Posts tagged Budget Travelers
Backpacking Across Costa Rica
Oct 4th
Perhaps one of the most romantic, adventurous and exciting parts of growing up is taking a trip to Central America. The depth of experiences and the heights of excitement that this continent provides for young budget travelers and backpackers are simply awe-inspiring.
Costa Rica is one of the countries in Central America that attracts backpackers and enthusiastic travelers from all over the world. And it is hardly surprising, really, given the gamut of things to do and see here, from lying on the beaches to dancing in the cities. Costa Rica is defined by its beauty and its fun-loving attitude; traveling here is all about experiencing how life really should be lived.
Here, then, are some of the things that a budget traveler or a backpacker simply must experience while staying in Costa Rica.
The Beaches
With the Pacific Ocean to the West and the Caribbean to the East, Costa Rica is blessed with a huge number of absolutely breathtaking beaches. You do have to find them, however: Costa Rica’s more frequented beaches (such as those around San Jose) are also its worst. Far better are the deserted and isolated idyllic spots tucked away along its coastlines. So be prepared to travel a bit in order to find your perfect beach in Costa Rica!
Rafting in Rica:
For the adventurous backpacker, intent on doing something wild, a rafting trip down the Chorro Section of the Naranjo River is one of the most adrenaline-pumping activities the country has to offer. Not for the feint hearted, this wild rafting trip is an experience to reckon with.
If white water rapids are not your cup of tea, a rafting trip along the calm waters and beautiful surrounding scenery of the Penas Blancas river is probably a better bet.
Mountain biking:
Costa Rica is a mountainous place, which makes it great for mountain biking. Experienced bikers particularly enjoy the country’s volcanic areas, as they provide fun – if at times testing – rides. The dirt road that lies between the Irazu Volcano and the Turrialba Volcano is a particular favorite.
Explore San Jose
A trip to Costa Rica is incomplete without experiencing the capital, San Jose. This is a city that has the classic Central American flavor – evocative and vibrant; it will catch you in its net of color and spin you around until you’re immersed in its web of fun. Life here isn’t always an easy ride though; by day San Jose is as big and noisy a city as you will find in these parts. Still, the nightlife makes it all worthwhile!
While spending time here, San Hose hostels are probably the best place to put up in. Clean, comfortable, fun and cheap, they make for a good base form which to explore the city.
Hostel 1110, for example, is a long standing favorite with the backpacking crowd. Located near the Avenida Central, this hostel offers a wide range of facilities at a very decent price. Costa Rica Backpackers is also an ideal hostel for budget travelers and students who are backpacking in Costa Rica (especially those on the lookout for a party).
Playa Brasilito, Costa Rica – Guanacaste Region
Feb 24th
As it is not yet spoiled by urban development Brasilito is a typical Costa Rican “Pueblo”, being the perfect spot for viewing the sunset over its small offshore island.
Brasilito is convenient to most of Guanacastes most beautiful attractions, offering a wonderful beach stretch to relax and enjoy, as it is situated between Playa Flamingo (5 minute drive) and Playa Tamarindo (15 minute drive)
How to get here:
Playa Brasilito is located 70 km from Liberia and around 45 km from the town of Santa Cruz and since it is so easily accessible by bus and taxi many people land at the Liberia International Airport to get here and then follow the route Liberia- Guardia- Filadelfia- Belén- Huacas- Playa Brasilito.
One of the main attractions of the 2 km long Brasilito Beach is its closeness to Playa Conchal, to where you can get by walking or driving over a rocky path at the end of Playa Brasilito. Having only a few hotels and cabins, much of this beach keeps its local flavor since many Ticos (Costa Ricans) come here for spending the weekend away from the city.
You will find that Playa Brasilito is a surprisingly pleasant place to spend some quiet time, where you can experience Tico life at its most natural out here. The town of Brasilito has many “beachgoer” amenities for those passing through, as there is a program of building demolitions underway in Brasilito, as the national government is enforcing development restrictions near the shoreline.
Offering economical and convenient accommodations and transportation, Playa Brasilito is more often the perfect destination for most budget travelers who come to this part of the province. Besides a few hotels, there are bars and restaurants as well as an internet cafe in town and you can also find a number of rental shops for horses, dive equipment, motorbikes and much more.
If you are looking for a safe beach for children to swim and play Brasilito is one of your best choices on the Northern Pacific Coast. Playa Brasilito is a large sandy beach, which has constant safe surf, free of rocks, being ideal for body surfing and swimming.
Playa Brasilito gets between 11 to 12 hours of sunshine during the dry season from December to April, since it is drenched in sunshine most days of the year and having a warm average temperature of around 36 degrees Celsius or 99 degrees Fahrenheit.
Rainfall is around 1800 mm, but lasts only a short time, making way to a period of extremely dry weather where stretches of tawny terrain alternate with grassland and stands of mayflower, wild cotton, swollen-thorn acacia and some cacti.
Accommodation:
* Hotel Brasilito – it is right in front of the fabulous Brasilito and Conchal beaches. Its features include ocean views, palm tree gardens, an outdoor restaurant and cooling sea breezes. In addition there’s wireless internet available for guests.
