Costa Rica, located in Central America, is one of the cleanest, greenest, most peaceful and most beautiful places on the planet. As one of the happiest places as well, everywhere you go you’ll hear the Ticos saying “Pura Vida,” which means “pure life.” Costa Rica is an unspoiled paradise known for its astonishing beaches and lush jungles that at every turn you’ll find breathtaking beauty from the rainforest and mountains to the miles of pristine beaches. Blessed with biodiversity, this is a blossoming land of roaring rivers, misty volcanoes, and exotic fauna.
As one of the safest countries, Costa Rica is one of the top travel destinations and one of the top 3 surfing destinations in the world. With warm ocean waters, perfect waves, and pleasant climate all year round travelers visit from all over the globe any time of the year. However, the best month to visit Costa Rica is anytime from December through April, which is also the peak season for tourists. With so many hotels on the beach in Costa Rica, it’s best to be also close to restaurants, shops, museums and activities.
There are so many reasons to visit Costa Rica, but here are some of the best.
Beaches
Costa Rica is famous for having some of the most captivating and stunning beaches on earth! With nearly 300 various beaches along the stunning coastlines of the Caribbean and the Pacific oceans, each beach has its unique sand hue and sunset. The Costa Rican beaches are ideal for some fun in the sun, a romantic tropical getaway, or surfing on the perfect waves.
Costa Rica best beaches include Manuel Antonio National Park, which is the most popular beach and is appreciated for its bountiful wildlife, spectacular views and white sand. Tortuguero is another favorite beach that’s known for nesting sea turtles. And Puerto Jimenez beach allows access to Corcovado National Park. There are also remote beaches that are only reachable by boat.
Adventure & Activities
Costa Rica has been the haven for adventurers for a long time. There are so many things to do in San Jose Costa Rica just like other parts of the country. The incredible diversity of the pleasant climate and the terrain brings the thrill to some of the most exciting adventure activities in the world. And Costa Rica’s topography allows for various landscapes that give the opportunity to be able to have multiple arrays of activities.
Among the numerous activities, tours, and excursions offered there are;
• Kayaking
• Snorkeling
• Scuba diving
• White-water rafting
• Fishing
These are just a few of the activities available. For nature lovers, there are plenty of tours through the rainforest, zip lining and canopy tours. And for serious adventurers and thrill seekers, volcano tours are also offered.
For the best Costa Rica tourist spots, look up Costa Rica vacations Tripadvisor to find out everything you need to know about tours and activities that suit you and your family the most.
“Don’t let your luggage define your travels, each life unravels differently.”
― SHANE L. KOYCZAN
Biodiversity & Wildlife
This eco-conscious country is home to 5% of the global biodiversity with species of flora and fauna. Costa Rica has an astounding array of wildlife living in protected diverse ecosystems of national reserves, parks, and forests. As the world’s hummingbird capital, Costa Rica is a birdwatcher’s dream. There are so many species including macaws, toucans, quetzals and various colorful species, as well as 4,500 butterfly species. As you walk through the rainforest trails, you’ll see monkeys, six types of wildcats, iguanas, crocodiles, reptiles, amphibians, snakes, colorful frogs and two- and three-toed sloths.
Sloths
Sloths are one of the cutest and slowest animals in the world. There are six species of sloths divided between 2 families; the three-toed sloths have extra neck vertebras that allow them to turn their heads to 270 – 300 degrees, and the two-toed sloths that have only six cervical vertebrae. Sloths are very distinct mammals that are different than other animals. For instance, sloths have multiple stomachs like cows, their diet mainly is leaves, and they don’t gain fat except on their foot pads. Sloths have only one baby at a time and have their babies hanging upside down in trees. They are solitary animals that can live up to 15 to 20 years in the wild and up to 30 years in captivity. Sloths can swim, have incredibly strong grips and go to the ‘bathroom’ only once a week.
Costa Rican food
Just like any country, Costa Rica has its own cuisine and flavor. Its lush terrain with abundant sun and rain provides various exotic crops. Mango, pineapple, avocado, plantains and bananas are essential and traditional in the Costa Rican diet. And among the array of fruits, you’ll also find starfish, mason chino, guanabana, pejibayes and nance.
The traditional dish of Costa Rica is “gallo pinto,” which is translated as “spotted chicken.” Black beans and chicken is a staple all over the country and is also served in restaurants and hotels. Although local restaurants always serve that dish, hotels with international guests are serving culinary delights with influences from the Caribbean, Pacific, and other places.
Volcanoes
Costa Rica has hundreds of volcanic features with stunning views and is the country’s top attractions. With 5 active volcanoes, Arenal Volcano is one of the most popular. Some other popular volcanoes are;
• Volcan Irazu
• Poas Volcano
• Turrialba Volcano
The volcanic activity in Costa Rica is what makes the soil rich and fertile and the reason for the abundant rainforest.
The dramatic landscape defined by volcanoes, the spread out rainforest, and unspoiled shoreline makes Costa Rica one of the best destinations for world travelers that everyone should visit at least once in their lifetime!