Matthew Houde's Blog, page 13

Private Schools in Costa Rica

Two Weeks in Costa Rica |

If you’re planning to move to Costa Rica with your kids or just visit for an extended stay, you’re no doubt trying to figure out where to send them to school. In addition to public school, Costa Rica has many options for private schools. But what can you expect at these institutions? In this post, we’ll give some background on the private school system in Costa Rica. We will explain about accreditation types, options for learning philosophies, school calendars, and costs. In a subsequent post coming soon, we’ll give a list of private schools so that you can start looking at specific options.

This post gives our impressions and what we have learned from our experience so far raising our two young boys in Costa Rica. People’s experiences differ so be sure to ask around when considering options for your children’s education.

BackgroundPublic School System

The public school system is run by the Costa Rica Ministry of Public Education (MEP). The system is vast, with hundreds of schools all around the country.

In Costa Rica, even the tiniest village has a school. When we lived in the Dominical area, our small community had a one-room schoolhouse where a teacher taught all the kids who lived in the neighborhood until high school level. Education is a constitutional right in Costa Rica so it is taken fairly seriously. Costa Rica’s literacy rate is high.

A public school on the central Pacific coast

That said, the educational quality varies a lot. Many kids in public school are not in the classroom for very many hours a day. And school is sometimes interrupted for long periods of time during the year. Recently, for a couple of years in a row, the kids did not have school for months at a time when there were countrywide strikes. This time was never made up.

Private School System

Private schools typically offer more stability, a higher quality education, a nicer facility, and more extracurriculars. For that reason, many Costa Ricans and expats living in the country choose to pay to send their kids to private school.

A preschool classroom at a private school in Costa Rica

Private schools may be under the authority of the MEP depending on their accreditation, but they still make their own rules for the most part.

During the countrywide strikes, our kids who we have in a private MEP school, still had school. During Covid when there were various shutdowns in the public school system, our kids were in school (either virtually or in person) almost all the time. Private MEP schools work with the MEP on their rules and regulations but still have their independence.

Virtual lessons during CovidPrivate School Accreditation

Private schools can be accredited by the MEP and follow the MEP guidelines, academics, and school calendar, or they can be an international school. Some schools are both MEP and international.

International schools follow other standards for academics/curriculum and have their own calendar. They may be accredited by schools in the United States or elsewhere so that credits obtained from these schools will easily transfer.

International schools are popular with expats and others planning to stay in Costa Rica for only a year or two. Kids who go to these schools will be learning the same things as their peers in the US, for example, and will not have to make up a grade when they return to their home country. The credits they receive from the international school will transfer to their school in the US, Canada, etc. as long as the school has the proper accreditation.

School CalendarMEP Schools

The MEP school calendar typically starts in late January or early February and ends in early December.

Mid-year vacation is in late June/early July and lasts about three weeks.

Most schools give a week off for Semana Santa (Easter Week) and a week or two for Independence Day in September.

MEP schools observe all public holidays in Costa Rica.

International Schools

The school calendar for international schools differs by institution. Most of the private international schools we know of in Costa Rica follow the US calendar. They start in mid-August and end in June.

A Pre-K classroomUniforms

Children at all public schools wear a uniform. Most, but not all, private schools require a uniform as well.

Learning Philosophies at Private Schools in Costa RicaMEP Schools

MEP private schools in Costa Rica have a more traditional learning style. Our sons’ school is very curriculum-based. In first grade, they have books for math, phonics (English), and Spanish. English is typically heavily emphasized in private schools because Costa Rican parents want their children to learn English because of the opportunities that brings.

This year, our son’s first grade teacher is from South Africa and speaks English. Spanish is taught as a separate subject. Last year when he was in Preparatory, his teacher was Costa Rican and spoke Spanish. English was taught as a separate subject.

Kids doing “areas” in Preparatory at a more traditional private school

Much of the learning in his class is project-based. They often incorporate art into math and do social studies projects.

In social studies, they learn about Costa Rican culture and history. This is a very important subject. Several times a year, they have events or performances for different holidays that we get to attend.

Running the torch on Independence Day in September

Although they spend much of their time doing academics, they also have garden class, robotics, gym, swim class, and art.

International Schools

The learning philosophies at international schools really vary. You can find more traditional institutions, Montessori schools, German schools, British schools, Christian schools, and even a couple of Waldorf schools.

Some people who are moving to Costa Rica right now are looking for a more alternative lifestyle. To that end, schools have been popping up that do not follow any set of standards or require exams, uniforms, etc.

Costs

The cost of private schools in Costa Rica varies significantly. You can find more basic options starting at $300 per month. The most prestigious institutions are $1,000 or more per month.

Most private schools also charge an annual matriculation fee, which adds significant costs. Typically, matriculation is a one-time fee of around $500-1,000 per year.

Books are an additional fee as well. At our sons’ school, books for preschool are $100-170, and books for elementary and high school are around $450.

Uniform costs also can add up. At our sons’ school, one complete uniform (shirt and shorts) is around $50.

Most private schools give a discount for sending more than one child. The youngest kid usually gets 5-10% off the regular monthly admission.

Conclusion

Costa Rica has many great options for private schools, whether you’re planning to raise your kids here or just come for a gap year. We hope this post gave you some background on what the private schools are like.

Have a question about private schools in Costa Rica? Ask us below.Looking for more information about living in Costa Rica? Check out these posts:

Costa Rica’s Digital Nomad Visa: Learn about this new visa that lets you stay in Costa Rica for up to two years.

Buying a House in Costa Rica: Overview of our experience buying a home.

Planning a Long-term Visit to Costa Rica: Thinking of coming for an extended stay? Read our tips on choosing where to live, finding a rental, transportation, and more.

The post Private Schools in Costa Rica appeared first on Two Weeks in Costa Rica.

First-Time Visit to Costa Rica: Why You Should Go, What to Expect & Tips to Plan

Two Weeks in Costa Rica |

We will never forget our first visit to Costa Rica. We were nervous, excited, and didn’t quite know what to expect. After a week of new experiences, tropical landscapes, and friendly locals, we immediately started to plan another trip. Fast forward 15 years and we live here, raising our two boys, giving travel advise for a living, and getting to enjoy Costa Rica on a daily basis. In this post, we’ll give a broad overview of Costa Rica for first-time visitors that will erase your worries, give insight, and help you plan.

Why Does Everyone Love Costa Rica?

You’ve no doubt had friends or relatives tell you about the great time they had in Costa Rica. Maybe they’ve even urged you to visit. But what exactly is it that draws so many people? Here’s a short list.

A Spectacular Environment

The thing Costa Rica is most famous for is its environment.

Located in Central America, close to the equator, Costa Rica is a tropical oasis. There are lush jungles, misty cloud forests, coconut-tree-lined beaches, rocky coves, steaming volcanoes, and even dry savanna-like plains.

The temperatures in Costa Rica range from the 80s or sometimes low 90s °F at the beach (27-32 °C) to crisp 60s and 70s °F (16-22 °C) in the higher elevation mountains.

In Costa Rica, you literally can start your day in a bathing suit and flip-flops, drive a few hours, and be wrapped in rain jackets, using hiking boots on a mossy trail.

Discovering some of Costa Rica’s 12 different life zones is all part of the adventure. Costa Rica keeps over 20% of its land in protected zones and national parks, so you are sure to find some undeveloped gems too.

Mix of rainforest and cloud forest at Catarata del Toro, a waterfall in the mountainsWildlife

Along with the environment are all the amazing animals that inhabit it. It’s common to see monkeys, tropical birds like parrots, crocodiles, and beautiful butterflies like the blue morpho on a first-time visit.

Depending on what areas you visit there are also sloths, all sorts of frogs, sea turtles, and if you’re lucky, more elusive animals like anteaters and kinkajous.

A howler, one of Costa Rica’s 4 types of monkeys

For those scared of snakes and big spiders, it’s not very common to see them if you are staying at a hotel or well-maintained vacation home.

Along the same lines, mosquitoes and other bugs aren’t that big of a problem, if you are prepared with insect repellents and the right clothing.     

Friendly Locals

One of the things we love most about Costa Rica are the friendly, warm-hearted locals. Now that we have lived here for almost a decade, we can see it even more clearly.

Ticos (the name for local Costa Ricans) are all about having a good attitude, getting things done in pace, and appreciating what they have around them.

They especially love to share their beautiful country with others. Whether it is offering you a taste of some fresh fruits or homemade tortillas, showing you their flower garden, or giving you the best possible experience on a tour.  

Don’t worry if you don’t speak Spanish in Costa Rica. Many locals, especially in the tourism industry, speak basic English and some are fluent in French or German. If you do want to practice your Spanish, Ticos will be more than happy to help you work through a sentence or two.

Learning about passionfruit on a coffee/farm tourA Comfortable Feeling   

Although Costa Rica is a foreign country, there are a lot of comforts of home.

In Costa Rica, there is reliable electricity, good cell-phone coverage, mid-to-high speed internet, modern roadways (except in very rural places), accommodations with air conditioning and hot water, good food-safety practices, and professional medical facilities.

Safety

While crime happens everywhere in the world, Costa Rica is a fairly safe place to visit.

The most common type of crime against tourists is petty theft. If you’re careful with your valuables, lock up your hotel room, and stay aware of your surroundings, you shouldn’t have any problems. More serious crimes against tourists are not common in Costa Rica.

You can get more information and specific tips in our post, Safety Tips for Your Next Trip to Costa Rica.

Planning a First-Time Visit to Costa Rica

We hear from a lot of people who are overwhelmed with where to start when planning their first Costa Rica trip. Although Costa Rica is on the smaller side, it does have a lot of different places to go and experiences to be had.

Our advice – don’t overdo it on your first trip.

Most people who come to Costa Rica end up coming back again to see more. If you try to jump from place to place too much, you’ll miss out on sights and experiences.

