Costa Rica is filled with rich culture, fun, and diversity. The Ticos and Ticas are the kindest and some of the most welcoming in the world (from my experience).
I've now been submersed in Costa Rican culture for two months. I've been traveling with friends and seeing the wonders that Costa Rica has to offer. I have now compiled quite a list (along with my fellow travelers) of where one "must" go or the activities that "must" be done.
Every weekend in Costa Rica is precious. The first weekend in Costa Rica I would suggest traveling to Jaco Beach. Jaco is about an hour and half from San Jose and the perfect place to get your feet wet when it comes to using the public bus system. Jaco is a cute little town that has a lot of American/tourist flair. It's also great for surfing, meeting Ticos or Ticas, and also has the famous Taco bar (which is a "must").
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| Our small but macho friend from Jaco |
A "must" activity would have to be white water rafting. Now don't be scared even if you cant swim. I would suggest Picuare River because it's ranked as one of the best rivers in the world to raft down. I truly had an amazing time white water rafting, there were rapids ranging 1-4 (4 being the most fun).
Next on the list of "musts" is Monteverde. Monteverde is in the cloud forest about five hours by bus on the public bus. Since I love a good mountainous place, Monteverde has proven to be one of my favorite places in Costa Rica. While spending a long weekend in the small town, the group of us went zip lining and on a hanging bridge hike. Zip lining is a "must" in Monteverde because it is home to the longest zip line in Central America.
There are so many places that I have visited in my short time in Costa Rica there are too many "musts" to cover. But the last place you "must" visit is Montezuma. Montezuma is a small town about five hours from San Jose, but this adventure would include an hour and a half Ferry ride. It has an amazing public beach as well as an awesome waterfall to climb up to and jump from (this waterfall is closed during the rainy season). Montezuma is filled with a great night life scene and welcoming people.
Until next time,
Nicole
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| p.s. San Jose is great to spend time in on weekends, especially if there is a music festival in town. |
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| p.p.s. Manuel Antonio National Park is also a "must"! |
Nicole Schielzo is the Spring 2015 MOJO Photographer in San Jose, Costa Rica. She is currently a junior at Richard Stockton College of New Jersey.