12 Reasons Why Costa Rica Is a Famous Vacation Spot

Top 3 Can’t Miss

• Enjoy the protected biospheres of Costa Rica’s national parks.
  
• Soak in the geothermal hot springs near active volcanoes.
• Get close to incredible wildlife at sea and in the rain forests.

Costa Rica has become an increasingly popular destination in recent years, but what makes it such a fantastic vacation spot? The Central American country is famous for its incredible national parks and is a dream destination for animal lovers. There’s no better place to go than a pristine beach resort or the hip foodie city of San José. You can lounge on the beach, get a massage, go swimming and surfing, or relax in a geothermal pool, all in one vacation. If you still need convincing, here are some of the best reasons to plan a trip to Costa Rica.

It has stunning national parks.

Costa Rica is home to 30 national parks and about five percent of the world’s biodiversity. There are cloud forests, coral reefs, dry forests, and rain forests to explore. One of the best things to do in Costa Rica is to take a hike, especially in Tenorio Volcano National Park, where you can see the stunning Rio Celeste waterfall.

It boasts active and dormant volcanoes.

Costa Rica has more than 60 volcanoes, including 10 that are active. Arenal Volcano is one of the country’s most popular attractions, especially for people who want to hike its rugged terrain or soak in the soothing geothermal hot springs. There are lots of spas and resorts like Tabacón Thermal Resort & Spa that take advantage of the naturally warm waters.

It’s a wildlife paradise.

About 26 percent of Costa Rica is protected through national parks, reserves, and refuges, so there are many places for animal populations to thrive. And pretty much anywhere you go, there’s wildlife to discover. The country is a haven for more than 500,000 species of animals, including scarlet macaws, howler monkeys, humpback whales, green iguanas, sea turtles, and sloths.

It’s known as the hummingbird capital of the world.

Costa Rica is a wonderful place for bird-watchers, particularly those hoping to spot hummingbirds. More than 50 different species live in this part of the world, and some of the exquisite birds you could encounter include the violet sabrewing, the coppery-headed emerald, and the magenta-throated woodstar.

It’s a playground for adventure enthusiasts.

With so many incredible natural environments, from volcanic slopes to cloud forests and beaches with perfect surf conditions, the great outdoors in Costa Rica gives adventurous visitors plenty of options. There are dozens of tour companies specializing in river rafting, fishing, ATV driving, scuba diving, tubing, horseback riding, and zip lining through the rain forest. The national parks are great places to go hiking, and you can find some of the best surf spots in Tamarindo and the Nicoya Peninsula.

It’s an unsung culinary destination.

Food usually isn’t the first thing that comes to mind when most people think of Costa Rica. But with its traditional cuisine shaped by Spanish, Caribbean, and Indigenous influences—as well as a bounty of fresh ingredients—it’s a hot spot for adventurous foodies. Some of the most popular dishes include vuelve a la vida (a ceviche-like seafood cocktail), arreglados (a type of sandwich made with meat, cheese, and vegetables), and pejibayes (peach palm fruits that are often boiled and served with mayonnaise).

It has both Pacific and Caribbean beaches.

Costa Rica makes significant efforts to protect its national parklands, and the same goes for its beaches. The country has nearly 800 miles of pristine, beautiful shoreline on its Pacific and Caribbean coasts. The Nicoya Peninsula is home to some of Costa Rica’s best beaches, like hard-to-reach Playa Quesera and the Playa Ostional with its many sea turtles. This area is especially popular for its laid-back beach towns like Santa Teresa, where you’ll find numerous surf spots and a digital nomad community.

It’s dotted with world-class resorts.

Costa Rica isn’t just a rugged destination for adventure seekers. It’s also the perfect place for a relaxing spa getaway with its collection of top-notch hotels and resorts. Beach resorts are growing in popularity, with areas like the Peninsula Papagayo offering sandy shores, wildlife experiences, all-inclusive resorts, and five-star accommodations like the Four Seasons Resort.

It’s easy to find a good cup of joe.

Some of the best coffee in the world comes from Costa Rica, making it one of the main drivers of the country’s economy. Coffee connoisseurs looking to immerse themselves in all things java can stay at Finca Rosa Blanca near San José, a hotel and organic coffee farm that offers tours and tastings.

It has a potent national beverage.

When you’re not drinking coffee, you should opt for Costa Rica’s other drink of choice: guaro. The clear, sweet liqueur is made from sugar cane juice and has a very high alcohol content. It’s not recommended to drink it in shots unless you’ve had it before. However, many people drink it chilled with sugar and lime, or in a cocktail.

It’s a convenient vacation destination.

Costa Rica is about a three-hour flight from Miami, a seven-hour flight from Los Angeles, and a five-hour flight from New York City. If you’re traveling from the United States, you likely won’t have to worry about dealing with severe jet lag. Because Costa Rica does not observe Daylight Savings Time, it lines up with Mountain Standard Time from mid-March to October and Central Standard Time from November to mid-March. Although the country’s currency is the Costa Rican colón, U.S. dollars and credit cards are widely accepted.

It’s one of the world’s happiest countries.

One of the best-known Costa Rican mottos is “pura vida,” which means “pure life.” And Costa Ricans take this to heart. This is probably why the country is considered one of the happiest in the world, according to the Happy Planet Index. The phrase is also used as a greeting or a response to “How are you?” so it’s a ubiquitous part of the culture.