On our first visit to Costa Rica, we spent time in only one beach town, Manuel Antonio. This was the perfect introduction for us. Manuel Antonio has a nice mixture of wildlife, adventure activities, and beach. We also felt that we got to know the culture a bit, but were still very comfortable as the town is well developed for tourism.

Old pic from one of our first trips to Manuel Antonio around 2008How Much Time to Spend?

One week is a good amount of time for one, and possibly a second, destination, but ten days will allow you to see a lot more. If you have Two Weeks in Costa Rica, that’s even better!

Tip: Don’t forget that depending on flight times, you may have a night near the airport on either or both ends of your trip. If you can arrive by early afternoon, you should have time to make it to your first destination by sunset. It gets dark in Costa Rica at around 6:00 p.m. all year-round.

When to Visit

In general, Costa Rica has two seasons.

Rainy season spans from May to early December, and dry season goes from mid-December to April. There are regional variations of course. You can read our Weather in Costa Rica post for much more information.

Don’t get scared off by the rainy season, though. This is our favorite time of year since everything is so lush and green. Wildlife also can be more active. See some other reasons to visit during the rainy season here.

The busiest times to visit Costa Rica are around the Christmas and New Year holidays and Semana Santa (Easter Week). These dates coincide with the most expensive hotel and vacation rental rates as well.

Picking an Airport

There are two international airports in Costa Rica.

The biggest is Juan Santamaria International (SJO) located just outside the capital city of San Jose.

The other, smaller international airport is Daniel Oduber Quirós International (LIR) in the northwest province called Guanacaste.

You can make an awesome itinerary from either airport.

In general, SJO Airport is better for those wanting to visit the central Pacific coast, southern Pacific coast, Central Valley mountains, or Caribbean side of the country.

LIR Airport is closer to destinations in Guanacaste Province and some spots on the Nicoya Peninsula.

Either airport works well for the major destinations of La Fortuna or the Monteverde Cloud Forest.

Picking Destinations

There is a long list of Costa Rica destinations, but they aren’t all for first-time travelers. We’d suggest visiting some of the more well-traveled destinations on your first trip, then branching out on your next visit.

Major Destinations

Here are some of the more well-known travel destinations that might be good if you are a first-time visitor to Costa Rica.

Central Pacific

Manuel Antonio

Located about 2.5 hours from SJO Airport, Manuel Antonio is popular for its national park. Manuel Antonio National Park is filled with monkeys, sloths, deer, birds, and all kinds of other jungle creatures. Many hotels and vacation homes in Manuel Antonio are set right in the jungle.

Seeing a three-toed sloth in Manuel Antonio

Jaco

Jaco is a more built-up town with a main strip a block away from the sand. There’s a great selection of hotels, restaurants, and adventure activities in the area. Surfing is also very popular. Jaco is only about 1.5 hours from SJO Airport.

Guanacaste (Northwest)

Costa Rica’s northwestern region, called Guanacaste, doesn’t have the thick jungle of the central Pacific coast, but it does boast some of the most beautiful beaches in the country.

There are many small and medium sized towns, each situated on different beaches. The biggest is Tamarindo, which is good for surfing and has a lot of restaurants and accommodations. Other popular spots are Playa Conchal and Flamingo. A little north are Playas del Coco and Playa Hermosa. A bit south is Samara, which also makes for a nice first-time beach destination. Nosara is just north of Samara and popular for surfing.

Playa Penca, a gorgeous beach in Guanacaste

Guanacaste also has some all-inclusive resorts, but in our opinion, you are missing out on much of what Costa Rica is about if you just stay at a resort. If you are hitting up one, be sure to take some excursions to see other parts of the country as well.

Mountain & Volcano Destinations

Monteverde

If you are interested in seeing the cloud forest, Monteverde is the perfect spot for a first-time visit. In Monteverde, the trees are covered in moss, and you can trek across misty hanging bridges. Bring some layers, though, because it can be chilly!

A few days in Monteverde is all you need to explore this small town.

For more information about Monteverde, read our post, Monteverde: A Forest in the Clouds.

La Fortuna

Possibly Costa Rica’s most popular destination, many first-time visitors head to La Fortuna.

Here, you can find the impressive, cone-shaped volcano named Arenal. Besides hikes around the base, you also can enjoy thermal hot springs and a giant list of activities.

Read our post, La Fortuna: What to Expect from Costa Rica’s Most Popular Destination, for more.

Arenal Volcano in La Fortuna, one of Costa Rica’s most famous volcanoesCaribbean Coast

The Caribbean coast isn’t as popular for first-time visitors, but it is beautiful. The southern Caribbean coast boasts some of the country’s most gorgeous beaches. The region is also culturally rich and less developed than the Pacific coast.

We’d recommend the Caribbean coast if you are coming in September or October. These are the driest months on this side of the country, but some of the wettest for the rest of Costa Rica.

For more on the Caribbean coast, including details on the three major destinations, read our post, Costa Rica’s Caribbean Coast: Regional Snapshot. 

Getting AroundRental Cars

Renting a car is a popular way to get around Costa Rica. There are paved roads and highways between major destinations. Driving is on the right side of the road (same as North America) in Costa Rica. And many of the street signs are the same too, only in Spanish.

A road in the Northern Highlands

Sedans are fine to rent, but if you are planning to explore some more remote spots, a small 4×4 SUV is the better choice. Many side roads remain rough dirt.

Tip: Get a 10% discount off the base price of your rental and free extras (car seats, surf racks) with our Rental Car Discount.  

Driving Hazards

Driving in any foreign country is always different, and there are some Costa Rica-specific things to know.

A big one is that we don’t recommend driving at night (long distances). Road lines are often faded, there usually isn’t much lighting, it rains more at night, and locals ride bikes or walk along the narrow shoulders without reflectors.

Better to plan your travel during daylight hours and enjoy the scenery.

For more things to watch out for, read our post: Driving in Costa Rica: What to Know Before You Go.

Shuttle Vans

If driving isn’t right for you, shuttles are readily available and a safe option.

Shared and private shuttles serve all the major destinations. For more information, read Shuttles in Costa Rica: How They Work and When to Use Them. We also offer shuttle booking services and are happy to help get you around.

Taking a shuttle is a great way to get around if you don’t want to rent a carPublic Buses and Taxis

Costa Rica does have an extensive public bus system, though it can be slow and tedious going long distances.

Taxis are also available for shorter trips. Official taxis are red with a yellow medallion on the side. They have meters to track distance and calculate cost. Official airport taxis are orange.

Tours

One thing we love about Costa Rica compared to other countries we have visited is how organized the tours are. Tour operators are licensed and very professional. Guides do trainings and adventure sports have safety regulations.

Most tour operators also operate smaller group tours. So, if you’re taking a guided hike, for example, you will probably only be in a group of 6 to 12 people. Private tours also are available.

There are plenty of fun things to do without guides too of course, but we’d recommend doing a few guided experiences because you can learn so much from Costa Rica’s naturalist guides.   

A knowledgeable guide can add a lot of value on national park toursPacking

If you’ve made it this far in the post, you’re booking tickets and ready to pack your suitcase! Before you do, remember some essentials like sunscreen (which is way overpriced in Costa Rica), bug spray, a sun hat, and some good guidebooks. Check out our extensive packing list for some other things you won’t want to forget.

Conclusion

Costa Rica has all the makings for an amazing vacation. Whether it is your first international trip abroad, your first time in Central America, or just your first trip to Costa Rica specifically, we are confident you can have a great time. From the warm-hearted locals to the warm weather and great wildlife, your first trip may very well turn into several more.

Have a question about visiting Costa Rica for the first time? Ask in the comments below. Need more resources to help you plan? Check out these posts:

Vacation Rentals in Costa Rica: Safety and What to Look for – There are tons of vacation rental homes in Costa Rica. Learn what to look for to make your stay safe and enjoyable.

Planning a Family Vacation to Costa Rica: Essential Tips and Info – Costa Rica is so fun with the kids. Use this guide to plan the perfect family getaway.

Money Matters: Currency, Exchanging Money, and Tipping in Costa Rica – Learn about the local currency, how tipping works, and more.

The post First-Time Visit to Costa Rica: Why You Should Go, What to Expect & Tips to Plan appeared first on Two Weeks in Costa Rica.

Costa Rica’s Digital Nomad Visa

Two Weeks in Costa Rica |

In the past couple of years, Costa Rica has seen a surge in digital nomads. More and more people are working remotely, making it the perfect time to try something new. But how does someone go about spending a year or two in Costa Rica? Getting legal residency has always been a challenge, but now, there is another option. In this post, we’ll tell you about Costa Rica’s digital nomad visa. We’ll explain the benefits and requirements, and also give some tips on if it makes sense for you.

Background – Visa OptionsTourist Visas

When a visitor comes to Costa Rica, they are typically given a 90-day tourist visa. (The exact number of days is up to the discretion of the immigration official, but it is usuall90). After their visa expires, they need to leave the country to get additional time. Upon reentry, they will get a new visa, again, usually for 90 days.

Costa Rica has many so-called perpetual tourists who do visa runs every 90 days. They leave Costa Rica when their visa expires, go on a short visit to a neighboring country like Panama or Nicaragua, and come back to Costa Rica to get a new visa. Some have been doing this for years. But the process is not always smooth and can get expensive.

The busy Paso Canoas border between Costa Rica and PanamaResidency

Getting legal residency is a way to avoid this hassle, but it is not for everyone.

Costa Rica has limited categories of residency. These include pensionado, for those who are retired. Inversionista, for those investing at least $200,000 in property or a business. And rentista, for those still working who deposit $2,500 into a Costa Rican bank account each month.

You also can get residency through marriage to a Costa Rican or by having a direct family relationship (first degree) to a Costa Rican. We have permanent residency, which we got through the birth of our children.

Not only do these categories not work for everyone, but once your residency is approved, you also need to pay into Costa Rica’s socialized health care and retirement system called the Caja or CCSS. For some residency categories, like rentista, this can be quite costly.

In addition, the residency process itself is expensive and time consuming.

