is recommended on particularly hot days, as there is plenty of shade along the way.

In the evening, you can visit the city with its charming little bars and restaurants. This is also where the locals like to spend their evenings and you will quickly get to know new people. The trendy Beachtown Tamarindo is highly recommended, especially at the end of the evening. When the party lights come on and Latin American music plays on the dance floor, nobody wants to go home.

From and to Tamarindo

From San José by plane to Tamarindo or Liberia.
It takes about 5 hours by bus from San José and costs less than 10 euros.
There is a direct bus from Tamarindo to Playa Flamingo that will take you to your destination in 2 hours.
From there you can travel on to Nicaragua, the hip town of "San Juan del Sur" is only 5 hours away, for which you can book a direct shuttle.

MANUEL ANTONIO

White sandy beaches, lush green rainforests, gigantic mountains - it's not for nothing that Forbes magazine named Manuel Antonio National Park one of the world's most beautiful parks. The Parque Nacional Manuel Antonio is the smallest but most popular national park on the country's Pacific coast. Not only many tourists, but also the locals like to spend their weekends in Manuel Antonio. The photo of the two beaches Playa Manuel Antonio and Playa Espadilla is probably one of the most printed pictures from Costa Rica. In addition to the palm forests, the park also includes twelve islands that serve as breeding grounds for many birds. Over 350 plant species and 109 different mammal species, such as sloths, raccoons, coatis, capuchin monkeys and armadillos, can be found here in a very small area.

The land part of the national park is best explored on foot. Several hiking trails lead through the park to the beautiful beaches and several viewpoints. The entrance fee to the park is 10 dollars and it is quite easy to get around without a guide. The animals have become accustomed to people and are no longer shy. Remember to enter the park without food, otherwise you run the risk of the thieving monkeys stealing your food straight from your pocket.

Canopy tours are offered at various locations throughout Costa Rica - including Manuel Antonio, of course. Wire ropes are stretched between the tallest trees in the rainforest, allowing you to fly through the jungle on a zip line.

The two best beaches for snorkeling are Playa Manuel Antonio and Playa Espadilla Sur. Snorkeling tours are also offered to many offshore islands where soft corals populate the water. From December to May, snorkeling can be combined with whale watching on all excursions.

From and to Manuel Antonio

From San José you take a bus to Quepos, from there you change to Manuel Antonio.
From Manuel Antonio, you can take a detour to Jaco or Playa Hermosa, which you can also reach via Quepos.
In 2.5 hours you can reach the surfers' paradise of Dominical by bus from Manuel Antonio to Quepos and from there directly to your destination.
There is also a direct bus from Quepos to Uvita which costs around 5 euros and takes an average of 1.5 hours.

UVITA

Not far from Manuel Antonio is the small town of Uvita, which is best known for the Envision Festival, the largest festival in Costa Rica, which takes place every year at the end of February. The highlight is the Parque Marino Ballena (Spanish for whale). The beach bears this name because it looks like a giant whale's fin from above at low tide. Many visitors come to the national park every day to walk along the fin. But beware: the sun is very strong and hot at midday and there is no shade on the fin. So don't forget your sun cream and sun hat!

Dominical is located around 20 minutes north of Uvita and also has plenty of restaurants, stores and hostels to offer. A colorful crowd of locals, surfers, backpackers and hippies come here and there is a lot going on in the high season. So be sure to book your accommodation in advance. A trip to the Cataratas Nauyaca waterfalls is also definitely worthwhile. These two places are perfect if you want to come down a bit and prefer a more relaxed atmosphere away from the crowds.

From and to Uvita

From San José you take a bus to Tracopa and change there to Uvita, the journey takes about 4.5 hours and costs between 5-13 euros.
It only takes 20 minutes by bus from Uvita to Dominical.
From Uvita you are not far from the Corcovado National Park, unfortunately there is no bus connection here and only the option of taking a shuttle or ferry.

