5 Reasons to Travel to Costa Rica

Costa Rica is one of the most popular destinations in Central America because there are beautiful beaches, a spectacular rainforest, and incredible wildlife. It is best for travelers who love nature and outdoor activities. We share 5 reasons to travel to Costa Rica.

Reason #1: The Waterfalls:

Costa Rica is home to breathtaking waterfalls. Swimming in the natural bright blue pool under the waterfall is an experience you won’t ever forget.

La Fortuna Waterfall:

The most famous one is called the La Fortuna Waterfall. This Tripadvisor adventure will take you to the Arenal Volcano, La Fortuna Waterfall, and hot springs.

Rio Celeste Waterfall:

 Rio Celeste is another incredible waterfall to visit. This tour will take you to the beautiful waterfall pictured above and a sloth sanctuary.

Reason #2: The Activities:

There is no shortage of things to do in Costa Rica, especially if you are an adrenaline seeker. You can go waterfall rappelling, white water rafting, visit volcanoes, zip lining, snorkeling, relax in hot springs, fishing, kayaking, paddle boarding, surfing, hiking, cave spelunking, and horseback riding. The country offers endless opportunities to get your heart pumping. Keeping yourself busy will not be a problem!

A. Waterfall Rappelling–

Pure Trek Canyoning has professional tour guides that provide safety tips, instructions, and equipment on your waterfall rappelling adventure. All you have to do is relax and enjoy the beautiful trails and spectacular views.

B. Hot Springs-

The mineral-laden waters of the hot springs in Costa Rica have therapeutic benefits. The hot springs have cured aches and pains for over 200 years, and the mystical healing is said to work. There are eight hot springs in the Arenal area. The Arenal Hot Springs, shown in the photo above, is one of the eight. The Rio Negro Hot Springs, naturally heated by the largest volcano in the Guanacaste region, is super relaxing. Another great place to visit hot springs is Los Lagunas, which offers two acres of multi-level pools. Eight have natural mineral water, while the remaining four are chlorinated pools.

C. White Water Rafting or Water Tubing-

There is a white-water rafting experience for all. If you want a more relaxing float down the river or an adrenaline-filled, fast-paced experience, there is an adventure for your needs. Costa Rica has got you covered.

D. Zip Lining-

Did you know? Almost anyone at any age and physical condition can enjoy zip-lining in Costa Rica, as you will be secured into a harness and attached to a sturdy cable. Zip-lining through the Costa Rican Rainforest will give you the experience of a lifetime, as you will get a bird’s eye view of the lively forest below.

E. Snorkeling/ Scuba Diving–

The best places to go scuba diving in Costa Rica are off the Pacific Coast, where you can see some of the largest animals in the sea, like whale sharks, dolphins, sea turtles, and the occasional humpback whale. The Gondola Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge is the best spot for diving on the Caribbean Coast. You can swim with sharks in a “shark cave” where you can see white-tip sharks 50 feet deep.

F. Kayaking/ Paddle Boarding–

Kayaking and paddle boarding are great ways to get out on the water. The best beach to kayak at is Samara Beach due to the calm, relaxing water.

G. Surfing–

Tamarindo Beach is the best spot to surf for beginners.

H. Fishing–

Enjoy off-shore sport fishing, where you can catch everything from tuna to sailfish to prepare for your dinner.

I. Cave Spelunking–

In 1945, a farmer fell through a hole in the earth. The farmer discovered a chamber full of stalactites and stalagmites. This cavern is now known as the Venado Caves, an underground maze filled with limestone labyrinth carved by underground rivers.

J. Horseback Riding–

What better way to explore Costa Rica than on a horse? Traverse the misty mountainside or go horseback riding along the beach.

K. Biking–

You can go biking through the charming rural villages or the mountains, jungles, and volcanos. 

Reason #3: The Beaches:

Costa Rica is home to world-class beaches on two coasts: the Pacific and the Caribbean. The Caribbean coast is more laidback and less developed. The beaches on the Pacific coast are more touristy. You will find pristine beaches on both coasts and activities along them. Costa Rica is known for its surfing.

A. Tamarindo Beach:

Tamarindo Beach is perfect for beginner surfers. Langosta white sand beach is also worth a visit.

B. Dominical Beach–

Dominical Beach on the South Pacific coast is also well known as one of the best places to go surfing. The beach offers a year-round lifeguard program.

C. Conchal Beach–

The best beach to visit and snorkel at is Conchal Beach. Do not forget to bring your snorkeling gear!

D. Samara Beach:

The best beach to kayak and sport fishing is in the calm waters off Samara Beach.

E. Punta Uva:

Punta Uva is a quiet and calm white sand beach on the Caribbean Coast of Costa Rica. There is a coral reef on this beach, so there will be tropical fish to go and see for yourself! Again, do not forget your underwater camera and snorkel gear!

F. Manzanillo Beach-

This laidback, turquoise beach is home to coral reefs, where you can snorkel, dive, or kayak.

Reason #4: The Natural Beauty:

Costa Rica has a diverse landscape to discover because you can see volcanos, rainforests, jungles, beaches, waterfalls, and mountains. The landscapes are magnificent, and the country preserves and protects their natural beauty.

A. Volcanoes-

Costa Rica is home to 100 volcanoes. Seven volcanoes are active today. An active volcano means the volcano has erupted in the last 10,000 years. The five must-see volcanoes are Arenal Volcano, Poas Volcano, Rincon de la Vieja Volcano, and Irazu Volcano.

B. Costa Rica Jungle & Mangrove Tours:

Hiking and kayaking are ways to explore the jungle in Costa Rica. Tortuguero National Park is primarily known for the sea turtles that come to shore; however, there are mangrove waterways with jungle undergrowth you can go kayaking through. The best place to go hiking in the jungle is Corcovado National Park.

C. Rainforest Destinations:

51% of Costa Rica is a rainforest. These numbers have declined due to deforestation.

What is a Rainforest? A rainforest is a tropical forest with tall trees and heavy year-round rainfall. Colorful flora and Guanacaste trees in the rainforest are exquisite. There are over 10,000 species of plants.

Manuel Antonio National Park has the best beach in all of Costa Rica. It takes about 30 minutes to hike from the entrance through the rainforest to Manuel Antonio Beach.

Other: The best rainforest destinations include Piedras Blancas National Park, Carara National Park, and Cahuita National Park.

Reason #5: The Wildlife:

Costa Rica is the most biodiverse country in the world. You will be amazed by the amount of wildlife you will see when you visit. Costa Rica is home to more than 230 species of mammals. You will see sloths lounging, monkeys swinging from branches, iguanas everywhere, brightly colored tree frogs, and more. Did you know? There are six toucan species in Costa Rica. They only eat fruit. Spotting wild animals in Costa Rica is bound to happen to you.

We listed 5 reasons to travel to Costa Rica! Have you ever been to Costa Rica? Please comment below about your experience!

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