Make the most of these tropical environments with our list of must-sees in the land of “Pura Vida”.
Stroll through the streets of San José
Don’t be discouraged by tales of city chaos and pickpockets, under its chaotic guise the capital of Costa Rica retains an undiscovered charm that will make your stay unforgettable.
Head north to the historic Amón district and stroll among the Victorian-style buildings that were once owned by the coffee magnates, a strong sign of the colonial era that the country lived through. The Neoclassical National Theater , much loved in these parts, was born thanks to a car tax imposed by the coffee magnates themselves. The theater that houses a nice bar where you can relax and sip a cup of the traditional “grain de oro”.
Also in the area are the Jade Museum (which houses the largest collection of American jade in the world) and the Pre-Columbian Gold Museum (a brilliant display of the heritage of the indigenous people of Central America).
End the day in the “Lungs” of San José (so called by the Joséfinos, the inhabitants of San José) in the Sabana Park. What used to be the city’s main airport until 1955 is now a green oasis bordering the urban landscape, complete with an ice rink, pedal boats for hire on the lake, and merchants selling spicy green mango slices. Go on weekends and join the morning outdoor aerobics sessions.
Visit to the volcano
Depending on the degree of interest in the lava, it may be a relief or a disappointment to know that the Arenal volcano, one of many in Costa Rica and in the past the most active of all, has not recorded eruptions since 2010.
A young volcano by normal standards, this 7,500-year-old fracture of the Earth’s crust is likely resting a little. A volcano located in a beautiful scenery of 12,124 hectares of the National Park, able to offer a splendid adventure to all lovers of hiking.
A circuit-like path with 16 bridges (6 of which are suspended above the dense jungle) will allow you to cross the park. Look up… you will be able to see 850 different bird species flying overhead!
For adrenaline-pumping experiences, you can try your hand at white water rafting , abseiling on the waterfall or join the fun on the rope with the Canopy Tour .
You will be rewarded for your courage at the end of the day. Natural hot springs are the result of geothermal activity and come in different shapes and sizes, ranging from hot to cold springs lit up at night, some have water slides and water bars.
Discover the underground caves
Not far from the Arenal there are the Venado Caves , discovered by some hunters in 1942, able to give strong emotions to all caving enthusiasts!
Delve below the earth’s surface and bend down through ancient caves that date back to 5 million years ago, caves frequented by bats where you can closely observe the fossil marine life and shells protruding from the walls, left here by the sea that in the past covered these places. Once you have crossed the sea level, a small stream will accompany you along the promenade; don’t count on staying dry.
More experienced speleologists, looking for challenges, should head for the less elaborate but more difficult caves of the Barra Honda National Park in the Guanacaste province.
Navigate the Tortuguero canals
If you like to cruise on calm waters and explore places in peace with the sounds of the rainforest as a backdrop, you will be amazed by the Tortuguero National Park along the Caribbean coast.
Accessible only by boat or plane, this protected reserve is home to 11 different habitats that include lagoons, swamps, beaches and mangrove forests. Take a boat ride and let yourself be led by a guide who will help you spot wildlife or lead the kayak along lush canals.
Counting on the 5% total biodiversity of the planet with only 0.3% of the world’s continental mass, Costa Rica is also a world leader in ecological tourism. Book a bungalow at an eco-friendly residence to fully explore this distant forest.
For many, the main attractions of this place are the clumsy yet elegant creatures that give the park its name, the hundreds of sea turtles that make their nests on the beach from July to October. If you are passing through 60/80 days later, you might even be lucky enough to admire the little ones running towards the shores of the ocean!
Become a coffee expert
Coffee lovers and foodies in general will be happy to find numerous farms across the country that can provide guided tours of their plantations.
La Finca Rosa Blanca is committed to producing shade grown coffee, organic coffee, environmentally sustainable, and his peasants, will be more than happy to show live their hard work. A true coffee expert will take you on a tour of the fields, explaining everything about the process of planting and roasting the house before offering you a “catación” (a tasting in… cup).
For those less fond of caffeine, we recommend a visit to Villa Vanilla . Also founded on highly organic principles, this farm specializes in the cultivation of vanilla, cinnamon, cocoa, curcumin, black pepper and other tropical spices. The tour also includes a taste of really tasty delicacies (just think of the vanilla cheesecake and cinnamon tea), prepared on the same farm with fresh artisan products.
Camping in Corcovado
The hub of the frenzied gold rush in the mid-20th century, the Osa Peninsula is now one of the most peaceful places in all of Costa Rica. Home to 13 ecosystems, Corcovado National Park, the largest in the country comprising a third of the peninsula, Osa is synonymous with natural paradise.
Head towards the park and prepare your camping trip passing by La Llorona (the crybaby), a waterfall that makes its heavy “tears” fall on the beach or, alternatively, play tapir hunting next to Corcovado Lake. A horseback ride along the trails is highly recommended.
To see the aquatic life, head to Drake Bay and off these waters you can spot dolphins and whales . The humpback whales make their appearances from December to March and from July to November but the very nice dolphins can be seen at any time of the year.
Learn more about Costa Rica and its internationally renowned beaches on the momondo blog .