PUERTO VIEJO

Puerto Viejo on the Caribbean coast is located in the south-east of the country and is just a stone's throw away from Panama. Once there, the best way to discover the colorful surroundings is by bike. You can easily walk around the city itself, but you'll be grateful for a bike to explore the 13 km of coastline. Not only will you find the best restaurants and souvenir stores this way, but you can also explore the varied coastline in the immediate vicinity. In addition to the absolute Caribbean flair of Playa Blanca, you have the opportunity to see a real natural spectacle here: Playa Negra. Due to the high volcanic activity in Costa Rica, this part of the country has a typically dark volcanic beach, which is also perfect for swimming as the current here is less strong than on the other beaches. One of the most beautiful beaches in the whole country is located just a few kilometers from Puerto Viejo in the Manzanillo National Park. The sky-blue water and untouched nature are breathtaking. The beach is very quiet and there are only a few waves. You don't even have to take a boat to go snorkeling there, but can observe beautiful fish in the crystal-clear and shallow waters. Playa Cocles beach near the center is also worth a visit. Opposite the long beach, you will find countless restaurants and cafés serving everything from vegan to local food. The surf schools are also based here, making this beach a meeting point for backpackers and locals. Several times a week, there is a fire show where everyone can gather and marvel at it during the sunset.

Not only the flair, but also the cuisine in the Caribbean region differs from the rest of the country, it is spicier and cooks a lot with coconut milk. Rice and beans with fish is a typical Caribbean dish that you should definitely try.

The town of Cahuita is not far from Puerto Viejo. In the national park of the same name, you have the chance to enjoy an exciting hiking experience. The approximately 8-kilometre-long wooden trail takes you along beach and rainforest paths to Punta Cahuita. You don't need to be a professional to successfully complete this hike. The only obstacle on the trail is the Rio Perezoso, the so-called "sloth river". It cuts through Punta Cahuita and must be crossed if you want to get to the top. Although some day tourists come to Cahuita, there are only two hostels and therefore fewer overnight guests. If the hustle and bustle in Puerto Viejo gets too much for you, it's worth staying overnight in this sleepy, still very traditional Caribbean town. You will see more locals than in Puerto Viejo and the prices are a few dollars cheaper. A bus runs from one town to the other several times a day for just a few cents.

From and to Puerto Viejo

Several buses run daily from San José to Puerto Viejo, the journey takes 5 hours and the ticket costs around 8 euros.
From Puerto Viejo you can take the bus to Cahuita National Park, the journey costs around 1 euro.
You can also get to Manzanillo National Park by local bus, which also costs around 1 euro.
From Puerto Viejo you can take a two-hour shuttle to Bocas del Toro in Panama.
There are several shuttles to other tourist destinations such as la Fortuna, everything else must be reached by local bus with a change in San José.

CHIRRIPÓ

In the interior of the country lies the breathtaking Talamanca Mountains with a huge rainforest area. As part of the largest nature reserve in Central America and due to its ecological diversity, the Chirripó National Park has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The reserve is home to a wide variety of exotic animals such as the quetzal, ocelot, tapir, puma, jaguar and many others. The national park is home to Cerro Chirripó, the highest mountain in Costa Rica, from whose summit you can see both the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea on clear days. The incomparable nature that you can admire during the ascent and the spectacular view that you are rewarded with after the hike make the climb an unforgettable experience.

The small towns of Rivas and San Gerardo are very close to the national park. There are small restaurants and supermarkets there. The authentic little village of San Gerardo has only a few inhabitants, but is beautifully situated on the edge of the mountains and shows how the friendly Ticos live there in the countryside.

To and from Chirripó National Park

You can reach the national park by bus from the capital San José, changing at San Isidro General.

CORCOVADO & OSA PENINSULA

A small wonder awaits you in the southwest of the Osa Peninsula: the Corcovado National Park is not only considered the most biodiverse area in Costa Rica, but also defends this reputation worldwide. The 13 ecosystems with 500 tree, 140 mammal and 120 reptile species as well as amphibians and more than 6,000 insect species speak volumes. The park is home to many endangered plant and animal species that are already extinct in other parts of the country, such as the tapir.

The bay near Drake Bay Park is still considered a real insider tip, which is probably due to the great distance from the capital and the difficulty of access, as there is actually no paved road to the region. Nevertheless, more and more travelers come to this paradise every year and accordingly, there are several hostels and hotels, as well as restaurants, bars and small supermarkets. The bay owes its name to Sir Francis Drake, who used it as a starting point for his raids on the Spanish fleet in the 16th century. Legend has it that one of the British pirate's fabled hidden treasures can still be found here today.

