We have collected reviews about holidays in Costa Rica for 2019-2020. Find out how tourists rate the weather, hotels, beaches, sea, excursions and activities in a tropical country. What are the pros and cons of going to Costa Rica in 2021?
Costa Rica weather reviews
Thanks to its subequatorial climate, Costa Rica is warm all year round. On flat terrain, the average annual temperature is + 22 ° С, and in the mountains + 10 ° С. True, in winter frosts are possible down to -5 ° C.
In the lowlands, where all Costa Rican resorts are located, during the year the temperature ranges from + 27 ° C to + 33 ° C. On the coast of the Caribbean Sea, precipitation falls three times more than on the Pacific. The dry period lasts from December to April. The least rainfall is in the north of the Pacific coast. Precipitation occurs there only in spring and autumn.
Will: "There was no rain anywhere in March. Only when we arrived in Cahuita the day before we had it. Then the moisture evaporated, and every day it got hotter and hotter. In the afternoon, haze often appeared in the sky."
Elena: "In August we were lucky. On the coast for all 6 days of our stay, it rained once, but it was a downpour from lunchtime until almost evening."
Vasily: "In October-December, rains in the mountainous regions of Costa Rica often made us happy. We were hit by a heavy downpour 3 times when the wipers turned on at maximum could not cope. Visibility was almost absent."
Reviews of tourists about hotels in Costa Rica
Look for hotels with discounts on Rumguru. Here are the main rules for finding hotels.
Tourists stay in comfortable 4-5 * hotels (even with all inclusive), budget 2-3 * hotels or in inexpensive guesthouses - small family hotels. Many houses are rented for both short and long term. In reviews of hotels in Costa Rica for 2019-2020, tourists note that the staff speaks good English. Many people like the high level of service.
Most expensive hotels are in the capital of the country - the city of San Jose. There are small cozy hotels in coastal villages, near waterfalls and in the jungle. On their territory you can find iguanas, parrots, lemurs, capuchin monkeys and raccoon-like coati.
To make your holiday in Costa Rica a success in 2021, study the reviews of tourists about hotels and make your choice.
Sergey: "Pros of Courtyard by Marriott San Jose Airport Alajuela 3 * - convenient location near the airport and shopping center. Delicious and varied breakfast."
Alexander: "Hotel Presidente San Jose City Center 4 * - all attractions are within walking distance. In the lobby you can always have a cup of tea or coffee - free of charge."
Adelante-66: "Advantages of Hotel Banana Azul 3 * - distance from the road, no dust, fabulous greenery, silence and birdsong."
We also found negative reviews of tourists about hotels in Costa Rica.
Andrey: "The Radisson San Jose-Costa Rica 4 * needs renovation. The ventilation in the rooms is not working. The seats are stained and stained, the bathroom is old and cracked."
Reviews about beaches and sea in Costa Rica
Tourists love Costa Rica for its beautiful sandy beaches. The sand here has different shades: white, silver, yellow and black. The coast of Playa del Coco is popular with divers, Tamarindo and Jaco are popular with surfers, and Playa Flamingos are popular for sea fishing.
Playa Grande is famous for the fact that turtle eggs are laid here. Playa Conchal is covered with amazing white sand. Bonita and Portete beaches are popular on the Atlantic coast, and Jaco and Punta Leona on the Pacific coast.
ekaterinam1804: "Punta Uva Beach is a very beautiful and calm place! Wonderful views of the seascape open up! Especially beautiful after the rain: a rainbow appears all over the sky."
kamalissa: "Everything was beautiful in Puerto Viejo - both the Caribbean Sea and endless sandy beaches. There are black sand beaches."
INMSpace: "The beach in Manuel Antonio turned out to be fantastically beautiful! Velvet yellow sand, clear blue water and a rainforest wall along the entire beach! It's hard to cool down, however, because the water is very warm + 28 ° C."
Reviews of tourists about excursions in Costa Rica
Most of the excursions around the country are associated with outdoor activities. These are rafting on mountain rivers, trips to waterfalls, coffee and sugar cane plantations. According to tourists, it is interesting to take part in the "Canopy Tour" in Costa Rica - an exciting journey through the jungle along a stretched cable.
cflippen: "We are happy with rafting on the Balsa River. Before boarding the raft, we had some rowing practice. An experienced guide took us through several rapids." ,
sa21199: "On our honeymoon we rafted the Amigos del Rio. The guides were amazing! They were very friendly."
Reviews of tourists about attractions in Costa Rica
The name of the country in translation means "rich coast". Indeed, Costa Rica has a lot to see. Nature reserves and national parks are especially good. People come to Costa Rica to climb active volcanoes and see exotic plants and animals.
In reviews, tourists are advised to visit the sights of Costa Rica:
- volcanoes Arenal, Irazu, Turrialba, Poas
- ruins of the ancient city of Guayabo
- National parks Corcovado, Manuel Antonio, Monteverde, La Amistad, Guanacaste
- Tortuga and Cocos islands
- venado caves
- lake Arenal
- waterfalls La Fortuna and Naujaka
- San Jose Gold Museum
- thermal spring park Tabakon
To plan your vacation in Costa Rica in 2021, read tourist reviews of attractions.
Irina Dementieva: "On the observation deck of Poas volcano, at an altitude of 2,700 meters, we are allowed to stay for only 20 minutes. We were lucky, the volcano appeared before us in various forms."
Anika2018: "The main reason why Costa Rica attracts tourists is its volcanoes, nature reserves, the most diverse flora and fauna, the Pacific Ocean with its incredibly beautiful sunsets."
Pros and cons of Costa Rica
Tourists who came to Costa Rica in 2019 and 2020 have left many positive reviews. The country fell in love with connoisseurs of the warm sea, good beaches and outdoor activities.
pros holidays in Costa Rica in 2021, according to tourists:
- For Russians - the possibility of visa-free entry for up to 90 days.
- Mild warm climate.
- Beautiful nature.
- Excellent sandy coastline.
- Clean sea.
- Friendly locals.
- Lots of good hotels.
- Relaxed atmosphere.
juliet75rus: "Despite the fact that the country is poor, lags behind the European level, the service in hotels is 10 out of 10! The most luxurious hotels I have been to are definitely Costa Rican."
Minuses:
- Long flight - about 17 hours.
- Living and relaxing in Costa Rica is not cheap at all - everything is geared towards Americans.
- The infrastructure is just developing.
- On the roads, local drivers easily drive on the opposite lane and on the side of the road.
- There are poisonous insects and reptiles.
- Local residents profess the principle pura vida - "pure life", "life is beautiful". They are in no hurry, they enjoy life, they do everything carelessly.
Hatchet-Harry: "In short, Costa Rica is a country of victorious idleness. ... The same semblance of activity, concern for the general well-being and at the same time a total inability to do at least something right."
The nuances of rest in Costa Rica and tips for tourists
Hotels in Costa Rica are packed with tourists all year round. If you like any option, book the room in advance.
Do not expect to see developed infrastructure and special benefits of civilization in a European way. The Costa Ricans have chosen ecotourism as a direction of development, so the authorities are making efforts to preserve wildlife. Much less attention is paid to the level of urban economy.
There are many shops for tourists and expats in the country. There is a wide range of products, but the prices are high.
The climate in the coastal area and in the mountains is different. If you are planning a trip to the mountains or rainforests, bring warm clothing, athletic shoes, and rain protection.
To see all the sights, rent a car - this way you will save on excursions.
Locals get up early, so many establishments close until 20:00 and most restaurants close until 22:00.
Major8: "It struck in Costa Rica that in many places after eight everything is boarded up with boards, everyone is asleep."
