The Costa Rican gourmet coffee has always been a top favorite for a lot of coffee lovers from all corners of the globe. Hence, it is quite obvious that this nation is home to some of the giant coffee industries in the world. This is another reason why you need to visit Costa Rica.

Since 1779, Costa Rica is already observing the production of top quality gourmet coffee. Meseta Central is the first region to observe such practice because the area has every feature required for the cultivation of first class coffee. The soil texture and climate is just perfect in the locality.

Previously known for the production of tobacco, sugar, and cacao, Costa Rica soon became the mecca for the best coffee. Within the next fifty years after the first production of gourmet coffee, Costa Rica emerged as a top player in the Gourmet Coffee Industry. In fact, the gourmets became the top export item of the country with this legacy still perpetuating up to this date.

Back in 1820, only Panama imported gourmet coffee from Costa Rica. But Great Britain became an avid customer and by the end of the World War II, Great Britain became the principle consumer of the Costa Rican gourmet coffee.

Aside from Meseta Central, other regions such as the Puntarenas, Cartago, Alajuela, Heredia, and San Jose also followed suit and started growing premium coffee beans. From then on, the mention of Costa Rica became synonymous to top quality gourmet coffee.

When visiting Costa Rica, the coffee industry is something worth exploring. And when you come back home, do not forget to bring some gourmet coffee with you.

If you like to fish, Costa Rica is the place that you need to go to. The amount of fish is plentiful. In fact, you can go offshore to get tuna, rooster fish, and marlin. You may also opt to remain on the beaches to get tarpon and snook. With so many choices, you can even choose to fish one day on the Caribbean and on the following day fish on the Pacific Ocean. You have your choices on what you would like to do. You essentially have no limit to where you can travel.

There are vacation package deals that are geared towards honeymoon to fabulous beach resorts. If you’re planning your honeymoon to Costa Rica, do your homework. Research online and find a good travel website to check out the specials. As for the honeymoon choices, couples can gaze at the beautiful scenery, hike, or simply relax in a spa treatment.

It basically depends on what you are looking for. Is this a trip that is just for adventure or do you want romance? Is it a family tour? Whatever it is you’re looking forward to your vacation, you will find vacation package deals that will suit your needs.

But before going there, you need to be aware that there are only 2 seasons in Costa Rica, the dry and rainy seasons. In the months from mid-November to April, this is the dry season. The rest of the year is the rainy season.

I have a tip for you. You do not want to go during Easter although this may be a great time as this is the time of spring break. Although it is during the dry season, you will have difficulty going around the country. The country basically goes in shut down mode during that holy week.

In terms of transportation and going around Costa Rica, you can take a bus but this can be slow. The good thing with this mode of transport is that it will be more scenic and cost less money too.

You could also rent a car. You can drive it but you need valid driver’s license plus a passport. You may also be required to get rental insurance.

A good alternative is the taxis. They are quite cheap and if you have a city official taxi, this is the cheapest and safest way of transportation.

If you have a good budget, money you could fly domestically to go to your various destinations. It should be noted however that flights are full during peak season.

“How am I going to pay for a Costa Rica travel tours? Although it the cost of your vacation may be something that you need to be worried about, there are many Costa Rican deals that are inexpensive and affordable for you. The good thing is that they can be found online.

If you are living in the U.S., you might be surprised with what I have to reveal to you. Did you know that it is usually cheaper to go to Costa Rica than to go on vacation within the U.S?

The great thing is that you will notice that most package deals will have cruises that go to various ports in Costa Rica. Alternatively, you can book a flight from major United States airports to fly into Liberia or San Jose. These two are the biggest cities of Costa Rica. You can look online to find your low air fares deals.

If you find a trip that is inexpensive, trust me, you will not have any less service than that of more expensive flights out there. This is because many things in Costa Rica are relatively cheap when compared to the US.

You can go to restaurants to have low cost but fantastic meals. This really makes dining out better.

Shopping is also cheaper out there and it is time to splurge some cash to those great bargains. The overall cost of living, compared to the United States and European countries, is far cheaper and you would want to stay for long here.

There are several vacation package deals that will provide you with trips to the beautiful land resorts of the country such as the Costa Rica’s wildly beautiful National Parks.

According to recent data, 23% of the landmass of Costa Rica is rain forest and they make it a point to maintain it this way so it can be one of those perfect places for eco tourism. Costa Rica is very popular for the much diversity of plant life, animal life, and sea life.

If you want to go to these beautiful areas, you can find travel deals that are specializing in these tours and can take you to these places. Another great news is that Costa Rica is only 10 degrees from the equator, making the climate sunny and warm all year round.

To continue with this information, please visit Why Costa Rica part 2 of this article.

