Top 10 Reasons to Visit Costa Rica

Swap concrete jungles for lush rainforests with a trip to Central America’s trendiest destination – Costa Rica! As you explore this destination you will uncover the beauty of its national parks, volcanic landscapes, waterfalls, hot springs, and idyllic beaches. 

Without a doubt, the capital city of San Jose will be your first stop. It’s the perfect stepping stone to the rest of Costa Rica’s magical regions and experiences which are just waiting to be discovered. So what are you waiting for? Here’s the top 10 reasons to visit Costa Rica.

1. Adventure

Thrillseekers assemble! If you crave adventure, Costa Rica should be at the top of your bucket list. The country is notoriously known for its zip-lining tours, whitewater rafting, kayaking, scuba diving, cliff diving, and skydiving. You’ll never be bored with the amount of activities on offer here to get that adrenaline pumping. 

2. Beaches

Despite the many options for adventure lovers, Costa Rica is actually the perfect place to unwind and relax too. Whether you prefer to spend most of your time relaxing or just want to chill out for a bit in between your adventures, you’re in the right place. 

Costa Rica is home to some of the world’s most beautiful beaches. In fact, it has more than 1,000 miles of coastline! Top tip: If you’re a sun seeker, you’ll want to avoid Costa Rica’s rainy season which lasts from April to November. 

Need a suggestion for which beach to pick? Playa Manuel Antonio is located off Costa Rica’s central Pacific coast, featuring wide shores and calm, crystal-blue waves. If you wish, you’ll have a whole national park in the area to discover too! 

3. Surfing

Costa Rica is one of the top surfing destinations in the world. The water is warm year-round, but the rainy season can actually be the best time to ride the waves if you want to avoid the crowds. 

Moreover, there are also plenty of surf schools available if you’re new to surfing or need to brush up on your skills. Tamarindo beach in the Guanacaste region is often considered to be the best place in the country to surf. 

4. Sloths

Many people are fond of these slowest mammals in the world. They may be slow and lazy, but they are also very cute! You can find sloths all over Costa Rica. 

Additionally, the further south you travel along the Pacific coast, the more likely you are to spot them. This is because the wildlife concentrations are higher in this area. 

You may wish to take a trip with a naturalist guide who can help to point them out. Remember that sloths are tree-dwellers, so the most important piece of advice is simply to LOOK UP! 

5. The food

Costa Rica has its own unique national cuisine which is unlike any other in Latin America. Order a casado when dining in a restaurant for your evening meal. You’ll be served a plate of meat or fish with rice, beans, salad, tortillas, and fried plantain. Besides, this is probably Costa Rica’s most traditional dish! 

Costa Rica is also a huge grower of coffee, bananas and chocolate. If you’re a java lover, you must drink coffee in Costa Rica. It’s one of the main drivers of the country’s economy and it’s estimated that the average Costa Rican drinks six cups of coffee per day! 

If you’re in need of something a little stronger, cacique guaro is the other drink of choice here. The clear, sweet liqueur is made from sugar cane juice and has a very high alcohol content. It’s not recommended to drink it in shots unless you’ve had it before! However, many people drink it chilled with sugar and lime, or mixed into a cocktail. Cheers! 

6. The people

Costa Rica is known as one of the happiest countries on Earth. A common saying among locals is “pura vida,” which means “pure life.” Wherever you go in Costa Rica, the locals will welcome you with a warm and friendly smile. 

7. National Parks and rainforests

About 25% of Costa Rica is made up of protected national parks and rainforests which hold 5% of the world’s biodiversity. In particular, don’t miss the Arenal, Tortuguero, and Monteverde cloud forest national parks during your trip to this most astonishing and naturally beautiful country. 

8. Volcanoes

Costa Rica owes a lot to its volcanoes, which are responsible for the rich and fertile soil that make the country’s natural beauty so lush. While visiting the volcanoes, you can enjoy other activities such as hiking, camping, and mountain biking. The Arenal volcano and national park should be at the top of your list. 

9. The wildlife

Costa Rica has the most amazing wildlife-watching opportunities. You’ll constantly see monkeys and raccoons which will try and steal your food if you don’t keep an eye on them! Alternatively, there are lizards, geckos and iguanas all over the place. 

Costa Rica is known as a great bird-watching destination too. It is home to more than 812 recorded species, and is also the Hummingbird capital of the world. 

10. Ecotourism

Costa Rica is one of the top travel destinations for ecotourism. You can enjoy a guilt-free visit without the worry of how your trip may impact the environment and other sustainability issues. 

The country is well on its way to full sustainability. Therefore, you’ll find lots of eco-friendly hotels and lodges across the country. Furthermore, the tour operators are attempting to be as low-impact as possible, so you’ll have complete peace of mind during your travels here. 

Ready to travel to Costa Rica? We can get you there! Check out our Costa Rica tour here.