The natural splendor of Costa Rica is home to wildlife, beaches, cloud forests, and volcanoes. This nation appeals to luxury tourists and birdwatchers just as much as it does to surfers and backpackers.
The best museums, picturesque squares, and cultural attractions in the nation are found in the bustling metropolis of San Jose. Still, the real gems are found outside the capital in forests, tiny coastal towns, and villages.
The Pacific Coast is lined with endless lengths of sand and little communities that appeal to surfers and sunbathers. Guanacaste province in Costa Rica is thought to be the ideal destination for stunning beaches and coastal villages.
The highlands in the interior, blanketed in forest, provide their adventures, including ziplining over volcanoes and waterfalls and incredible wildlife sightings. Even though there is wildlife all around the country, those who want to see animals usually travel to the lush south. Some of the best spots to explore for wildlife are south of Jaco, down to the Osa Peninsula.
Mal Pais and Santa Teresa
The Nicoya Peninsula’s Mal Pais is a coastal region with excellent waves that draw surfers worldwide. The primary attraction in the region is the town of Santa Teresa. Still, many settlements and beaches, including Mal Pais and Manzanillo, run along the Mal Pais.
Today, the neighborhood is a mixture of travelers, surfers who never made it out, and tourists who regret not booking a more extended trip. Compared to locations like Dominical, the region is trendier, has a more vibrant nightlife, and has become an elite destination.
Jaco
Anyone seeking to leave San Jose but still desire the conveniences and advantages of a larger town or city should consider Jaco. There is a large, attractive, and lively beach here.
The swimming and surfing are excellent, and the waves are smaller than in other places along this stretch of shore. Jaco differs from the other coastal communities along this stretch of the Pacific Ocean by having contemporary residences and businesses, a wide range of excellent dining options and lodging options, and other contemporary comforts that have made it a favorite choice among ex-pats and retirees.
San Jose is only around a two-hour trip from Jaco. This is a simple place to get to if you are arriving in San Jose and want to leave the city immediately but want to drive quickly on your first day. You can also make this your base and take day trips to surround beaches and attractions.
Monteverde and the Cloud Forests
One of the best areas to travel in Costa Rica for ecotourism is the cloud forests around Monteverde and Santa Elena. This is undoubtedly the spot to go if you are eager to get close to nature and observe unusual plants and fauna without going too far off the beaten path.
The moisture required to maintain the region’s distinctive habitats is provided by the clouds that blanket these trees. The Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve and the Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve support a variety of animals, amphibians, and reptiles, while many visitors only come for bird-watching. Watch out for howler monkeys and colorful frogs. More elusive animals are jaguars and pumas. One of the finest ways to see the forest is on a guided hike. Another choice is canopy excursions, including cable cars, zip lines, and bridges.
The two main tourist destinations in the area are Monteverde and Santa Elena, which both include lodging, dining options, and even shops and art galleries. Bus travel time to this location, northwest of San Juan, is approximately four hours. Bring thick clothing because it can get chilly here.
Tortuguero National Park
Visitors may visit Tortuguero National Park on the Caribbean Coast for something unique and off the main road. One of the wettest regions in the nation, this location is only reachable by boat or plane and provides something unique to the rest of Costa Rica. As a result of the park’s significance as a green sea turtle nesting area, the primary activity here is observing turtles.
Despite the abundance of beaches, swimming is not recommended in the coastal area due to the rough surf and strong currents. Sharks are widespread. On the beaches overnight, hundreds or perhaps thousands of green and leatherback turtles can be seen breeding and laying eggs (guides are required). The number of turtle nests in the area has increased due to recent conservation measures.
Monkeys, sloths, and kinkajous can all be seen on hiking routes or boats traveling along the canals. Tapirs and peccaries are also present but more elusive. It’s also typical to see freshwater turtles, lizards, snakes, frogs, toads, and other amphibians.
Osa Peninsula and Corcovado National Park
Beyond Dominic’s gorgeous beaches in southern Costa Rica are the isolated Osa Peninsula and Corcovado National Park.
The park, created in 1975, safeguards what is regarded as Central America’s best remaining section of the Pacific coastal rainforest. It has a vast route network and is well-liked by tourists who like to go on long hikes.
Diving, snorkeling, and fishing are other popular pursuits in the area besides surfing. The central town in the region is Puerto Jiménez, and Drake Bay is home to several upscale lodges.
Tortuguero National Park
Visitors might travel to Tortuguero National Park on the Caribbean Coast if they want something unique and off the main path. This region is one of the wettest in the nation and is only reachable by boat or plane. It provides something unique compared to the rest of Costa Rica. Turtle watching is the primary activity in the park since it serves as a significant green sea turtle nesting area.
Despite the abundance of beaches, swimming is not recommended in the coastal area due to the rough surf and strong currents. Sharks are widespread. On the beaches overnight, hundreds or perhaps thousands of green and leatherback turtles can be seen breeding and laying eggs (guides are required). The number of turtle nests in the area has increased due to recent conservation measures.
Monkeys, sloths, and kinkajous can all be seen on hiking routes or boats traveling along the canals. Tapirs and peccaries are also present but more elusive. It’s also typical to see freshwater turtles, lizards, snakes, frogs, toads, and other amphibians.
The National Theater in San Jose
The National Theater, regarded as the most impressive in San José, is a source of pride for Costa Ricans. The governing coffee barons approved a levy on coffee exports in the 1890s to pay for the theater’s construction, and European artisans were brought in to create the building’s design.
The building, finished in 1897, has a traditional Renaissance columned façade topped by statues representing Fame, Music, and Dance. Allegorical representations of Comedy and Tragedy and painted murals illustrating topics from Costa Rican culture may be found inside the pink marble lobby.