Costa Rica is one of the most popular countries to visit in Central America. It’s home to many natural wonders, diverse wildlife and some of the best coffee farms in the world. Below are just 7 amazing attractions that make Costa Rica worth adding to your travel bucket list.
See turtles nesting in Tortuguero National Park
Turtles can be found in the waters all around Costa Rica. However, one of the best places to see them is Tortuguero National Park. This is a popular nesting ground that attracts many different types of turtles all year round. Plan your trip between June and October and you may be a Green Sea Turtle or a Hawksbill Turtle. The much rarer Leatherback turtle meanwhile nests between February and April.
Go Surfing in Tamarindo Beach
Tamarindo Beach is one of the top beach destinations in Costa Rica. It’s a popular place to try surfing due to its easy waves and numerous surf schools. Other water activities like kayaking and snorkelling are popular here too. There are also some great bars along this beach and plenty of places to sunbathe. The likes of this hotel in Tamarindo, Costa Rica could be a great place to stay.
Hike up Arenal Volcano
Arenal Volcano is an active stratovolcano that rises 1633 metres above sea level. Climb up to the top for the opportunity to take in breathtaking views. There are three trails that you can take up this volcano – an easy, a medium and a hard trail. You can also bathe in the hot springs around the volcano.
Swim below La Leona Waterfall
Another natural wonder worth visiting in Costa Rica is La Leona waterfall. This beautiful waterfall is enclosed in a cavern and has a turquoise lake below that you can swim in. As with Arenal Volcano, expect to do some hiking to get to the waterfall. There are guided tours that can take you here.
Go on a coffee farm tour
There are around 50,000 coffee farms in Costa Rica. Going on a tour of one of these coffee farms is recommended – it’s a chance to taste coffee fresh from the plantation and see how its grown and harvested. This post lists some of the top coffee farm tours worth trying.
Spot a jaguar in Corcovado National Park
Corcovado National Park is worth visiting for those that want to do some jungle exploration. It’s home to an array of incredible wildlife including scarlet macaws, tapirs and squirrel monkeys. You may even see a jaguar! Boat tours are one of the most popular ways to explore this national park.
Go birdwatching in Monteverde Cloud Forest
One of the best places for birdwatching in Costa Rica is Monteverde Cloud Forest. 400 species of tropical bird can be sighted here including the striking quetzal. Hanging bridges provide the perfect viewpoint for spotting these birds. It’s recommended that you take a guided tour – a guide will be able to point out the various birds and tell you their names.