For those who are not sure they want to stay in Costa Rica forever, it may not be worth it.

The digital nomad visa fills this gap for people who want to stay longer than a typical tourist but aren’t ready to apply for full residency.

Digital Nomad Visa – Overview

The main advantage of the digital nomad visa is that it allows for a one-year stay in Costa Rica.

An approved application gets you that one year, then you are allowed to renew the visa one more time.

After that, you would need to start a residency application using a traditional track like we explained above, or leave the country at the end of the term of your digital nomad visa and reenter on a tourist visa.

Eligibility

The main eligibility requirement for the digital nomad visa is proof of $3,000 in income per month for an individual, or $4,000 per month for a family. The income needs to come from outside Costa Rica.

Application Process

Compared to the traditional types of residency in Costa Rica, the application process for the digital nomad visa is fairly straightforward.

Application Requirements

Here are the requirements, as set forth on the Costa Rica Tourism Board’s (ICT) website:

1) Application form (a short form that requests basic personal information)

2) Receipt showing payment of the $100 fee (paid by bank deposit to a specific Costa Rican bank account)

3) Copy of passport photo page and entry stamp

4) For applicants from some countries, a consular or restricted visa (does not apply to the United States, Canada, and many other countries)

5) To establish proof of income, bank statements for the last 12 months along with an affidavit.

The one-page application formFamily Applications

For families applying, each family member must submit an application form. (See the Migration site for the forms for spouses, minors, people with disabilities, and senior citizens. These are called “Formulario Solicitud de Estancia Dependientes hijos menores o mayores discapacidad” and “Formulario Solicitud de Estancia Dependientes conyuge pareja hijos solteros adultos mayores”).

Each family member also must establish the familial connection to the applicant. For marriages or civil unions, you’ll need a marriage certificate or declaration of a civil union. For minor children or unmarried children up to the age of 25, a birth certificate. For a dependent with disabilities, a medical opinion that identifies the condition. And for seniors, an affidavit.

This is explained in more detail on the Tourism Board website.

All documents need to be translated to Spanish.

The Tourism Board recommends using an official translator approved by the Costa Rican Ministry of Foreign Affairs. See the list here.

Submitting Documents

Since the digital nomad visa was only recently signed into law, there are still a lot of unknowns regarding the process. Here is what we know so far.

Direccion General de Migracion y Extranjeria (Migration) has the forms and some information on their website.

You can apply online through the Tramite Ya system  or in person at Migration (the main office in La Uruca, San Jose or at a regional office).

For Tramite Ya, you will need to create an account. There is an option for English.

Once you have an account, go to New Procedures, Immigration, then select Stays. The digital nomad visa is considered an estancia or stay. You will then be able to complete the application and upload the supporting documents.

Costa Rica’s Tramite Ya website where you can file for the digital nomad visa onlineGetting Approval and Final Requirements

Migration will process the applications and is supposed to act on them within 15 days. Keep in mind that there are timing requirements by law for the other residency categories as well, and Migration seldom meets them. So it may take longer than 15 days.

Once Migration has sent a resolution approving your application, there are a few additional steps before it is official. You have three months to complete these.

Once you are ready, make an appointment to go in person to Migration using the Call Center (dial 1311) or by calling Banco de Costa Rica at 800-227-2482.

On the day of your appointment, you’ll need to bring:

1) Receipts showing the payment of additional fees. The amounts will be provided in your resolution. They are supposed to be around $120 plus a security deposit based on your nationality (varies by nationality; this is a fee you pay in case you need to be deported to your home country).

2) Passport (original and valid)

3) Proof of medical insurance. This needs to cover your whole stay (i.e., the full year) and be for at least $50,000. If applying as a family, each person needs a policy. The insurance can be from a Costa Rican company that is authorized by the Office of the Superintendent General of Insurance of Costa Rica. Or you can get an international insurance policy.

One of the government insurer’s, INS, is currently offering nomad insurance.

Benefits of Digital Nomad Visa

The digital nomad law allows the main applicant to import digital items related to their trade (e.g., computers, tablets, camera) without being taxed. Practically speaking, since many people bring things like this into the country with them in their luggage, this is not a huge benefit. However, it could help some people.

Digital nomads also will be able to open bank accounts in Costa Rica and can drive with their foreign driver’s license.

Those under the digital nomad visa will not be subject to Costa Rican income taxes, as their income comes from outside the country.

Practical Issues with Digital Nomad Visa

For those who have already filed for residency (e.g., pensionado, rentista, inversionista) and are still waiting to get approved, you should know that if you apply for the digital nomad visa, your other application will be cancelled. This is why some immigration lawyers (e.g., Outlier Legal Services) are recommending that those who have already filed for residency, continue to wait it out until their application is approved.

The digital nomad visa is only for two years maximum so best for those interested in a short stay in Costa Rica.

Additional Resources

The Costa Rica Tourism Board has detailed information on their website about applying for the digital nomad visa.

A well-known immigration law firm in Costa Rica, Outlier Legal Services, also has done an informative webinar that explains the requirements and gives their take on the new program.

Conclusion

The digital nomad visa definitely offers an easier way for people to come live in Costa Rica while working remotely. While a lot remains unknown about how the program will go, we hope that many people will be able to take advantage of it.

The information in this post is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended to be legal advice. While we have tried to ensure that the content is accurate and current, we make no guarantees. You should seek legal or other professional advice before acting or relying on any of the information.

Have a question about Costa Rica’s digital nomad visa? Ask us below.Looking for more information about living in Costa Rica? Check out these posts:

Planning a Long-Term Visit to Costa Rica – Get information on where to stay, how to find a rental, transportation, and more.

Moving to Costa Rica with Kids – Covers special considerations of living long-term in Costa Rica with kids, like schools, where to live, and medical care.

Applying for Residency in Costa Rica Without a Lawyer: Thinking a longer stay may be better for you? This article gives an overview of the traditional residency process.

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Reptilandia Dominical: Snakes, Turtles, Crocs, and More

Two Weeks in Costa Rica |

You’ll no doubt see lots of wildlife when visiting the Dominical area of Costa Rica. There are exotic birds, monkeys, and even whales to check off your list. But if you want to get up close with some more elusive creatures, Reptilandia is the place. This reptile park, just a short drive from Dominical, has one of the largest collections of snakes, turtles, and other reptiles that we have ever seen. In this post, we’ll tell you more and help you plan your visit.

About ReptilandiaOrientation

Reptilandia is just 7 km (4.3 miles) from the surfing town of Dominical. It’s right off the mountainous road to San Isidro de El General and very close to the well-known Nauyaca Waterfall.

Many people drive right past the entrance. There is a sign with snake on it, but if you’re driving quickly on the curvy road, it’s easy to breeze by. Those who do stop, however, are in for a treat.

Reptilandia has around 90 species of reptiles. Many are native to Costa Rica, but others are exotic species from different countries. For example, you’ll find the only Komodo dragon in Latin America as well as some huge anaconda snakes. There are even giant land tortoises, similar to those you would see on the Galapagos Islands!

Property Layout

The Reptilandia property is small but has a lot of reptiles packed in.

After parking, you’ll pay admission. This is a very casual place, and the owner will usually be the one helping you. There are no wristbands or entrance tickets; just show up, pay, and enjoy. See prices and hours in the Planning Your Visit Section, below.  

From the entrance, it is only a few steps to the exhibits.

The property is laid out in a small loop with a large covered area in the middle. This covered part has the most snakes. There are at least 50 glass enclosures with all the different species on display.

The central area with the snakes

Around the center structure is a grassy trail that makes a circle along the outer edge of the property.

As you walk, you’ll see even more reptiles. These ones are generally larger (like the Komodo dragon or land tortoises) or their habitats require more space and water (like the turtle pond or crocodile lagoon).

Also enjoyable when visiting Reptilandia are the many different types of trees, plants, and flowers. The gardens in and around the facility are nicely done.

A pink heliconia in the gardensThe Enclosures

Something that you will appreciate early on at Reptilandia is that each enclosure is completely unique. They have all been set up to make the animals feel comfortable in their habitat.

Snake Habitats

All snake enclosures are fronted with glass so that you can easily see inside.

The interiors are decorated with logs, rocks, and growing plants to simulate that snake’s natural environment. For example, tree boas have lots of branches to climb on and curl around. Rattlesnake enclosures, on the other hand, have rocky nooks to coil up inside, just like they would in nature.

The snake enclosures near the beginning of the trail

When visiting the snakes, it’s almost like a game of hide and seek. Sometimes the snakes blend in so well because of their color or patterns that it takes a minute to find them, even if they are large. Once you do though, you can really appreciate their beauty.  

Another impressive feature of the snake habitats is that they have movable roofs. This allows the staff to expose the enclosures to natural sunlight or rain depending on what each snake needs. Reptiles really like to bask in the sun, so this is an important feature for them. 

Open-Air Exhibits

The outdoor reptile enclosures are a lot more exposed to the elements. Usually there is just a waist-high concrete barrier separating you from the reptiles. With some more dangerous species (like the crocodile), there is also a fence.

Like the snake habitats, each outdoor exhibit is unique. They are landscaped with trees, flowers, rocks, and in most cases, manmade streams and pools. Being able to watch the animals use the different parts of their habitat is really interesting.

A caiman lizard in one of the open pool areasWater Exhibits

In a few spots along the trail, there are also some aquatic exhibits to check out. These are fun because, as you stand in front of glass, you can see half water and half terrestrial (land) habitat. It almost gives you the feeling of taking a dip in a pond, without getting wet.

Peeking in some of the aquatic displays

These water habitats are a great way to see things like turtles, which spend a good part of their day underwater. Tiny fish and sometimes frogs are also swimming around. We noticed on our visit that the water sections also attract a lot of pretty dragonflies.

Highlights at ReptilandiaSnakes

The biggest highlight at Reptilandia is the entire collection of snakes. Being able to see these species up close without it being dangerous is very unique.

