Although anglers and sun worshipers might not always agree, Costa Rica is a lot more than lying on the beach fishing even though it’s not a bad way to go and you can certainly do that (or do nothing) in Costa Rica with Bill Beard’s. It has a tropical climate second to none. Its string of fabulous tourist attractions includes exhilarating whitewater rafting, hurtling down impressive rapids on the Sarapiqui River . There are also breathtaking zip-line tours over dense jungles and rain forests.. In addition, the imposing Arenal volcano lures thousands of adventurers to enjoy the area, particularly the thermal hot springs from the volcano.
Furthermore, Costa Rica has great places to stay and eat. Four-star hotels and excellent restaurants dot the entire country, Costa Rica, perched in Central America between Nicaragua to the north and Panamá to the south, is a solid choice as one of the continent’s most popular year-round tourist destinations.
More than two million tourists from around the world visit Costa Rica annually. This is 40% of the country’s own population of about five million, a very high visitor-to-population ratio for any country. Most visitors are Americans. Many of them make Costa Rica an annual pilgrimage, attracted not only by its sublime beauty, but by its political stability and warm welcome accorded Americans. Large numbers of Canadians, Europeans and tourists from other Latin American countries also travel to Costa Rica to visit the beautiful secluded beaches and discover the amazing wildlife.
What do they find here? There are great beaches, especially on the Pacific coast. Most of them are small, secluded and relatively uncrowded. In addition, Costa Rica abounds in tropical wildlife, such as the inimitable white faced and titi monkeys and sloths in the world-famous Manuel Antonio National Park.
There is the lush, emerald green vegetation in the magical Monteverde cloud forest reserve. Also, you can navigate hidden jungle lagoons and canals in flatbottom boats in the Caribbean tropical paradise of Tortuguero National Park. Or travel to the dusky, mysterious rainforests of Sarapiquí.
There are hundreds of species of multicolored frogs, birds and animals. In addition, Costa Rica arguably produces some of the world’s finest coffee. And there are also delicious tropical fruits such as mangos, papayas, pineapple and passion fruit.
English is widely spoken.
Virtually everyone in Costa Rica’s tourist industry speaks English, so you will have no trouble at hotels, airports, bus terminals and local travel agencies. If you need help finding your way, ask the ‘Tourist Police’ who have taken special English classes, and are scattered around the center of San José and in most of the major tourist destinations, especially beach resort towns like Nosara.
You will also find that a surprisingly high number of the general population, especially the younger generation, speak English. English is now an important subject in the country’s very advanced (for Latin America) public and private school systems. English-language classes begin right from the initial junior grades.Costa Rica’s 19,700 sq miles make it slightly larger than Massachusetts, Connecticut and Delaware combined. But this small size packs an incredible, diverse and easily accessible tourist wallop. Over a quarter of the country’s expanse is protected area. There are 32 national parks and 12 biological reserves. Costa Rica also has 13 forest reserves and 52 wildlife refuges. The majority offer tours with experienced bilingual guides. Furthermore, many guides are trained biologists and naturalists who will introduce you to their wealth of tropical flora and fauna. So bring your camera!
Tremendous amounts of animals, fish and birds call Costa Rica home or migrate annually. Tiny Costa Rica has 5% of the world’s biodiversity, including 221 mammal species, 150 amphibian species and 215 reptile species. In addition, there are 830 bird species and 1,080 species of saltwater and freshwater fish.
Once in Costa Rica, you will have no trouble getting to where you want to go in this compact tropical paradise. Nothing one could want to see or do is more than hour’s flight – or more than a seven-hour drive for those who prefer travelling overland – from the country’s capital San José. San José is a bustling urban hub of over two million people, perched on a plateau smack in the middle of the country.
Costa Rica easily accessible from almost anywhere
Costa Rica’s two domestic airlines, Nature Air and Sansa, get you quickly to many places where you want to go. The country’s highway and road system is often primitive by North American standards in outlying areas. However, it will take you on sometimes bumpy but drivable roads to the destination of your choice. Furthermore, you will usually through travel through areas of breathtaking scenic beauty. Public buses, extremely inexpensive but safe and comfortable, will also get you anywhere. And if you are adventurous and rent a car yourself, the best choice for driving in Costa Rica is a mid- or large size manual four-wheel drive.
