In every corner of this stunning jewel that is Costa Rica, there are breathtaking attractions and heart-stopping adventures to be experienced.
Planning your first vacation to Costa Rica? To get the most out of your trip, consider the sojourn a series of short and contained journeys, each distinct from each other. The lush rainforests of the central highlands are worlds apart from the dry cactus-studded hills of Guanacaste or the isolated beaches of the Osa Peninsula. But because of its size, roughly the size of West Virginia USA, it is easy to get from one region to another. The only hitch is that given the vast choices of activities, you might tire yourself doing it all. Read on for a list of things to do on your first vacation to Costa Rica. It is impossible to list the myriad attractions and adventures in Costa Rica but below are some of the most popular.
Life in the rainforest centers high above the ground on canopies (treetops). Experience a spellbinding thrill by sliding from tree platform to tree platform like Tarzan but safely attached in a harness on a thick cable. For the faint-hearted, get a monkey’s eye view of the surrounding jungle aboard a cable car that ascends at different levels in the canopy. The “skywalk” features high wire bridges between trees and above deep gorges.
Volcanoes are major attractions in Costa Rica. Famous for its nighttime displays of red hot lava, Arenal Volcano towers above a lovely lake. The area has plenty of natural activities and adventures. Take a dip at the nearby thermal springs. Head off to Poas Volcano whose crater is said to be the second largest active volcano crater in the world. The Irazu Volcano is the highest in Costa Rica. Marvel at the sight of its crater submerged in pea-green sulfur-laden water amidst a rugged cliff face. It is a sight that will forever be etched in your mind.
For the truly daring, whitewater rafting on the powerful rivers of Costa Rica is a thrill of a lifetime. Enjoy the awesome scenery and the formidable power of the Pacuare River while you steer the raft over deep gorges. There are well-guided trips suited for everyone from high adventure rafting to gentle or controlled rafting for novices. Other regional rivers offer challenging rides.
Unspoiled beaches await visitors on the coasts of Costa Rica. Take your pick from powdery white to ash-black sandy beaches. There are public beaches, secluded beaches, great surfing beaches, whatever you prefer, Costa Rica has them. The sandy beaches of Manuel Antonio are popular with beach aficionados. While in Manuel Antonio, explore the lush rainforest filled with monkeys and magnificent flora and fauna.
A must on any visitor’s itinerary is the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, resplendently enveloped in hanging clouds. This awe-inspiring panorama will surely take your breath away. That is not all, everyone journeys to Monteverde to get a glimpse of the quetzal, said to be Latin America’s most beautiful bird. The best time for a sighting is from March to May, its nesting season.
National parks and protected areas abound in Costa Rica. Tortuguero National Park lies on the edge of the Caribbean Sea. It contains a web of natural canals and lagoons that serve as waterways for boats. The park is also the nesting ground for the Atlantic green sea turtles. The virgin rainforest in Corcovado National Park covers more than half of the Osa peninsula. It is home to scarlet macaws and other wildlife. Adventure naturalists will love this place. The only coral reef on Costa Rica’s Caribbean coastline can be found in Cahuita National Park. Its other attractions include monkeys, raccoons and 500 fish species.
To know more about the rich history of Costa Rica, visit its many museums mostly located in San Jose, the capital city. The Gold Museum underneath the Plaza de la Cultura houses more than 2,000 pieces of pre-Columbian antiquities. On display at the Jade Museum are jaw-dropping pre-Columbian jade, gold and stone relics. The National Museum in the old Bellavista Fortress provides insightful lessons on the history and culture of Costa Rica.
There is so much more to do here. One visit to Costa Rica is never enough and once entranced by the magic this country exudes, you will keep coming back for more.