It’s also nice to be able to learn about each snake. Information plaques in both Spanish and English tell which area the snake is native to, how large they get, and what they eat.

One of our favorite snakes was the tiger rat snake, which has a beautiful pattern of cream and black colors.

Tiger rat snake

Also impressive were the giant snakes like the boa constrictors and anacondas. One of the anacondas must have been at least 25 feet (7.6 meters) long!

The green anaconda

There are, of course, the most common Costa Rica snakes as well. You’ll find the eyelash pit viper, green vine snake, and deadly fer-de-lance.

Another neat feature is the snake nursery. In a small section of the snake exhibit is a separate space with snake eggs and baby snakes on display.

A baby eyelash pitviper in the nurseryBig Reptiles   

The snakes are exciting, but the larger reptiles are what make Reptilandia stand out from other reptile exhibits in Costa Rica. Here are a few of our favorites.

American Crocodile

The American crocodile is the species native to Costa Rica. You can see them up close on boat tours but otherwise mostly at a distance.

The croc at Reptilandia is about 8 or 10 feet (2.5 to 3 meters) long. You may catch it sunbathing at the edge of his pond or taking a dip to cool off.

American crocodile

The crocodile has a huge enclosure right next to a small bridge, which makes for a nice spot to take photos.

Komodo Dragon

Komodo dragons are endemic to some Indonesian islands, so seeing one in Costa Rica is a treat. In fact, according to Reptilandia, they have the only Komodo dragon in all Latin America.

These reptiles are considered dangerous, apex predators, and have even been known to attack humans. For this reason, you’ll safely view this dragon through some metal fencing.

Black Water Monitor

The black water monitor is the second largest lizard species in the world. It can reach lengths of almost 10 feet (3 meters). The one at Reptilandia is about 3 feet (1 meter) long. If you’re lucky, like we were on our last visit, you might see it walking around on the ground and taking a dip in the pond within its enclosure. 

A black water monitor getting ready to jump inTurtles and Tortoises

The variety of turtles and tortoises at Reptilandia is impressive as well. Shortly after you enter, you’ll see some slider and mud turtles in a small pond. When the sun is out, these guys love perching on logs.

In the water exhibit toward the end, you’ll also get to see some large river turtles swimming around and occasionally coming up to the glass.

But for turtles, the tortoises are the showstoppers. These guys are slow giants and friendly to visitors. There are several different species, all exotic to Costa Rica. One of the biggest is nicknamed Jumbo. He must weigh well over 100 pounds (45 kg).

One of the charming land tortoisesPlanning Your VisitHours

Reptilandia is open every day (including holidays) from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Cost

Foreigners: Adults, $12. Children (under 14), $6.

Costa Rica Legal Residents & Citizens: Adults, 4,000 colones. Children (under 14), 1,000 colones.

Parking

Parking is free. The lot is not guarded but is located right in front of the reception area.

Accessibility

Reptilandia has easy walking paths but some inclines and steps. While the entire park is not handicap accessible, the portion containing the most snakes is suitable for a wheelchair or person with limited mobility.

A rainbow boa curled up in a tree hollowConclusion

We have been to Reptilandia several times and have always enjoyed it. From the outside it does not look like much, but once you enter, there is a whole world of reptiles to discover. We highly recommend this activity for wildlife enthusiasts and especially families with curious kids. It’s an easy way to get up close with some unique species.

Have a question about visiting Reptilandia or want to share your experience? Leave a comment below. Looking for more information to help you plan your trip? Browse these articles:

8 Things to Do in Dominical – Looking for more activities to do in the Dominical and Uvita area? Check out this post for some good options.

San Isidro de El General – This small city in the mountains near Dominical is very authentic and hosts one of the country’s largest farmers markets.

7 Off-the-Beaten-Path Things to Do Near Manuel Antonio – For even more day trip activities, check out this post with some lesser-known things to do.

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Bajos del Toro: Costa Rica’s Land of Waterfalls

Two Weeks in Costa Rica |

Hidden on the backside of Poas Volcano in a lush green valley lies Bajos del Toro. This small town is not well known but boasts many amazing waterfalls. A couple of these are some of Costa Rica’s largest and most majestic waterfalls. Other, smaller ones, offer perfect swimming holes. In this post, we’ll tell you about visiting the off-the-beaten path destination of Bajos del Toro. We’ll share what the area offers, including activities, accommodations, and restaurants.

OrientationOverview

Bajos del Toro is located in the mountains, about two hours north of San Jose. Sitting on the fringes of the wet Caribbean slope, the town receives a lot of rain year-round. This keeps the rainforest verdant and lush and feeds the many rivers and waterfalls.

The main area of town is situated around a soccer field. Here, you’ll find a handful of simple hotels and restaurants. There is also a small, but nicely stocked, grocery store.

The main road through Bajos del ToroLocal Roads and Best RoutesRoute 708

Although on a map Bajos del Toro may seem close to places like Poas Volcano National Park or Sarchi, it is actually fairly remote due to a lack of roads.

The main road in and out of town is Route 708. This cuts between the mountains, in between two national parks, and runs south from Sarchi a little past Bajos del Toro.

From the south, Route 708 is extremely mountainous, steep, and narrow in places. Although paved, it is a difficult road for most vehicles due to the extreme inclines and declines. Often, the road is enshrouded in a thick layer of clouds, making visibility very difficult. Our WAZE told us to take it from Sarchi, and it was a nail-biting drive to say the least!

Low visibility and no guardrails on Route 708Driving to Bajos del Toro

We highly recommend going around to the east and taking Route 126 to connect to the northern part of Route 708. This is also mountainous but a much easier drive. For this, you go through Vara Blanca, head west on Route 140 in San Miguel, then take a left onto Route 708 shortly after Rio Cuarto.

The northern section of Route 708 leading to Bajos del Toro is in fairly good condition. It is hilly but the road is paved. A regular sedan is fine, but there are some large potholes, making an SUV more comfortable.

If you need to rent a car for your trip, be sure to check out our Rental Car Discount to save 10% and get free extras.

Be sure to drive to Bajos del Toro during daylight hours. It gets dark in Costa Rica around 5:45 p.m. year-round.

Tip: A nice stop on the way to Bajos del Toro is La Paz Waterfall. This is a giant waterfall right off Route 126. Since it’s a popular attraction, often there are police there to help with traffic. If you have more time, you can also stop at La Paz Waterfall Gardens to see some elaborate wildlife exhibits.

Climate

Due to the high elevation, the climate is cooler in Bajos del Toro. This creates a cozy feel, but only if you are prepared. Be sure to pack some pants and layers for the cooler evenings.

During the daytime if it is sunny, it does warm up quickly. You’ll likely wear a mix of T-shirts and shorts and T-shirts and lightweight pants for hiking.

Also be sure to have a raincoat or poncho as it rains often.

For more packing tips, read our post, Packing for Costa Rica: The Essentials.

Activities in Bajos del Toro

Once you’ve made it to Bajos del Toro, you’ll find that most activities are just a short drive away. Here are some of our favorite things to do.

Rio Agrio, Dino Land, and the Blue Pools

Just outside the main area of Bajos del Toro is the Rio Agrio/Dino Land park.

The Rio Agrio Waterfall is a gorgeous 50-meter (165-foot) waterfall that cascades into a steep river canyon. Access is fairly easy, making it a great stop for just about anyone.

Also on the property is a dinosaur park called Dino Land.

Dino Land features 25 lifelike dinosaur replicas along a short, nicely vegetated trail. You’ll see everything from a giant mechanical Brachiosaurus to a roaring T. Rex. This is a great spot for kids or any dinosaur enthusiast.

A Pterodactyl replica at Dino Land Costa Rica

Just down the road from the main property are the Blue Pools. Since Bajos del Toro is a volcanic area, some of the rivers have interesting colored water. The Blue Pools are an alluring shade of baby blue.

Packages are available for all three activities or you can do them separately. Read our posts, Rio Agrio Waterfall and Blue Pools and Dino Land Costa Rica for more information.

Catarata del Toro

Many years ago, before we knew about the town of Bajos del Toro, we visited Catarata del Toro. This is one of the best-known waterfalls in the zone, and for good reason.

Catarata del Toro is, in our opinion, one of Costa Rica’s most scenic waterfalls. The narrow, but powerful, cascade falls 90 meters (300 feet) neatly along a colorful canyon wall. Interestingly, the water flows into an extinct volcanic crater.

Learn more about the hike with our post, Catarata del Toro: A Hidden Gem in Costa Rica.

The Blue Falls

The Blue Falls (also known as Cataratas Las Gemelas) are another impressive set of waterfalls.

Their beautiful blue water is out of this world. Costa Rica only has a few places where you can experience blue water like this. The Blue Falls is a great option to see this interaction of volcanic minerals.

There are a couple of different ways to access the Blue Falls. The hike we cover in our post, Blue Falls of Costa Rica: Cataratas Las Gemelas, is short and easy. Check it out for more details.

The water’s intense blue color is caused by volcanic mineralsCascadas Pozo Azul

To see what’s considered the tallest waterfall in the area, it’ll take a bit of work.

Cascadas Pozo Azul hosts the largest waterfall in Bajos del Toro at over 500 feet (150 meters).

The hike to this one is more difficult. It’s about 2-2.5 hours total. The last section has many steps down, which make for a steep trek out after.

On the way, you’ll pass a couple of other small waterfalls and get to take a ride on a cable car!

For more information on visiting, read our post, Cascadas Pozo Azul: Bajos del Toro’s Biggest Waterfall.

Catarata Caida Nieve y Paz (Waterfall of Falling Snow and Peace) is the biggest in the zone. It’s the last of several waterfalls at Cascadas Pozo Azul.Pozas La Presa

For an easy hike to some small waterfalls, there’s Pozas La Presa. This family-owned property has a nice trail through the thick rainforest. The hike starts on a hanging bridge. A rustic wooden platform then takes you over the river and to some small, but pretty, waterfalls.

