Costa Rica is a unique country in Central America, where you will find many natural attractions. When Christopher Columbus first arrived here, he called this country "Rich Coast" and the name has remained, but the desired gold was never found here. Today, the country is rich in natural beauty, unique species of birds and animals.
Costa Rica borders Panama and Nicaragua, has its own beaches on the Pacific and Atlantic oceans. The relief of the territory is very diverse, in the center of the country there is a large plateau, there are mountains and even active volcanoes. The nature of Costa Rica is very rich, there are 12 types of tropical forests, among which you can find such giants as red and pink trees. Local forests also provide shelter for a huge number of vines, epiphytes, orchids (over 1200 species), mosses, flowers, birds (850 species), insects, reptiles and mammals.
Tours to Costa Rica – what to see?
The most interesting objects of the country are the active volcanoes, Poas, Irazu, Arenal and Rincon de la Vieja, which are located near large cities. Exciting excursions for tourists are regularly held to the tops of these volcanoes.
No less interesting to visit are the uninhabited islands with secluded beaches and untouched nature, where you can enjoy the silence and solitude. The islands of Cocos, Negritos, Caño and los Pajaros are a protected area and can offer travelers an opportunity to get acquainted with exotic birds and animals, palm groves and deserted beaches.
Among the natural wonders that Costa Rica is rich in, the Barra Honda Caves are also listed. This is a unique natural complex, which consists of 19 caves, the deepest of which reaches a depth of 240 m. The beauty of the caves fascinates and attracts travelers from all over the world, their walls are decorated with minerals that shimmer and play with all the colors of the rainbow.
You will remember your vacation in Costa Rica for a long time thanks to the huge number of nature reserves, where you will find mangrove swamps, rain forests, tropical thickets, and highland areas. The most interesting and visited among them are: Tapanti, Guanacaste, Lomas Barbudal, Hitoy Serere, Manuel Antonio, Ballena, andoka-Manzanillo.
If you are interested in ancient settlements and archaeological excavations, you should visit the slope of the Turrialba volcano during your vacation in Costa Rica. Large-scale work is underway here to study and search for an ancient settlement, which is more than 2,500 years old. In addition, in the country's museums you can get acquainted with collections of jewelry and household items of ancient people. In the capital of the country there is a Gold Museum, where a collection of jewelry made of precious metals is presented.
Holidays in Costa Rica - what to do?
Most of all, a holiday in Costa Rica will appeal to sea lovers. The beaches are covered with golden, silver, white and even black sand. The most popular beaches are: Playa Conchal (white sand), Playa Grande (a haven for sea turtles), Playa del Coco, Playa Flamingo, Jaco and Punta Leona.
Excellent conditions here are also for lovers of active recreation. Here you can devote yourself to windsurfing and diving, surfing and rafting, fishing and extreme jumping from a bridge. Hiking in nature reserves and mountainous areas, hot air ballooning are also very popular.
Nightlife and entertainment lovers can visit night clubs and entertainment centers, of which there are many. The shopping conditions are also impressive. The bulk of boutiques and shopping centers are concentrated in the capital of the country - San Jose, but you will also find many shops, markets and small shops in Limone, Cartago and Orosi.
The most popular souvenirs that people bring back from vacation in Costa Rica are hammocks, T-shirts, jewelry made of coral, wood and semi-precious stones, ceramics and vases. Among the gastronomic souvenirs, coffee, local liqueurs, spices and herbs, tea and wine are noteworthy.
