I finally know where a howler monkey gets its name from. Because a couple of the black fellows are sitting outside my window and roaring. A sound somewhere between a hoarse dog and a broken toilet flush. It's six o'clock in the morning at Playa Flamingo, where I'm staying in a room in a cozy lodge - and I'm suddenly wide awake. That's good, because I want to make the most of every hour of daylight in this paradise, which has placed a fabulous quarter of its area under nature protection and boasts immeasurable wealth: Rainforests, high valleys, volcanoes, islands, mangrove swamps - almost untouched by man. Plus 230 species of mammals and 860 species of birds - unhunted. No wonder there are plenty oftravel tips for Costa Rica!
One of the oldest democracies in the Americas
Costa Rica, which lies on the land bridge between North and South America, is also one of the oldest democracies on the continent and has never known war. Which is not to say that there are no rogues here. Keeping an eye on your wallet is always a good idea in the capital San José. When I arrived, I spent a few days looking around. I was particularly taken with the Barrio Amón, north of the city center, with its old Caribbean-style wooden houses and Victorian buildings.
One of my best Costa Rica travel tips: stroll through the Mercado Central (in the La Merced district), try tropical fruit and vegetables, sample delicacies such as empanadas (stuffed dumplings) at one of the many food stalls and buy a handmade hammock. And one that is "hecho en Costa Rica" - i.e. made here. BecauseCosta Rica has great beaches and a hammock can be hung wonderfully between a few branches. I opt for the Pacific side and take the bus towards the Nicoya Peninsula, where there is the largest selection of lodges, hotels and hostels. Not all the beaches are suitable for swimming due to the sometimes strong currents, but I give Playa Real, Playa Panama and the beach at Bahia Culebra my golden stamp of bathing pleasure.
A visit to the volcano is a must
After a few carefree days by the sea with hummingbirds, howler monkeys and an anteater leisurely strolling past my deckchair, I head inland again. Because a visit to a volcano is a must-do Costa Rica travel tip. At least that's what all the Ticas and Ticos (that's what the locals call themselves) tell me. And so I join a guided and breathtaking hiking tour to Arenal, the youngest and most active volcano in the country, which has its own national park, a reservoir and numerous treetop trails with zipline and viewing bridges. (Because all the attractions are well frequented, you should get there as early as possible). At its foot lies the small town of La Fortuna, which is a good starting point with its stores and restaurants. I take a longer break here - my howler monkeys are already here.