Costa Rican Getaways are best during Jan-Feb

Have any of you traveled to Costa Rica in the last two years? I am considering this place as my next destination as I am learning what a great place this is to view zoos, wildlife, birds, and botanical gardens. And the fact that English is a second language spoken there would make it less foreign and difficult a country to manuever within. What about lodging? Restaurants vs shopping at markets? If you have any tips or info you can share with me to make my visit more memorable and convenient, I'd appreciate your comments.