From and to Corcovado and Osa Peninsula

There are few buses from San José to the Osa Peninsula, but you can travel directly and reach your destination "la Palma" in around 8 hours.
From there it takes 20 minutes to get to the national park by public bus or cab.
The best way to reach Drake Bay is by boat. You drive to Sierpe and get on the boat to Drake Bay.
From there it is not far to the surfing village of Pavones, but unfortunately the connections here are very poor and you would have to take public transport back to San José to catch another bus.

MONTEVERDE AND LA FORTUNA

Monteverde and La Fortuna have everything a nature junkie could wish for. In Monteverde National Park, you'll find all kinds of exciting adventures from the treetops to the roots. It's up to you to discover this place with or without a guide. Here you will find around 9000 Costa Rican plant species, 800 different tree species and over 500 different orchids. But the wildlife will also amaze you. The national park provides a habitat for almost 200 different species of amphibians and reptiles. These include lizards, snakes and many more. If you fancy a bit of adrenaline, you should definitely make a detour to the canopy. Here you fly through the jungle on steel cables and before you know it, you'll feel like Tarzan and have forgotten everything around you. You will experience an unforgettable feeling of freedom and will never forget the experience of floating several meters above the ground.

The quickest way to get from Monteverde to Lla Fortuna is to use one of the many shuttles. The cheaper alternative, however, is the local buses, but you will need to allow a little more time for this. The highlight in La Fortuna is by far the Arenal volcano. Here you are spoiled for choice between countless hiking trails. Each one offers a unique view of the still active volcano.

After a strenuous hike, there is nothing better than relaxing in one of the town's many hot springs. This water flows directly from the volcano into a river that is accessible to all and is used day and night. Or you can go to one of the many beautifully designed thermal springs, it's up to you.

There are also some exciting activities in La Fortuna, such as flying through the jungle on the zip line or exploring the suspension bridges, which are not only perfect for the next Instagram picture, but also leave a breathtaking feeling in real life. Lastly, you should definitely check out the waterfall. From a height of 65 meters, the masses of water plunge into the rainforest, a real highlight that should not be missed on any visit.

Insider tip: Venado Caves near La Fortuna. This is a cave system. With a guide by your side, you will discover underground waterfalls, stalactites and gorges.

To and from Monteverde and La Fortuna

You can reach La Fortuna from San José by direct bus in 3 hours.
Monteverde is best reached from La Fortuna in around 30 minutes, the best option here is to book a shuttle.

TORTUGUERO

Pura Vida in the Tortuguero National Park! The name Tortuguero translates as "place where the turtles come" and comes from the Spanish word for turtle, "tortuga". Untouched rainforest full of animals and plants and black, almost deserted beaches await you here. The national park is a lagoon landscape surrounded by dense rainforest and is simply unique. There is a wide variety of animal species to observe here: Sloths, iguanas, caimans, toucans, parrots, several species of monkeys, crocodiles and over 300 species of birds.

The village of the same name, Tortuguero, lies between the Caribbean Sea and a wide river, just 40 km from the border with Nicaragua. The village can only be reached by boat or plane. Around 500 villagers live here mainly from fishing and the ever-growing tourism industry.

From and to Tortuguero

Tortuguero is served by tour companies from various locations, you can be picked up from your accommodation and taken to another location after your stay.
You can reach Tortuguero, for example, by plane from San José for approx. 100 USD. Once you arrive at the airport, you have to take the boat for another 10 minutes.
It takes about 3.5 hours by bus from San José and you only pay around 6 euros, but you have to change once in Cariari and in la Pavona.

SAN JOSÉ

What was still a small farming village in the center of the country at the beginning of the 18th century is now the metropolis of Costa Rica. After the Spanish occupation, the country decided to relocate its capital. Since then, San José has grown steadily and has been the new heart of Costa Rica for almost 200 years.

As you explore the city, you will find many beautiful corners that will entice you with the sweet aromas of smoothies or aromatic coffee. But it's not just treats that await you. In the city center you will also find the most famous sightseeing hotspots, such as the Teatro Nacional, the Cathedral Metropolitana or the Parque Central. An absolute highlight is the Mercado Central in the city center. The market is open daily and is the perfect place to store for cheap souvenirs before your return flight. You'll find everything you can think of there!

If you are interested in the history of the country, then the Museo Nacional is highly recommended. The museum is located in a yellow building in front of the Democracy Square, which used to be a prison. It tells the story from the indigenous people, through colonization to the present day. You can also marvel at the beautiful large blue butterflies in the butterfly garden.

