Are you planning a vacation right now? Have you already thought of all the places you would like to see? If you still haven’t picked the perfect destination, Costa Rica may be the one you’re looking for. The rich and unique culture will enchant you and the picturesque landscapes will take your breath away. You will be so amazed at the hospitality of the locals as well as the gorgeous sites, that you will feel like you’ve entered a paradise on earth. The best thing is that you don’t need a high budget to enjoy the charm of Costa Rica as this country offers inexpensive accommodation, food, entertainment, and flight options. Here are some of the locations you shouldn’t miss during your stay!
Surf in Puerto Viejo
Located near Panama, the town Puerto Viejo is the perfect getaway for any surfer out there. It’s one of the most famous destinations on the Caribbean coast and you’re bound to have a good time there. Full of young people and chill vibes, this is a great place for checking out the local beaches and parties.
If you don’t feel like partying that much, worry not! You could easily find a quiet beach hotel. If you’d like to see the local wildlife, you could do it in a jaguar rescue center near the town.
Hike in Corcovado
One of the most unique destinations you could visit in Costa Rica is Corcovado National Park. The Park is located on the Osa Peninsula, in the southwest part of the country. Corcovado is one of the largest parks in Costa Rica.
While it isn’t the most approachable destination, it still hasn’t lost its charm and the experience you get once you get to the peninsula is more than rewarding. You could camp, hike, check out the deserted beaches or observe the marine life as soon as you get there.
Check out La Fortuna on Arenal
Arenal is one of the most popular of Costa Rica’s volcanoes. Unfortunately, the volcano hasn’t been active recently, but if you’re lucky enough, you could see some lava as it could erupt. Besides this, you could also see the breathtaking waterfall – La Fortuna.
Again, you could visit the local national park or you could go hiking. Whatever you do, don’t forget to watch the sunset over the lake. For more adventurous travelers, caving, rafting, and hot springs are also on the menu here!
Teach English in San Jose
The capital of Costa Rica is another location worth visiting. Start from Avenida Central – the boulevard, and work your way through Central Market, Cultural Plaza, and the hills of Escazu. Don’t forget to check out the local restaurants as well!
Staying in San Jose might be the perfect opportunity to volunteer overseas. Namely, you could teach English for at least a week in this gorgeous country! This will be the perfect way to meet the locals, the culture and to help others at the same time.
Watch birds in Monteverde
Monteverde, the premier cloud forest of Costa Rica is another location you should put on your itinerary. The elusive quetzal bird lives here and if you’re a bird enthusiast, you shouldn’t miss this place. People love this place and there is a reason why it’s such a popular ecotourism destination.
You could go on a zip-line adventure and see the area. Due to the unusual weather patterns and some pretty high winds, the area is mostly green and wet.
See monkeys in Manuel Antonio
Another very popular destination for eco-tourism is Manuel Antonio. With scurrying red-backed squirrel monkeys, basilisks, capuchins, sloths, and swinging howler monkeys, The Manuel Antonio National Park has quickly become one of Costa Rica’s most famous destinations.
The Manuel Antonio village is set right to the north of the park. It’s a rather vibrant place, where you can spend time sport-fishing, hiking, or going on the zip-line courses. While you’re there, visit the Espadilla Sur beach!
Go out to Santa TeresaÂ
If you’re looking for some rejuvenating travel destinations, Santa Teresa is one of them. While this is a surf town, you don’t have to spend all of your time there on the waves. Of course, you shouldn’t miss the chance to check out the waves at the Nicoya Peninsula.
As soon as you’re done with Playa Hermosa and Mal Pais, make sure to check out Costa Rica’s nightlife as well. You could happen to be there while some international DJ is gigging in the local clubs – don’t forget to see what it’s like!
Snorkel at the Tortuga Island
Speaking of Nicoya Peninsula, you shouldn’t miss the charming Tortuga Island either. The boat will take you from Puntarenas to the powdery white Tortuga Island. The El Aquario reed and the Bye Bye Reef will soon leave you speechless.
Rainbowfish, angelfish, stingrays, strange underwater corals, colossal volcanic rocks, sea turtles, and manta rays are just some of the features of this Island. Here too, you could take a zip-line course and see the Island from the proper perspective.
Dive in Islas Murcielagos
Finally, you shouldn’t leave Costa Rica without visiting the Islas Murcielagos. This is one of the most famous scuba locations in the world. The dive sites are all worth the struggle and the visibility could go up to 30 meters. One such site is the Big Scare – where you could encounter sine bull sharks.
Rugged Bajo Negro and Playa del Coco should also be on your bucket list. The former is a submerged wedge of lava stone, while the latter is a gorgeous beach where you can watch some spinner dolphins and whales. Spadefish, octopi, and moray eels will keep you company while diving as well.Â
10 things you did not know about Costa Rica
Costa Rica is a small but diverse country in Central America known for its rich biodiversity, stunning landscapes, and commitment to environmental sustainability. Here are 10 things you may not know about Costa Rica:
- Pura Vida:
- Fact: “Pura Vida” is a popular saying in Costa Rica, and it translates to “pure life” in English. It embodies the country’s positive and laid-back lifestyle.
- Biodiversity Hotspot:
- Fact: Despite its small size, Costa Rica is considered one of the world’s biodiversity hotspots. It hosts about 5% of the world’s biodiversity, including numerous species of birds, mammals, insects, and plants.
- No Military Army:
- Fact: Costa Rica abolished its military in 1948. The country allocates the funds that would have been used for defense to education, healthcare, and environmental protection.
- Volcanoes and Hot Springs:
- Fact: Costa Rica is home to over 200 volcanic formations, and several of its volcanoes are still active. The Arenal Volcano is a popular destination, known for its hot springs.
- Education Focus:
- Fact: Costa Rica places a strong emphasis on education, and it has one of the highest literacy rates in Latin America. Education is compulsory and free for all citizens.
- Two Coastlines:
- Fact: Costa Rica has coastlines on both the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea. Each coast offers distinct landscapes, from the lush rainforests of the Caribbean to the drier tropical forests of the Pacific.
- National Parks and Reserves:
- Fact: Approximately 25% of Costa Rica’s territory is protected by national parks and reserves. These areas are dedicated to preserving the country’s natural beauty and biodiversity.
- Blue Zones:
- Fact: the Nicoya Peninsula in Costa Rica is considered a “Blue Zone,” where people are known for their longevity. The region has a higher-than-average number of centenarians.
- Cacao Production:
- Fact: Costa Rica is known for its high-quality cacao production. The country’s cacao beans are used to produce fine chocolate, and there is a growing interest in sustainable and organic cacao farming.
- Whale Watching:
- Fact: The waters around Costa Rica are a popular destination for whale watching. Humpback whales, orcas, and several species of dolphins can be spotted along the coasts during specific times of the year.
Conclusion
Costa Rica is a country perfect for adventurous souls who appreciate beauty and uniqueness. Every place you visit will be extraordinary and no matter which you choose, you won’t make a mistake. Whether you’re traveling on your own or with a significant other, friend, or family, Costa Rica, and its people will treat you just right and it will steal your heart!
