Costa Rica is a popular destination in Central America as it is cheap, has great weather, beautiful beaches, and friendly locals. If you’re considering a visit, here are some spots to add to your must-see list.
Puerto Viejo
On the Caribbean coast near Panama lies Puerto Viejo, which has excellent beaches for surfing and an overall party atmosphere. There are things happening most nights in the town, but it’s also easy to find a quiet beach to relax, depending on your mood. There’s also a jaguar rescue centre here, that rehabilitates various wildlife (not just jaguars) to release back into the wild.
Cahuita
This tiny town shares its name with a national park located an hour north of Puerto Viejo. This is far less of a party spot and is better suited to those who like hiking, swimming, or surfing. If you like getting active on your holidays, then Cahuita is for you!
Tortuguero
Tortuguero is a huge rainforest and national park spanning over 77,000 acres. It features a series of rivers and canals and significant numbers of turtles that nest along the shoreline. You will likely see them if you visit in April and May, but the national park is wonderful to see just about any time of year.
Corcovado
Another national park, Corcovado, is found on the remote Osa Peninsula and is the largest park in the country. It’s a bit off-the-beaten-path so can be tricky to get to, but if you do make the effort then expect stunning deserted beaches and lots of marine life. It’s undoubtedly worth the trek to see this practically untouched and serene area.
Arenal
The Arenal volcano is just one of Costa Rica’s many volcanoes, and it erupts every now and then, meaning you can actually get to see lava flowing down the volcano. There’s also a beautiful waterfall nearby, you can go caving, rafting, and be sure to take a visit to the famous hot springs.
Manuel Antonio
This popular beach destination can be found on the Pacific Coast, offering white-sand beaches and a national park to explore. There are loads of secluded beaches, and you will likely see many native monkeys too!
Monteverde
Bird watchers will have a field day in the green jungles near Monteverde, home of the rare quetzal birds. As one of the largest eco-tourism hubs in the country, Monteverde offers plenty to do including a zip-line adventure through the tree canopy and sky bridges.
Whether you prefer your holidays to consist of relaxation or adventure, Costa Rica has something for everyone. Hire a car and get exploring! It’s also a great place to see wildlife that you don’t ordinarily see!