For more information on visiting, including their hours, read our post, Pozas La Presa: Waterfalls and Swimming Holes Near Bajos del Toro.

Restaurants in Bajos del Toro

These waterfall hikes are sure to get your appetite going! Bajos del Toro is a small town. It doesn’t have too many restaurants, but there are a handful of good options.

Mia’s Pizza

Mia’s Pizza is a newer pizza shop just outside town with excellent pies. The friendly owner is a local who lived in New Jersey for a while, where he learned the craft of pizza making.

Mia’s has a big outdoor dining area next to some nice grassy space with gardens and a pond.

During certain times of year, they are only open on weekends so be sure to check their Facebook page for the current hours.

Hot pizza on a chilly night at Mia’s Restaurante La Familia at Blue Morpho Lodge

This small, cute restaurant is on the main road just outside the center of Bajos del Toro. They serve traditional Costa Rican food and only have a few options, but everything we have tried has been good. We enjoyed our casados (chicken, rice and beans, plantain, and side salads) and all-beef hamburgers.

A typical-style casado at Restaurante La FamiliaRestaurante Tipico Toro Amarillo

For an authentic experience, head to Restaurante Tipico Toro Amarillo. Inside the wooden structure, you’ll find locals cooking delicious Costa Rican comfort food over a woodstove. We went for breakfast, and it was some of the best gallo pinto (rice and beans with eggs, local cheese, and a homemade tortilla) we’ve ever had.

The wood-fired cooking stove at Restaurante Tipico Toro AmarilloRestaurante Alma Libre

Restaurante Alma Libre is a popular spot in town. They have lunch and dinner and draw a local crowd with the small bar. The menu has artisanal burgers, pasta dishes, burritos, chicken dishes, Costa Rican-style fajitas, and quesadillas. The atmosphere is fun and laid back.

Hotels in Bajos del ToroHigh-end HotelsEl Silencio Lodge and Spa

The most popular hotel in Bajos del Toro is the high-end El Silencio Lodge and Spa. This unique eco-lodge is set on a vast 500 acre (202 hectare) private reserve on the outskirts of town. The posh, contemporary suites and villas are very comfortable and have sweeping forest, mountain, or river views. Many guests just eat at the on-site restaurant, which uses fresh and locally grown ingredients (many from their own farm). You can explore the trails on the property, which lead to more gorgeous waterfalls. $450-1,200/night. Check Rates and Availability Here.

El Silencio Lodge and SpaMid-range and Budget Hotels

Most of the other hotels in and around Bajos del Toro are much simpler. Here are some good options. There are also a few vacation rentals on sites like Airbnb.

Bosque de Paz Reserva Biologica

A short drive from town is Bosque de Paz Reserva Biologica. This lodge is on a large reserve that connects several biological corridors in the area, making it an excellent place to see wildlife. Rooms are simple and rustic, but clean and comfortable. $180-250/night. Check Rates and Availability Here.

Bosque de Paz Reserva BiologicaBlue Morpho Lodge

The concept at Blue Morpho Lodge is based on shipping containers. Each shipping container has been modified into a comfortable room that fits into the natural environment. A small porch fronts each, providing some outdoor space. $70-80/night. Reservations can be made directly through the lodge via their website or Facebook page.

Bajos del Toro Rooms

Bajos del Toro Rooms is a charming, locally owned hotel right in the center of town. The rooms are basic, but spacious and comfortable. The friendly owners make the experience. Around $60/night. Contact the hotel by WhatsApp to make a reservation.

Conclusion

Bajos del Toro is an authentic town worth a stop in your itinerary. It remains a hidden gem and is a good fit for those looking to experience the local culture. With a luxurious ecolodge nearby, it is also perfect for those wanting a bit more amenities in a beautiful, peaceful setting. Either way, you’ll love exploring the many unforgettable waterfalls and lush rainforest surrounds.

Have a question about visiting Bajos del Toro? Ask us below.

Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. If you book a hotel using one of the links, we receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Read our  Privacy Policy  for more information.

Looking for more information to plan your trip to Costa Rica? Check out these posts:

The Truth About Visiting Poas Volcano: Poas is one of Costa Rica’s most popular volcanoes but there’s no guarantee you’ll see it on a visit. Read our post to learn more.

A Starbucks Coffee Tour in Costa Rica: Visiting Hacienda Alsacia – The Starbucks coffee farm is on the other side of Poas Volcano and a nice stop on the way back to San Jose.

Rental Car Discount: Taxis aren’t common in Bajos del Toro so you’ll want a car to check out all the area’s waterfalls. With our discount, you can save 10% and get free extras like a second driver and car seats for kids.

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Playa Ventanas, Puntarenas: A Beach with Caves

Two Weeks in Costa Rica |

The beaches of Costa Rica’s southern Pacific are already just about picture perfect. Most have backdrops with lush green mountains, swishing waves, and rows of palm trees for shade. But a little south of Uvita is a beach that takes this beauty one step further. Playa Ventanas is a smaller cove with a rocky hill on one end that has intriguing caves. These caves are big enough to walk into and explore at low tide. In this post, we’ll share more about Playa Ventanas, Puntarenas and how you can plan a visit.

Location

One important thing to note about Playa Ventanas is that there are two beaches in Costa Rica by this name. The beach we are covering in this post is in Puntarenas Province, along the southern Pacific coast. More specifically, it is between the towns of Uvita and Ojochal. This area, stretching up to Dominical, is considered the Costa Ballena or Whale Coast.

The other Playa Ventanas is located next to Playa Grande in northwestern Costa Rica. Read more about that beautiful beach in our post, Playa Ventanas, Guanacaste.

Though very different, the two beaches are often confused with each other just because of the name.

About Playa Ventanas, Puntarenas

Playa Ventanas is a small gray-sand beach that from end to end is less than 500 meters (0.3 miles) long. It is backed by a wide row of palm trees that provide ample shade.

Lots of palm trees with lush mountains as the backdropLocal Vendors

In recent years, local vendors have set up within the palm trees selling food, drinks, and shaved ice treats. They also rent chairs and shade canopies.

While this takes away from the simple beauty of the beach, it does create a festive atmosphere for those looking to get a taste of the local culture. Sundays and holidays are the most popular with locals, who gather and picnic with family and friends.

Vendors selling local food and drinkSmall Stream

About halfway down Playa Ventanas, a small stream crosses the beach and empties into the ocean. The water from this stream is easy to cross when walking, as long as the rains haven’t been too heavy.

Where the stream goes back into the forest can be a great place for birding or wildlife viewing. We’ve seen lizards and iguanas plus some wading birds.

Often kids are splashing around here in the calm freshwater.

The river that flows into the ocean on the southern end of the beachSouthern End of Playa Ventanas

On the southern end of the beach are some cool rock formations to check out and climb on. These have interesting shapes with different layers. A few tide pools also can be found at the southern end during low tide.

Southern edge of the cove

It is the northern end of the beach, though, that is the biggest attraction.

The Caves at Playa Ventanas

Playa Ventanas’ northern end features the famous caves.

These caves or windows (ventanas in Spanish) are what gave the beach its name. There are two big ones, just at the base of a steep, jungle-filled hill.

The main cave, which you can walk inside

The cave to the right is the largest and easiest to explore. The one to the left is smaller and narrower, but you can still peek inside.

The smaller caveGoing Inside the Caves

The caves at Playa Ventanas tunnel deep into the hillside and actually have an exit on the ocean side. The pounding waves have naturally carved out the rock over thousands of years.

At the lowest tides, you can venture in and walk almost the entire way through. The walls of the cave are wet and occasionally drip water on your head.

Inside the big cave

Towards the ocean end, you can reach a point inside the biggest cave where another cave has started to form off to the right. It is best to have a waterproof flashlight if you are going in this deep.

Caution: Be very careful when exploring the caves. Waves come through from the ocean side quickly and can catch you by surprise. This can be dangerous, and people have drowned. We don’t recommend going into the water within the cave past your ankles/calves. If the water level starts to rise, be sure to back your way out.

Typically, people explore just inside the entrance of the caves, walk maybe 15 or 20 feet in (4-6 meters), and then come back out. Lots of people take pictures near the entrances, since you still have some light.

Visiting the caves at low tide is best. Here’s a link to the tide chart.

Swimming

Besides the caves, Playa Ventanas can be a nice place to splash around. Though small-to-medium sized waves make it difficult to really swim, you can wade into the water or bring a boogie board to ride the whitewater.

Along the sand at low and mid tide, there are also some watery pools in the sand for kids to play and dig.

Soft tan sand at Playa VentanasLifeguards

In the past, lifeguards have not been that common on Costa Rica’s beaches because of funding issues. However, during our last visit to Playa Ventanas, there was a lifeguard on duty. If you aren’t sure about which areas are safe along the beach, be sure to check in with them.

Getting to Playa Ventanas

Playa Ventanas is located about 12 km (7.5 miles) from the center of Uvita.

As you drive south on Highway 34 (the Costanera), you will see a small sign on your right. Take a right onto the dirt road and follow it to the end.

At one point on this back road, you will need to cross a small stream. Usually, the water level is low and it’s fine to cross. If you aren’t sure (or there is swift water moving through), it would be better to watch another car cross first, so that you know it is safe.

We have visited many times and have seen all types of cars, SUVs, trucks, and even motorcycles make it down to the beach without a problem. A 4×4 should not be necessary unless there has been a recent storm.  

The small stream you have to cross to get to the beachParking

Just before the beach, you will arrive at a small booth. There is a small fee to pay. Proceeds go to the local association of Playa Ventanas and Playa Tortuga (a nearby turtle-nesting beach).

Parking is 2,000 colones (about $3) for the day if you arrive before 2:00 p.m., and 1,500 colones (about $2.50) if you arrive after 2:00 p.m. They will give you a ticket as a receipt.

The parking is closed off but not really guarded. We wouldn’t recommend leaving valuables inside the car, just to be safe. Car break-ins are, unfortunately, somewhat common in the Uvita area but can be easily avoided if there is nothing of interest left in the car.