Costa Rica’s ‘summer’ and best weather coincides with North America’s winter. This makes it a popular destination to escape the cold and snow between the beginning of February and end of April. This period is the height of the high season, when most tourists arrive.
In addition, getting to Costa Rica is no hassle whatsoever. Many major US airlines have two and more daily direct flights during this time. Flights go out of Dallas, Houston, Miami, Atlanta, Charlotte, the New York area and Los Angeles.
No matter your age, Costa Rica has something special for you
Where to begin? First, decide what you like to do best – aside from fishing, of course. Costa Rica has things to do for all ages, from 5 to 85. Are you adventuresome? For the intrepid and physically fit tourist, Costa Rica offers world-class water rappelling. There is also exciting, whitewater rafting, long hikes to hidden waterfalls, and mountain bike excursions. Watersports include sea kayaking, scuba diving, and also snorkelling at the Galapagos-class Caño Island.
For the more sedentary, there are motor tours to the Arenal Volcano, and scenic aerial trams over cloud and rain forests. In addition, whale and dolphin watching, and leisurely walks through its many gorgeous national parks provide enjoyment. You can also visit butterfly gardens, bird sanctuaries and coffee farms.
Scuba dive, sail. snorkel, fish, play golf or just do nothing but relax and enjoy.
Of course, Costa Rica has some of the world’s best saltwater sportfishing. There are big game Marlin, Sailfish, Dorado, Roosterfish and Snapper year around on the Pacific coast. Furthermore, huge Tarpon, along with Snook inhabit and Rainbow Bass, inhabit the Caribbean coast. In addition, Costa Rica’s fantastic captains offer exciting sportfishing adventures. Captain Bobby McGuinness, who fishes out of the old banana port of Golfito in the South Pacific, is one of them. Saltwater Sportsman Magazine named Bobby one of the world’s top 50 saltwater sportfishing charter captains. Also, the prestigious International Game Fish Association twice chose Bobby McGuinness as world’s top captain (2006 and 2010).
The golfer can challenge several 18-hole championship courses such as Valle del Sol in San José itself. In addition, there is the Iguana course at the high-end Los Sueños Marriott complex near Jacó, 75 minutes from San José. There are also courses near Tamarindo in Guanacaste on the North Pacific coast.
‘Pura Vida’, indeed!
The couch potato who just wants to relax can do so at comfortable resort hotels. She/he can also enjoy fine dining on the popular, calm beaches of Guanacaste province in the North. The resort towns of Jacó and Manuel Antonio on the Central Pacific coast also have excellent restaurants. Furthermore, even the wonderful Osa Peninsula (‘the most biologically intense place on Earth’, according to National Geographic), not to mention the area in and around San José itself, offer superb cuisine.
Sublimely beautiful Costa Rica has something for everyone. The treats range from exciting adventure to leisurely relaxation, and everything in between. Furthermore, tourists can sample the laid-back national lifestyle that ticos (the name the Costa Ricans call themselves) refer to as ‘Pura Vida’ – ‘pure life’: no stress, no hassle. All this, combined with unsurpassed natural beauty and a developed and accommodating tourist industry, makes Costa Rica a wonderful place to visit and vacation.
Our agents can set up the all inclusive or al a carte vacation package and itinerary you want throughout the country. There is no charge for our service and we’ll save you money and lots of time and you’ll get the vacation you want.
*We have a wonderful NEW DVD, it is 23 minutes: LEARN MORE
To see all the adventure tours that Bill Beard’s operates Throughout Costa Rica: CLICK HERE
For single, triple, quad or group rates, contact our agents.
Our Reservation Office Is Located In La Fortuna, Costa Rica In The Shadow Of Arenal Volcano, behind the Catholic Church, Near The World Famous Hot Springs.
For Reservations & Information
Contact Our Office At 877 853-0538 or 954 453-5044 M – Sat., 9 – 9 ET
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IMPORTANT NOTE – Please be advised that every reasonable effort has been made to keep all prices up to date and free of errors or omissions. Prices and policies from our vendors and the Costa Rican government are subject to change without notice. Invoices will be issued at the time of booking to confirm all final rates and offers.