Business

If you desire to start a business in Costa Rica, the minimum investment is US $200,000. This is another option where you can become a resident of the country.

You will be required to remain in the country for at least six months in a year. In this category, you cannot claim a spouse or dependents under 18. But you are entitled to income from the project, can own a company, and receive dividends.

If you are a representative of a company (a Representante), the applicant must be a company director, and employ a minimum number of local workers as established by the labor law, with financial statements certified by a public accountant.

The representative must remain in Costa Rica for at least six months every year. He cannot claim a spouse or dependents under 18, but can earn an income from the company, and can own a company and receive income.

Permanent Residency

Permanent Residency in Costa Rica can be obtained through “first degree relative status” with a Costa Rican citizen. This can be done through marriage to a citizen or having a Costa Rican child. Otherwise, an application for permanent residence can be made after three years in another status.

It should be noted that all residency applications will take 6 to 12 months for approval. Once all documents are submitted, pending the time period required, a person can remain in Costa Rica.

All types of residency require the following documents:

Birth Certificate for applicant, spouse, and all dependent children

Police Certificate of Good Conduct from your last place of residency

Marriage Certificate if your spouse is applying for residency.

Remember these tips and I hope you get approved with your application. Good luck!

Becoming a Costa Rica resident is a simple and straightforward process. The requirements are different depending whether you are a retiree living on pension or other income sources or seeking permanent residency. Requirements are also different for those with business interests.

For those who are retired living on government or private pension or social security retirement benefits, you will be required a proof of monthly income of US$1000 or more. This should be a permanent source of income. This category is called Pensionado.

For the Rentista or those living on investment income, you will need a proof of US $2500 per month income for at least five years. This must be guaranteed by a banking institution. Another option would be to choose to deposit a minimum of US$ 150,000 in an approved Costa Rican bank.

Both Pensionado and Rentista are required to remain in the country for a minimum of at least four months every year. He can claim a spouse and dependents under 18 years of age but he cannot work as an employee, Nevertheless, he can own a company and receive dividends.

To become a resident for business or for other purposes, please check out this information:

How to Become a Costa Rica Resident Part 2

Even though Costa Rica is a small country, you would spot exemplary vacation destinations here. Not to mention the Southern Caribbean Coast that became the heart and soul of the Caribbean coast. It was then connected to the country after making a way going to Puerto Limon. It is one of the last regions to be part of the country and still has its traditional native population, the Afro-Caribbean community and Jamaican descendents. Along with spicy Caribbean dishes, reggae and calypso music all over the town, you would also experience meeting Indian tribes who have been in the region hundred of years ago. In addition, you’ll get mixed up with the Spanish-English dialect that they are using, but still English is their local language. It’s like having two countries in one place.

Construction of paved roads boom in the recent years for it became one of the tourist favorites. Puerto Viejo de Talamanca is a place you shouldn’t miss for its fulfilling ambiance whereas seeing the crystal clear blue waters of the beaches and hearing music everywhere. Surfers all around the world come to see and enjoy the well-known Salsa Brava waves.

The town has a different array from restaurants; hotels and beach side bars that would make you feel unwind during your vacation. A mixture of Afro- Carribean, Bribri and Latino customs will also compose you to ease off.

Moving a few minutes away from the coast and passing by the breathe taking view from the different lodges down to beaches, restaurants and bars of Puerto Viejo, you will reach a small town, Manzanillo. A small town with fewer homes but friendly community is like a scene of Puerto Viejo before modernization takes place. And before saying goodbye to this region, you should catch a sight of the wonderful white sand beach leading to the calm waters of the Caribbean Sea.

Costa Rica is popular with the many tourists visiting the National Parks and Protected Areas in the country. It is a country rich in several species of animals and plants. Tourist have different choices of activities while in the country ranging from enjoying the white sand beaches, hiking, camping and a lot more. It is a complete getaway for people that are too busy with work and also for couples in their honeymoon vacation. It is also ideal for students who wanted to learn the culture and wildlife of Costa Rica because there are many untouched places, lots of architectural design and a multitude of different species of animals.

There are plenty of good spots to visit in Costa Rica. One of them is the Osa Wildlife Refuge, located across the Golfo Dulce from Puerto Jimenez, it is best for people who loves to experience nature and different kinds of animals. When you arrived, the experience is so enchanting that it is like stepping into another world filled with amazing animals and plants. The animals are used to have several guests and sometimes move in close to you to check you out. Many illegally-captured and injured animals were brought there for their care and love.

Second is Nosara which is located at the Nicoya Peninsula; 13 miles north of Samara, 162 miles west of San Jose. Offers surfing, kayaking, horse back riding, snorkeling, and several other activities. This is a place for people to be romantic and be one with the waves.

