Costa Rica – Tropical Adventures & Pacific Sunsets
Costa Rica is a haven for adventurers and visitors looking for a relaxing vacation. It is famous for its incredible landscape, dominated by volcanoes, lush rainforests, and white beaches. It is a place which promises a perfect mix of allure and activities, which is why it is on the top of many travelers’ bucket lists. Though you can choose to spend your days relaxing and taking in the tropical setting, there are also many opportunities to participate in daily excursions into the wilderness.
Sandy Beaches & Clear Waters
Costa Rica is known for its abundance of beaches that range from white sand beaches to mysterious black shores. Costa Rican beaches are accessible and warm year-round, so they are pleasant to visit whenever you make the trip. In July and August, however, you may want to start your beach day early since it tends to rain in the afternoons and evenings. If you’re staying on the Atlantic shoreline, catching the sunrise lighting up the horizon is a great way to start your day. On the west coast, the region of Jacó is home to Hermosa Beach, where you will find stretches of black-sand shores. To escape the crowds, pay a visit to Playa Ventanas, where you can swim in the crystal-clear water or explore its two beachside caves.
These beaches also present the opportunity to get closer to wildlife, as there are many snorkeling opportunities across Costa Rica. Whether you partake in a guided snorkeling tour, or explore the waves off the beach yourself, you can encounter an array of marine life. During these excursions, you will see colorful schools of fish and sea turtles if you are lucky, so remember to bring your underwater camera to document your adventures.
Dense Rainforest and Diverse Wildlife
Although many people visit Costa Rica purely for its beaches and tropical setting, it has far more to offer. Over a quarter of its landscape is covered by thick vibrant jungles and is home to one of the most stunning ecosystems in the world. On rainforest hikes through the national parks, you can see endangered species such as jaguars and sloths. Encountering these animals in their natural habitats is an amazing experience.
One of the best national parks to visit is Manuel Antonio National Park. Here you can stretch out on white sand beaches and see the coral reefs through the crystalline waters. For an expedition pulled right out of an adventure book, head to Corcovado National Park for its famed jungle hiking trails. You can also go to Arenal Volcano National Park to see the dormant volcano sleeping silently in the distance. With the right timing, you can watch hatching baby sea turtles at Tortuguero National Park race into the sea.
Fresh Costa Rican Cuisine
Traditional Costa Rican cuisine is often simple yet delicious. Most dishes contain some form of rice and beans from breakfast to dinner. The most common meats found in local cuisine are beef and pork, however chicken and fish aren’t uncommon. You will also almost always find colorful tropical fruit of some sort on your plate, wherever you decide to eat. Make sure to try the country’s national dish, Gallo pinto. This concoction of seasoned rice and beans is great for breakfast, but is delicious at any time of the day. Matched with a cocktail, Costa Rica’s enticing cuisine fits perfectly with the tropical setting.
With its magnificent coastlines and landscapes, Costa Rica should be on your shortlist for an upcoming vacation. It is perfect for any type of traveler with its mix of luxury resorts and adventurous activities. There is plenty to do, whether you would prefer to unwind on the beach, explore the jungle, or go swimming in search of sea turtles. If you are looking for the ideal destination for a relaxing tropical getaway, Costa Rica is an easy choice.
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