Costa Rica has been a popular vacation destination for many years. This country, famous for its incredible national parks, is a tourist destination. Tourists can enjoy thrilling activities like river rafting, canyoning, and cave exploration.
Costa Rica is a Central American country with rocks and rainforests. The coastlines span the Caribbean and the Pacific. The capital of Costa Rica is San Jose. It houses cultural institutions like the Pre-Columbian gold museum.
The country of Costa Rica has an area of 51,100 km². It has uneven mountain ranges which cover the pacific coastal area. The mountain ranges in Costa Rica cut the country from northwest to southeast.
Also, this country is known for its beaches, volcanoes, and biodiverse ecosystems. Almost a quarter of this country comprises protected jungles full of wildlife. This includes sloths, hummingbirds, and spider monkeys.
The official language of Costa Rica is Spanish which is practiced among all Costa Ricans. But most of the country’s citizens are bilingual. You would have a good time conversing with Costa Ricans in English. But it’s still good to learn a few Spanish words.
The country has a population of over five million as of March 2022. Almost one million of their population lives and works in the central valley.
“Colon” is the official currency of Costa Rica. The currency was named after the great adventurer Christopher Columbus. Cristobal Colon is what his name means in Spanish.
The country of Costa Rica has not had a military army since 1949. This is because of the establishment of the constitution back in 1949. Even though Costa Rica does not have an army sector, the country is still safe to travel to. Tourists and citizens are still safe for a Costa Rica vacation and see the beautiful sceneries and teeming wildlife.
Why Travel To Costa Rica
Costa Rica is one of the world’s most exciting places to visit. This country offers many destinations, including beaches, volcanoes, and forests. They also provide a lot of activities when traveling to these destinations. Of course, food is also there for you to enjoy.
The country has a lot of volcanoes. The country houses six active volcanoes and 61 dormant or extinct ones. There are almost 200 volcanoes in Costa Rica. But only five showed activities in the last two centuries.
Costa Rica has almost 800 miles of coastline which houses nearly 300 beaches. These beaches divide between the Pacific and the Caribbean coast.
Meanwhile, there are only 5 mountain ranges in Costa Rica. Each range has its distinct features and volcanoes.
There are also 6 different kinds of forests in Costa Rica. These forests include the Costa Rican tropical rainforests, cloud forests, tropical dry forests, mangroves, lowland rainforests, and riparian forests.
Costa Rica also showcases a unique piece of currency. The Costa Rican money is wonderful, as its colorful design shows you a glimpse of the country’s landscape and wildlife.
There are seven provinces in Costa Rica. These include San Jose, Alajuela, Guanacaste, Puntarenas, Heredia, Cartago, and Limon. Out of all these provinces, the most famous one for tourists is the province of Guanacaste.
Ten Places Not To Miss During Your Costa Rica Travel
The country of Costa Rica has a lot of destinations and attractions. Here are 10 places that you should not miss when traveling to Costa Rica:
1. San Jose (The Capital Of Costa Rica)
Suppose you want to experience the Costa Rican lifestyle and learn the country’s history. In that case, this is the place to go. You can visit their national theater, national museums, Jade Museum, and Pre-Columbian Gold Museum. You can also go on a food tour around the city.
2. Arenal Volcano
The trails in Arenal volcano park and the nearby national park reserves are easy to trek. This destination is perfect for leisurely and informative hiking activities. When you’re done with your hiking activity, you can soak your tired muscles in their thermal pools of water. Several hot springs located in this area use thermal water.
3. Manuel Antonio National Park
Manuel Antonio National Park houses a dense jungle with rich wildlife and beautiful, serene beaches. This national park has a total of 10 trails that loops through the park’s forest. The most taken trail is the Sendero principal, also known as Main Trail. The Manuel Antonio beaches are accessible through the park’s hiking trails. The most famous one is the eponymous Manuel Antonio beach.
4. Monteverde
The Monteverde cloud forest is the most popular destination in Monteverde. This is because of its rare and unique characteristics. An equally beautiful and quiet forest is the Santa Elena cloud forest. This forest is home to diverse plants and different animal species. Have a night walk in the Monteverde cloud forest and see the nocturnal animals.
If you’re an adrenaline junky, trying the zipline and sky adventures is an activity for you. This activity will give you a chance to fly over the forest. It will make you see the cloud forest from a different perspective.
5. Mal Pais
Mal Pais is one of the best beaches in Costa Rica. Its beautiful white sand coastlines and unlimited skylines make it so. This place is a popular surfing destination for surfers. Cafes and restaurants that offer different cuisines also surround the area. Besides the beautiful beach, you can also take a guided jungle tour. You can also experience zip lining or an ATV adventure.
6. Jaco
Jaco is a resort city and a must-visit place for beach lovers and surfers. Riding the aerial tram in Jaco may be one of your most unique experiences. This activity will give you a bird’s eye view of the tropical forest. The Carara National Park, which is 15 km away from Jaco, is also a top destination. Here, you will find exotic birds and animals roaming around the park. There is also an abundant number of flora in the area.
7. Guanacaste
Guanacaste is known for its beaches and biodiverse parklands. The Tamarindo Costa Rica beach is known for its beautiful scenery and mangrove. Costa Rica’s national tree, the Guanacaste, thrives in this region. Experiencing the Rincon de la Vieja Volcano is also one of the top activities here. This place offers a dynamic landscape of geysers, hot springs, and mud pots.
8. Puerto Viejo
One of the best things to do in Puerto Viejo is to swim and hike in the Cahuita National Park. This park is located on the north side of Puerto Viejo. If you love chocolates, then having a chocolate tour is for you. Visiting different chocolate companies around Puerto Viejo may be an activity for you. White water rafting in the Pacuare river is also one of the top activities.
9. Tortuguero National Park
The Tortuguero National Park, nicknamed the Amazon of Costa Rica, spans 300 kilometers. This natural paradise contains unique flora, fauna, and incredible wildlife. You can only reach this remote wilderness by boat. This creates a tranquil environment for visitors.
10. Tortuga Island
This island is also known as turtle island. This place is a famous day-trip destination because no hotels exist on this island. This makes the island ideal for people who want to escape the crowd and enjoy a quiet and relaxing place. Scuba diving and snorkeling are a must-do on this island.
The Costa Rican Experience
Having many vacations in Costa Rica is a must to explore the country. Getting a Costa Rica all-inclusive vacation may be the best way to experience Costa Rica.
Costa Rica Caribbean beaches are some of the best beaches in the world. They offer unique experiences and activities you and your family will enjoy.
Besides the beaches, Costa Rica’s nature is one of the most diverse wildlife. Each Costa Rican forest and national park hosts rare and unique wildlife. Some of them can only be seen and experienced in this country.
Getting to experience all the beaches in Costa Rica will surely give you the fun you’re looking for. Seeing the different forests and landscapes of Costa Rica is an incredible experience to remember as well.
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