Third is Montezuma, located at the Southern Nicoya Peninsula, 112 miles west of San Jose; 8 miles north of Mal Pais and Santa Teresa. It is one of the best places for snorkeling where you could see lots of varieties of fishes. This place is for those who are artistic and young at heart. During the day time, it is a laid back place but at night it’s one of the most popular party places. There are restaurants and bars for you to party with your friends and mingle with everyone.

In going to Costa Rica you can travel by air, land and sea. In air, there are international flights that offers going to Costa Rica, in and out flights and now there are direct flights going to Europe. By land there are buses, it shares land borders with Nicaragua and Panama. Some traveler use bus to travel because it is cheaper than flying especially with people who loves adventures.

In sea, there are cruise ships that stops and offers the travelers a quick stray in the place. You can also have the leisure of a private yacht.

In entering Costa Rica, there are no taxes or fees when you arrive but make sure you have a visa when you’re a foreigner. Travelling by air, you’ll arrive in the Aeropuerto Internacional Juan Santamaría Airport, 17 km northwest of San José. By land, go from San José to Changuinola(Bocas del Toro), David and Panama City, Panama; Guatemala City; Managua, Nicaragua; San Salvador, El Salvador; and Tegucigalpa, Honduras. By sea, the ships dock at the Pacific port of Caldera (near Puntarenas) or the Caribbean port of Puerto Limón.

The top 3 places in Costa Rica, one of those is the Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, is a beach resort good for people who wanted to feel relaxed in the sound of waves, you can also go for surfing, at night there are bars where you could for party and meet new friends around the world. It’s a good way to experience different personalities. Second, is San Jose is the capital of Costa Rica, where you could see some architectural designs and underdeveloped places that they preserve to see the culture of Costa Rican’s life. Third, is Turrialba Mountain is where you could see some of the best clear water around the world. Best for rafting because of adrenaline rush and the ravaging stream of water.

Belen Trailer Park is one of the friendliest and secure camping spot, which is located 2 kilometers west of the Cariari Bridge on the main highway entering into the mountainous town of San Antonio de Belen. It accommodates not only backpackers, but travel trailers and motor homes are also welcome. Belen Trailer Park is a quiet and shaded place, ideal for a peaceful stay. It also has easy access to beaches, restaurants, airports, and to some cities.

Widely known for its beautiful white sand beach, Chauita National Park is also one of the few places in the country who allows camping. The park is located at the southern part of Chauita in the Limon province. Chauita National Park is also popular for its birds and wildlife, such as toucans and white-faced monkeys. The park offers a range of activities from hiking, to snorkeling, and scuba diving, for only a cheap price of 8 dollars entrance fee. The ideal time to visit the park is September – November and March – May and don’t forget to also bring your scuba gear.
If you want to go whale watching then Marino Ballena National Park is good for you. The park is named after the humpback whales that seasonally migrate here each year to mate.

While whale watching is popular, the park is also a home to some different species of aquatic animals and birds; like the green marine iguanas, several species of dolphins, sea turtles, pelicans, and corals, just to name a few. There are also several diving and snorkeling trips to Ballena Island but just be careful of receding currents and riptides. .

Belen Trailer Park

Belen Trailer Park offers not only accommodation for those in RV’s but camping spots for backpackers as well. Reasonably priced, with plenty of trees and shaded areas, the park affords a peaceful quiet stay, yet is an easy bus ride from the local township. Belen Trailer Park is pet friendly, offers wireless internet access and has English speaking hosts. Location: 1 mile (2 kilometers) west of the Cariari Bridge on the main highway entering into San Antonio de Belen, Phone: 506 2239 0421

Chauita National Park

One of the few national parks in Costa Rica that allows camping, this one is set along an enviable stretch of white sand beach. Choose from hiking in the tropical forest or snorkeling and SCUBA diving in the rich marine environment. Established in 1978, the park is also known for an abundance of birds and wildlife, especially toucans and white faced monkeys. Location: the camping area is 4 miles past the town of Chauita, south of San Jose.

Marino Ballena National Park

Named after the migratory humpback whales that visit each year from December to April, this is one of the few places where it is still legal to camp on the beach. There are no services except for fresh water available at the ranger station. This is definitely roughing it, but the payoff is being close to one of the richest marine environments in the country. In addition to watching the humpbacks breach offshore, observe green marine iguanas as they alternately bask on rocks and dive to dine on algae growing beneath the surface. Bird watching is especially rewarding. Snorkeling and beach combing are excellent. Location: 120 miles (190 kilometers) southwest of San Jose on the Pacific Coast.