Costa Rica is a vacationer’s paradise. Most tourists go to this Latin American country to experience its ecotourism in the numerous nature reserves, beaches, volcanoes, lakes, rivers and islands.
Others prefer adventure sports and the country provides excellent facilities for white water rafting, surfing, sky diving, snorkeling, trekking, bungee jumping, etc.
Night life is vivacious across Costa Rica, with the most options are in and around the capital city of San Jose, though resorts at other places try to provide similar facilities also, with varying degrees of success. For example, Marisombra (late night) at Manuel Antonio is supposed to be a great experience as also those at Jaco, Dominical and Tamarindo, especially for the younger crowd. Unusual late night activities are the Night Walks arranged in some of the nature reserves and watching the volcano fireworks at places like Arenal, where the mountains are active.
Costa Rica Night Life
Around San Jose, La Tiquicia and San Pedro are famous for their nightlife, with the latter favoured more by students.
Night life in Costa Rica, especially around the capital San Jose, revolves around:
Dance – This is taken quite seriously by the Ticos, as Costa Ricans call themselves and most are accomplished in dancing the Latin styles. There are a number of dance academies which teach all forms of dance and practically everyone learns the steps. Carnival is a great time for big neighbourhood groups to practice together in makeshift areas. Discotheques are also well patronised.
Dine Out – There are a good number of general and speciality restaurants as well as bars serving all kinds of local dishes as well as those from other South and Latin American countries, including Peru, Argentina and Chile. Chinese and Thai food is also available and most of the US chain restaurants are represented, including McDonalds. The local beer is supposed to be great.
Casinos – Gambling is legal and there are quite a few casinos in the bigger cities and resorts across the country.
Sport – Football (soccer) is the national game and is often played under lights across Costa Rica. The provinces each have their own teams and most of the matches are well attended.
Movies – Spanish language Latin American movies dominate theatres, which are mostly situated in malls. However, English movies from Hollywood and elsewhere are screened regularly and the latest releases are available, with subtitles or dubbing in Spanish.
Music – Live bands can be seen in a lot of bars and restaurants, most of them amateurs, playing only during weekends. The professional bands frequent the upscale eating places, clubs, bars, etc. and also perform on stage at stadiums and theatres. Solo performances in music and dance as well as classical concerts are also held by small as well as large orchestras and there is a smattering of opera and ballet.
Fairs and Carnivals –Carnivals and fairs happen round the year, with the larger and more organised ones scheduled and planned months in advance. Non lethal bullfights are quite common at these fairs and are very popular. Elaborately dressed participants, floats, dancing, great food and drink are there for everyone to enjoy.
