When people think of Costa Rica, they often think of the abundant adventure opportunities that the country has to offer. From world-famous zip lining, white water rafting and waterfall rappelling, to scuba diving, night hikes and horseback riding excursions, Costa Rica has a wide variety of destinations to fit the adventure pallet of nearly everyone.  One adventurous element that may come as a surprise to most tourists, is how exciting the actual journey can be, between locations in Costa Rica itself. Getting around Costa Rica is an adventure itself! With a variety of transportation options available to suit every traveler's needs. Whether you choose to rent a car and explore at your own pace, hop on a public bus and immerse yourself in the local culture, or take a private transfer for a more comfortable ride, you're sure to have a wonderful time discovering this tropical paradise. With its laid-back vibe and welcoming atmosphere, Costa Rica is the perfect destination for those seeking adventure, relaxation, and a little bit of pura vida.  So let's talk about ways of traveling around the country!  Soar Across Costa Rica: A High-Flying AdventureFlying domestically in Costa Rica is a convenient and time-saving option for travelers who want to visit different regions of the country quickly or choose to explore a remote location, reachable only by land or air.  We recommend flying because the country's terrain can make overland travel time-consuming, but flying can help you arrive at your destination faster and have more time to explore.  Costa Rica has domestic airlines that offer flights between major cities and popular tourist destinations. Domestic flights can be particularly useful if you're traveling long distances, such as from San Jose to the Pacific or Caribbean coast. Plus, flying over Costa Rica can provide you with a unique perspective of the country's stunning landscapes and natural wonders. Some of the popular destinations that can be reached via small plane include Tortuguero for its beaches and sea turtle nesting sites, Osa Peninsula for its wildlife, Arenal Volcano for its hiking and hot springs, Manuel Antonio National Park for its beaches and wildlife, and Nosara for its yoga community and laid back vibes. Flying domestically via small plane can be a great way to see more of the country and visit multiple destinations in a shorter amount of time.  Cruising Costa Rica: Exploring the Country's Hidden Gems by BoatCosta Rica is home to a wealth of unique and exciting experiences that are often nestled deep within the jungle. However, these destinations can be challenging to access due to the rugged terrain and remote locations. That being said, there is one mode of transportation that can offer a solution to this issue: boat transfers. Lodges and hotels in these remote destinations can only be reached by boat or sometimes air, providing an exclusive and secluded experience that cannot be replicated by other means of transportation. As you glide through dense jungle canals and winding rivers, you'll have the opportunity to witness stunning coastal scenery and catch glimpses of rare wildlife. This type of travel also offers a degree of flexibility, allowing you to stop and explore or linger in areas that pique your interest. Overall, boat transfers can provide a truly unforgettable and immersive experience that is unmatched by other forms of travel.For example, if you wish to experience the rich biodiversity of the Osa Peninsula or a close encounter with the sea turtles in Tortuguero, you’ll learn that the most fun way to access these more remote areas is by boat! The boat ride to Tortuguero, for example, is an adventure itself as it takes you through the canals and wetlands of Tortuguero National Park, allowing you to see a variety of wildlife such as monkeys, caimans, and exotic birds. In general, boat transfers are a great way to get up close and personal with some of Costa Rica’s incredible wildlife while you are en route. The country's rivers, lakes, and coastline offer a variety of opportunities for boat transfers, from navigating through dense jungle canals to cruising along the sparkling blue waters of the Pacific or Caribbean. It’s not uncommon to see dolphins on your ride to Montezuma, or spot a crocodile in the Sierpe River on the way to Drake Bay. Adventure is around every corner.   Costa Rica by Car: A Wild Road AdventureFor travelers who prefer to go on their own, renting a car is also a great way to experience the more unexplored areas of the country, but it’s not for the faint of heart. The road conditions and driving culture in Costa Rica make driving an adventure in and of itself, and drivers need to pay particular attention to hazards that may not exist in their home country - like cars passing on double yellow lines, full families piled onto single motorcycles, or stray dogs and wildlife unexpectedly crossing the roads. On the bright side, if you're driving, you can stop in charming towns and villages, visit local markets, and try delicious traditional cuisine.  If you decide to rent a car in Costa Rica, it’s a very good idea to get full-coverage insurance to protect against any damage that can result from exploring the back roads of the region. It’s also wise to spend the extra money on a four wheel drive SUV that provides better safety in rainy conditions, clearance for navigating river crossings and power for getting up the steep rocky hills in some locations. In conclusion, renting a car in Costa Rica can be a fantastic option for travelers who want to explore the country at their own pace, access remote areas, and take advantage of the many scenic routes throughout the country. It provides independence and flexibility, and can also be a cost-effective way to travel compared to flying, for example. With its challenging yet thrilling roads, renting a car in Costa Rica can add an element of adventure to your trip.  Going Local: Discovering Costa Rica's Culture and Scenery on Public Transportation Public transportation in Costa Rica is generally reliable and affordable. Buses are the most common form of public transportation and can take you to almost every corner of the country. The bus network is extensive and connects most major cities and towns. While the buses can get crowded at times, they are a great way to experience local life and interact with locals.  The country also has a few train routes that are available for travelers, but they are limited in scope. Taxis are widely available in cities and towns, but they can be more expensive than buses.  Many popular beach destinations, such as Jaco, Manuel Antonio, and Tamarindo, have direct bus connections to San Jose. However, it's important to note that the journey can be long, and the buses can get crowded, especially during peak travel seasons. Overall, public transportation in Costa Rica is a viable option if you are a budget-conscious traveler who is looking for a more authentic experience.  Tip: Private shuttles are an excellent choice if you desire a more personalized and intimate way to travel while still experiencing the authenticity of a local adventure in Costa Rica.   Regardless of the mode of transportation you choose, traveling in Costa Rica is a whole adventure. Whether you prefer the convenience of your own rental car, the affordability of public buses, the wild boat transfers, or the speed of domestic flights, there is a mode of transportation to suit every traveler's needs and budget. With stunning natural beauty and rich culture around every corner, you can be sure that your journey through Costa Rica will be filled with excitement and wonder, no matter how you choose to get around.    About the AuthorJordan GillTravel Consultant at Costa Rican Vacations 

