An into to Costa Rica: Bordering Nicaragua to the north and Panama to the south, Costa Rica is one of central America’s most developed, and consequently more expensive countries. A hugely diverse country, Costa Rica has cold, tree covered mountains with great walks and exciting rope and wire swing adventure activities. There are also both a Caribbean Atlantic and a Pacific coast line – the former offering turqoise blue, warm snorkling and the latter offering awesome Pacific coast surfing.
The border crossing from Nicaragua can be a little hectic, and there is a strange 1KM walk from border to border – tricky with a backback. The small mountain retreat of Monteverde is a beautiful little jump point for forest adventures, whilst playa tamarindo is the famous surf beach – popular with US surfers. Here, hotel accommodation is generally poor and the nightlife can be a little sleazy (free drinks for ladies every night). The capital San Jose is a little dangerous too, and time here is best kept to a minimum.
