Costa Rica: a tropical paradise

Costa Rica is one of the few remaining paradises, where untouched landscapes meet tropical beaches. The terrain is dramatic, with forests, coastal routes and mountains. However, with so much to see and do in Costa Rica, it can be difficult to decide. Here we have compiled a list of the top activities to do in this beautiful country.

Visit Drake Bay

Thanks to the tropical climate and it’s stunning coastline, Costa Rica has plenty of coves and bays that are worth visiting. The most famous of these is Drake Bay. This is actually located in one of the more isolated parts of Costa Rica but is well worth the trip there. If you love nature and are looking for something relaxing, Drake Bay will have plenty to offer. In fact, the bay is the must do in Costa Rica, if you need something a little quieter and off the beaten track. Here you can try your hand at scuba diving, as the bay has built its reputation on offering some of the best diving in Costa Rica. From here, you can head out to the island of Cano, thirteen kilometers from the coast. This a protected marine site, where it is illegal to fish. There are plenty of opportunities to see the marine life up close, including rarer fishes and corals. If you are lucky, you can also see the migration of humpback whales if you time your visit correctly. You may want to venture away from the beach at some point, so it is highly recommended that you visit La Llorona waterfalls or the Osa wildlife sanctuary. These are beautiful to visit and a real treat to do in Costa Rica.

The Arenal Volcano and what you must do in Costa Rica

The Arenal volcano is one of the most famous sites in all of Costa Rica. Here you can indulge in many activities. There are plenty of observation points where you can gaze over the landscape. The Sky Tram will take you up to 4100 feet where you can see the rainforest canopy all around the base of the volcano. This is one of the most breathtaking things to do in Costa Rica and should not be missed. Even if heights are not your thing, it is well worth it to see the terrain of the country from up high. For those who are a little more adventurous, you can try ziplining which takes you directly over the tree canopy. If this does not tickle your fancy, there are plenty of bridges and walkways which allow you to see the Arenal volcanic area. There are often tours which provide informative talks on the wildlife of this region, which is one of the cooler things to do in Costa Rica. You can begin to appreciate the might and majesty of the volcano and the variety of animal and plant life around it. There are also hot springs, due to the volcanic activity in the area, if you fancy something altogether more relaxing.

Visit San Jose

The capital also offers plenty to do in Costa Rica. It is fast becoming a hot travel destination and is becoming more and more adapted to tourists. The architecture of the city clearly demonstrates European influences, from the National Theater to the vast array of museums. If the architecture piques your interest, you can also see Casa Amarilla. This is one of the more interesting things to do in Costa Rica, as you can see the colonial influences in the building. You can also find a rather curious piece of the Berlin Wall in the garden. There is also a rather large tree in front of the building, which was planted by none other than John F Kennedy. The building is not open to visitors as it is now home to the ministry of foreign affairs.The city, whilst being large and crowded, also has plenty of spaces where you can breathe. The Parque Metropolitano La Sabana is an enormous green space and has plenty of paths and lawns where you can stop to people watch.

More to do in Costa Rica

There is plenty more to see and do in Costa Rica. You might want to visit an animal sanctuary, of which there are many. One of the best is the Jaguar Rescue Centre, although it does not house jaguars but rather wildcats, owls, monkeys, parrots and other native wildlife. Another exciting thing to do in Costa Rica is to visit one of the many waterfalls. El Chorro is the most famous, with a beautiful beach nearby, thanks to it’s proximity to the Pacific Ocean. There is also the Rio Celeste waterfall, which has a beautiful turquoise color thanks to its chemical makeup.

For more information on traveling to Costa Rica, please visit Exoticca for details.