| If you are embarking on a Central or South American | | | | reputation as a surfing paradise and where superb |
| journey and Costa Rica is one of your stopovers, | | | | dining selection abounds, Liberia which is the gateway |
| then you certainly need to find a reliable Costa Rica | | | | to the fantastic beaches of Guanacaste and Pochote |
| vacation guide to make the most out of your stay. | | | | which is located on Whale Bay near Puntarenas. |
| To get a brief overview of what you should learn | | | | Costa Rica's second largest international airport is also |
| from a good vacation guide, read on and be armed | | | | located just outside of Liberia providing easy access. |
| with the basics. Costa Rica is part of Central America | | | | Of course, an excellent Costa Rica vacation guide |
| and its neighboring countries are Nicaragua on the | | | | book should not be quick to miss the cities of Puerto |
| north and Panama on the south. On its western side, | | | | Limón which considered the main city on the |
| there is the Pacific Ocean and on its eastern side, | | | | Caribbean side of the country, Puntarenas where one |
| there is the Caribbean Sea. You may be surprised to | | | | can take the ferry going to Nicoya Peninsula, |
| know that the best time to visit Costa Rica is during | | | | Parismina which is located in Tortuguero Canals and |
| the early parts of the rainy season of May to July. | | | | Tamarindo City which is also quite famous as a beach |
| Some towns in the country even experience an | | | | haven for tourists. Although English is widely used in |
| elevation in terms of visitors, making the tourist | | | | some areas populated by tourists and many |
| officials regard it as a 'mini-high season'. During this | | | | businesses are operated by European entrepreneurs, |
| period, traveling might a bit more challenging due to | | | | it is recommended that you learn some Spanish and a |
| the slight downpours and rain showers. Pack your | | | | few frequently used Costa Rican expressions. The |
| raingear and bit more patience for the ultimate Costa | | | | Spanish words 'Ma'e' means 'dude' and is generally |
| Rican wild adventure. The mountains and high plateau | | | | used among friends; 'Pura Vida' literally means 'pure |
| also offer cooler temperatures to the visitor. There | | | | life' but is used by Costa Ricans to express |
| are many different regions in Costa Rica. There are | | | | agreement or enthusiasm. A 'pulperÃa' is a |
| the Plains of the North, Guanacaste, Nicoya Peninsula, | | | | general merchandise store, while if you hear the |
| Central Valley, Central Pacific, Caribbean Costa Rica, | | | | word 'tuanis', it should be an expression of 'okay' for |
| South Costa Rica and Cocos Island National Park. The | | | | most natives. Costa Rica is a beautiful tropical |
| capital city is Costa Rica is San Jose and their official | | | | paradise that welcomes all visitors seeking an escape |
| language is Spanish. Other cities in the country are | | | | from the hectic everyday stress of urban life. The |
| Alajuela which is the location of Juan SantamarÃa | | | | people of Costa Rica are friendly and helpful in |
| International Airport, Cartago which is the country's | | | | providing you with a great vacation. |
| first capital and Heredia where tourists can visit | | | | James Kesel, MS, is the publisher of the Inexpensive |
| coffee plantations. Quepos city is also notable as it is | | | | Costa Rica Vacation website at Providing great |
| located in the Central Pacific coast and is the entry | | | | information on vacations and travel in Costa Rica. Use |
| point to the Manuel Antonio National Park. There are | | | | the Costa Rica Vacation Guide to plan you vacation in |
| also the cities of Jacó which has a worldwide | | | | paradise. |