Adventure World

Costa Rica

Top Highlights

Costa Rica is bordered to the north by Nicaragua, to the north-east by the Caribbean, to the south-east by Panama and to the west and south-west by the Pacific Ocean.

San Jose: Costa Rica’s capital is the perfect base to explore the nearby volcanoes, rainforests, cloud forest national parks and the Pacific Ocean. San Jose has a number of plazas and parks, a range of dining, entertainment and shopping options to suit all budgets. Recommended places to shop are Mercado Central for hammocks and t-shirts, and Mercado Artesanal for handicrafts. A popular place for dining is the residential areas of Los Yoses and San Pedro which offer an array of dining choices, from bars and restaurants to night clubs.

Recommended Museums to visit: the Museo Nacional de Costa Rica which offers an insight into the country’s history and pre-Columbian artefacts; and the Museo de Oro Precolombino / Museo de Numismatica house a glittering collection of pre-Columbian gold artefacts. The city’s most impressive building with its columned neo-classical façade and lavish lobby is the Teatro Nacional (national theatre) which opened in 1897.

Tortuguero National Park: Located on the Caribbean Coast, the Park is vital to the survival of the green sea turtle. The park is home to nearly 30,000 green sea turtles - the largest breeding population in the world. Visitors to Tortuguero have the rare opportunity to watch the turtles dig their nests on the beach. The height of the nesting season comes in May and June. Of the eight species of marine turtles in the world, six nest in Costa Rica.

Natural and man-made canals are the main mode of transportation in Tortuguero, and this unique network of waterways allows up-close and personal exploration of this diverse region.

The waterways are home to a variety of animals, including sloths, crocodiles, toucans, monkeys and butterflies.

Arenal Volcano: The 1633 metre high active cone rises out of the western end of the San Carlos plains. Its periodic eruptions of ash and molten rock, are accompanied by thundering blasts, and are an unforgettable experience anytime, but become extremely spectacular after dark as the glowing red igneous rocks are ejected into the night sky.

Monteverde Cloud Forest: The 150,000 acre forest has gained international renown as one of the most outstanding wildlife sanctuaries in the tropics. It contains an extremely high biologically diversity, including over 2,500 plant species, among them 420 different kinds of orchids, 750 species of butterflies, 100 species of mammals, 400 bird species, 120 reptilian and amphibian species, and thousands of insects.

Sarapiqui: Located at the confluence of the Sarapiqui and Puerto rivers, Sarapiqui has been the centre of conservation activity in Costa Rica for many years, originally due to the presence of La Selva international biological research station. A ‘must do’ is a boat trip through Sarapiqui’s crystal-clear river, spotting hundreds of different species of wildlife. The Braulio Carrillo National Park occupies the heart of Sarapiqui and is home to thick virgin forest, countless waterfalls, swift rivers and deep canyons, and is only 30 minutes from San Jose.

Manuel Antonio National Park: This very popular park is located on the Pacific Coast, 132 kms from San Jose. An evergreen forest grows right up to the high tide line of the white sand beaches. There is a varied fauna with 109 species of mammals and 184 of birds. The beaches are covered with coconut palms, a truly unique tropical paradise and resorts are tucked away into the forested strip. The area offers nature hikes, nature boat tours, sports fishing, dolphin watching and more.

The six geographical areas of Costa Rica:

Central Valley: The country’s most developed region, serving as the country’s economic and government centre, and home to the capital, San Jose.

Northwest: Costa Rica’s newest paradise, home to hundreds of miles of pristine beaches, white sand and palm tree-lined coves. Guanacaste offers a host of accommodation ranging from quaint beachside boutique hotels to five star resorts. Guanacaste is known for its extensive nature reserve that houses an incredible concentration of flora, fauna and natural beauty. And is also the place to spot sabaneros trotting through town on their horses, just like the Wild West. Main points of interest: Arenal Volcano; Palo Verde National Park (a bird-watcher’s and nature-lover’s paradise). The region also offers canopy tours, river rafting, horseback riding, forest hiking and biking, sailing, surfing, diving, snorkelling, fishing and turtle watching.

Central Pacific: Due to it’s proximity to San Jose (1 1/2 to 3hr drive) it is a popular destination. The area has some of the world’s best beaches, outstanding surfing, primary rainforest reserves and is popular with off-the-beaten-path travellers who seek adventure. The highlight is the coast, as spectacular beaches border lush rainforests, and Manuel Antonio National Park.

Southwest: Known as Central America’s last frontier, as most of the region is covered in primary rainforest, bringing travellers into close contact with nature without taking them out of their comfort zones. A visit to Corcovado National Park, called ‘the most biologically diverse place on the planet’ by National Geographic, is a must on any visit. The Park is home to the largest population of scarlet macaws, along with animal and plant species including jaguars, toucans and snakes.

Caribbean Coast: One of the country’s most unique destinations, divided into North and South Caribbean. The North is mainly natural and man-made waterways surrounded by towering virgin rainforests. Accommodation is limited to a few lodges. The South offers golden beaches and colourful coral reefs with nature reserves. Here you find the Jamaican influence, which is evident in the music, food and language. The provincial capital Puerto Limon is a major port and where cruise ships dock.

