Baxter-Neal - Fodors 2013 Costa Rica

San Jos. Do you know the way to San Jos? You will soon enough. Almost everyone passes through on their way to the beach or the mountains. This capital city isnt much to look at, but it has great restaurants and nightlife, and fascinating museums dedicated to gold and jade.

The Central Valley. You wont want to linger long in the Central Valley, as it lacks any of the countrys big-name attractions. But there are quite a few day-trip possibilities, including exploring mountain villages, rafting through white-water rapids, and gaping into the mouths of some of the countrys most accessible active volcanoes.

The Northern Plains. The Northern Plains attract those who dont like sitting still. After zipping along cables through the misty jungle of Monteverde Cloud Forest, windsurfing on glittering Lake Arenal, or watching the nightly fireworks of Arenal Volcano, you can reward yourself with a dip in the bubbly waters of Tabacn Hot Springs.

The North Pacific. If you came for beaches, the Northern Pacific is for you. Each has a unique personality: Flamingos endless stretch of sand draws sun worshippers; Tamarindos nightlife is legendary; Avellanass strong swells challenge surfers; Ostionals nesting sea turtles bring nature lovers; and the Papagayo Peninsulas all-inclusive resorts provide every creature comfort.

The Central Pacific. The areas not just for spring breakers (although it helps in funky surf towns like Jac). Drive down the coast to the cluster of small hotels and restaurants at Manuel Antonio. The national park, on a peninsula jutting into the ocean, has the easiest wildlife viewing on the planet.

The South Pacific. Also known as the Amazon of Costa Rica, rustic lodges in the Osa Peninsula sit on the edge of the countrys wildest region. Hikes reveal toucans and scarlet macaws in the treetops, and boating trips often include swimming with whales and dolphins.

The Caribbean. Despite its name, Costa Ricas Caribbean isnt known for white-sand beaches or crystal-blue waters. Come here for the spirited music, the tasty food, and the chance to mix with the Afro-Caribbean population. The coast also attracts turtle-watchers, as four different kinds nest at Tortuguero National Park.

High Season: Mid-December to April

The sunniest, driest season in most of the country occurs from mid-December through April, with Christmas and Easter bracketing the busiest tourist season. March and April get downright sweltering in lowland areas, with temperatures in the arid North Pacific, Costa Ricas hottest region, frequently exceeding 33C (90F).

Low Season: May to mid-December

In a stroke of marketing genius, Costa Rica promotes the rainy season as the green season, touting lush vegetation, smaller crowds, and lower prices. Afternoon showers kick in by May and last through November most everywhere, with a brief drier season in June and July. Rain or not, North American and European summer vacations do increase the influx of visitors from June through August. Rains become more prolonged and heavy in September and October.

Shoulder Season: May, mid-November to mid-December

The transition periods between rainy and dry seasons and back again make a marvelous time to visit Costa Rica. Visitor numbers are smaller and the threat of rain does exist but is minimal.

San Joss Aeropuerto Internacional Juan Santamara is in the center of the country, so its especially convenient for destinations in the Central Valley and along the Central Pacific. The closest destinations are less than an hour away. The only other international gateway is Liberias Aeropuerto Internacional Daniel Oduber Quirs in the western part of the country. Flying here makes sense if youre planning to spend most of your time in the North Pacific region.

A relatively small number of travelers arrive in Costa Rica by road, especially with the difficulties taking rental cars between countries. Long-distance buses travel directly to San Jos from the larger cities in Nicaragua and Panama, but these are arduous journeys. The ManaguatoSan Jos route takes between 8 and 10 hours.

To save time, many people take domestic flights to their ultimate destination. SANSA flies to various destinations from its hubs in San Joss Aeropuerto Internacional Juan Santamara and Liberias Aeropuerto Internacional Daniel Oduber Quirs. Nature Air flies out of San Joss domestic airport, tiny Aeropuerto Tobias Bolaos. Both offer flights to resort areas, especially those near the beaches. Regional airports are very small, sometimes with no terminal at all and a staff that arrives at about the same time as the plane.

Costa Rican towns are connected by regular bus service. Buses between major destinations have comfortable seats and air-conditioning. If you have to transfer along the way, you may get a converted school bus cooled only by the tropical breezes. If youre traveling a long distance, make sure to request a directo (express) bus. Otherwise you may stop in every small town along the way.