In 1502 Christopher Columbus discovered Costa Rica, which means “Rich Coast” in Spanish. This title describes the essence of what this country is about. Located in the Central American Isthmus between the Pacific and Caribbean Oceans it is the epitome of true tropical paradise.
This land of wonder carries five percent of the world’s biodiversity, despite only occupying three percent of the planet’s surface. Costa Rica has one of the highest amounts of protected land in the world. More than 25% of Costa Rica’s land is dedicated to national parks, biological, marine/land reserves, and wild life refugees. There are more than a hundred different protected areas to visit, offering a delightful variety of options for people of all ages.
It is no surprise that Costa Rica has a reputation for being the most visited country in Central America. This area is teeming with exotic flora and fauna and boasts of every type of terrain you can imagine. It can be a tourist’s dream destination. Yes, you can bask in the sun in one of over 50 beaches, but what is more refreshing than a hike in the forest, with the sound of the ocean close by?
Traverse through the dense jungle, and let the wildlife explode around you.
Listen carefully and keep quiet. The smallest sounds may reveal a camouflaged lizard or a hidden sloth in the trees. You may also prefer to get an aerial view. Known as the birthplace of Zipline touring – soar through this country’s forested treetops. Steel cables will allow you to see a bird’s eye perspective of the forest below. In this case the adage, the whole really can be greater than the sum of its parts, holds true. Take in the panoramic splendor of the central valley as you zoom with high speed to the receiving platform. Setting out on a canopy tour will be adventure in itself and you will feel a thrill like never before.
WHERE TO START?
1.CORCOVADO NATIONAL PARK
This is one of the few places in Costa Rica where you can observe rare and endangered species like the magnificent jaguar. A true wilderness frontier, this is the only location in the country where you can see all four species of native monkey at once: the howler, spider, white faced and squirrel.
2.LA SELVA BIOLOGICAL STATION
This station is home to more than half of Costa Rica’s bird species. You can also see greater than 70 types of bats, and 500 species of butterflies. Five of the six feline species in Costa Rica can be found here.
3.MONTEVERDE CLOUD FOREST RESERVE
If you are an avid bird watcher, this is the place to be. There will be more than 400 species of birds to greet you, so don’t forget your binoculars. Through the lens you will see black guans and bare necked umbrella birds. Here, you will also see monkeys, three toed sloths and agouti. The cloud forest is humid, but don’t be surprised if there is mist and rain. Bring your raingear with you just in case.
4.TORTUGUERO NATIONAL PARK
As for all beach walks and rainforest journeys, insect repellant is highly recommended. Sturdy hiking shoes would also be a good idea. Here, you can connect with nature’s best. Between July and October, an evening turtle tour will enable you to witness thousands of green sea turtles that nest here each year. As you wander silently through the maze of rivers and lagoons you will also spot anhingas, caimans, and massive green iguanas along with other wildlife.
Whether on air, water or land Costa Rica has nothing but breathtaking scenarios to offer.
PICTURE THIS…
You take part in a sunset sailing tour. Amidst the colors in the sky you observe beautiful humpback whales. Did you know that Costa Rica boasts of the longest humpback whale seasons in the world? Whales from both the Northern and Southern hemispheres migrate through the country’s temperate seas. The best locations to see whales include Drake Bay, Caro Island, and Ballera Marine National Park.
Did you know that Costa Rica has more varieties of butterflies than the entire African Continent? Visit a butterfly museum and learn more about their lifecycle. If you are into reptiles don’t be afraid to take a first hand peek at the country’s local serpentariums and ranariums (snake and frog museums). There is something for everyone.
WHAT ELSE?
As you explore the country, don’t forget to visit volcanoes. Most of these are located in the central highlands. They may be mistaken as regular mountains by the driver passing by. There are more than 500 volcanic formations, but fortunately only these five are active – Arenal, Poas, Rincon De la Vieja, Irazu, and Turrialba.
On clear nights, hear the Arenal volcano rumble in the distance as you watch the lava flow from its core. The lava flow will remind you of fireworks, as you soak in a naturally heated hot spring at one of the nearby thermal resorts. Arenal is one of the 10 most active volcanos in the world, while Psoas has the second widest crater out of all the volcanoes in the world. This should be no surprise, as the soil in volcanic lowlands and forests are rich in minerals. All this allows for abundant growth. The multitude of plant species that thrive here give habitat to the many bird and wildlife species that Costa Rica is recognized.
So what is the highest and lowest points of the country? Chirrip mountain is the highest point in Costa Rica. The country’s lowest point is 790 feet below sea level in the caves of Barra Honda National Park.
AND THERE IS MORE…
Let a local guide take you to the best waves for some surfing. Experience an adventure as you walk along a stretch of beaches known as the Gold Coast. Tamarindo, Playa Negra, Playa Grande and Guellanas are the best places for this sport.
Internationally recognized as one of the top five white water rivers in the world, Pacuare river rafting, offers one of the first class rapids in Latin America. Raise your adrenalin levels by scuba diving with sharks, go canyoning down cascading waterfalls or go snorkeling to see 7,000 amazing marine species as well as coral reefs that support hundreds of algae. What about horseback riding up the Miravelles Volcano?
If you want to do something low key, you are more than welcome to shop the tourist beat. Home to the world’s largest oxcart, Sarchi is Costa Rica’s artisan capital. Oxcarts were used to export coffee crop and other goods from the central valley to Pacific and Caribbean port cities. Today, painted oxcarts go for various prices depending on size and are great as souvenirs.
The Boruca, an indigenous tribe living in the South Pacific region of Costa Rica, are known for their intricate masks and handmade crafts. Another option is Choratega pottery. Sculptors use local clays and natural dyes, honouring techniques that have been used since Pre-Columbian times. Overall, Costa Rica promises plenty for the discriminating buyer.
Get colorful hammocks in different weaves and walk through open air markets, souvenir shops and upscale galleries that display a wide array of goods. Jewellery made from wood, glass and semi precious stones will decorate stalls as you notice recreations of Pre-Columbian gold and jade treasures. Rosewood belts and carved seed necklaces will also make great stories to tell when you go back home.
Before your trip ends don’t forget to try the national dish of Costa Rica “Gallo Pinto” – precooked rice and beans are fried together with onions, peppers, cilantro and other spices. Other popular dishes include sopa negra, casados and arroz con polo. Top these off with a cool tropical drink such as coconut, blackberry or mango and you’re set. You can also indulge in a chocolate tour or a local coffee plantation tour to add more flavors to the mix.
Amidst all this tourist activity, Costa Rica is known as the “land of peace”. It is the only country in the Western Hemisphere without an army or military of any kind. With over 100 years of stability combined with its focus on ecotourism and a healthy lifestyle, people living in Costa Rica have one of the highest life expectancies in the world.
REMEMBER…
The dry season occurs from December to April. The rainy season occurs from May to mid November. Choose what works best for you. If you want to go in the dry season, reservations are a must. Reserve rooms at least two months in advance. Many hotel websites have online reservations forms, which makes booking confirmation fast and easy. Accommodations are available for all budgets and tastes, from inexpensive hostels to posh all inclusive resorts, where food and drinks are included.
Home to many impactful souls: national hero Juan Snatamaria, painter Francisco Anighetti, and Nobel Peace Prize Winner and current president Oscar Arias Sanchez, this country is a source of pride for people around the world.
The motto “Pura Vida” or “Pure Life” says it all. For Costa Ricans this is a way of life, and caters to the idea of letting things go and enjoying life. Visit Costa Rica for a vacation and see for yourself. It really is like walking into a postcard.