When people think about Costa Rica, their minds often turn to the myriad of natural attractions which make this land so special. Volcanoes, beaches, cloud forests, and wildlife are just some of the reasons why people flock to this part of the world. Though it is challenging to whittle down the myriad of attractions to just five, in this article, we have given it a go. Make sure to put these things on your itinerary when you are travelling to this part of the world.
Arenal Volcano (Volcan Arenal)
Reaching a height of 1,633 meters, Arenal Volcano sits in the middle of a stunning national park, and if you were asked to draw a picture of a volcano before coming, it may look something like this with its conical shape and ash spewing out from the top. It remained dormant for thousands of years until a huge eruption in 1968 destroyed two villages. Since that date, it has been a hive of regular activity. Another reason to visit this area is the wide range of biodiversity in the surrounding area.
Monteverde and the Cloud Forests
We have covered volcanos and next up on the list of natural wonders are the Cloud Forests. You don’t have to venture too far off the clearly defined paths to see a wide array of plants and wildlife. There are plenty of organized hikes and canopy tours which give you the chance to see everything from colourful birds to big cats. The nearby conurbations of Monteverde and Santa Elena are both popular tourist areas.
San Jose
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So far, we have just talked about natural wonders, but Costa Rica also has some interesting cities which are also worth a visit. The bustling city of San Jose is where you can find the country’s finest museums and public squares. Take a look at Courtyard San Jose Escazu if you are looking for some accommodation in the area. The 19th century National Theatre is often considered to be the most impressive of buildings and is certainly worth a visit.
Manuel Antonio National Park
Looking back to national parks, Manuel Antonio is considered by many to be one of the nation’s finest. Beaches, forestry, and wildlife make up the park, while the eponymous town that the park is named after makes an ideal base. You can either take a guided tour through the area or venture out on your own. Either way, you will no doubt spot plenty of beautiful creatures.
Dominical
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In many ways, Dominical is the ultimate backpacker’s haven. Packed with small dusty roads, affordable accommodation, and stunning sandy beaches, you will probably have a hard time leaving! Of course, if you come with more money in your budget, there are also plenty of high-end options where you will often be able to enjoy some exclusive wildlife experiences.
As you can see, Costa Rica is a diverse and beautiful country, and anyone who travels here will be richly rewarded.
