Costa Rica’s Wildlife Wonderland: A Rainforest Adventure

One of the more peaceful nations in Central America is Costa Rica. It is well-known for being a green paradise since the majority of its land area is still covered with trees and other natural wonders. If you love an adventure and have that urge to discover the beauty of nature more, then you definitely have to visit this country!

What Makes Costa Rica Such A Popular Destination?

Costa Rica boasts a number of national parks. For your information, there are over 30 of them and they account for five percent of the world’s biodiversity. Almost half of the country is being strictly preserved. If you visit there, you will witness things that you can only previously see in documentary series. 

And, not only do you get to trek through different forests and encounter a variety of species, but you also get an opportunity to relax with a hot bath. This is because of the many geothermal hot springs available throughout the country. 

As mentioned, the country is home to 5 percent of the world’s biodiversity. It may not seem like much to those who don’t understand. But, rest assured, 5 percent is very, very abundant when talking about biodiversity. Just imagine that more than 500,000 different species feel that Costa Rica is their safe haven. 

With that many species seeking refuge in Costa Rica, it is to be expected that there are sanctuaries. In fact, there are over 900 species of birds that flock around all over the land. That may be the reason why Costa Rica is also considered the “Hummingbird Capital of the World”.  

In addition, because the Pacific Ocean is on one side and the Caribbean Sea is on the other, Costa Rica is blessed with tropical beaches. Thank goodness, the country is serious in its conservation efforts, allowing water sports enthusiasts and casual divers to enjoy all kinds of water activities, from snorkeling to surfing. 

When it comes to their way of life, Costa Ricans use the “Pura Vida” philosophy, which literally means “pure life”. This means that the locals prioritize the simplest things that make life as beautiful as it is, just like their nature-rich environment. 

Even if there are not a lot of people who consider Costa Rica a culinary destination, it still has decent food and beverage options to offer. With so many influences from the Spanish era, the nearby Caribbean neighbors, and the ingenuity of the locals, the culinary scene of the country has nothing to be ashamed of. 

In fact, traditional dishes like vuelve a la vida (a type of seafood cocktail), arreglados (a type of sandwich), and pejibayes (a fruity snack) are sought-after by tourists. Surprisingly, not many people know that Costa Rica is one of the world’s best coffee makers.

Being in a country where coffee is a driving economic component will undoubtedly bring out the coffee enthusiast in you. Nonetheless, if you are not a coffee drinker, you can try the sweet yet highly alcoholic drink called “guaro”. Of course, you should be careful to not drink too much because this beverage packs quite a punch!

Best Destinations In Costa Rica

Based on the explanations stated earlier, Costa Rica does seem like the legendary Garden of Eden. On that note, it is a good thing that we will make a short list of the best destinations in the country so that you won’t have a difficult time choosing a place for your itinerary. 

Manuel Antonio National Park

The jewel of Costa Rica’s rich collection of national parks is Manuel Antonio National Park. From green thick rainforests to blue pristine beaches, it has everything that anyone can enjoy. Most of the wildlife creatures spotted here are capuchin and howler monkeys, iguanas, sloths, a variety of birds, and friendly dolphins at the nearby beaches. 

Arenal Volcano National Park

This national park is surrounding one of the country’s most active volcanoes, the Arenal Volcano. It may sound dangerous but don’t worry, there are trails built to guide you safely toward the must-visit spots. Aside from rainforests, you can witness the lava fields and mineral-rich waters. After a tiring walk, you can choose to pamper yourself in any of the natural hot springs available. 

Tortuguero National Park

Dubbed as “Costa Rica’s Amazon”, that alone says a lot. If you are a thrill-seeker or wildlife enthusiast, Tortuguero National Park is a retreat. It can only be accessible through a boat or aircraft due to the complex network of waterways. The best highlight of this national park is the presence of the many sea turtle species. 

Montezuma

Located in the Nicoya Peninsula, Montezuma provides a very relaxing atmosphere. If you are looking for a well-deserved break, you can directly head to this small beach town. If you plan to try to hike the town’s landscapes, you have to visit the nearby Montezuma Waterfall. You can continue your journey towards the nearby Cabo Blanco Absolute Nature Reserve. 

Osa Peninsula

On the southwestern tip of the country, there is a wilderness paradise that can be found, which is the Osa Peninsula. This splendid region of Costa Rica has many verdant and untouched rainforests as well as plenty of lurking wildlife creatures. The main attraction though is the Corcovado National Park. This may be not recommendable for casual backpackers but this is a must-visit for adventure lovers.

Rincón de la Vieja National Park

Rincon de la Vieja National Park is built around a dormant volcano. Without the threat of eruption, you can truly appreciate the geothermal wonders of the area. From amazing landscapes to comforting thermal springs, you will have no shortage of intriguing things to explore. 

Conclusion

Even though you are not an outdoorsy person, a visit to Costa Rica can certainly change your perspective. The environment is so gorgeous and based on the ecological efforts of the government, it will stay that way for generations to come. So, you can visit Costa Rica as frequently as you want and soak in the beauty of nature.