Costa Rica, in Central America, is a country, small in size with a tiny land mass. Nonetheless, it is a natural playground of the world with an awe-inspiring flora and fauna! You can witness the most biologically diverse species of plants and animals in the world. You can hike volcanoes, surf the ocean, see the misty cloud forests and the beautiful river valleys and spend hours on end on the beaches of the country.
Here are the famous places in Costa Rica that are both beautiful and interesting, at the same time.
Monteverde and Santa Elena
The towns of Monteverde and Santa Elena are located in central Costa Rica and are considered to be the birthplace of the ecotourism movement of the country. This is one of the most coveted tourist destinations in the country because of the beautiful lush green mountains and the tropical jungle found here. In the lap of this extraordinary bio-diversity and astonishing natural beauty, you can go trekking at high altitudes, go zip lining or take canopy tours.
Arenal Volcano
Until the year 2010, Arenal was Costa Rica’s most active volcano. The frequent small explosions from its perfectly conical shape put on an incredible show of spewing lava. No eruptions have been witnessed since 2010. However, the surrounding areas still offer plenty of incredible sights. The La Fortuna and El Castillo towns can be seen in the backdrop of the Arenal. While the volcano may be in its resting phase, you can visit the natural hot springs. It doesn’t matter what you are looking for; relaxation, adventure or a natural encounter, you can find it all here. Adventure lovers can go white water-rafting; take zip line tours and hikes among other things.
Manuel Antonio National Park
Costa Rica’s smallest but most visited; the Manuel Antonio National Park is located on the country’s mid-Pacific coast near the city of Quepos. The park combines a wide variety of lush vegetation and rainforests, wild-life and an incredibly white sandy beach, with beautiful corals. It brings a diverse array of ecosystems together. You can take leisurely hikes at the park with tropical waves in the backdrop. Just like Arenal, you can indulge in a lot of adventure sports here.
Tortuguero National Park
Another feather in the cap of Costa Rica’s national treasures, the Tortuguero National Park is in the North Eastern region of the country. But the only way to get here is by an airplane or a boat. The Park is home to western Caribbean’s turtle sanctuaries. Tourists flock in here in the months of August through October to see The Green Turtle nesting. Tortuguero is one of the most humid areas of the country with a yearlong rainy season. There is no documented dry season, however, it does rain less in the months of February, March, and October.
Corcovado National Park
Regarded as the crown jewel among the national parks of Costa Rica, the Corcovado National Park is exemplary for its abundant wildlife sighting opportunities. No other national park guarantees sighting of exotic wild-life creatures like this one does. National Geographic has named the park “the most biologically intense place on Earth in terms of its bio-diversity.” Get ready to be immersed into the most astounding forests of the world. With no means of communication; no access to telephones or cell phone towers, Corcovado is hailed as the quintessential place to disconnect from the outside world for some much-needed peace.
San Jose
San Jose is the capital city of Costa Rica and completely removed from the rest of the country, in that it is a modern city with modern amenities and is the heart of the city life. The city is the base for exploring all the other destinations across the country. San Jose can be covered in a day and is a tourist attraction for people looking to shop, enjoy authentic Costa Rican meals, while also exploring the art and culture scene of the country.
Tamarindo
After exploring all the national parks of the country, when you wish to unwind to a relaxing destination, you should head to Tamarindo. This beach destination is a surfer’s paradise. With sunshine round the year and its laid back atmosphere, this destination is a perfect spot for honeymooners or even family vacations. It has the charm of both a city and a township. It is a well developed region with easy access to plenty of tourist facilities.
Celeste River
The Celeste River is considered to be a natural wonder of the country. It is one of the most famous places to visit while in Costa Rica. The incredibly light blue color of the river waters makes people wonder whether the river is artificially colored. However, tourists are not allowed to take a dip in this river. It is important to note that one needs to be in excellent physical health since getting to the river takes a good three-hour-long hike through the rain-forest.
Costa Rica is one of the smallest countries in the world, but what it lacks in size, it more than makes up for in its enchanting beauty. It is no wonder that Costa Rica has found itself to be a favorite destination for travelers across the world. Costa Rica promises an array of destinations and breath taking attractions. It is one of those countries you want to visit again and again. Every new visit to Costa Rica warrants a different side of the country; one that you may not have noticed before. Have you packed your bags yet?
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