    The event is based on eight pillars, all key to the success and the sustainability of the festival: permaculture, spirituality, movement, art, music, community, health, and eco-building. The last is particularly significant in terms of the festival’s planning, as they strive to be a “Leave No Trace” event. As a massive gathering, this requires both the commitment of attendees and a great deal of education on the part of organizers.  But enough about planning – what about the fiesta? Envision has steadily gained a reputation both within Costa Rica and internationally, with yoga enthusiasts, music fans, and others interested in the alternative, “green” lifestyle. In keeping with the community focus, the programming mixes both international and local artists and speakers, ensuring a uniquely Costa Rican experience.  Jordan Gill, Our Travel Consultant, Offers an Inside Look Into Her Experience at the 2017 Envision FestivalI had heard the epic stories of Costa Rica’s Envision Festival long before I decided to check it out for myself. Truth be told, I was a bit skeptical as to whether I was going to enjoy it, as I consider myself a music fan, and tend to gravitate toward more traditional music festivals with high-profile jam bands and rock ‘n roll lineups. Sure, I was intrigued by the concept of a festival on a beach, in the jungle, two miles from where I just recently decided to relocate abroad, but I wasn’t sure I was fully ready to embrace all the non-musical “alternative elements” of Envision that I had heard so much about. These elements, combined with a culturally eclectic audience and common social commitment to the planet, really sets this festival apart from many others. It is truly a unique experience. For the past ten years, the small town of Uvita, Costa Rica triples in population on the final weekend in February. It becomes the temporary home to roughly 6,000 artists, musicians, staff and “Envisionaries” from all over the world.  Organizers refer to it as a “celebration dedicated to awakening our human potential.” The festival’s mission is to provide a platform for different cultures to co-exist in sustainable community, and inspire one another through art, spirituality, yoga, music, dance, performance, education, sustainability and our fundamental connection with nature.   To say that Envision has something for everyone would be a gross understatement. If you want to attempt aerial acrobatics at an acro-yoga session with some of the most world-renowned yoga instructors, be hypnotized by fire spinners on the beach while taking in the Costa Rican sunset, peruse paintings, sculptures and murals from one of the featured international artists, or take a surf break from dancing, to catch a few waves before sitting in on a lecture about tropical reforestation. All of this is possible at Envision.    The incredible diversity of people, food, art and nearly every other aspect of the thoughtfully designed festival fascinated me, however, it was the music that was my true focus. While the majority of Envisionaries seemed to be drawn by the impressive lineup of DJs and electronic artists from around the world.  While I was pleasantly surprised by everything at Envision, the most impressive element of the festival wasn’t the music, the elaborate jungle pyrotechnics, the A-list seminar speakers, or even the seemingly superhuman performance artists. It was the Envision creators’ relentless commitment to producing a world-class festival through an environmentally responsible and sustainable approach. The creators’ dedication to proving it is possible to offset the ecological impact of an event this size, is truly remarkable and should be commended. Sure, there are many festivals out there that claim they are ‘green’ and scatter a few recycling bins around the venue, but at Envision they take things to the next level. You won’t find disposable silverware, single-use cups, or plastic straws filling up the trashcans, nor will you find a vendor that isn’t organic or responsibly sourced, or be blinded by generator-powered flood lights drowning out the stars and polluting the air with gasoline fumes. Every element of this festival has been thought through with consciousness, care, and creativity.  To anyone who is like me, intrigued by the idea of Envision, but not entirely sure that it’s ‘your thing,’ I would encourage you to step outside of your comfort zone, put your hippie pants on, and book your ticket to Costa Rica for next year’s festival. The people who attend this event, and those who make it possible, have created a unique utopia, and are no doubt making the world a better place. I can confidently say that Envision transcended what I thought a 4-day jungle beach party would be, and I am walking away from this experience with a whole new perspective on alternative destination festivals, and my own role on this planet. All these awesome images featured here are the property of Envision's Facebook page.  Top Tips for Planning Your Envision Festival Trip to Costa RicaIf you are planning to attend Envision Festival in Costa Rica, it is best to start planning your trip as early as possible. This year's event took place from February 27th to March 6th, 2023. If you're interested in attending, you should check out the Envision official website and plan with lots of time in advance since Envision has sold out the past three years in a row!  Envision 2024 dates: March 4th - March 11th.  Here are some factors to consider when deciding when to start planning your trip:Festival dates. The first step is to determine the dates of Envision Festival for the year you plan to attend. This will allow you to schedule your trip around the festival and make sure you don't miss any of the action.Travel arrangements. Once you know the festival dates, you can start making travel arrangements. It is recommended to book early to secure the best prices and availability.Budget. Envision isn't exactly cheap, so it's important to budget accordingly. Starting to plan your trip early can help you save money!Activities. In addition to attending the festival, Costa Rica offers a variety of activities such as visiting national parks, hiking, surfing, and exploring local culture. Planning early can help you maximize your time in Costa Rica and take advantage of all the country has to offer.The exact dates for when tickets for Envision Festival in Costa Rica go on sale can vary from year to year. Typically, tickets go on sale several months before the festival dates, with early bird tickets being released first, followed by tiered pricing as the festival approaches. For the most up-to-date information on ticket sales, check the festival's official website or social media channels. They usually announce ticket sale dates and provide updates on pricing and availability as soon as they are available.