North Central Mountains and Lowlands: Known as 'the heart of Costa Rica' it showcases some of the most scenic countryside and small towns, and is only a two hour drive from San Jose, with its agricultural communities and cattle ranches.

Fact Sheet

• Country Dialling Code: + 506
• When to Go: The dry season is from late December to April, the rest of the year tends to be wet.
• Food & Water: Restaurants in towns and cities serve a variety of foods including Chinese, French, Italian, Mexican and North American.
• National specialities:
  • Casado (rice, beans, stewed beef, fried plantain, salad and cabbage).
  • Olla de carne (soup of beef, plantain, corn, yuca, nampi and chayote).
  • Sopa negra (black beans with a poached egg).
  • Picadillo (meat and vegetable stew).
  • Gallos (filled tortillas).
  • Tortas (containing meat and vegetables).
• Currency: All spending money should be taken in US dollars. It is essential that travellers take some US dollars in cash with small denominations in addition to US$50 notes.
• Credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants and shops. Sometimes there will be a different price for paying by credit card rather than cash.
• Tipping: Tipping is a way of life in Latin America and if you are provided with a service satisfactorily you should leave a tip.
• In Costa Rica better restaurants add 13% tax and 10% tip to the bill. Taxi drivers are not normally tipped.
• Launguage: Spanish is the local language and a phrase book can prove invaluable. All Adventure World guides speak English.
• Email: Internet access is widely available in internet cafes and hotels in the major towns and cities. Generally you will pay around US$5 per half hour.
• Electricity: The voltage is 220v-50 cycles. Flat blades with round grounding pin plugs used. A travel adaptor is recommended.

Nicaragua

Nicaragua, the largest country in Central America is full of colonial cities, mountain villages, pristine islands and jungle hamlets. Nicaragua contains a system of Protected Areas that shelter a wide range of ecosystems including a great variety of flora and fauna and offers beautiful and secluded beaches on both the Pacific and Caribbean coasts. Virtually untouched, the Caribbean coast is a haven for nature lovers.

Top Highlights

The largest of the Central American countries, Nicaragua has been the scene of dynamic events in the past couple of decades, making headlines all over the world. No matter how much you might have heard about Nicaragua, being there is guaranteed to teach you things you didn’t know. A visit to Nicaragua is an illuminating, memorable experience.

The world’s only freshwater sharks live in Lago de Nicaragua, Central America’s largest lake and there are plenty of noteworthy natural features including islands, volcanoes and navigable rivers.

Leon: Leon is traditionally the most liberal of Nicaragua's cities and remains the radical and intellectual centre of the country. Monuments to the revolution, including bold Sandinista murals, are dotted all over town, and many buildings are riddled with bullet holes. Though scarred by earthquakes and war, the city is resplendent with many fine colonial churches and official buildings. Its streets are lined with old Spanish-style houses that have white adobe walls, red-tiled roofs, thick wooden doors and cool garden patios.

Managua: The capital of Nicaragua is spread across the southern shore of Lago de Managua and is crowded with more than a quarter of Nicaragua's population. It's been racked by natural disasters, including two earthquakes this century, and since the 1972 earthquake the city has had no centre. Several of Managua's attractions stand around the Plaza de la República, including the lakeside municipal cathedral. Near the cathedral is the impressively restored Palacio Nacional, which has two giant paintings of Augusto Sandino and Carlos Fonseca at the entrance.

Laguna de Apoyo: Set in a picturesque valley brimming with wildlife, the lovely Apoyo crater lake is another one of Nicaragua's many natural wonders. Dry tropical rainforest along the surrounding slopes contains much biodiversity, and the pristine waters of the lagoon are good for swimming and diving.

Parque Nacional Volcán Masaya: Known to the Spaniards as the 'Gates of Hell', the craters of Volcán Masaya National Park are the most easily accessible active volcanoes in Nicaragua. The park is made up of a pair of volcanoes which have five craters. Of these, Santiago crater is still active, often steaming and smoking away. The park has several marked hiking trails.

Refugio de Vida Silvestre La Flor: Playa La Flor is one of the principal nesting areas for the Olive Ridley turtle. 'Development' near the beach, and the stealing of turtle eggs for food, has endangered the turtle's existence. By visiting the reserve, you can satisfy pleasure and conscience: it's a beautiful beach, with good surfing, and your support will help keep the turtles alive.