Conclusion

Playa Ventanas, Puntarenas is a special beach on Costa Rica’s southern Pacific coast. From the fun local vibe to the cool caves, you are sure to have a good day exploring and relaxing under the shade of a palm tree.

Have a question about visiting Playa Ventanas? Ask us below.Looking for more trip planning info? Check out these posts.

Playa Arco: A Secret Beach Near Uvita – This beach is close to Playa Ventanas. It’s much more of an adventure to access and for that reason sees a lot less foot traffic. Playa Arco also has a fun cave to explore.

Renting a Car in Costa Rica: Clearing up the Confusion – If you are visiting the Uvita area, we’d highly recommend having your own set of wheels. Read this post to find out what to look for when reserving a car.

Whale Watching in Costa Rica – Find out when and where to see whales during their seasonal migrations along the Pacific coast.

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Pozas La Presa: Waterfalls and Swimming Holes Near Bajos del Toro

Two Weeks in Costa Rica |

The Bajos del Toro area has some of Costa Rica’s most magical waterfalls. While many are hidden deep in the rainforest, Pozas La Presa are much more accessible. This set of swimming holes and small waterfalls offers a relaxing day in a peaceful, beautiful setting. In this post, we’ll tell you about visiting Pozas La Presa. We’ll cover getting there, trail conditions, cost, and what the property is like.

Location and Background

Pozas La Presa are located in the village of Colonial del Toro, a little north of Bajos del Toro. This region is in the mountains, about 2 hours north of San Jose. It is known for its many spectacular waterfalls.

Because of its proximity to San Jose, Pozas La Presa is popular with locals, especially on weekends. Since it is not a big attraction like some other waterfalls in the area like Catarata del Toro or the Blue Falls, Pozas La Presa is seldom busy.

It has a very authentic feel. A modest sign on the main road tells you where to turn. As you drive along the rough dirt road, you’ll pass a working farm, complete with pigs, cows, and chickens. You may even find yourself surrounded by a herd of cattle like we did!

Cattle crossing

Once you arrive at the property, you’ll come to a charming wooden structure. This is the small restaurant where you will buy tickets.

The Trail at Pozas La Presa

After checking in, you’ll cross an Indiana Jones-style hanging bridge to begin your hike. For those wanting to skip the bridge, there is another trail you can use from the restaurant that connects to the main trail.

This hanging bridge starts the trail

On the other side, a narrow spiral staircase takes you from the bridge down to solid ground. From there, you’ll enter the trail, marked by a Costa Rican flag. It’s a fairly easy hike from here.

The one-kilometer (0.6 mile) path is dirt and mostly flat. There are a few rustic, uneven stairs to go over, but nothing too strenuous. Lush, dense rainforest will surround you. This area receives a lot of rainfall year-round so many of the plants and trees are covered in moss and lichen.

A rustic staircase on the first part of the trail

You’ll arrive at the riverbed in a few minutes. The river has crystal clear water with a greenish hue.

The tranquil riverLarge Pool with Waterfalls

Just past the river, you’ll come to a set of walkways that goes over the water. They have been working on improving this part of the property. The wooden walkways have handrails but still have a lot of gaps and some slippery spots. If you have small children, be sure to keep a close eye on them.

These walkways take you up over the main pool (see cover photo, above), with a few different small waterfalls all around. We have heard of people jumping in from one part of this area but did not try it ourselves. If you want to, always watch someone else first to make sure you know where to jump safely.

One section of the pool below the wooden walkwayOther Waterfalls

After the walkways, you’ll get back on the regular dirt trail. This leads to a few more waterfalls. These are harder to get to so if you have any problems with mobility, it’s best to stay and enjoy the river and main set of waterfalls.

First Waterfall

The first waterfall is marked by another flag on the left. Some rustic dirt steps take you down to the small cascade.

The first small waterfallSecond Waterfall

In another few minutes, you’ll come to a side trail leading to the second waterfall, Cascada Capuchino (Capuchin Waterfall). This was the prettiest of the three other waterfalls in our opinion.

This trail has a short set of steep, rustic concrete steps.

At the bottom, you’ll see the nine-meter (29.5-foot) waterfall. The water flows down a wide rock into a 2.5 meter (8.2 foot) deep pool. The lush tropical surroundings make for beautiful scenery. Cascada Capuchino is a great place for swimming, as the water is usually calm.

Cascada CapuchinoThird Waterfall

The last waterfall is much harder to access. At the time of our visit (April 2022), it was practically a scramble to get down the steep, muddy trail. There are some ropes to help in the steepest parts. Once you do get down, the waterfall is far away. You’ll need to climb over some large slippery boulders in the riverbed to see it. We would recommend skipping this one until access is improved.

Visiting Pozas La PresaHours

Pozas La Presa is a small, family-run business.

For visits during the week (Monday through Friday), contact them in advance through their Facebook page or by WhatsApp at (506) 8561-7211.

On weekends, they are open from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Prior reservations are not needed during this time.

Cost

3,500 colones (about $5) for adults

2,000 colones (about $3) for children

Restaurant

You can have them make lunch or dinner for you after your hike. They serve traditional casados (lunch plates with chicken, beef, or fish served alongside rice and beans, side salads, and plantains), rice dishes, and also have traditional snacks like salchipapas (French fries with hot dogs) and vigorones (yucca with pork and cabbage slaw).

We didn’t get lunch but saw (and smelled) other people eating, and it looked great.

Packages are available that include entrance and lunch for 7,000 colones (about $10.50). You also can just order food separately.

The restaurant and reception areaPicnic Areas

During our visit, there were a few small groups picnicking along the river and near the base of the second waterfall. The wider, calmer river has some nice flat spots and a couple of picnic tables.

Access

Pozas La Presa is 900 meters (0.5 miles) off the main road. Although the road is dirt, you do not need a 4×4 vehicle.

Here is a link to the location on Google Maps. 

Conclusion

Pozas La Presa is a laid back, fun activity in the Bajos del Toro area. The property is much more accessible than many of the other waterfalls around, making it a great option for families or anyone looking for an easy way to get a jungle-waterfall experience.

Have a question about visiting Pozas La Presa? Ask us below.Looking for more things to do in the area? Check out these posts:

Catarata del Toro: You have to walk down a lot of steps to get to this mighty waterfall, but it’s well worth the effort.

Rio Agrio Waterfall: This property has a huge waterfall, blue pools, and a dinosaur park with lifelike prehistoric creatures!

La Paz Waterfall Gardens: This nicely done wildlife sanctuary lets you see animals close up and has some trails to see more waterfalls.

The post Pozas La Presa: Waterfalls and Swimming Holes Near Bajos del Toro appeared first on Two Weeks in Costa Rica.

A Starbucks Coffee Tour in Costa Rica: Visiting Hacienda Alsacia

Two Weeks in Costa Rica |

Having done more than a half-dozen coffee tours in Costa Rica, we must admit, Starbucks was low on our list. After all, with dozens of local farms and authentic experiences to be had, why would we choose to visit a corporate giant? But to our surprise, the tour exceeded our expectations and gave us a whole new appreciation for the Starbucks brand. In this post, we’ll share more about the Starbucks coffee tour in Costa Rica, why they won us over, and how you can plan a visit.

Background

Starbucks is the world’s largest coffeehouse chain. They have restaurants in 80 countries and more than 15,000 locations. Chances are you’ve been to one more than once (or maybe you go every day!).

Starbucks doesn’t typically grow its own coffee beans. Instead, they source them from different farms around the globe.

In Costa Rica and other countries, smaller coffee farmers bring their beans to market and sell them to the highest bidder. Starbucks buys a lot of beans and has a big interest in the quality and quantity that are available.

Raw, unroasted coffee beans

Unfortunately, coffee is not an indestructible crop. Environmental conditions like drought, heavy rains, and varying temperatures impact coffee production. Additionally, a leaf disease, called coffee rust can devastate a farm and is becoming more common.

Coffee Research at Hacienda AlsaciaOverview

As the Starbucks company grew, corporate leaders realized early on that the success of individual coffee farmers goes hand in hand with their own ambitions. They began doing global research and trainings to help farmers.

The first research center was formed in Costa Rica back in 2004.  

Hacienda Alsacia Coffee Plantation

To take it a step further, in 2013 Starbucks purchased its first and only coffee plantation, Hacienda Alsacia near San Jose, Costa Rica.

At the time, yields at this 618-acre (250 hectare) farm were way down and it was struggling. Instead of pouring money into fixing it, the coffee giant decided to use its fields as a research lab.

Enlisting a team of agro-scientists and coffee specialists, the chain restored the farm’s health in just a few short years. Best of all, they used sustainable practices that any farmer, with almost any budget, could use. They have gone on to share these techniques openly, even with farmers that do not sell to Starbucks.

A coffee plant in bloom

The researchers at Hacienda Alsacia have now moved on to testing new varieties. They crossbreed plants that have a high resistance with those that give the best tasting beans and have high production. Once they get the right mix, they share those new varieties with the global coffee community as well.

The Tour at Hacienda AlsaciaLocation

The Starbucks Hacienda Alsacia plantation is located about an hour north of the capital of San Jose. It’s in a valley near Poas Volcano, a region with rich soil that is known for growing crops.

The Facility

Our Starbucks coffee tour in Costa Rica started under the solar-paneled roof of the Hacienda Alsacia reception, near the onsite Starbucks cafe.

The facility at the coffee farm is a mix of elegance and industrial. There are giant murals featuring scenes from Costa Rica, posh décor, tall silos that hold the beans, large processing equipment, and rolling coffee fields as the backdrop.  

Reception areaThe Coffee Globe

Our guide, Mario, introduced himself and brought us over to a model globe.

He began by showing us the so-called coffee belt. This is an area to the north and south of the equator where coffee is typically grown.

On the globe were also some little dots, marking the Starbucks research centers. They are scattered in places like Colombia, Rwanda, Ethiopia, Indonesia, and of course Costa Rica.

