Three Days In The Costa Rican Rainy Season

National Theater - Credit: iStockPhoto.com

VITAL INFORMATION
Population 4,200,000
Languages spoken Spanish
CurrencyCosta Rican Colon (CRC); 1 USD = 508 CRC
Average temperature 57°F -75°F in December; 63°F -81°F in May (San José)
High season December to April (dry season)

Although Costa Ricans speak Spanish along with their Central-American counterparts, they have their own unique language when it comes to describing the country’s frequent rain. Pelo de gato -- literally meaning cat’s fur -- refers to a misty rain, an aguacero indicates a fierce downpour, and a temporal describes a continuous, light rain caused by a passing storm.

The rainy season is in full swing in Central America, and for Costa Rica, that translates into six straight months of precipitation every year from May through October. So it’s not surprising that Costa Ricans have developed countless words and expressions to convey all the subtleties of rain.

But even in the rainy season, there is still plenty to see and do in Costa Rica. In fact, the rainy season brings with it certain advantages that the dry season doesn’t have, like cheaper prices, shorter queues and some very unique attractions. So if you’re planning a trip to Costa Rica over the next few months, here is a taste of what the rich coast has to offer in the upcoming rainy season.

Day 1: In the capital

San José is not like any North American city you know. Ancient buses spout thick exhaust fumes and the bustling downtown is lined with numerous armerias (weapons stores) -- all of this, of course, simply adds to the city’s charm.

But even though San José is the hub of the country, the city itself is still set up like a small town. One main street, aptly called Avenida Central (Central Avenue), runs through the entire city from west to east, making getting around fairly straightforward. You can walk through most of downtown by foot, but do be prepared to get wet. When it rains here, the streets become virtually flooded, and you might find yourself walking through large pools of water.

Start your day at the busy Mercado Central (Central Market), located downtown on the Avenida Central between streets 6 and 8. Grab a typical Costa Rican breakfast of gallo pinto (rice and beans), or browse through the market’s variety of fruit, spices, clothing, bags, local works of art, and souvenirs.

Next, hop back on the Avenida Central and head east toward the Plaza de la Cultura. This plaza is home to the city’s architectural pride and joy, El Teatro Nacional (The National Theater), built in the late 1800s after an Italian opera singer refused to perform in Costa Rica due to its lack of a proper theater. Also in the plaza is the Museo del Oro (Gold Museum), which houses gold dating back as far as pre-Columbian times.

After you
visit the museum, stop for some coffee and people watching at the Café Parisienne, part of the very posh Hotel Gran Costa Rica overlooking the square. Lastly, continue east on the Avenida through the Plaza de la Democracia (Democracy Square) to the Museo Nacional (National Museum), which exhibits artifacts depicting the country’s history, religion and art.

Now you’re done with the essential sightseeing and are ready to unwind. Continue even further east on the Avenida to the suburb of San Pedro (you might want to hop on a bus or in a cab, as you’ll have to pass through the areas of Los Yoses and La Californía first). End your afternoon with a drink in one of the many bars and cafes in the dynamic area around the University of Costa Rica.

Nightlife in the capital can get pretty steamy and tends to go into the early hours of the morning. Costa Ricans love to
dance salsa, merengue, reggaeton, and a dance of their own creation called the Creole Swing (a version of American swing dancing set to Latin music).

If you’re looking to strut your stuff alongside the locals, try heading out to the Centro Comercial El Pueblo, slightly north of the city center. El Pueblo is an open-air mall with alleyways full of restaurants, cafes and bars (do take care of yourself and your wallet in this area; crime is common here, especially at night) or head to nearby El Tobogán for the live band on Fridays and Saturdays.

Day 2: Tortuguero National Park

Costa Rica is home to Tortuguero National Park, located on the Caribbean coast; it is the only remaining nesting ground of the green sea turtle in the Western Hemisphere. For more adventurous travelers (or those of you with more time on your hands), there is a long route by bus and boat -- but for a shorter visit, you can take an organized tour out of San José. One-day tours are available from Expediciones Tropicales, while two- and three-day tours are available from Ecole Travel.

On the way to the Caribbean coast, you’ll drive through the Costa Rican province of Limon, a magnificent tropical rainforest where parts of the movie Jurassic Park were filmed. In the forested area in Tortuguero, you can spot howler monkeys, sloths, jaguars, and even the famous Jesus Christ Lizard. Officially called the male Basiliscus basiliscus, it is known as the Jesus Christ Lizard because the shape of its feet allows it to walk on water.

Costa Rican waterfall - Credit: iStockPhoto.com

The national park was founded in 1978 to protect this endangered species from being killed for its shells. These turtles swim as far as Asia, but return every five to seven years to nest; they can be spotted on the
beach between July and September.

If you have the extra time to spend, night is the best time to get a look at these beauties when they come out to nest their eggs. You may even be able to spot the newly hatched turtles running back to sea. What’s so special about these turtles? They are massive; they can measure up to a meter in length.

Day 3: Whitewater rafting

There is more to the rainy season than turtles; the rain also means that the water level in the country’s rivers is higher. For the adventure traveler, this is the prime season for whitewater rafting. On day three, take a trip to the famous Pacuare River on the country’s Atlantic slope for an adrenaline-filled ride.

Rios Tropicales offers one-day trips out of San José to the Pacuare River. The Pacuare is rated a class III-IV, but don’t worry if you have no prior rafting experience -- the tour will not only pick you up from your hotel, but will also provide you with equipment and training before hitting the course filled with whirlpools, rapids and gorges. Take a minute off from paddling to peak at the toucans and spider monkeys that’ll be hanging around in your midst.

After your tour drops you back off in the capital, spend your last night grooving to a local jazz band at The Jazz Café in San Pedro. Offering some of the best in live music, The Jazz Café is one of the more fashionable bars in the city. And while you’re out, don’t forget to sample Costa Rica’s national liquor, called guaro. It is made from sugar cane and can be ordered in the form of a shot or as a guaro sour -- a mix of guaro and coke or sprite.

If you think you can survive an aguacero or two, then get packing. You’ll be able to take advantage of some of the best the rich coast has to offer, without the high prices and tourist traffic that come with traveling at peak season. Just one crucial word of advice if you’re heading south in the upcoming months: Don’t forget to pack your rain gear.

tips for the trip

  • There are no numbered addresses in Costa Rica. In the capital, addresses are given in relation to cross streets, and everywhere else, addresses are given in relation to a recognized monument. For example, instead of a numeric address, you can find a home 200 meters south and 100 meters west of church X. If you get confused, just ask a taxi driver or a local to direct you.
  • For the most up-to-date news and events in Costa Rica, visit a local newsstand for your copy of The Tico Times, the country’s most reputable weekly English-language newspaper.
  • If you’re single and on the prowl, make a mental note of the following: Costa Ricans usually wear their wedding rings on the right hand.
Resources:
http://www.costaricainfo.com/
https://www.ecoletravel.com/
http://www.riostropicales.com/
http://www.jazzcafecostarica.com/
Costa Rica Travel Guide
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