Covering 51,100 km², Costa Rica is a country of strikingly diverse landscapes. More than 30% of its territory is blanketed in tropical rainforest, while it also boasts mountainous zones, volcanoes and paradisiacal beaches – stretching along the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean… Outdoor activities, unique experiences, endemic wildlife, encounters with the ticos and ecotourism: here are 5 reasons to travel to Costa Rica!

1. Traveling to Costa Rica and Exploring Its Landscapes Perfect for Outdoor Activities

Mountainous zones and volcanoes: trekking
   

Costa Rica boasts several mountain ranges and numerous volcanoes, making it an ideal destination for trekkers and nature lovers! Among the trekking zones, you'll find:

The Guanacaste Cordillera: located in northern Costa Rica, this volcanic chain is home to several stratovolcanoes, including Orosí volcano and the active Rincón de la Vieja volcano (also renowned for its fumaroles and hot springs).

The Central Cordillera: situated east of the capital San José, this mountainous zone (which shelters Irazú volcano) is split into two distinct sections: the crater sector and the Prussia sector. The first is dedicated to trekking through volcanic landscapes dotted with cavities and lagoons. The second is devoted to forest hiking, featuring a 16-kilometer trail with eucalyptus-scented air.

The Talamanca Cordillera: located in the southern part of the country, this mountainous zone is home to Cerro Chirripó. Standing at over 3,800 meters altitude, it is Costa Rica's highest peak! This part of the country features several emblematic hikes, such as the Trans Talamanca Trek.

Paradisiacal beaches: surfing and scuba diving spots

Bordered by the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea, Costa Rica also boasts magnificent beaches, alternately renowned for their festive atmosphere, pristine coastline or water sports activities.

For surfers? Costa Rica offers exceptional surfing spots! Among them are Playa Grande and Playa Naranjo (both famous for their perfect waves), as well as Salsa Brava – the legendary reef-break in Limón…

Thanks to its biodiversity – and coral reefs – Costa Rica's waters are among the most sought-after destinations for divers and snorkeling enthusiasts. Among its most beautiful underwater sites? Discover the Papagayo Gulf, Marino Ballena National Park, Samara Beach or Caño Island (located 20 km from Drake Bay).

Lush nature: jungle walks at the heart of the rainforest

Costa Rica is home to over 10,000 plant species across its lands! During your forest excursions, you'll have the chance to observe, among others, centuries-old trees within mangrove forests, as well as the majestic El Ceibo or the extraordinary rainbow eucalyptus…

2. Visiting Its "Open-Air Zoo" or THE Reason to Travel to Costa Rica

Thanks to its diverse landscapes, Costa Rica is home to exceptional fauna, worthy of the greatest safaris! Often nicknamed the "open-air zoo," the country allows you to encounter (non-exhaustive list):

-       birds: quetzal (the mythical bird of the country), hummingbird, toucan, parrot, etc.

-       reptiles: caiman, crocodile, iguana, turtle, etc.

-       terrestrial mammals: numerous monkey species, ocelot, sloth, peccary, jaguar, tapir, etc.

-       numerous amphibians and insects.

Due to its geographic location (and favorable climate), Costa Rica is also a prime spot for observing marine mammals:

-       humpback whale;

-       pilot whale;

-       orca;

-       bull shark;

-       dolphin.

3. Experiencing Unique Adventures in Its Wild Nature

Walking through the canopy

Costa Rica has about thirty national parks on its territory, some of which are equipped with gigantic walkways erected within the canopy! Thanks to these suspended bridges (at treetop level), visitors can observe wildlife from new perspectives; spot, here and there, species imperceptible on ground trails…

Among the parks equipped with suspended bridges? Selvatura Park (8 bridges), Mistico Arenal Park (6 bridges), Sky Adventures Arenal Park (6 bridges) or Sky Adventures Monteverde Park (5 bridges). Most of these sites are additionally equipped with suspension swings, zip-lines, adventure courses, etc.

Bathing in natural hot springs

With their 116 volcanoes, Costa Rican lands are dotted with numerous hot springs! These thermal waters are natural formations, located near waterfalls or rivers, more or less warmed by volcanic sources.

The northwestern region is one of the main zones for natural pools. You'll find them notably near Arenal volcano (which heats the Tabacón river), as well as around the Rincón de la Vieja, Miravalles and Monteverde volcanoes.

Temperature variations are very significant depending on the location of the pools, as well as the water's composition. Ranging around 30-50°C, hot springs promote relaxation and well-being.

Becoming a coffee expert

Costa Rica is renowned worldwide for the quality of its coffee (produced largely in the Central Valley and highlands). During your visit, discover its production by visiting a finca – an agricultural farm! A walk through a coffee plantation, harvesting coffee cherries, drying and tasting: "black gold" will hold no secrets for you after visiting a plantation…

 4. Discovering the Kindness of the Ticos

Another asset of Costa Rica is the kindness of its locals! Renowned for their unfailing good humor, Costa Ricans (locally nicknamed ticos) are always happy to help and guide visitors. Their favorite expression? Pura vida! It often punctuates their sentences and has many meanings. It can, for example, be used both to greet someone or to thank them… Whatever its meaning, it always expresses a feeling of joy!

5. Traveling to Costa Rica and Practicing Ecotourism

If the country is so rich in wonders, it's not solely due to its geographic location and natural resources: but because Costa Rica is one of the pioneers in environmental protection! Concretely? Local authorities work to preserve natural resources while deploying sustainable infrastructure. These actions enable tourism development while safeguarding nature.

According to the IUCN Green List (International Union for Conservation of Nature), Costa Rica has 165 protected areas – covering 28% of its land area and 2.6% of its marine area! To contribute to this cause, choose local agencies and establishments committed to protecting Costa Rica's environment and culture.