Learning about where coffee growsWalking the Farm

With that introduction, our small group followed Mario to a shaded table where a few different sized coffee plants were potted. Here, we would start to learn about how coffee is made.

Mario began by explaining how the seeds sprout after about two months. The plants then need to grow for three to four years before they produce enough beans for commercial purposes.

Mario grabbed a couple of woven baskets, and we all followed him uphill into the nearby coffee fields.

Picking Coffee

This was a fun part of the tour, picking coffee. One of our sons and another younger child on the tour were given the task of finding the ripe red beans and filling their baskets. They were given a few minutes to see how many they could collect.  

Picking coffee using traditional baskets

Of course, the baskets were nowhere near full at the end, but it was entertaining for us all.

Mario taught us about how the beans ripen, then took the opportunity to tell us about the real coffee pickers.

These workers, he told us, usually come from neighboring Nicaragua and Panama to pick coffee. They are paid by the volume of beans they collect, not by the hour.

The work is hard and sometimes dangerous, with snakes and spiders occasionally making homes in the coffee fields.

Coffee Research in Progress

After picking coffee cherries (ripe beans), we also got to see a few of the test varieties growing on the farm. Each one is numbered and monitored to see how it performs.

It was really interesting to see the coffee research in progress right before our eyes! Mario explained that there are over 500 varieties to crossbreed. Pollination is done all by hand.

Once a variety is proven to be viable, the seedlings are shared with Costa Rican farmers for free. Again, with no commitment to sell to Starbucks.

[image error]A new coffee variety being testedHow Coffee is Processed

The next part of the tour was through some industrial equipment that is used to separate the beans, shell them, and wash them.

Though the machines weren’t working at the time of our visit (not harvest season), we learned all about the steps involved.

Even this part of the process was innovative. Mario explained how they made a few small changes to the traditional equipment to reduce the amount of water needed for processing.

Additionally, all the outer shells of the beans, he told us, are composted and made into fertilizer.  

Machines that separate the good and bad coffee beans and remove the skinEnjoying a Cup

Our last stop was the tasting patio, just off the Starbucks restaurant. This overlooked the coffee fields and a small waterfall. It was the perfect setting to sip the final product.

Mario prepared a few different blends and explained the differences. We all sipped, compared, and enjoyed while taking in the scenery.

Tasting a medium and dark roast

 

Planning a Visit to Starbucks Hacienda Alsacia Location

Hacienda Alsacia, where the Starbucks coffee tour is located, is in San Luis, Sabanilla, Alajuela.

It is about one hour from downtown San Jose and 30 minutes from the SJO International Airport in Alajuela.

Accessibility

The facility at Hacienda Alsacia is handicap accessible. They have ramps and an elevator.

There is limited walking on the tour.

Tour Hours

Tours are 90 minutes and run daily from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

English tours start on the hour (e.g., 8:00 a.m., 9:00 a.m.).

Spanish tours start on the half hour (e.g., 8:30 a.m., 9:30 a.m.).

Buying Tickets & Ticket Costs

Tickets can be purchased online through the Starbucks website.

Tourists: Adults – $30, Seniors & Students (with ID) – $25

Nationals/Residents: Adults – $20, Seniors & Students (with ID) – $15

Children (6 and under) are free.

Cafe

If you’d like to just check out the cafe, it’s set up like a traditional Starbucks. You’ll find the usual sandwiches, snacks, and treats in display cases. They also have a drink menu with innovative coffee preparations, coffee flights, milkshakes, wine, and beer.

The cafe is open air and looks out to the beautiful green coffee plantation.

The Starbucks restaurant perched above the coffee fieldsParking

Free parking is available onsite. There was a guard watching the lot when we were there, but as always, never leave any valuables in your car, just in case.

Conclusion

We were first skeptical about how the Starbucks coffee tour could possibly compare to some other coffee tours we have done in Costa Rica with small farmers. But after visiting and learning about the important work being done to help the coffee community, we have a whole new appreciation for Starbucks.

While the tour was not traditional, it still covered the basics about how coffee is grown, processed, and enjoyed. All with a twist on how the coffee industry is changing and adapting for the future. We highly recommend a visit.  

Have a question about the Starbucks Coffee Tour in Costa Rica? Ask us below. Looking for more information to help you plan your trip? Check out these articles.

How to Spend 1 or 2 Days in San Jose, Costa Rica – If you are looking to explore Costa Rica’s cultural center, use this post for tips on the best museums, where to stay, and more.

The Truth About Visiting Poas Volcano – Not far from the Starbucks coffee tour is one of Costa Rica’s most visited volcanoes. But will you get lucky and see the crater?

La Paz Waterfall Gardens: Wildlife Up Close – Another common day trip from San Jose is La Paz Waterfall Gardens. Here you can see lots of Costa Rica’s diverse wildlife, at a close distance.

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Home Decor and Furniture Stores in San Jose, Costa Rica

Two Weeks in Costa Rica |

When moving to a foreign country, one of the biggest challenges can be where to buy the things you need. In Costa Rica, it can be especially hard if you live far from San Jose, where most of the shopping is. We’ve lived in Costa Rica for almost a decade now, but only recently bought a house. With that, came the need to find furniture, rugs, lighting, decorations, etc. In this post, we’ll give a list of home decor and furniture stores that we’ve discovered so far.

Overview

Below we give some of our favorite home decor stores in and around San Jose. There are definitely a lot more options than this, but this is a good place to start. We give a quick description of what you’ll find in each store, along with a link to their website or Facebook page. Often, stores have e-commerce websites and offer in-store pickup or delivery.

If you live far away, buying things online is a great option. We’ve bought several things with success. What’s great in Costa Rica is that you can often get stores to send you more photos of an item. Many places have an option to WhatsApp with a customer service rep. You can use this to get more pictures of whatever chair, rug, lamp, etc. you have your eye on.

Home Decor Stores in San JoseAltea Design

Altea Design is one of our favorite spots. It’s a high-end furniture and decor store with fair prices. Has mostly contemporary/modern decor. You’ll find things like sofas, chairs, dining tables, coffee and other occasion tables, bed frames, bookshelves, lamps, rugs, mirrors, and decorative pillows. It also some smaller homewares like picture frames and decorative objects. A lot of the furniture is KARE.

Altea Design has very good sales so it’s worth following their Facebook page.

They have several locations around San Jose and in Tamarindo. Here’s a link to their site with the specific locations.

Furniture at Altea DesignMonnry

Monnry is a big decor store in Escazu with four floors. They have a ton of options for rugs, lighting, and throw pillows (just about every color you could imagine!). Also has ceiling fans, chairs, coffee tables, side tables, small décor items, candles, bedding, and wall art. Limited selection of dining room furniture. Prices are very good for the quality.

Part of the lamp selection at Monnry in EscazuCrate and Barrel

Crate and Barrel recently opened in Avenida Escazu. They carry a lot of the same things as in the Crate and Barrel in North America, so it’s easy to find reviews online.

The store has two floors. The first floor is mostly kitchen items like plates, bowls, glasses, bar items, kitchen wares, and smaller decor like candles and decorations. Upstairs is mostly furniture (beds, couches, coffee tables, chairs, etc.).

Prices are good – very comparable to the store’s US prices.

Scoping a mirror at Crate and Barrel!Cemaco

Cemaco is a large home store with lots of bedding and bathroom and kitchen essentials. It’s a good place for quality cookware, flatware, knife sets, plates, small appliances, serving ware, and even vacuum cleaners.

Cemaco has brand names like Cuisinart, Kitchen Aid, Hamilton Beach, Haus, Pyrex, Corona, and good European brands as well.

Cemaco has locations in Rohrmoser, Zapote, and Alajuela (City Mall).

Some of the picture frames at CemacoLa Artistica

La Artistica is a high-end furniture store. Good selection of mostly living room and bedroom furniture (including mattresses). Style is more modern, with clean lines and a lot of black. Pricing is mixed. Many of the sofa sets are $3,000+, while occasion tables, desks, and bookshelves are much more affordable.

La Artistica has locations in Rohrmoser, Curridabat, and Liberia.

Siman

Siman is huge department store in malls around San Jose. For home decor, they have lots of furniture, bedding, pillows, towels, curtains, mirrors, etc. Quality can be hit or miss, but we have found some nice things there.

Siman is located in the Multiplaza in Escazu and Curridabat as well as in City Mall Alajuela.

Ashley Furniture

This is the same Ashley Furniture you will find in the United States. It can be hard to find a comfortable couch in Costa Rica so many people buy from Ashley. The store is also popular for quality mattresses.

Ashley Furniture is located in Escazu, right off Highway 27, and in Heredia.

Aliss

Aliss is a large decor store that also has clothing, toys, baby gear, and some other miscellaneous items.

In the homewares section, you’ll find smaller things, like dishes, glasses, food storage containers, cooking utensils, and basic cookware. It’s a great place for placemats and kitchen towels. Also has a lot of bedding, towels, and bathroom essentials.

About a quarter of the store in Escazu is inexpensive decorations, basic furniture, and wall art.

Quality is not as good but it’s a great option for simple things or if you’re on a budget. Some people compare Aliss to Ikea.

Aliss has 12 locations around San Jose. Here is a map link with all the stores.

Bali Home Center

If you’re looking for exterior items, this is Bali Home Center’s specialty. They have a wide selection of patio sets, loungers, swing chairs, umbrellas, and even decking, Jacuzzis, grills, and pizza ovens.

Bali Home also has an interior line, with modern-style tables, bed frames, coffee tables, etc.

It’s one of the only places in Costa Rica where we’ve seen furniture for kids and teens.

Bali Home Center is location right off highway 27 in Santa Ana and also in Liberia (Guanacaste).

El Bodegon de Asia

El Bodegon de Asia’s flagship store is just north of Jaco, but now they have a location in Escazu too.

