The
Globetrotting
Project
Costa Rica, a country of unique biodiversity and incredible fauna and flora.
Travelled in January 2016
San Jose
San Jose is situated in 3.839m of altitude and surrounded by mountains so it can get chilly at nights/early mornings. San Pedro and California is where you can go out at night. Always stay on the big buzy streets. Grab a taxi to move around at nights. Avenida Central and Avenida 2nda (Central Avenue 2nd Avenue) most central and always full of people.
Always have the exact money for taxi drivers. I've read cases of false money back. These might be rare cases or just rumours but it's alsways better to be on the safe side.
Beaches
Located along the north pacific coast,Tamarindo is without doubt one of the best beaches in Costa Rica and the most popular tourist destination.Puerto viejo lies on the Atlantic side on the south of the country just a few kilometres from the boarders with Panama. A very beautiful place with a lovely beach and very touristic.
Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve
The stunning Monteverde Reserve has a unique air of mystery.Shrouded in a unique misty cloud, this mountain rainforest reaches a 100% humidity .Monteverde is home to more than 3.000 species of animals and plants.Elevation at 1,600m.
San Jose to Peñas Blancas: Peñas Blancas to San Jose:
3:00am 3:00am
4:00am 4:00am
6:00am (7:00am por temporada) 5:00am
8:30am 6:00am
10:00am 8:30am
12:00pm 10:00am
02:00pm 12:00pm
4:45pm 3:30pm
19:00pm 5:30pm
Price: 4.595Colones
Arenal Volcano National Park
The Arenal volcano and
La Fortuna,the quiet and charming town near the base of the volcano are one of the top attractions in Costa Rica.This national park is a tropical paradise and an interesting place to explore. Don't forget to visit the hot springs in La Fortuna.
Manuel Antonio National Park
A park of small size but an incredible weath of attracions.Amazing wildlife,breathtaking beaches and a plethora of activities make this national park the most popular in the country. Easily accesible.
San Jose to Sixaola (estacion Norte Atlantico)
6am reaches 10am
10am reaches 2pm
2pm reaches 17:45
4pm reaches 19:45
From Caribenos bus station there are buses going to Sixaola making a stop at Puerto Limon.From San Carlos bus station bus are direct,San Jose -Sixaola. San Carlos station is closer to the city centre.
Tortuguero National Park
This park located on the Pasific side of the country is the habitat and nestling ground of four species of turtles. Between October and may,turtles come ashore to lay therir eggs during the night. A park of amazing beauty with rivers and lovely lagoons.
Corcovado National Park
Located on the Osa Peninsula is one of the most biodiverse places on Earth.Together with Drake Bay,this region has become an ecotourism hot spot.Puerto Jimenez is a good place to stay while visiting Corcovado.Allow 2 or more days to take full advantage of what this natural reserve has to offer.
Boarder crossing:
There are buses from the boarders to Heredia and San Jose.
Heredia 1.600Colones. San Jose 4.595Colones.
Police stopped us three times for checking until Santa Cecilia. Twice policemen got on the bus for passport checking.
Useful sites: www.yourtravelmap.com
Borders:
Costa Rica: Penas Blancas is located 18.6 kilometers north of La Cruz, and is the northernmost town in Costa Rica.The border building includes a restaurant and a bank where one can change money and or travelers cheques. Official money changers offer their service outside the building. They have their identification badge hanging around their neck. Those money changers can be found on both sides of the border.
Crossing the border can take anywhere from 1-7 hours, less than 2 hours is what is normal. The longest waits happen at times when the hundreds of Nicaraguans that are living in Costa Rica are traveling home for Christmas or Easter Week.
Ticabus, Transnica, Central Line, King Quality and Nica Expresso are bus companies that travel direct between San Jose and Managua. Rental cars may not leave Costa Rica.
Crossing the border to Nicaragua...
The Cordoba is the official currency of Nicaragua, it is divided into 100 centavos. If you do end up exchanging money at the border just know the exchange rate, money exchangers will approach you nonstop. It is not possible to pay with Colones in Nicaragua.
Facts about Penas Blancas, Costa Rica
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Penas Blancas is located in the province of Guanacaste.
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Penas Blancas is the northernmost town in Costa Rica.
Driving times and distances
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Distance from San Jose to Penas Blancas: 289kilometers respectively 179.4miles.
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Travel time from San Jose to Penas Blancas: 5.20 hours.
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Distance from Liberia to Penas Blancas: 78.1 kilometersrespectively 48.5 miles.
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Travel time from Liberia to Penas Blancas: 1.18 hours.
The border office of Nicaragua is 1 kilometer away from the Costa Rican border control.
Useful tips:
*Costa Rica is quite an expensive destination.
A bottle of water can cost 700Colones which is around 1,5euros
(15/20Cordobas in Nicaragua which is less than 1 euro)
*Soda is the name for the ''comedores'' in Costa Rica, standing for cheap but good quality restaurants.
*If you want to stay at Costa Rica Backpackers in San Jose, you have to book in advance! It's very popular hostel and gets busy.