“Pure Life”. That’s what Pura Vida means and it is the unofficial slogan of this magnificent country. Perhaps the most peaceful country in all of Central America, Costa Rica is the biggest hotspot for tourists to visit because of its untethered-ness from the worries of the world and all that it offers. And if you are someone who is looking for a trip abroad with your family, Costa Rica will offer you a taste of beauty and adventure without burning a hole in your pocket. You can get rental homes in Costa Rica in all categories, from luxury resorts that offer you the royal treatment or hotel rooms that come quite cheap if you book them early.
It’s a small country but it has more places to see than one would assume. So, just in case you are planning a visit, here is a list of places you should definitely visit if you’re taking a trip to one of the best places to visit in Central America.
Puerto Viejo
Lush tropical rainforests, exquisite white sand beaches and a lively town. This is the most famous spot for backpackers and youngsters because of the great beaches, surfing options and a very “happening” atmosphere. For people looking for some calm, there are also many quiet beach hotels and resorts they can stay in. With its vibrant culture, rich marine life, and some of the best seafood out there, it is really no wonder that Puerto Viejo often appears at the very top of the lists of everyone travelling to Costa Rica.
Tortuguero
Costa Rica’s Amazon rainforest, Tortuguero, is one of those places where you can find pretty much find it all. From enthralling adventure activities like forest trailing, canal cruises, hiking to the more peaceful things like bird watching and safaris, Tortuguero offers et all. And that is the very reason this has become one of the biggest tourist attractions in Costa Rica. But while the activities are fun to engage in, it is the turtles who come to nest along the shorelines of the series of canals and rivers that run across this whole place that serve as the biggest attraction. After all, this is one of the most important breeding grounds for the endangered species.
Arenal
While this is just one of the many volcanoes in this country, Arenal still takes the cake because of its recent history as an active volcano. In 2010, Arenal erupted in all its glory but has been calmer since. But, if you are lucky, you might just spot lava streaming down in orange rivulets along its side. Along the way, there are hot-springs that you can take your time enjoying. But that is not all. You may hike from the National Park to quietly explore the very many hot-springs and then sit and enjoy the sunset by a lake. But do make sure you fit in the exquisite beauty of the La Fortuna waterfall into your day because that is a sight you cannot afford to miss.
Corcovado
Corcovado is one of the quietest places in Costa Rica because of how difficult getting to the place is. This also makes it one of the best places to visit because of the privacy and the serenity it offers. Your efforts to reach here will be greatly rewarded as this place offers radiant deserted beaches along the peninsula, rich marine life and coastal reefs, tons of wildlife and very good hiking and camping sites. If you’re willing to make the effort, this place will repay you with emerald wilderness, golden bonfires at the quiet beaches and vibrant waves flush with life.
Cahuita
This is one of the smaller places where one may go to relax. A small town situated just an hour north of Puerto Viejo, this place is visited by people who just wish to have a quiet, relaxing time. The town has but one bar but it is always quite lively with conversation and drinks and stories that the locals exchange with the hikers, campers, surfers and animal spotters who gather here.
Poas Volcano
One of the other volcanoes in the country, this one is famous for its sulphur lakes and the great view it provides. The waters in the lakes are so still that your reflection looks like it’s painted on to the gorgeous backdrop. While you may travel here at any point of the day, early mornings hikes along the trails have special treats to offer, with breath-taking views that are undisturbed by wandering clouds.
Manuel Antonio
One of the most famous beach destinations in the country, Manuel Antonio is known for its white sand beaches and warm, glittering blue waters. A lot of secluded beaches here offer you quiet time with a book and a drink or with your family, undisturbed by the chaos of the surroundings. Manuel Antonio also does boast of a beautiful national park that is flush with wildlife, including the native monkeys, of which there are three kinds.
Santa Teresa
You will find this place at the bottom of the Nicoya Coast. This is a hippie town with a road that runs down the length of a beach and is lined by yoga centres, surf shops, eateries and hostels. The mood here inspires quiet reflection and simple living. People here get up early and go surf the sparkling waves. Or they spend the lazing and absorbing the warmth of the sun on the beach. It is this seemingly slow and relaxing life that attracts people to Santa Teresa. And while this might seem monotonous at first, many visitors actually end up staying here for weeks and months here.
As you can see, there is really no limit to things you can do and places you can see in Costa Rica. The only thing that can possibly limit your list is the dreaded return date. The costs here are cheap, the places accessible and a rental home in Costa Rica is available all year round. So, pack your bags, get the bookings out of the way and get ready to experience the exquisite charm of the land of Costa Rica.