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Costa Rica is a travel destination that attracts thousands of tourists every year in search of adventure, spectacular scenery and authentic encounters with nature and local people. If you are looking for an unforgettable trip, here are some ideas to plan your stay in Costa Rica.
Rent a car to get around more easily
Above all, if you want to explore Costa Rica at your own pace and be free to move around, we advise you to rent a 4×4 car rental Costa Rica. This will allow you to discover remote places that are difficult to access by public transportation. Moreover, the country’s roads are relatively well maintained and driving is quite easy.
However, it should be noted that car rental in Costa Rica can be expensive. It is therefore important to compare offers and make reservations to get the best possible rates. It is also recommended that you take out comprehensive insurance to be covered in case of accident or theft.
Once you have a car, you can explore the country without constraints. We recommend you to visit Monteverde, a city perched in the clouds where you can go for a walk in the rainforest; or the Tortuguero National Park on the Caribbean coast, famous for its marine turtles that come to lay their eggs every year.
Explore the national parks
Costa Rica is an incredibly biodiverse country. It is home to more than 5% of the world’s biodiversity, with a wide variety of ecosystems ranging from tropical rainforests to mangroves to active volcanoes. To discover this natural wealth, simply visit one of the country’s many national parks.
Among the most famous parks are Manuel Antonio National Park, which offers beautiful beaches as well as hiking trails in the rainforest, Corcovado National Park, which is home to exceptional wildlife (tapirs, jaguars, howler monkeys…), or Arenal Volcano National Park, where you can observe one of the most active volcanoes in the world.
Relax on the beaches
Costa Rica also has beautiful beaches on both coasts. Whether you’re looking to surf, swim or just relax in the sun, there’s a beach for you. Some of the most popular beaches include
- Playa Tamarindo on the Pacific coast, famous for its festive atmosphere
- Playa Conchal, considered one of the most beautiful beaches in the country
- Puerto Viejo on the Caribbean coast, which offers a relaxed atmosphere and easy access to coral reefs.
Discover the local culture
Costa Rica is also a country rich in tradition and history. To discover its unique local culture, you should visit its indigenous villages where several indigenous communities still live today. You can also attend local festivals such as the National Coffee Festival or the Festival of Saint Patron Santiago.
The traditional Costa Rican cuisine is also worth a visit. Typical dishes include gallo pinto (rice and red beans), ceviche (a dish made from marinated raw fish) and empanadas (small filled turnovers).
Practice adventure activities
If you’re an adrenaline junkie, Costa Rica is the perfect place to enjoy all kinds of extreme sports activities such as whitewater rafting in the Pacuare River, considered one of the best in the world for this activity; zip-lining through the lush canopy of the rainforest; or climbing the Arenal volcano.
Stay in an ecological hotel
Finally, if you want to contribute to sustainable tourism while enjoying your stay in Costa Rica, we recommend that you choose an environmentally friendly accommodation. Costa Rica is a world leader in sustainable tourism and has several certified eco-friendly establishments that use renewable energy and actively support local communities.
Discover the central region of Costa Rica
If you are looking to discover a different side of Costa Rica, we recommend you visit the central region of the country. This part of the country is less touristy than the Pacific beaches or the Nicoya Peninsula, but it offers spectacular national parks, active volcanoes and lush nature.
Arenal National Park is one of the most famous in the region. It is home to the eponymous volcano, which is one of the most active volcanoes in Central America. You can enjoy the fascinating spectacle of its eruptions from a safe vantage point or by hiking the marked trails in the surrounding rainforest.
The central region also has several other national parks such as Manuel Antonio National Park and Corcovado National Park where you can observe exceptional fauna (tapirs, jaguars, howler monkeys…) as well as a varied and colorful flora.
Finally, if you are looking for a beautiful beach in this region, do not miss Playa Jaco on the Pacific coast. This beach is very popular with surfers thanks to its impressive waves and festive atmosphere.
All in all, the central region of Costa Rica offers a unique journey between nature and culture with its spectacular national parks, active volcanoes and heavenly beaches. If you want to get off the beaten track and live an authentic experience in Costa Rica, this region is definitely worth adding to your itinerary.