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We offer a variety of exciting projects in Costa Rica. Whether a Work & Travel Program or Volunteer projectThere are countless ways to make your stay in Costa Rica unforgettable. We have programs in different areas to get involved in the country and give back.

LAND AND PEOPLE

Once you come to Costa Rica, you feel right at home. You owe this feeling to the people, who literally shower you with their loving nature. Family, friends, a good education and a connection to nature are important to the Ticos. It is therefore not surprising that Costa Rica has occupied first place in the Happy Planet Index for several years in a row.

The "Pura Vida" is really lived here. People like to take their time, are friendly and relaxed. Nobody says no to the odd after-work beer here either. The Ticos like to party with friends or family late into the night and take every opportunity to play their beloved Latin American music.

Furthermore, nothing works in Costa Rica without sport. Soccer is the classic national sport and is seen as a religion in its own right. In addition to soccer, there are many other sports that provide the perfect balance to everyday life, from surfing and yoga to fishing and cycling. The Ticos thus combine sport with nature. The perfect recipe for winding down and unwinding.

EAT AND DRINK

A culinary journey of a different kind can be found in Costa Rican cuisine.

The basic foods include rice and beans, which are prepared and served in many different variations. It is also noticeable that Costa Rican cuisine is very regional. Fish is eaten more often near the coast than in the center of the country. You should definitely check out the freshness of the produce at one of the many weekly markets. They are loud, colorful and smell wonderful from every corner.

Coffee is one of Costa Rica's main exports. Every coffee lover will get their money's worth here. In addition to the classic coffee bean, there are also roasting plants that process the country's typical bean, the "caracoli". After all, there is nothing finer than starting the day with such an aromatic coffee.

The classic national dish Gallo Pinto enchants the palate with the "Pura Vida" feeling. Often served for breakfast, it can also be eaten at any time of day or night, as Costa Ricans simply can't get enough of it. It is tasty, rich and at the same time simple to prepare. Gallo pinto consists of fried rice with beans, onions, peppers and coriander. It is usually served with sweet plantains ("plátanos"), corn tortillas, sour cream or scrambled eggs.

Equally popular and typical of the country are batidos (a mixed drink made from water, milk and fresh fruit). Pipa (coconut milk fresh from the coconut) is also a great way to enjoy a relaxing day on the beach.

TRAVEL INSIDER

BEST TIME TO TRAVEL

Best time to travel

The climate in Costa Rica is very tropical and is therefore divided into dry and rainy seasons. Officially, the dry season is from November to April. However, the weather on the Pacific and Caribbean sides is often very different. Visiting during the rainy season is by no means a bad thing, as it never rains 24/7. You eventually learn to appreciate and enjoy the rain showers that come over the country, because as soon as it rains, everything stands still and everyone observes this natural spectacle. Nature is also even more beautiful than usual during the rainy season, because how else could everything bloom and green if not with rain? The changing weather in Costa Rica also brings with it different activities. A visit to the rainforest during the rainy season should definitely be on your list, as nature is in full bloom here. If you are drawn to water activities, you should definitely try surfing. The dry season is more suitable for this, as the waves are better for beginners. As you can see, both the dry and rainy seasons have their advantages and will enchant you with their unique conditions.

MEANS OF TRANSPORTATION

means of transportation

There have been direct flights from Germany to San José from Frankfurt for a few years now. Otherwise, you have the option of making a stopover in your dream country.

There are hardly any trains in Costa Rica and the country can mainly be traveled by public bus or private shuttle. Although the shuttles are the faster option, they are often much more expensive.

You can actually get anywhere with the interregional buses that depart from San José. Seats can also be booked in advance. This gives you a safe place to travel and plenty of time to chat with other travelers.

Those traveling locally also take the bus. Roughly speaking, 10 km costs around 1 $. Payment is made directly to the bus driver. Make sure that you have the fare in small change. Sometimes the bus driver can't or won't change - at your expense.

VISA

visa

You can enter Costa Rica visa-free for up to 180 days for your travel adventure. Once there, you only need to present your return flight or exit ticket. To extend your visa beyond 180 days, you can cross the border to Panama or Nicaragua, for example, or take a short trip by plane to Guatemala.