At El Bodegon, you’ll find Balinese-inspired furniture and decor. Lots of ratan and furniture made from natural fibers, pieces made from reclaimed wood, and unique lamps, vases, and decorations. They also have a fairly big selection of inexpensive wall art.

Patio furniture at El Bodegon de AsiaCustom Furniture

Keep in mind that it’s also easy to get wood furniture made in Costa Rica if you can’t find what you’re looking for or just want to go local.

We’ve had many pieces made very affordably, including console tables, desks, and chairs. The town of Sarchi, just outside San Jose, has some amazing shops where you can see the work of local artisans.

[pic our chair?]

Conclusion

We hope our list of home decor stores has helped narrow your search for furniture and decorations for your house in Costa Rica. If you have a favorite store that we’ve left out, please let us know in the comments below.

Have a question about home shopping in San Jose? Ask us in the comments below.Looking for more information about living in Costa Rica? Check out these posts:

Renovating a House in Costa Rica: Our experience with contractors, managing the project, finding supplies, and more.

Buying a House in Costa Rica: Learn the steps to go through when buying a new home, including escrow.

Building a House in Costa Rica: We interviewed a local builder to get the inside scoop on what’s involved when you build a house in Costa Rica.

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Costa Rica Children’s Museum – Museo de los Ninos

Two Weeks in Costa Rica |

If you’re looking to keep the kids entertained while visiting Costa Rica’s capital of San Jose, the Children’s Museum is the perfect stop. This giant museum has everything kids love from dinosaurs and space exhibits to first-responder stations and a giant chess set. There are even some Costa Rica-specific exhibits that will let you explore the country’s history and culture. In this post, we’ll tell you all about the Costa Rica Children’s Museum and how to plan a visit.

History

Museo de los Ninos (the Children’s Museum) was opened in 1994. At the time, it was one of only a few children’s museums in all Latin America.

The idea of an interactive museum for learning in Costa Rica came from former First Lady Gloria Bejarano Almada (of the Caldaron administration). Ms. Bejarano had visited the Children’s Museum of Caracas, in Venezuela, and was impressed with the concept. She returned to Costa Rica determined to make a similar space.

With a fiscal deficit, her hopes of funding such a project were almost squashed. Finding a property was the biggest challenge. That was until the old central penitentiary building, dilapidated and haunted by terrible history, was offered up.

Instead of tearing down the crumbling building and starting fresh, Ms. Bejarano saw its structural beauty and decided to bring new life to the space. Now the castle-like museum has over 40 rooms with exhibits in science, art, history, and technology.

In addition to the Children’s Museum, there is also a Penitentiary Museum onsite that can be visited separately.

The Children’s Museum from the outsideMuseum Setup

With over 12,000 square feet (3,800 m2) to explore, the Costa Rica Children’s Museum can seem a little overwhelming when you enter. This was our biggest problem when visiting the first time. By the second visit, we started getting more familiar with the setup and saw a lot more.

We highly recommend purchasing a museum map from the ticket office for a few hundred colones (around 0.50 cents US). The map is in Spanish but will give you a sense of where you can go in the building, even if you can’t read everything.

MapEntrance and Ticketing

Ticketing is now done online. See more in the Ticketing and Costs section, below.

Upon entering through the large doors, you will first need to visit the ticket office on the left. Here, you will show the receptionist your online confirmation and get wristbands.

From there, you will walk down one long hallway to enter the exhibits. There will be an entrance on the left with colorful flashing lights on the ceiling. We would recommend you start your adventures at the end of this hallway to the right, in the main foyer.

The Main Foyer

The main foyer is a good place to start because it has one of the largest exhibits (dinosaurs – see more below). There is also easy access to the museum’s two large wings, each filled with different themed rooms. From the main foyer, you also can access stairs to the second floor exhibits, restrooms, and cafeteria.

The dinosaur exhibitHighlights at the Costa Rica Children’s Museum

Our kids were age six and three during our last visit so your highlights may vary from ours. But here are some of the museum standouts that we enjoyed.

It’s also important to note that all around the museum are friendly staff who are happy to answer questions and interact with the kids. We found that several were bilingual (Spanish and English).

Dinosaur World (Mundosaurio)

This large exhibit in the main foyer (#26 on the map) has two life-sized model dinosaurs, a T. Rex and triceratops, facing off in the center stage. Around them are replica dinosaur fossils of bones, teeth, claws, and more. There are information plaques, a couple of giant dino eggs to crawl in, plus a fossil-finding station where kids can use paint brushes to reveal the fossils hidden inside the sandbox.  

Tip: Most of the information in the museum is in Spanish, but some signs and exhibits also have English.

Space

Another big hit with everyone in our family was the Space and Space Technology exhibit (#2 and #3 on the map). When you walk into these rooms, the lights are turned off and planets light up the walls.

There is some interesting information about the solar system, but our kids were mostly drawn to the model space-shuttle cockpit, which had a joystick and computer screen with moving stars.

Learning about the planets inside the space room

The next room takes that a step further and has an entire mission control, with multiple computer stations. Unfortunately, most of these weren’t working during our last visit, but the kids still had fun pretending.

Probably the most fascinating part for us adults was information about a Costa Rican-born astronaut named Franklin Chang-Diaz, who we had never heard of before.

Chang was born in San Jose but later moved to the United States. He performed seven space flights with NASA, including three space walks from 1986 to 2002.

The museum has a display of Chang’s NASA uniforms, badges, and a complete space suit, as well as things he used on the space shuttle like dehydrated food, tools, and more.

Space gear of Costa Rican astronaut Franklin Chang-DiazKid’s Grocery Store

During our first visit to the Costa Rica Children’s Museum, the model grocery store was the most fun. We were so glad that they still had it on our most recent trip.

The Smart Market (Super Inteligente) is a grocery store just the right size for kids. The carts are small, and the displays are all within reach of a little arm.

The friendly staff at this exhibit will give your kids some pretend money and instructions (based on their age) for what they can buy.

It was hilarious to watch as our oldest picked out dog food, a giant papaya, and a random lobster. Our youngest only wanted hand gel (this was during Covid) and several types of ice cream!

Pretend shopping at the grocery storeMirror House

To get the whole family involved, check out the mirror house (#21 on the map). This outdoor section of the museum has the front of a house laid out on the ground. There is a big vertical wall of mirrors at just the right angle to reflect the image.

Your family can crawl around the different parts of the house to make all sorts of funny scenes.

Goofing around at the Mirror HouseTrain & Banana/Coffee Plantation

One of the more cultural parts of the Children’s Museum is also outside. This series of exhibits (#18 and #19 on the map) will show you two famous crops from Costa Rica, coffee and bananas.

In the banana factory, you’ll be able to take bunches of plastic bananas along the processing line where they are hung up, cleaned, separated, and weighed.

The coffee plantation next door has a room full of historical information about the coffee crop in Costa Rica. Outside, you can see real coffee plants growing. They were full of flowers when we were there in March.

Finally, there is a large train with several old train cars. Before highways, trains played an important role, especially for the banana industry.

You can walk right through the old wooden train cars, sit down in the booths, and even explore the steam engine room. Some historical pictures and information are scattered throughout as well.  

Old train cars you can walk insideDentist – Bright Smiles (Sonrisas Brillantes)

On the lower floors of the museum, you’ll find a few exhibits about the human body. There is a medical room with a giant game of Operation. Then there is the dentist room, which has a huge mouth you can walk through.

Checking out the Dentist ExhibitMore to See

The above are just a few highlights that our family enjoyed. There is so much more to see, from exhibits on ancient Egypt, to aviation (including a real plane and helicopter to sit in), lights and color, past Costa Rican civilizations, and even giant jungle bugs. You can easily spend half a day here with your family and still not see everything.

Planning Your Visit to the Children’s MuseumHours

The Costa Rica Children’s Museum is open Tuesday to Sunday.

You can choose between two visiting sessions, 8:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. or 12:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. For the afternoon session, the Museum doesn’t close until later – 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday through Thursday and 5:00 p.m. on weekends and holidays.

Costs

The Children’s Museum is an inexpensive activity in Costa Rica.

Adults: 2,200 colones (about $3.50)

Children over 90 cm (35 inches): 2,000 colones (about $3)

Senior Citizens: Free

Children under 90 cm (35 inches): Free

Ticketing

Tickets are purchased online through the Museum’s Boleteria en Linea. You will have to create an account and sign in to use the system.

Food & Beverages

There are a couple of kiosks around the main foyer with simple snacks and drinks (sodas, water, juice).

There is also a small café that serves breakfast and lunch. The café has mostly fast food (things like personal pizzas, chicken fingers, French fries, and wraps). For breakfast there are some pastries as well as gallo pinto (rice & beans) with eggs, or pancakes. The café serves coffee as well as soft drinks, juice, and water.

When purchasing tickets online, you can pre-purchase food. They will be listed at checkout. You also can purchase them after you arrive.

There is a large dining area with different sized tables where you sit down and eat. This is surrounded by more dinosaur models, complete with roar sounds, which makes it fun.

People also bring their own food to eat.

The CafeteriaGift Shop

The Children’s Museum gift shop has lots of cool learning games and toys, models, stuffed animals, keychains, books, and other things you’d typically find in a museum store. They also sell soft drinks and snacks (chips and candy).

Conclusion

A day at the Costa Rica Children’s Museum is a lot of fun for the entire family. For the kids, it’s great to get them stimulated and running around. For the adults, you’ll enjoy seeing your kids go through each experience and may even learn a thing or two yourself.

Have a question about visiting the Costa Rica Children’s Museum? Ask us in the comments below. Looking for more information to help you plan a visit to San Jose? Check out these articles:

1 or 2 days in San Jose – A couple of days is all you need to enjoy this capital city. See this post for where to stay, eat, and what attractions are a must.

Costa Rica’s Central Valley: Regional Snapshot – Learn about the climate, culture, and major cities and towns in Costa Rica’s Central Valley.

The Truth about Poas Volcano – Planning to visit nearby Poas Volcano? Read this post first to set your expectations.

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