What characterizes Costa Rica?
Costa Rica, although located right by the sea, is a mountainous country dominated by three mountain ranges: the Cordillera de Guanacaste, the Cordillera de Talamanca and the Cordillera Central. In this extraordinary country, you can find many still active volcanoes, which are an interesting tourist attraction and give the landscape a fairy-tale character. Thanks to its location on the Caribbean Sea, Costa Rica is distinguished by beautiful beaches, which enjoy unflagging popularity. A photo taken in such an extraordinary setting will remind you of a sunny summer all year round.
The element that constitutes the true treasure of Costa Rica is its wild nature – primeval, mysterious and truly magnetic. Its diversity results from its geographical location, between North and South America. It is an ideal travel destination for adventure seekers, nature lovers and all those who want to feel the atmosphere of this extraordinary land. It is also worth visiting to see the plantations of Arabica coffee, popular all over the world. The areas of fertile soil, especially in the Tarrazú province, are an excellent place to grow the highest quality beans, which can be seen in local cafes.
This extraordinary Central American country, located on the beautiful Caribbean Sea, has enjoyed unflagging popularity among visitors for years. It is a magical land, full of interesting history and tradition. A particularly appreciated element of this fabulous place is the nature present in every corner.
Top 10 attractions recommended by a travel agency CARTER ®
San Jose – a capital at the crossroads of modernity and extraordinary tradition
Costa Rica is a small country that, before the arrival of Europeans, was the homeland of the indigenous Indians. In 1502, Christopher Columbus first landed on this unknown land and named it "Costa Rica," or "rich coast," inspired by popular legends about hidden gold that was supposed to be there. Today, in Costa Rica's larger and smaller cities, you can see a harmonious blend of beautiful tradition and modernity. In the capital, especially in its center, the modern character is evident in the presence of prestigious business hotels, a convention center, shopping malls, trendy restaurants, and numerous places related to culture and entertainment.
Due to the region's unique history and its extraordinary heritage, it is worth getting to know the true treasures of Costa Rica, which remind us of the Indians who lived in these areas in pre-Columbian times. The symbols of these lands are primarily objects related to religion and worship, made of gold - masks, jewelry and decorative ornaments. Although many people know them from photos and films, it is worth seeing their exceptional beauty in person by visiting the National Museum.
National Museum of San Jose – an encounter with local culture
It is a good idea to start your adventure in Costa Rica by getting to know the local culture in San José, the country's capital. It is there that you can feel how modernity, history and tradition work together harmoniously. Costa Rica is a small country that, before the arrival of Europeans, was the homeland of the indigenous Indians. Christopher Columbus, who first reached this unknown land in 1502, called it "Costa Rica", meaning "rich coast" - a name that came from legends about the vast reserves of gold that this land supposedly held.
Costa Rica's history dates back to the pre-Columbian period, associated mainly with religious objects made of gold - masks, jewelry and ornaments. They can still be admired today in the National Museum in San José, where you can easily feel the unique atmosphere of the past. Also worth seeing are the traditional costumes and furniture characteristic of different eras - in one building, objects belonging to both Indian tribes and colonizers have been collected. The walls of the museum are also decorated with artistic photographs, documents and valuable memorabilia.
San Jose Pre-Columbian Gold Museum
Golden masksi is a symbol of the culture of the indigenous peoples of South and Central America. Today, the Museum of Pre-Columbian Gold houses one of the largest collections of objects made from this precious material in the world. Anyone who has ever visited this place remains impressed for a long time. All exhibits are described in detail in English, so you leave the museum not only with a sense of delight, but also with a solid dose of knowledge about Costa Rican culture.
It is worth spending at least three hours to visit the museum. The building consists of many richly furnished rooms, which contain statues, sculptures, ornaments, masks, and many other objects related to religious worship. Admiring the shiny displays, it is hard not to succumb to gold fever!
Manuel Antonio National Park – for those who are active and those who seek relaxation
In the central part of Costa Rica there is a stunning Manuel Antonio National Park, a few kilometers away from the city Quepo. This area includes both the land part, hiding a wealth of fauna and flora, and the sea, which gives the landscape a unique character. With care for the environment, it is possible to use the beaches, surf and other water sports in the ocean. It is a perfect place for both active tourists and those who want a moment of respite.
The coast of the park attracts nature lovers, who find something extraordinary here at any time of year – worthy of attention and capturing in photos. Despite the popularity of this place, the extensive coastline also offers space for people seeking peace, quiet and solitude. The proximity of untouched nature has a soothing effect and allows you to forget about everyday worries.
Poas Volcano Crater Lakes
Poas is an active volcano located in the Cordillera mountain range. It has three vents with a diameter of over 1500 m, two of which create crater lakes with beautiful, azure water. Due to the unusual spectacle of steam explosions that can be observed, Poas attracts many tourists. Access to the hills surrounding the craters is easy and does not require much effort or a long hike. For those who value active leisure, hiking trails have been prepared, from which you can admire the local fauna and flora.
Costa Rican coffee plantations
Costa Rican Arabica coffee is one of the most prized varieties in the world. It is characterized by an intense, yet subtle taste and aroma. It is also distinguished by a delicate, sweet note noticeable when drinking. Extensive plantations of these noble beans can be admired in Costa Rica, which is one of the leading countries involved in their cultivation. The most famous coffee region is the province of Tarrazú, located south of the country's capital. It is an ideal place for growing coffee thanks to its fertile soil and warm and humid climate. In many places in Costa Rica you can find atmospheric cafes and try freshly brewed coffee prepared from beans sourced directly from local roasteries.
