Costa Rica is interesting to scientists, geographers, and archaeologists. But most of all, travelers love her. It is a small country in Latin America with a diverse natural landscape and favorable climate. Tourists are interested in all the attractions of Costa Rica, among which there are national parks and reserves, rumbling waterfalls and awesome volcanoes. The journey goes along fascinating routes full of secrets and local color. Here, by the way, there is never winter, so the rest is year-round. All guides are highly qualified, since traveling in this country requires specific knowledge.
What to see in Costa Rica first
Before you get the support of tour guides and start exploring this colorful country, spend a couple of minutes to browse our list. Even experienced guides in Costa Rica can not guess which objects will be of interest to you, so it is better to determine your preferences even before the trip.
1. National Park Manuel Antonio (Manuel Antonio)
For the attractions, what to visit in Costa Rice must necessarily refer Manuel Antonio Park. This is the oldest resort in the country, and it is rightfully considered the most visited. Tourists are attracted here, first of all, by unusually beautiful beaches. They are well maintained, clean and completely safe. A feature of local beaches is the white sand warmed by the sun. In addition, the water in Costa Rica is very clean and clear.
Since the coast is surrounded by greenery, the beaches of Costa Rica are very convenient for families with small children. Families come here, and the tourist infrastructure allows this. Good access roads ensure even distribution of passenger traffic. Manuel Antonio has many restaurants of different levels. In addition, here, as in any southern resort, the nightlife is active.
Bars and cafes are always ready to receive guests, music is thundering from everywhere. Souvenir shops are found at every step, so tourists leave here with gifts and souvenirs. There are always a lot of people here, which led to the friendly nature of the local monkeys, of which there are many. Funny white-headed animals literally stick to tourists, however, it is strictly forbidden to feed them.
Official website: http://www.sinac.go.cr
2. Santa Teresa Beach (Nicoya Peninsula)
The beach is located in the southern part of the Nicoya Peninsula. This is one of the natural attractions of Costa Rica. The atmosphere of a tropical paradise from advertising posters as if descended from pictures to the ground in this place. Snow-white sandy beaches are called the pearl of Costa Rica, and this is true.
The sand here is pleasantly white. It has exceptionally small fractions, so it is not for nothing that it is called silk. The water on the coast is very clean, local services carefully monitor this. Many tourists with children tend to this beach, since the coast is sloping, and the shallow water here extends far inland.
In addition to natural beauties, the beach is interesting in that it has debugged tourist services. Experienced tourists call it civilized. There is where to relax and eat. The access roads are in excellent condition. From the scorching sun, you can always take refuge in the shade of spreading trees.
For thrill-seekers looking for what to see in Costa Rica, Santa Teresa Beach is attractive all year round high-wave brought down. The surfing conditions are excellent. Nearby is the small village of Malpais, where you can relax, tired of the excess of impressions on the beach.
3. Venado Caves (Venado Village)
Think about what to see in Costa Rica? Venado Caves deserve your attention. Tourists are struck by the message of the guides that the age of the caves reaches 20 million years, and that for a long time they were underwater. On the surface of the cave were due to tectonic activity. After the surface of the earth underwater began to move, the caves gradually advanced upward.
For centuries, they were inhabited by natives, settling as far as possible. This is a natural landmark of Costa Rica, formed from the most beautiful stalactites and stalagmites. Here you can see enough of the amazing corals. The structure of the cave is limestone, their arches are pressed to the state of the dense stone. An underwater river flows in the cave, which gives its vaults the most bizarre outlines.
Having ordered an excursion to the Venado caves, you can admire the fossilized remains of marine animals and meet hordes of bats. They inhabit these gloomy underground labyrinths, and their whole life passes in pitch darkness. Staying in a cave, as they say, tickles your nerves, but professional guides do not let travelers get scared, drawing their attention to new details. The tour ends with a collective selfie.
4. Volcano Arenal (province of Alajuela)
Arenal Volcano is active. It is interesting because it is located in a mountain with perfectly regular conical outlines. Nature has ordered that in the dark the volcano is illuminated by “neon” longitudinal stripes. When an eruption occurs, the lava completely illuminates the surroundings. The height of the volcano above sea level is 1670 m.
Scientists suggest that the first eruption of the volcano occurred 7,000 years ago and lasted more than 30 years. Since then, explosive eruptions, extremely spectacular, occur here every few hundred years. His last powerful eruption occurred in 1968 after the earthquake. Powerful lava flows erupted continuously for several days. They covered 15 square kilometers of terrain. Then 80 local residents and 10 rescuers died.
Interestingly, after the 1968 eruption, several other craters formed near the volcano. The village, located on the side of the mountain, has completely perished. Currently, scientists periodically note the activity of the volcano. So, for example, in 2011 a smokescreen was recorded at the top of the Arenal.
5. Corcovado National Park (Puntarenas Province)
Puntarenas Province is approaching the Pacific Ocean. It is here that one of the main attractions of Costa Rica - Corcovado Park. It is located on the Osa Peninsula. The territory of the park is almost completely covered by wild forest. There has never been a feeling of trees, so the territory is rightly considered a protected area. Flora and fauna in Corcovado are extremely diverse.
