No vacation is complete without souvenirs, and travelers visiting the Central Pacific often find themselves charmed by local wares. The shops of Los Suenos, Jaco and Manuel Antonio delight with their expert craftsmanship and artistic designs.

Their national taxes, however, may prove less popular - especially for tourists unaware of the costs.

According to Frommer’s, Costa Rica places an additional 13% national tax on all goods and services. This includes charter rentals, hotel reservations, adventure tours and beyond. No store is spared.

It is wise, therefore, to remember this while planning a deep sea vacation or family getaway. Budget for national taxes and always have extra currency (whether dollars, Euros or local colones) on hand while in Los Suenos. 

To read more about Costa Rica’s tax policies click here.

To learn how to save money while vacationing in Costa Rica check out our sport fishing and family packages!

Traveling to an unfamiliar country can prove challenging - especially when those travels require last minute purchases. Navigating even a tiny town’s streets can confound tourists, and trying to learn business hours can seem impossible.

Frommer’s, however, has discovered the best times to visit Costa Rica’s boutiques, cafes and more.

Remember these business hours while exploring Los Suenos, Jaco and Manuel Antonio:


To read about Costa Rica’s business hours more click here.

Within Los Suenos there are many wonders to find. The region is drenched in natural beauty, with jungles, canals and reefs colliding. Travelers seeking a Central Pacific adventure - whether for fishing, surfing, hiking, diving or zip-lining - are never disappointed.

There is more to discover there than charter ships and ATV miles, however. Instead there are volcanoes to find.

Costa Rica is the land of small mountains, with sixty one dormant volcanoes scattered throughout its borders and six active ones. Many of those craters are found near Los Suenos. Discover swells of steam and ash. Explore black-soiled hills. Learn a geographic history that is as fascinating as it is important.

Consider visiting these active options while in Los Suenos:


Experience the beauty and power of Costa Rica’s volcanoes. Schedule a tour between every fishing expedition or zip-line ride.

Contact Costa Rica Vacations to learn more.

The language barrier is never easy to overcome. Unfamiliar words clash with mother tongues, and even simple phrases can prove challenging.

Travelers visiting the Los Suenos region may find themselves occasionally confused - especially when they request a soda and are then directed to a cafe.

A soda in Costa Rica does not refer to a beverage. It instead defines a small, family owned restaurant or bar. These establishments tend to be moderately priced, serving local delicacies like seafood, beef and torta sandwiches. They sometimes act as grocery stores as well, selling goods directly to the public.

While seeking out Los Suenos and its many activities - including deep sea fishing, diving, surfing and more - it’s recommended to remember this particular word. The soda will provide fare for budget-conscious tourists, as well as familiarize them with local dishes. It's a worthwhile dining option.

Contact Costa Rica Vacations for more must-know phrases.

A stable economy isn’t the only sign of success. Education instead proves a country’s growth, and Costa Rica has made staggering leaps toward literacy within the last decade.

According to the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (known more commonly as UNESCO), Costa Rica now boasts a 97.6% literacy rate for people ages 15 to 24 and a 94.9% literacy rate for people ages 25 and above. These are impressive numbers, branding the country as one of the most well-read in the Americas.

Travelers seeking out Los Suenos, Jaco and Manuel Antonio may expect nothing more than deep sea adventures (and it can’t be denied that fishing tours are the driving force of Costa Rica’s recent economic boom, with millions of travelers flocking to the steady waves and steadier marine populations). A high literacy rate, however, shows developing opportunities and progressive citizens. Expect an educated and productive people.

Click here to read more about Costa Rica’s literacy rates.

Tourism shapes the Costa Rican economy. Every year billions of dollars pour into the market, stimulated through resort reservations, charter services and coastal-themed shops. Travel bolsters the entire country.

It takes more than border crossings to sustain the Los Suenos, Jaco and Manuel Antonio regions, however. There are instead other economic forces to consider.

According to the Encyclopedia of the Nations, the major industries of Costa Rica are:


These enterprises - which are both locally owned and internationally subsidized - create steady profits, helping to define a strong economy. Tourism’s impact is undeniable, but industrialization is quickly progressing. The two will soon share equal credit for Costa Rica’s success.

To learn more about the Central Pacific’s investments click here.

To play a part in the economy reserve a charter service or tour today!

Travelers wishing to escape the city light scrambles often find relief in Costa Rica. This seaside country embraces summer, charming guests with its tiny towns and white-washed coasts. It offers experiences that can’t be denied.

They can be defined, however, with the "Pura Vida" phrase.

"Pura Vida" - translated literally as pure life - is a common expression within the Los Suenos, Jaco and Manuel Antonio regions. Locals sing out these words as greetings, farewells, prayers or small-talk replies. They’re meant to capture the spirit of the country, as well as reflect a Spanish heritage that still runs deep.

Travelers should expect to hear this phrase often - and should also expect to adopt it themselves. "Pura Vida" is a colloquialism that proves impossible to ignore. Use it on every deep sea adventure and canopy tour.

Costa Rica welcomes over two million travelers every year, greeting them with spectacular scenery and spectacular hospitality. This is a country famed for its generosity, and those arriving to the Central Pacific should expect to be thoroughly charmed.

They should also, however, be aware of their foreign embassy options.

Travelers trekking through Los Suenos, Jaco and Manuel Antonio should experience no complications. Problems - such as visa disputes, illnesses or customs confusions - can occur, however, and it’s best to know where to go.

In between planning charter trips and zip-line adventures take note of nearby embassies. According to Frommer’s, San Jose hosts the largest collection of foreign options:


Remember this information should an emergency arise.

To read more about foreign consulates click here.

Costa Rica is dedicated to conservation.

This has never been more evident than by a recent shift toward carbon neutrality.

According to Roberto Dobles, Minister of Environment and Energy, Costa Rica will soon strive toward a green goal. It will promote the use of bio-fuels, hybrid technology and geothermal practices, eliminating excess carbon by cultivating alternative energy options. Emissions should steadily decrease and, by 2021, national strategies will be fully implemented.

This plan is meant to maintain the country’s dynamic bio-scape - both as an ecological effort and as an economic one.

The region's driving force is tourism, with millions of individuals wanting to sample hiking, fishing, canopy adventures and more. This generates considerable profits each year, directly impacting towns and cities alike. A carbon reduction will help to protect the rain-forests and will, therefore, encourage travelers to return again and again. 

This is the first step in a environmentally-conscious journey, and it should prove worthwhile for Los Suenos, Jaco and the rest of the Central Pacific.

To read more about carbon neutrality in Costa Rica click here.

Costa Rica is shaped by diversity. Its cultural backdrop is painted in broad strokes, with North American, European, African and other heritages blending together. This creates a unique infusion of traditions, languages and beliefs.

The country’s religious demographics prove that.

Within the Central Pacific region:


This shows a striking contrast between cultures, reflecting the many immigrants who arrive each year to Los Suenos, Jaco and beyond.

Due to such distinct religions, travelers should be aware of all secular holidays and events, planning their charter services and outdoor tours accordingly.