Costa Rica
Language: Spanish
Currency: Costa Rican Colón; CRC
Famous Landmark: Monteverde Cloud Forest
National Dish: Gallo Pinto
Tips & Recommendations
I traveled to Costa Rica during a six-week solo trip in autumn 2023. When I arrived, I stayed in the capital, San Jose for a few days while I waited for my friend to arrive. Once she arrived, we traveled up to Monteverde to spend time in the cloud forest. We took a guided tour of the forest where we saw a family of monkeys, tarantulas, and beautiful birds, in addition to a sugar farm tour with a horseback riding experience in the hills. We also explored a butterfly house and green house with local butterfly and plant breeds.
La Fortuna: gateway to Arenal Volcano, surrounded by rainforests and wildlife
Monteverde: cloud rain forest in the northern part of the country known for its biodiversity
San Jose: capital and culture center of Costa Rica with multiple museums
Puntarenas: seaside city with access to surfing, islands, and wildlife viewing