The first settlers began to appear here only in the mid-seventies of the last century. The park is preserved in its pristine beauty. There are more than 500 species of different trees. The famous 70-meter cotton tree, located in the park, has 3 meters in diameter.
The park will be interesting to those who are fond of ornithology. In particular, here you can find 400 species of birds, including several very rare ones. For example, the red macaw population feels at ease here. In addition, the rarest glass frog is also an inhabitant of local forests. Of the mammals in the park, you can find ocelots and jaguars. Beloved sloths also live in Corcovado. In the park, to the delight of tourists, there are many monkeys.
If you think what to see in Costa Rica, the Salsipuedes Cave, located in the park, will leave an indelible impression on you. There is a legend that the countless treasures of the famous navigator Francis Drake are hidden on this island. In 1579, F. Drake stayed in one of the bays of the peninsula. This happened during his trip around the world.
Official website: http://www.sinac.go.cr
Feel the atmosphere of Costa Rica in this beautiful video!
6. La Fortuna Waterfall (Alajuela Province)
Costa Rica's natural attractions include La Fortuna Falls, located in Arenal National Park. The waterfall has a height of 75 m, but the flow of water is not wide, so there are always a lot of swimmers at the foot. In addition, the place has become a favorite for those who prefer picnics in the wild. The place where the waterfall falls is surrounded by large stones. At its very foot, a cool and very clean lake formed.
Interestingly, the waterfall can be admired both from below and from above. A narrow path leads upstairs, and along with it you can not only walk but also ride a horse. Locals are happy to provide this opportunity to tourists.
The waterfall is used as an object of tourism infrastructure. At its base, there is an observation deck above, giving travelers the opportunity to enjoy fabulously beautiful views of the surrounding area. The site is safe, it is fenced with a strong mesh and stable railing.
Official website: http: //www.cataratalafortuna
7. Gold Museum (San Jose)
What to see in Costa Rica? Of course, the Museum of Gold. It is next to the Cathedral of San Jose. The exposition contains jewelry and religious objects made by Native American craftsmen. Among the exhibits, there are rarities made 500 years before the birth of Christ. In addition, exhibits dating back to the 16th century, when the Spaniards first appeared in the city, are of particular value. In total, the museum has approximately 2,000 exhibits.
There are household items, ritual figures, jewelry. Tourists are delighted with shields of pure gold, measuring the size of a man. Fabulous figures of birds conquer with a particularly delicate ornament.
At the same time, the museum is one of the saddest pages in the history of Costa Rica. The fact is that many jewelry and unique household items belonging to the indigenous population were simply transported by bullion conquistadors since it was more convenient to transport them to Spain. Something, however, has survived, so the museum is under the special protection of the state. This is one of Costa Rica's most famous cultural attractions.
Official website: https: // museosdelbancocentral
8. Tortuga Island
Thinking of what to visit in Costa Rica, you should not ignore the idyllic island of Tortuga, which is a place of pilgrimage for tourists from around the world. Of all the peninsulas and islands in Costa Rica, this one is the most desirable. At the same time, there are no hotels on it, and you cannot pitch tents here.
What attracts tourists there? The azure ocean and the sand of the beach are the main advantages of the island. In fact, Tortuga consists of two islands: Alcatraz and Tonga, but the name Turtle Island has taken root among the local population. The water here is not just pure, it has the color of sapphire.
On the island, you can endlessly enjoy the sun and sand or book a variety of excursions. One of the most favorite entertainments for tourists is a trip on a glass-bottom boat, which gives a happy opportunity to admire the beauties of the underwater world.
There are a lot of places where you can eat. Inexpensive and not crowded cafes are part of the tourist infrastructure. Tired of the sun, you can relax in a coconut grove in the blessed shade. The island is rocky, so in the 17th century, it served as a shelter for hunters-buccaneers.
9. Hot Springs (Tabacon)
The natural attractions that must be visited in Costa Rica include the hot springs in the resort of Tabacon. They are pools of various shapes with thermal water. The hotel itself promises luxurious service, which is enhanced by the extraordinary beauty of nature.
The water in the hottest pools has a temperature of 42 degrees Celsius. They are located closest to the Arenal volcano. In those pools that are located in the resort, the water has a temperature of not more than 27 degrees Celsius. As a rule, tourists move from one pool to another, which enhances the therapeutic effect of exposure to contrast temperature.
The history of the origin of these pools is interesting. Water is born in the clouds. This is nothing but rainwater falling into the crevices of the earth's crust. In the immediate vicinity of the Arenal volcano, water is pushed to the surface.
What do tourists see in the resort? There is much lush tropical vegetation, which does not at all make the impression of some wild thickets. The hotel has a staff of 50 people, whose responsibility is to care for the local green spaces. Well-groomed paths lined with beautiful plants lead from one pool to another. Tourists are surrounded by natural beauty ennobled by man.
