It’s likely that by now you’ve heard of Costa Rica. For decades, the small country in Central America has been a popular destination for honeymooners, Spanish language classes, and all other types of tourists. The country’s landscape consists of pristine beaches, lush jungles, and
active volcanoes. These features are what make tourists flock to the country, and the tourist industry has adapted to the needs of all of the visitors, providing luxury accommodations, gourmet dining, and exceptional spa services. And on top of all of this, Costa Rica is incredibly safe, having been ranked as the second most peaceful country in Latin America by the Global Peace Index. If all of this still isn’t enough to convince you to book your flight to Costa Rica, then here are some fun activities you’ll be missing out on.
Volcano Tours
Located along the Ring of Fire in the Pacific Rim, Costa Rica boasts over 120 volcanic sites, including five active volcanoes. Most of the country’s volcanoes have been declared national parks, and guided tours are offered so that visitors can experience the unique landscape that surrounds them. The most popular volcano is Arenal, which last erupted in 2010, but has a crater that continues to release small amounts of smoke. Signing up for a hiking tour will take you over lava fields from past eruptions so you can see the kind of damage volcanoes can do to their surrounding environment.
Natural Hot Springs
Another effect of the geothermal activity in the Ring of Fire, though a much more positive one than volcanoes, is the formation of natural hot springs in Costa Rica’s landscape. The natural springs contain rich minerals that are believed to have healing and rejuvenating properties. Whether or not you believe it, it’s hard to deny how relaxing a soak in the hot springs can be after a long day of adventuring. One of the longest-running hot springs resorts in the Country is Tabacon Resort. Tabacon Resort, unlike many other resorts in the area, is completely natural in regards to the hot springs, letting gravity do its thing instead of using pumps or mechanical systems to circulate and reheat the water. Regardless of what extra assistance a resort might use, soaking in any hot spring can help you unwind.
Beautiful Beaches
The country of Costa Rica places a lot of importance on protecting and preserving its natural landscape and the life that inhabits it. This mindset is what keeps the country’s beaches litter-free and earns Costa Rica the reputation of having the cleanest beaches in Central America. If you want to experience the beauty of the Costa Rica shore for yourself, you should visit Playa Espadilla in Manuel Antonio, one of the most popular beaches in the country. This beach has soft white sand and clear blue water with massive waves, making it a great spot for surfing. Because it’s a popular beach for tourists, there are plenty of nearby vendors that offer local dishes, specialty cocktails, and rentals for umbrellas, beach chairs, or watersport equipment like kayaks and paddleboards. There are also plenty of activities you could sign up for, like surf lessons or parasailing over the beach. That being said, you don’t need to be partaking in some activity to enjoy your time spent at the beach. Surely, the natural beauty alone would be enough to satisfy you.
Jungle Adventures
While the beaches and geothermal features of Costa Rica are impressive, its lush rainforests are the main reason why ecotourism is such a large part of the economy. People come from all over the world to admire the local conservation efforts of the country’s national park system and take tours where they can learn more about the unique ecosystems and the plants and animals that live within them. Some popular tours include:
- Canopy Tours, where participants use zip lines and hanging bridges to move between platforms in the trees so that they can learn about the flora and fauna of the rain forest’s canopies.
- White Water Rafting Tours, where participants follow a guide downstream and take in beautiful views along the way.
- Hiking Tours, where participants spend the day exploring the jungle, getting to climb through cave systems, and jump off of waterfalls.
Conclusion
Costa Rica’s landscape is unique, just like every individual who visits the country. It offers a variety of activities and experiences, ensuring that you’ll find something to make your vacation memorable. So, what are you waiting for? Book your trip to Costa Rica today!
