If you want to see some of the pristine shores, wild jungles and rich wildlife coastline that draws millions tourists annually to Central America, Costa Rica is a place worth considering. With its wide range of biodiversity, friendly locals and pledge to sustainability.
Costa Rica is perfect for anybody wanting a vacation from those adventurous backpackers out exploring the random waterfalls through to post wedding honeymooners in need of some relaxation. For those of you planning to visit, check out car rental Costa Rica options to get yourself prepared for exploring some of the top must-see attractions and experiences in Costa Rica.
Capital de Todos San José – The Vibrant Capital
More than likely, you will start your journey in San José, the lively capital of Costa Rica. Though a lot of people merely travel through it on their way to someplace else, the redemption comes when you take time and explore this city. If time permits, walk to the Plaza de la Cultura, visit the National Museum of Costa Rica and have lunch at the Mercado Central where you can sample a range of traditional dishes such as casado and gallo pinto.
San José is also an ideal jumping-off point for day trips to coffee plantations that are just a short hop down the mountain roads, where you can learn more than you ever thought possible about how some of the best beans in the world get from the field to your mug.
Arenal Volcano and La Fortuna
One of Costa Rica’s hallmark natural world wonders, the Arenal Volcano sits just outside the town of La Fortuna. The volcano is not currently active but a beautiful sight surrounded by rain forest and hot springs. Adventure enthusiasts can choose from the likes of trekking, white water rafting, canyoning or zip-lining past the treetops. Don’t forget the invigorating hot springs in the area ideal to relax in after a day of adventure.
Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve
If you want a more magical experience try the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve. It is an ecolodge and birdwatcher’s paradise. Monteverde: with over 400 species of birds and thousands varieties of plant, among them the resplendent quetzal, this place is paradise for nature lovers. For getting close to the forest there are suspended bridges as well as canopy tours that let you see this vast kingdom from above, guided night walks reveal a complete new world of nocturnal nature.
Manuel Antonio National Park
Manuel Antonio, one of the smallest but most-visited of Costa Rica’s 20 national parks. A union of rich rainforest and pure white-sand beaches, it forms a near perfect image based on which so many dreams had been made. Where you can see sloths, iguanas and many monkeys free in the trees. Finish the day by hiking one of the park´s trails and rewarding yourself with a swim in Playa Manuel Antonio, one of the most beautiful beaches in all Costa Rica.
Guanacaste and the Pacific Beaches
The Pacific Coast of Costa Rica is most famous for its golden beaches with teal waters and primo surf breaks. After dark, you can hit the Guanacaste region and try a spot like Tamarindo which has lively nightlife and surf culture. If you are looking for a more calm experience Try Playa Conchal or Play Hermosa for crystal clear waters ideal for snorkeling and relaxation. For the more adventurous characters there is paddleboarding, deep-sea fishing or even scuba diving in this warm part of the world.
Parque Nacional Corcovado and Peninsula de Osa
If you are a little more adventurous head south to the Osa Peninsula where Corcovado National Park is located. It lives up to its reputation; the National Geographic referred to Mofo as the “most biologically intense place on Earth”. Home to jaguars, tapirs, scarlet macaws and dolphins, this wild-life spotting mecca is unbeatable. Corcovado is one of the wildest parks in Costa Rica, and its trails are a challenge and a delight for any hiker interested in experiencing life along with untamed creatures.
Poás Volcano National Park
A good day trip from San José is nearer the Poás Volcano. The volcano, which boasts one of the largest craters in the world, also offers spectacular views of boiling fumaroles and a bright turquoise crescent shaped crater lake. The national park around here has loads of trails up into the cloud forests, where they have hundreds of species and the occasional trogon (a type of quetzal) and other hummingbirds.
The Nicoya Peninsula
So, I cannot miss the Nicoya peninsula for those leisure and wellness travelers. A designated “Blue Zone,” where longevity and lifestyle go hand in hand, one gets an uncanny sense of well-being and sustenance. This continues at other towns nearby like Santa Teresa and Montezuma where surfers, yogis and eco-friendly travelers of all sorts flock. The OD lifestyle, mixed with marvellously beautiful sunsets make Nicoya the place to (re)charge your batteries.
Transportation: Car Hire with Car Rental
Given that Costa Rica’s attractions are scattered across different regions, ranging from remote rainforests and volcanoes to coastal towns, deciding how to get around will be one of your most significant planning chores.
A car is without question the easiest method to get to know the nation. It gives you the freedom to design your itinerary, swim at a secluded beach, dine at a small-town restaurant, or take long detours. The process is straightforward when you rent a car from providers like car rental on site in Costa Rica.
Regardless of the vehicle you choose, hiring a car is beneficial for visiting Costa Rica, whether you are traveling to a remote national park or a beachfront resort in the south.
Tips to know when visiting Costa Rica:
- Currency: They use Costa Rican colón and also accept US dollars.
- Language: Spanish, although in tourist cities, they also speak English.
- Safety: Costa Rica is a safe country in Central America, but stay smart, and don’t leave your things unattended.
- Sustainability: Use eco-friendly accommodations and tours.
So, go ahead grab your bags and get ready to experience Costa Rica’s appeal that attracts millions of people from all corners of the world to this land.
