5 must-see attractions in Costa Rica
Costa Rica is recognised as one of the happiest countries in the world. With its tropical rainforests, wildlife and unspoilt white sandy beaches, this is hardly surprising. These are reasons enough to visit Costa Rica, but there are even more. Below, we give you 5 reasons why you definitely shouldn’t miss Costa Rica.
1. Nature and a rich variety of wildlife
A trip of Costa Rica is characterised by a wide variety of natural landscapes and a rich array of wildlife. It is therefore an absolute must for nature lovers. Costa Rica can be broadly divided into six regions, each with its own unique flora and fauna.
The 6 regions of Costa Rica
- Central Highlands: the centre of the country is characterised by volcanoes, mountain peaks and coffee plantations;
- Northern Costa Rica: along the border with Nicaragua, you’ll find the lowlands, grasslands and agricultural areas. It is the natural habitat of various waterbirds;
- Guanacaste: in the north-west of the country, you’ll find the unique dry forest, as well as the beautiful beaches on the Pacific coast;
- Pacific coast: the Guanacaste region boasts not only more beaches but also impressive nature reserves. The region forms the transition between the dry coastal ecosystem and the humid Andes, making it a very diverse area;
- Caribbean coast: on the other side, Costa Rica borders the Caribbean coast, where lush green rainforests give way to white sandy beaches that stretch out into the deep blue sea. Turtles come here to nest every year and it’s a fantastic spot for snorkelling. The atmosphere is tropical and relaxed;
- Southern Costa Rica: the south is less well-known, but no less beautiful. The area is perfect for adventure. The highlight is Corcovado National Park. The dense and unspoilt rainforest is a great place for spotting wildlife, such as monkeys, crocodiles, jaguars and birds.
A major advantage is that the distances between destinations in Costa Rica are not great. This makes it possible to visit several different regions of the country in a single trip.
2. Adventure and active holidays
A trip to Costa Rica isn’t just about nature. It’s also an active and adventurous destination. Thanks to the great diversity of flora and fauna, there are plenty of outdoor activities you can enjoy to get to know the country. White-water rafting, zip-lining, canyoning, long hikes, mountain biking and horse riding are just a few examples of what you can do in the rainforests or the central highlands. But you won’t get bored on the coast either. Go kayaking, snorkelling, surfing, diving or sea fishing. Costa Rica has so much to offer that you won’t get bored on a round trip.
More about adventure in Costa Rica
3. Relaxation, wellness and spas
After an adventurous and active day out in Costa Rica’s natural surroundings, it’s naturally lovely to unwind in the evening. After all, you’re on holiday. Fortunately, Costa Rica is also an excellent destination for relaxing amidst nature. Relaxing and enjoying life are, in fact, part of everyday life for the Ticos (the local people). The Nicoya Peninsula in Guanacaste, for example, is one of the ‘blue zones’ where people live longer and healthier lives than anywhere else in the world. The calcium-rich water in this area, a healthy diet, family life and the ‘pura vida’ lifestyle are the secrets to a long life.
The Ticos certainly know a thing or two about relaxation, and we’d definitely recommend you experience this during your trip. The country boasts a wide selection of excellent wellness and spa resorts. You can enjoy innovative relaxation techniques such as body wraps, which use volcanic mud, coffee, tropical fruit and chocolate to moisturise your skin.
4. Driving yourself in a rental car
We’ve said it before: travelling by car is one of the best ways to discover a country or region. It gives you the freedom to stop wherever you like and take you to places you wouldn’t otherwise have visited. Costa Rica is a country that’s ideal for exploring by car. The distances aren’t great, so you’re never in the car for long. The routes mostly pass through nature reserves and are therefore breathtakingly beautiful. It gives you a sense of freedom, and along the way you can stop at those lovely spots to see even more of the surroundings.
5. Unique and small-scale accommodation
It’s not just the natural surroundings that are special; the accommodation in Costa Rica is also of an impressive standard and offers excellent service. For a trip of Costa Rica, we work with a unique selection of accommodation options, all situated in exceptional locations. Right in the heart of the rainforest, surrounded by wildlife. Beautiful cabañas situated directly on the beach or higher up in the mountains, with a 180-degree view of the surrounding forest and the Caribbean Sea in the background. Here, everything is taken care of down to the last detail, which makes the trip experience truly complete. Wake up in the morning to the sound of monkeys playing and gaze out over the rainforest whilst enjoying a delicious breakfast of tropical fruits. In the hotels’ restaurants, you can sit down to a delicious dinner featuring local dishes. Round off your evening with a cocktail in a hammock on your private balcony. Doesn’t that sound like pure bliss?
Fancy a trip of Costa Rica?
Would you like to organise your own trip of Costa Rica and are you curious about the options? Then do have a look at our page on Costa Rica.
Do you have a question? Please feel free to get in touch with us. Call +31 73 610 62 04 or send an email to info@sapapanatravel.nl. We’ll be happy to help.