10. Chirripo National Park (Cerro Chirripo)
The park is located at an altitude of 3820 meters above sea level. Staying in the park is very comfortable. There is always a pleasant coolness. The nature in the park is diverse, but tourists are most attracted to bonsai.
Translated, the name of the park means "eternal water." It comes from several mountain lakes scattered throughout the park.
Climbing to Chirripo Park is only possible on foot. The path is safe, but the path is long and tiring. However, overcoming it, you can enjoy the sunrise over the Caribbean.
Official website: http://www.sinac.go.cr/
Sights of Costa Rica: what else to visit while in Costa Rica
To say that excursions in Costa Rica is interesting is to say nothing because here tourists will get acquainted with truly exotic animals, monuments of ancient times and incredible beauty views. Our list will give you the opportunity to get at least a general idea of the best attractions so that later it is easy to decide where to go first and what to leave “for later”.
11. Zoo them. Simone Bolivar (San Jose)
The San Jose Zoo is one of Costa Rica's most iconic attractions. It was founded in 1919. For the entire time the zoo has been operating, the Ministry of Environmental Protection has paid special attention to ensuring that animals are kept in it in conditions as close to natural as possible.
Here you could see jaguars and lions that are not in cages but in cozy open-air cages. In total, the zoo is home to 400 species of different animals, fish, and birds, as well as an impressive collection of snakes. Moreover, in serpent atrium, there are especially rare snakes - multi-colored. The pride of the zoo has become a large collection of parrots, which also creates comfortable living conditions.
In 2013, the government intended to close the zoo. Minister of the Environment Rene Castro intended, in his words, "to awaken the Costa Rican ecological conscience." In particular, he stated that keeping animals in cages and cages is inhumane. The government's initiative was for all 400 species of fish, birds, and animals to be distributed in shelters or released into the wild.
However, his opponent was the director of the zoo Yolanda Matamoros. The woman sent fierce criticism of the minister, saying that the country does not have the means to distribute such a large number of animals at different points. She was especially indignant at the idea of releasing already domesticated animals into the wild.
Later, the idea came of turning the zoo into a botanical garden. However, it continues to function to this day. For tourists, this is one of the most interesting sites in the country.
12. Lake Arenal (90 km from San Jose)
The lake is located at an altitude of 600 meters above sea level. It is located next to the Arenal volcano, which is located on the southeast coast. In 1979, construction work was carried out on the dam of the local hydroelectric station. This triggered an almost threefold increase in water in the lake. At the same time, several local settlements were affected by flooding.
The area of the lake is 80 square kilometers. It is the largest freshwater reserve in the region. The lake provides water not only to San Jose but also to Guanacaste. Year-round for tourists in the lake area offers a wide variety of entertainment. Organized fishing or windsurfing are available here.
In addition, kayaking and boat trips are regularly held on the lake. For surfers, the lake is interesting in that there is a constant wind load. You can also go mountain biking around the lake.
13. Butterfly Farm (Puntarenas)
You can see butterflies of all kinds on a butterfly farm in Puntarenas province. This is one of those attractions that almost all tourists seek to see in Costa Rica. The trip to the farm is accompanied by a professional guide. You can listen to a whole story about each butterfly.
Accompanying people talk about how butterflies hatch from a cocoon and what living conditions they need. The farm is located in Monteverde Park. Tourists are expected to meet not only with colorful beautiful butterflies but also with many exotic plants.
The farm belongs to the undoubted sights of Costa Rica. Butterflies are grown here not only for scientific purposes. This is a real business, because such an original gift, like a butterfly in a box, is gaining more and more popularity around the world.
14. Monteverde National Park (Monteverde)
The province is located at an altitude of 1200 meters above sea level in the Cordillera. For tourists, this area is attractive with forests, which are always covered with fog. In them, you can admire the flora and fauna, not touched by man.
Monteverde National Park has become a natural landmark of Costa Rica and one of the most sought after destinations of popular eco-tourism. This biological reserve has over 400 species of birds and 100 species of mammals.
As for plants, there are more than two and a half thousand species. Along the entire park are hiking trails that are invisible at first glance. They are laid through thickets of forests, so wading through them is especially interesting.
In addition, the park has several suspension bridges from which you can admire the tops of trees, which are always covered with gray clouds.
15. Coconut Island (Puntarenas)
Of all the uninhabited islands in the Pacific, Coconut is the largest. It is 360 miles from the coast of the country. The fauna of the island is under protection; since 1997, the island of Cocos has been included in the list of UNESCO sites.
What is interesting for tourists in this natural attraction of Costa Rica? Of course, lush jungle, wading through which is a real adventure. In addition, the seabed near the island is dotted with volcanic rocks, on which algae fancifully meanders.
It is noteworthy that gold played a large role in the history of the island. In the 16th century, the soldiers of the Tauantinsuyu empire were armed with real gold swords, and the central square of the main city on the island was encircled by a huge chain also made of precious metal.
There is a legend according to which the disappeared Inca gold is hidden on this island. For example, August Gissler, a German explorer and founder of a colony on the island of Cocos, has been looking for this gold for 20 years. However, his searches were unsuccessful.
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