Ask any travel enthusiast about a suitable destination in Central America and chances are there he will talk about Costa Rica. This beautiful country is known for its amazing biodiversity and natural bounty. From the idyllic beaches and lush rainforests to the mighty volcanoes, there are many gems waiting for visitors to discover. Apart from the natural splendor, the country also possesses a rich culture with friendly people and tantalizing culinary offerings. In order to check out the country’s various tourist destinations, you will need a week or more.
There are so many places in Costa Rica for nature and wildlife-loving travelers to explore.
A few of Costa Rica’s attractions
Tirimbina Rainforest Reserve
It takes a few hours of travel from San José to reach the enchanting Tirimbina Rainforest Reserve. There are so many trails and hanging bridges. There are many tour options to pick from, too. Also, the adjacent Centro Neotropico Sarapiqui is ideal for lovers of archaeology.
Playa Hermosa National Wildlife Refuge
Playa Hermosa is a nice destination for wildlife-loving visitors in Costa Rica. This wildlife refuge may not have great accommodations, but the natural bounty you get will more than make up for such amenities. There is a nice turtle nesting beach where you will see tons of waterbird species.
The Valley of the Waterfalls
This is perfect for water sports lovers and shutterbugs. The beautiful waterfalls can be reached from the popular and pretty Dominical beach. Just indulging in swimming or climbing up and down can take up a day, as it is.
Tortuguero National Park
If you like the idea of ecotourism, then you should not skip exploring the beautiful Tortuguero National Park. It is a major nesting site for sea turtles. You can find species like hawksbill, green, and leatherback turtles. Of course, to see the spectacle you have to visit the park between the months of July and October. The tropical rainforest and wetlands are amazingly beautiful. Apart from the various types of turtles, you will also see wildlife species like caimans, monkeys, crocodiles, and birds.
La Fortuna’s Arenal Volcano
Touring Costa Rica and not paying a visit to some of its majestic and awe-inspiring volcanoes is simply not possible. This is the big draw for the little town of La Fortuna. Many places nearby are perfect for relaxing amidst natural bounty. These include Arenal Volcano National Park — where you get to explore waterfalls, forests, lakes, hot springs, and caverns — and also the beautiful Mistico Park, a wildlife reserve where you can enjoy boat riding and horseback riding.
Monteverde
This region in Costa Rica is known for its amazing biodiversity. There are 2 big reserves, namely the Saint Helena Cloud Forest Reserve and Monteverde Rainforest Reserve. In the latter, you can find over 100 mammal species, 400 avian species, and close to 1,500 species of plants along 8 miles of trails. The Saint Helena Cloud Forest Reserve is a forest with diverse vegetation and hundreds of bird species.
Manuel Antonio beach
There are so many beaches in Costa Rica to explore that you may find it hard to zero in on the perfect ones. However, seasoned travelers who have been to the country several times opt for the amazingly beautiful Manuel Antonio beach. Here, you get the mix of beaches, rainforests, and coral reefs all at once. The Manuel Antonio National Park is a must-see destination as well. The tropical rainforest replete with endangered flora and fauna is a treat to explore. Manuel Antonio has reefs and calm waters that make it perfect for snorkeling.
You can also check out the amazing Golfo Dulce region while exploring the country. Another viable destination is the pretty Corcovado National Park. For surfing and enjoying the vibrant nightlife, the resort town of Jacó fits the bill well.
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