Affordable vacation accommodation
It’s no wonder that Costa Rica is rated as one of the world’s top destinations for US travelers seeking idyllic vacation rentals. With its lovely beaches, protected natural areas and proximity to the United States, Costa Rica has become a popular vacation spot for Americans. It’s excellent location for Last year, U.S. citizens made up about 40 percent of Costa Rica’s 2.1 million visitors.
What Makes Costa Rica such a desirable destination you ask. Simple, it’s the intoxicating blend of affordability, stunning destinations and fun range of diverse activities and attractions which are waiting to be discovered.
Relatively cheap airfares to Costa Rica’s capital city, San Jose, have helped fuel its popularity. Flights from Reagan National or Washington Dulles usually cost about $400 round trip. There are also flights into Liberia, which is closer to some of the top tourist destinations, but they typically run about $700 round trip. It may be cheaper to fly into San Jose and then take an in-country flight on Nature Air or Sansa Regional. Round-trip fares from San Jose to most tourist hot spots, including Tamarindo or Quepos, are typically between $150 and $200. The country also has reliable tourist bus services, such as Interbus, with fares of between $30 and $40 each way from San Jose to the most popular beach destinations. Rental cars are also inexpensive; expect to pay about $100, including taxes, for a week-long rental.
Costa Rica straddles both the Pacific and the Caribbean coasts. Most of the larger resorts are on the Pacific coast. Although it’s reasonably priced by U.S. standards, decent lodging will average about $130 a night. Some of the more modest all-inclusives may wind up being cheaper, but paying for meals separately affords more flexibility. (All quoted rates are for two people and include taxes; most also include breakfast).
Consider starting your Costa Rica vacation in Playa Tamarindo, in Guanacaste province on the northern Pacific coast’s Nicoya Peninsula, is just a 45-minute shuttle ride from Liberia. This former fishing village now attracts surfers, golfers, sport anglers and nature lovers. The water is generally calm enough for swimming, and the beach is wide and relatively uncrowded. Thousands of people also venture here to hold their wedding.
Nearby Marino Las Baulas National Park is home to leatherback sea turtles’ nesting grounds: In November, thousands of the giant turtles come ashore to mate and lay eggs.
Several companies offer canopy tours in natural areas just east of Tamarindo; for example, Pura Aventura has a two-hour canopy tour for $50 per person. Hotel Arco Iris is within walking distance of the beach, with rates of $121 a night. Restaurants include FT’s and Gil’s Place. Barcelo Langosta Beach has all-inclusive packages starting at $198 a night per couple.
Article via WashingtonPost
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