The Tabacón hot springs and the active Arenal volcano
If anyone is wondering why it is worth going to Costa Rica, the Tabacón hot springs are one of the key arguments. It is a must-see place on the map of Costa Rica. Located in the northwestern part of the country, the springs attract tourists every year, who can feel the heat of the water heated by the nearby Arenal volcano. This is an extraordinary experience that will appeal especially to lovers of relaxation and people in need of relaxation.
We recommend a rest and a few days holidays at the nearby Tabacón Thermal Resort&SPA hotel, where it is possible to additionally purchase beauty treatments and massages performed by local specialists. The highest quality of services in the open air and proximity to wild nature guarantee well-being, relaxation and muscle relief. The whole is complemented by an extraordinary panorama, in the center of which dominates the Arenal volcano located at an altitude of 1633 m above sea level
What's more, the road to the top of the hill is open to visitors, so you can easily get to the top. After reaching the top, it's worth admiring the landscape stretching below, filled with lush green equatorial forests and local turquoise lakes. The volcano has an active status, although there has been no eruption for many years.
Mistico Arenal – Sky walk on rope bridges
Walking on a hanging rope bridge surrounded by primeval rainforests is not just a movie script – you can experience it yourself by going to the Mistico Arenal park, located near Lake Arenal. Skywalking is one of the biggest attractions in Costa Rica – for both children and adults who are not afraid of heights. The longest bridge is almost 100 meters long, providing unforgettable emotions and a solid dose of adrenaline. It is worth spending at least two hours to visit the entire complex.
In the Mistico Arenal park, active tourists will find not only stunning views and picturesque panoramas, but also experience true closeness to nature. From the high bridges, you can admire hundreds of species of plants, such as colorful orchids or towering bromeliads, and also see sloths, toucans, parrots, monkeys, lizards and lots of colorful butterflies hiding among the treetops. This is a great idea for an active way to spend your free time for every nature lover. It is worth taking binoculars and a camera so as not to miss any of the extraordinary moments.
The Mysterious Monteverde Misty Forest – a paradise for birdwatchers
For adventure seekers and extraordinary experiences, a visit to Monteverde National Park is a great way to spend time in Costa Rica. Orchids climbing trees, long lianas, exotic insects and colorful butterflies - all of this can be seen in the mysterious Misty Forest. The name of this place is justified - the fog rising between the mountain peaks creates a unique atmosphere, giving the hike an almost fairy-tale character.
The dream of every ecotourist visiting Costa Rica is to see the resplendent quetzal – an extraordinary bird whose iridescent feathers shimmer with a thousand colors. It is characterized by an exceptionally long tail, which gives it an almost mythical appearance. The bird's name comes from the Aztec god Quetzalcoatl, considered the creator of the world. Although the quetzal is a secretive animal, with a bit of luck it can be spotted in the morning, when it sneaks among the treetops.
Puerto Viejo de Talamanca – Relax on a paradise beach
Costa Rica is the perfect place to relax surrounded by wildlife and the sound of the ocean. Who doesn't dream of relaxing on a paradise beach, covered with delicate, white sand and washed by the azure waves of the sea? On the Caribbean coast, in the town of Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, this dream becomes a reality. The small town is located in the eastern part of the country, on the Caribbean Sea.
On the paradise beach everyone will find something for themselves – relaxing in the sun, surfing, diving among the sea life or a sweet snack in the form of fresh fruit from the local market. It is a perfect place for a quiet day in fabulously beautiful surroundings and taking unique photos.
Endemics of Cocos Island in the Pacific Ocean
To diversify your visit to picturesque Costa Rica, it is worth dedicating one day to a sea trip. Isla del Coco guarantees views like from the most beautiful film productions. The island is inhabited by hundreds of species of animals and butterflies, many of which are endemic - they do not occur anywhere else in the world.
It is also a great place for a birdwatching trip. On Isla del Coco you can observe the magnificent frigatebirds, agile terns and colonies of boobies. What's more, Cocos Island is home to three endemic bird species: the Cocos tanager, the Cocos tanager and the red-winged cuckoo - with a slender tail and lemon-yellow belly.
Costa Rica is also worth visiting for a luxury vacation to learn about the extraordinary history of the Maya and Aztecs. Traces of their culture are visible in many places and attract with their aura of mystery. Both large cities and smaller towns hide enormous charm and valuable knowledge about ancient traditions. Rare species of plants and animals observed here are often associated with the beliefs of the indigenous people - so it is worth listening to each story and getting to know Costa Rica as fully as possible.
Discover the beauty of Costa Rica with a travel offer prepared by CARTER ®
A trip to Costa Rica is a truly tailor-made journey, prepared by the travel agency CARTER ®. Here you can find heavenly beaches and hot springs for relaxation, as well as places eagerly visited by active tourists and wildlife hunters. It is also worth tasting the local coffee made from beans from local plantations. Costa Rica provides not only unforgettable views, but also unique experiences. Anyone who visits this extraordinary country at least once wants to return every year for another dose of impressions.