TRAVEL COSTS

Travel expenses

The official currency in Costa Rica is the Colón. The cost of living is lower than in Germany. This starts with the choice of accommodation. A hostel will cost you around 13-20 euros per night. And if you want to experience a real travel adventure, you can opt for a hammock in some hostels for 7 euros. In the tourist areas, hostel prices start at 15 euros and can sometimes be twice as expensive, especially if you book shortly beforehand or in the high season.

If you cook at the hostel and shop at local markets, you should be able to get by on an average of 10 euros a day. Stay away from expensive imported goods that will only increase your expenses. If you're in the mood for a restaurant, talk to other travelers or Ticos who can help you with real insider tips. Beer and cocktails at the bar will cost you between 2 and 4 euros in Costa Rica. If you want to treat yourself to a delicious meal in a restaurant, you will pay around 10 to 15 euros. In a local restaurant, you can get a good meal for around 4 euros. The tip is usually already included.

Short cab rides of 10 minutes cost up to 4 euros in Costa Rica. For example, a 5-hour bus ride from San José to Puerto Viejo currently costs 10 euros, which is affordable for every low-budget purse. In many places in Costa Rica, tuk-tuks operate instead of cabs and are ideal for short distances.

HISTORY AND CULTURE

History and culture

To understand Costa Rica and the Ticos and Ticas, it doesn't hurt to learn a little about the country's history. The first colonization of Costa Rica began in 1522 and it took another 40 years until the Spaniard Juan Vásquez de Coronado founded the first capital of Costa Rica "Cartago".

The capital was later relocated to what is now "San José", as the city grew steadily and Cartago was shaken and partially destroyed by several earthquakes. After Costa Rica became independent from Spain in 1821 and broke away from the Mexican Empire two years later, the country started growing coffee with its first head of state, Juan Mora Fernández. As a result, Costa Rican society, which had previously been rural, changed. The decisive breakthrough came in 1843 thanks to the English captain William Le Lacheur Lyon, who, instead of loading ballast for the return voyage to England, opted for sacks of coffee beans and thus became a pioneer in the direct export of Costa Rican coffee to Europe. Within half a century, Costa Rica had gone from being a poorhouse to the most prosperous country in Central America. In the process, it had overtaken its neighbors. This boom continued when Costa Rica began to build a railroad across the country at the end of 1870. This provided an opportunity to start growing bananas. Workers from Jamaica, the Cape Verde Islands, China and Italy were brought in, contributing to the development of the unique Afro-Costa Rican culture in Limón.

As early as 1913, Costa Rica was the world's largest banana exporter and 10 years later, cocoa was added to coffee and bananas. Unfortunately, Costa Rica could not avoid a civil war and disputes with neighboring Nicaragua, which still exist today. Nevertheless, the country has managed to increase tourism and attract more and more people in recent years.

If you have decided to travel to this wonderful country, consider yourself lucky and you will definitely not regret it!

WANDERWORLD INSIDER TIPS

Theresa felt a longing for a country even though she was still there after her first visit to Costa Rica. Between the tourist sights and places, this country has so much more to offer. To give you a little taste, Theresa has summarized her favourite travel highlights for you:

Puerto Viejo is by far my favorite place in Costa Rica, if not the world. This area differs from the rest of the country in terms of culture, food, music and locals. With its Caribbean flair, you will forget the time after just a few days and completely immerse yourself in the dynamics and vibe of the city. Every day is a celebration to a wide variety of music, because the people live "Pura Vida".
A visit to Puerto Viejo without trying the Afro-Costa Rican national dish Rice and Beans is almost unimaginable for me. You can order this specialty in any restaurant during the week and try it at one of the many food trucks at the weekend. For the ultimate experience, order hiel, a ginger drink that is only available in Puerto Viejo. Believe me, this combination is addictive!
The visit to Manuel Antonio National Park was an unforgettable experience. Although I had already become accustomed to the incredibly green and tropical nature of the country, I couldn't stop being amazed after entering the national park. Thanks to the guide, I was able to see animals such as toucans, iguanas and constrictor snakes on the trees and got to know different leaves and tree species. Never before have I appreciated nature so much and noticed and absorbed every sound and smell.
My final highlight is the sunset in Santa Teresa. This is an unofficial event that takes place every evening. Large groups, families or even solo travellers meet here and enjoy the beautiful and vibrant colors in the sky. I met a few people here again and realized that people stick to the "Pura Vida", because nature and people leave an unforgettable impression, including mine.

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