Sample the Pura Vida in Costa Rica

Day 1: Welcome to the Pura Vida!

2 p.m. – Dive right in
Upon arriving to Juan Santamaria International Airport, check-in to one of the many beautiful hotels offering spectacular amenities, which are available in and around the capital city of San Jose. Options include luxury resorts, cozy boutiques and ecological lodging choices that are designed with sustainability in mind.

Before exploring the town, feed your soul with local fare. Visitors can find authentic, home-cooked style Costa Rican dishes at the Central Market ("Mercado Central"), the oldest and largest market in the city—offering more than 200 shops and stalls, as well as "sodas," which are inexpensive family-run restaurants.

4 p.m. – A feast for the eyes
After savoring authentic cuisine, a visit to the National Theater ("Teatro Nacional") is a must. As the architectural jewel of Costa Rica, the theater is one of the country's most popular attractions. Here, guests can enjoy some of the theater's weekly performances, as well as admire its exquisite interior and ceiling murals. The National Theater is open Tuesday to Sunday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.

7 p.m. – Hit the scene
Those wanting to explore the city by night will find the capital's most vibrant bars and popular cafés all within a short taxi ride of one another. Longtime favorites include restaurants and nightclubs that feature live music, impressive craft beer selections and delightful local and international cuisines. A great way to end the night is enjoying a delicious dinner at a beautiful mirador (a restaurant with a view).

Once a month, GAM Cultural hosts Art City Tour, where visitors have free access to museums, galleries and art exhibits throughout the city. GAM also provides a list of the latest cultural events in San Jose. For more information, visit www.gamcultural.com.

Day 2: Play, Pause, Repeat!

8 a.m. – Enjoy the gifts of Mother Nature
Head over to Irazú National Park, which is a short drive from San Jose.  Named after the country's highest volcano, this national park is most popular for its breathtaking panoramic views. On a clear day you can see both the Caribbean and Pacific coasts from the top of the volcano. The Irazú Volcano stands at 3,432 meters above sea level and is open daily from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is $10 per person.

10 a.m. – Indulge in some culture
After taking in the captivating sights from the top of Irazú, descend the volcanic heights into the historic city of Cartago. Here visitors can admire the ruins of a 16^th century pilgrimage site and the beautifully ornate Basilica of Our Lady of Angels.

1 p.m. – Live life to the fullest
Take in the lush landscapes of Orosi, while zipping down the Reventazon River towards Cachi Lake—a manmade lake that was formed 13,000 years ago. Rafting options vary from scenic to adventurous and cater to all types of difficulty levels.

5 p.m. – Revitalize
After a very active day, treat your limbs to a relaxing massage back in San Jose, where luxury resorts and boutique hotels offer a variety of spa services. Pampering sore muscles is the perfect way to end a dream vacation. 

For more information on Costa Rica, visit www.visitcostarica.com

About Costa Rica
Nestled between Nicaragua and Panama, Costa Rica offers visitors an abundance of unique wildlife, landscapes and climates -- meaning a trip to this Central American country is anything but run-of-the-mill. The country proudly shelters approximately five percent of the known biodiversity in the world and has become a global leader in sustainable practices. Visitors to Costa Rica enjoy a highly organized tourism infrastructure offering a broad terrain of activities and accommodations.

About Instituto Costarricense de Turismo (ICT)
Established in 1955, the Costa Rica Tourism Board (the ICT), alongside its partners in the private sector, spearheads the vital task of regulating and promoting Costa Rica's extensive tourism offerings.

SOURCE Costa Rica Tourism Board

Related Links

http://www.visitcostarica.com