Costa Rica is a tourist’s dream destination, offering beautiful scenery, varied wild life, volcanoes, waterfalls, beautiful resorts, palm tree lined beaches and much else. It is a world in one country and Costa Rica knows how to play the gracious host. All in all it is the ideal vacation spot.

There are some points to keep in mind when visiting this amazing little country. Taking note of these will just add to your holiday bliss.

When arriving in Costa Rica by air, be aware that the international airport (SJO) is not actually in San Jose, but located in Alajuela, about 20 minutes drive outside San Jose. This is a blessing in itself, since traffic and navigation in the capital can be a nightmare.

Alajuela is a smaller, cleaner, safer and easier to navigate city. This also means that you are much closer to the amazing nature that you want to experience. Rental car depots are all situated a short shuttle ride from the airport.

Once you have your car it is best to avoid the cities as much as possible. Costa Rican cities have little to offer in the form of attractions and tend to be cluttered with tiny shops all selling the same Chinese rubbish. Head up and out of the city.

Poas Volcano is the most accessible volcano is the country. It is also the closest to the airport and an excellent location for starting your Costa Rican adventure. Poas Volcano tops at over 8000 feet above sea level and offers the most amazing views in the country.
Poas Lodge at the summit of Poas Volcano offers travellers an excellent first night in Costa Rica. Just a short drive from the airport, Poas Lodge offers high standard Poas accommodation at an affordable price. Poas Lodge is also multi lingual and can make that first transition into a Spanish country that much easier. Who wants to struggle with ordering foreign dishes in a foreign language after travelling all day anyways?

Poas Lodge cooks up delicious Costa Rican dishes and international favourites and it is all served in one of the highest altitude restaurants in the country. What better way to start your Costa Rican vacation than on the summit of Poas Volcano, while gazing down upon the entire central valley.

Poas Lodge can also help you with the little things you forgot to ask before you left home, like which road is better, where to drink the water, where to change money, what is an acceptable tip etc. Poas Lodge is your home away from home and the best way to ease yourself into Costa Rica.

Now for some travel tips: Never leave anything unattended in your car if it is not in the trunk. Never trust a stranger no matter how friendly they seem, especially when you may have a flat wheel. Always check your change before leaving the cashier. Be very aware of the speed you drive, the fines in Costa Rica have just gone up and can be as much as $500 for speeding!

When you are ready to book your Costa Rican vacation, remember Poas Lodge for the best way to begin your experience.