Fact Sheet

• Country Dialling Code: + 505
• When to Go: The climate of Nicaragua varies with the regions, largely depending on altitude. The entire Pacific lowland zone including Managua is very hot with a rainy season from May-November. The mountainous northern region is much cooler than the lowlands and the Caribbean coastal lowlands are hot and wet and it can even rain heavily during the brief dry season of March-May.
• Food & Water: There are a number of cheap but good restaurants/bars (coreders) where beer, often the cheap local brand, is available. At the other end of the scale, the few plush hotels have sophisticated restaurant/bars with a choice of international cuisine and beverages.
• National specialities:
  • Gallopinto (fried rice and pinto beans).
  • Mondongo (tripe soup).
  • Plantain is used in many dishes.
  • Picadillo (shredded beef dish).
  • Ajiaco (pork and tortilla dish).
• Currency: The local currency is called the Cordoba and is also known as the Peso, all spending money should be taken in US dollars.
• Tipping: Tipping is a way of life in Latin America and if you are provided with a service satisfactorily you should leave a tip.
• Language: Spanish is the local language and a phrase book can prove invaluable. All Adventure World guides speak English.
• Email: Internet access has limited availability in Nicaragua - hotels tend to charge more than Internet cafes. Generally you will pay around US$5 per half hour.
• Electricity: The voltage is 220v-50 cycles. Plugs are flat blade prongs. A travel adaptor is recommended.
• Shopping Hints: Local items include gold work, hand-carved wood, embroidery, shoes and paintings. Traditional crafts are available, particularly in Masaya, at the handicrafts market.

Panama

Panama is instantly recognised for its famous canal. A natural land bridge that links Central and South America the wildlife and terrain of the two continents meld to form the striking contrasts of Panama. Blessed by nature, with more than 940 bird species, 10,000 plant species and 125 animal species found no where else in the world.

Top Highlights

Panama borders Colombia, Costa Rica, the Caribbean and the Pacific Ocean. The two oceans are linked by the man-made Panama Canal, cut into a gap between the Cordillera de Talamanca and the San Blas mountain range and stretching for over 65km.

Panama City, the capital, is a curious blend of old Spain, modern America and the bazaar atmosphere of the East. In the old part of the city with its narrow, cobblestone streets, most of the interesting sights are to be found. These include the Plaza de Francia and the President’s Palace, the most impressive building in the city. The Panama Canal to the west of the city itself naturally attracts many visitors. An average transit takes eight hours to complete.

Panama City: The capital of Panama is a modern, thriving commercial centre stretching 8km along the Pacific coast from the ruins of Panama Viejo to the edge of the Panama Canal. Casco Antiguo is an area of decaying colonial grandeur, striking architecture, peeling paint and decrepit balconies.

Boquete: Known for its cool, fresh climate and pristine natural environment, the small alpine town of Boquete is nestled into a craggy mountain valley 38km north of David. It's a fine place for walking, bird-watching, horse riding and enjoying a respite from the heat of the lowlands. Flowers, coffee and citrus fruits are grown in the area and the town's Feria de las Flores y del Café is a popular annual festival held for ten days each January.

Isla Grande: It would take all the exotic Caribbean clichés ever minted to describe this remote and beautiful island off the Caribbean coast near Portobelo. Only 7 sq km in size, it's inhabited by 300 people of African descent who make their living from fishing and coconuts. Visitors are often attracted by local festivities, which include San Juan Bautista on 24 June, celebrated with canoe and swimming races; the day of the Virgen del Carmen, on 16 July, marked by a land and sea procession; and Carnaval, before Ash Wednesday, fêted with Calypso dancing and songs.

Panama Canal: The Canal is both an engineering marvel and one of the most significant waterways on earth. Seeing a huge ship nudge its way through the narrow canal, with vast tracts of virgin jungle on both sides, is an unforgettable sight. Stretching 80km from Panama City on the Pacific coast to Colón on the Atlantic side, it provides passage for nearly 14,000 ocean-going vessels per year. The easiest and best way to visit the Canal is to go to the Miraflores Locks, on the north-eastern fringe of Panama City, where a platform offers visitors a good view of the locks in operation.

Fact Sheet

• Country Dialling Code: + 507
• When to Go: Temperatures are high across the whole country throughout the year, though cooler at high altitudes. The rainy season lasts from May to November.
• Food & Water: American, French and Spanish food is available in all restaurants and hotels in Panama City and Colón. There is a huge selection of excellent restaurants in Panama City, as well as other main cities, including several Oriental restaurants. Native cooking is reminiscent of creole cuisine, hot and spicy. Seafood is excellent and in abundance.
• National specialities:
  • Ceviche (fish marinated in lime juice, onions and peppers)
  • Patacones de plátano (fried plantain)
  • Sancocho (Panamanian stew with chicken, meat and vegetables)
  • Tamales (seasoned pie wrapped in banana leaves)
  • Empanadas (turnovers filled with meat, chicken or cheese
• Currency: Balboa (PAB). US currency was adopted in 1904 and exists alongside the Balboa coinage.
• Tipping: Tipping is a way of life in Latin America and if you are provided with a service satisfactorily you should leave a tip.
• Language: Spanish is the local language and a phrase book can prove invaluable. All Adventure World guides speak English.
• Email: Internet cafes are common in the major town and cities.
• Electricity: The voltage is 220v-50 cycles. Plugs are flat blade prongs. A travel adaptor is recommended.
• Shopping Hints: Local items include leatherwear, patterned, beaded necklaces made by Guaymí Indians, native costumes, jewels and precious stones, straw products, electrical equipment, handicrafts of carved wood, ceramics, papier mâché artefacts, macramé and mahogany bowls.