Music, Dancing, and Entertainment

Live music at the Jazz Cafe from Delta’s Sky Magazine

A few minutes east of main San Jose by taxi, Jazz Café is a popular live music venue in the San Pedro neighborhood. Jazz isn’t the only thing you’ll hear though – on any given night, local musicians treat patrons to reggae, rock, indie, and folk. With a full menu and casual atmosphere, it is easy to devote an entire evening here. It is no secret that Costa Ricans love to dance!  Salsa, Merengue, and Cumbia are hugely popular, and you can test your skills at Castro’s.  Younger crowds might enjoy clubs like Nova Rio Lounge, near the universities in San Pedro. For a little nostalgic family fun head to Salon de Patines, a large indoor roller-skating rink where the lights and music are just as important as the wheels.

Shopping at Mercado Central

San Jose is one of the most modern cities in Central America, but a visit to the Mercado Central will place you in an old-school maze of wonderful sensory experiences. Vendors sell everything from fruit and spices to toys and souvenirs. Sample some exotic fruits and be sure to grab a bag of that famous Costa Rican coffee to bring home.

Dining

Restaurant at Hotel Grano de Oro

When it comes to food in San Jose the only problem you’ll have is choosing. Sodas can be found just about anywhere, ready to serve up large, inexpensive portions of Costa Rican food. If you’ve had your fill of the comida típica, pizza and wine at the casual Il Pomodoro will satisfy your carb cravings. More refined is the cuisine at Hotel Grano de Oro, just a few blocks west of the Paseo Colon. The gourmet take on Costa Rican classics has made the restaurant at Grano de Oro one the best in the city.

Sweet Treats

Located in central San Jose, POPS is a great place to stop for helado, or ice cream. First opened in 1968, Pops has become a staple for locals and tourists alike. For something a little more delicate, head over to San Pedro for cupcakes at Sweet Sensations. Right next to the Salon de Patines, this quaint British-owned café offers a cozy atmosphere and some downright delicious baked goods.

For more Costa Rica activities, check out our Things to Do in Costa Rica page.

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Certification for Sustainable Tourism

The “Certification for Sustainable Tourism” or CST, is a product created by the Costa Rica Tourism Board in an effort to encourage lodging and tour operators to use sustainable practices in their operations. Sustainably-minded hotels can apply for the certification which notes them as being particularly eco-friendly, with a scale of up to five leaves for approved locations.

The five leaf levels take four categories into consideration: physical-biological parameters, infrastructure and services (lodging exclusively), service management (tour operators exclusively), external client and socioeconomic impact. Each time you see a certificate label on a lodging or tour operator, you can rest assured that they not only efficiently handle any waste and have a water/electrical energy conservation program, but also that they promote the traditions and customs of Costa Rica while ensuring the care of the country’s natural beauty and giving back to local communities.

The Blue Flag Ecological Program

Matapalo beach in Northern Guanacaste is a 5 star Blue Flag beach.

The Blue Flag Ecological Program aims to keep coastal beaches and waterways clean. The program addresses the microbiological quality of the ocean’s water, the quality of potable water, the quality of coastal sanitation areas, environmental education and security and administration. If communities reach a minimum of 90% of requirements by the end of the year, they will earn The Ecological Blue Flag.

Renewable Energy

Costa Rica produces over 90% of its electricity through renewable means. Many hotels are investing in long-term energy solutions like solar power. The majority of Costa Rica’s remote rainforest destinations are keeping their accommodations basic with no air condition, no WiFi, and the power generator only accessible during certain hours of the day.

Carbon Neutrality

Tree planting at Lapa Rios Ecolodge

In 2007, Costa Rica’s government vowed to become the world’s first carbon-neutral destination by 2021. To reach its goal, the country has encouraged participation for sustainable projects such as forestry, energy, and construction with incentives. Many hotels are encouraging guests to get involved with tree planting or by sharing their internal programs for reducing their environmental footprint.

Rainforest Preservation Projects

The government encourages residents to invest in rainforest preservation projects. This has allowed rainforests to grow from 21% in 1987 to 52% in 2005. Over 25% of the land in Costa Rica is set aside for national parks, wildlife refuges, and other protected areas.

Forest Carbon Projects and CER credits

The Forest Carbon Projects and CER credits allow investors to invest in forestation projects and then sell their credits on the open market.

Visit our Nature Vacations page for green trip ideas!

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The birds are calling their daybreak song but I am already awake. I rise with my surroundings. The Earth begins to warm as I watch the sun take control of the sky, and I can hardly comprehend the beauty that surrounds me.  The balmy morning mist feels like a kind hug from an old friend. I am not simply within a border; I am enveloped in a bustling natural force that is much larger than any of us. It is humbling and empowering, perplexing and enlightening, all at once. It is Costa Rica.”

Your Guide, Izzy

Hola y bienvenidos! My name is Isabél, but most everyone calls me Izzy. I am writing to you from the depths of my home and heart: The Costa Rican rainforest. I was born here but moved to the US when I was very young. After returning to the Rich Coast many times I decided that I just couldn’t live anywhere else. Costa Rica is a spectacular place and my greatest love. My goal is to make sure that you love it just as much as I do!

I spend about half of the year in San Jose and half of the year here in my cozy bungalow with my lizard, Francisco. Frankie keeps me company when things get a little too quiet. Most of our days are spent exploring, meeting travelers that come our way, finding the best new hideaways, and of course, eating – we looove to eat! And since most everyone in the world loves food, it has connected me with so many travelers over the years.

A few weeks ago I was picking up some necessities in town and I met a couple who were making their way around the country on a 3-week trip. They kindly invited me to have dinner with them and later that evening we enjoyed great conversation over a delicious meal. Over the course of our discussion we agreed that it is impossible to fully absorb the real Costa Rica in such a short amount of time. I hear this over and over again from visitors and it is absolutely true! Many people come here to experience what Costa Rica is known for – zip-lining, volcanoes, hot springs, spectacular beaches, unspoiled nature, and so much more – but it is so vast and abundant  that one trip is never enough!  You can visit 50 times and there will still a hundred things that you have yet to explore. I live here and I’m still discovering new wonders each day.

We happily overindulged that evening, a steady flow of wine and food keeping us satisfied as we chatted the night away. We agreed that people return to Costa Rica multiple times for more than just the great adventure activities and sandy beaches. It goes beyond zip-lining and monkeys. It is deeper than any all-inclusive resort. It is an experience that enriches your mind and senses; the beautiful Costa Rican people and their friendly nature. The “go-with-the-flow” attitude that helps you forget about living life by the clock. The simplistic complexity of the natural environment. This Pura Vida, or “pure life”, is what Costa Rica is all about. I am proud to call it my home, and I am proud to show you around! So please, come visit us. Whether it is here on my blog or in the deep in the heart of our precious rainforest, everyone should know this remarkable land. Whether you have visited just once or 1000 times, there will always be something for you in Costa Rica.

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