Inspirations
Delve into the magic of Costa Rica: a paradise of stunning biodiversity, pristine beaches, and rich cultural heritage. Uncover the twelve key factors that make this Central American gem a top destination for adventure, relaxation, and unforgettable experiences
by Samantha Brown
19-07-2024
Costa Rica has everything you could want: exciting activities, fun for the whole family, delicious cuisine, and all-inclusive resorts.
The stunning Central American nation has long been a popular tourist destination due to its abundance of natural attractions, such as beaches, rivers, rain forests, diverse fauna, and eco-chic hotels. Its popularity, however, has increased in recent years.
Given that everyone can find something to their liking, it's hardly surprising. Adventurers can go river rafting, canyoning, cave tubing, zip lining, and more in Costa Rica's world-renowned national parks. Those interested in animals will also find it to be a great spot to see macaws, sea turtles, and cute sloths.
On the other hand, it's got this cool, glitzy aspect. Thanks to the influx of creative chefs who have been opening up shop in San José's capital city, the city is rapidly becoming a mecca for foodies. A thriving craft beer scene may also be found in the city.
In addition, a spa located next to one of the country's numerous hot springs or an immaculate beach resort would be ideal locations for a relaxing vacation. While on vacation, you can do all of the following: have a massage, go surfing, swim, and relax in a geothermal pool.
While most of Costa Rica is at its most beautiful from December through April, October is a great month to visit if you're planning a trip to the Caribbean. San José and Liberia are served nonstop by numerous airlines.
Check out these reasons to visit Costa Rica if you're still not convinced that this Central American nation will be an unforgettable holiday.
About 5% of the world's biodiversity—and 30 national parks—are located in Costa Rica. You can go on an adventure through a rain forest, a dry forest, a coral reef forest, or a cloud forest. An excellent way to see the natural beauty of Costa Rica is on foot, and hiking is particularly recommended in Tenorio Volcano National Park, home to the breathtaking Rio Celeste waterfall.
There are over sixty volcanoes in Costa Rica, five of which are currently active. Hikers and those seeking relaxation in the volcano's geothermal hot springs make Arenal Volcano a top tourist destination in Costa Rica. The area's naturally warm waters are enjoyed by many spas and resorts.
Numerous areas for animal populations to flourish are provided by the approximately 30% of Costa Rica that is protected by national parks, reserves, and refuges. Plus, you can find animals almost everywhere you go. Scarlet macaws, howler monkeys, humpback whales, green iguanas, sea turtles, and sloths are just a few of the over half a million animal species that call this country home.
As if birdwatching in Costa Rica weren't amazing enough, the country is home to fifty distinct species of hummingbirds, making it an ideal destination for nature enthusiasts. You might see magenta-throated woodstars, coppery-headed emeralds, and violet sabrewings, among other bird species.
Costa Rica is a fantastic destination for adventurers and nature lovers. River rafting, fishing, ATV riding, scuba diving, tubing, horseback riding, and rain forest zip lining are just a few of the many activities offered by the many tour companies in the area. You can go swimming, surfing, and hiking just about anywhere.
When most people think of Costa Rica, they probably don't picture delicious food. However, it's a popular destination for daring diners thanks to its traditional dishes influenced by Indigenous, Spanish, and Caribbean cuisines, as well as an abundance of fresh ingredients. Vuelve a la vida, a seafood drink reminiscent of ceviche, arreglados, a sandwich style served with meat, cheese, and veggies, and pejibayes, boiling peach palm fruits accompanied by mayonnaise, are among the most beloved foods.
Costa Rica takes great care to preserve its beaches and national parklands. More than 800 miles of the country's Pacific and Caribbean coastlines are undeveloped and stunning. Popular attractions on the Nicoya Peninsula include Santa Teresa and other unhurried coastal communities as well as several surf areas.
Costa Rica is more than simply an adventure traveler's paradise. It's also ideal for those seeking a tranquil spa retreat. Famous for its luxurious spas encircled by natural hot springs, the area around Arenal Volcano is a popular tourist destination. Travelers are increasingly drawn to beach resorts that provide sandy shoreline, animal experiences, and luxurious lodgings. One such destination is the Papagayo Peninsula.
An important part of Costa Rica's economy is the coffee industry, which produces some of the world's finest beans. Guests of the hotel and organic coffee farm Finca Rosa Blanca can enjoy tastings and tours of the surrounding area's coffee plants, making it an ideal destination for coffee lovers.
When you're not in the mood for coffee, try guaro, the national drink of Costa Rica. The crystal-clear, sugar-sweet liqueur has a very high alcohol level and is produced from sugar cane juice. If you have never tasted it before, you should probably avoid drinking it in shots. But many prefer it in a cocktail or chilled with lime and sugar.
Costa Rica is about a three-hour flight from Miami, a six-hour flight from Los Angeles, and a five-hour flight from New York City. If you're traveling from the United States, you likely won't have to worry about dealing with severe jet lag, as the country operates on Mountain Standard Time from mid-March to October and Central Standard Time from November to mid-March. Although the country's currency is the Costa Rican colón, U.S. dollars and credit cards are widely accepted.
One of the most well-known mottos in Costa Rica is "pura vida," which translates to "pure life." The people of Costa Rica really feel this way. Perhaps this explains why the Happy Planet Index ranks the nation among the happiest in the world. As a greeting or a reply to "How are you?" the phrase is very pervasive in the society.
