Top 6 Iconic Places To Visit During Your Costa Rica Vacation
One of the most visited destinations in Central America, Costa Rica has been a favorite travel spot for American travelers for years. Because of its wonderful beaches, pleasant weather, cheap living, and friendly locals, it has become ‘the place’ for ex pats and retirees. So, are you planning a Costa Rica vacation, but not sure how to go about it? With miles of beaches, outstanding surf, countless wildlife spotting, and volcanoes to hike, Costa Rica is one place that deserves re-visits. However, if you are visiting one of the most beautiful countries of Central America for the very first time, then here we bring you a perfect guide to follow during your much-awaited Costa Rica vacation.
DESCRIPTION
While talking about landmass, Costa Rica might seem like a small country, however, it is one of the largest natural playgrounds in the world. Situated at the border of Panama and Nicaragua, the country possesses the biggest density of flora and fauna in addition to a diverse landscape of mountains, beaches, rivers, lakes, volcanoes and forests. Costa Rica is a magical land that attracts birdwatchers as much as it does to luxury tourists as well as adventure enthusiasts like backpackers and surfers. Below are some of the most visited attractions during Costa Rica vacation, so have a look:
Tour At a Glance
Day 1: Puerto Viejo
Day 2: Jacó
Day 3: Arenal Volcano National Park
Day 4: Poás Volcano National Park
Day 5: Corcovado National Park
Day 6: The Guanacaste Beaches
Tour Price
Our private tours typically range from $500 - $1000 per person/per night depending on chosen hotels and room categories, vehicles used, types of tours, flight cost, time of year and other factors. Make an inquiry for a customized trip quote.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Puerto Viejo
Puerto Viejo Situated on the Caribbean coast close to Panama, Puerto Viejo is quite famous with backpackers and young crowd because of its surfing, party vibes, and wonderful beaches. The town is quite vibrant and you’ll discover something or the other going on each night. It is perhaps the most famous destination on the Caribbean coast. If you are seeking some peace and quiet, then there are a number of quiet beach hotels around for you. Nearby, there’s a jaguar rescue center that rehabilitates all kinds of local wildlife and liberates them back into the wild.
Day 2: Jacó
A charming town brimming with beachfront hotels, shops and restaurants, Jacó lies far away from foggy rainforests of northern Costa Rica. The town is also the nearest beachside refuge to the capital of the country. The rambling palm-lined shores of Esterillos Este and Hermosa are the best places for surfers looking for the best waves. In case you are looking for quiet beach time, then Playa Blanca and Playa Mantas are the two famous beaches which are best for you. Wildlife havens such as the Pura Vida Gardens and Waterfalls are perfect for nature seekers where they can spot the lovely vibrant birds and monkeys of the area and gaze at the rising coastal mountains. Apart from all this, you must also experience its lively night scene, which is famous for its adult-only activities. There’s only one drawback about this place as per travelers and that is the popularity of the city. However if you are okay to share the space with others, then it is definitely worth a day or two.
Day 3: Arenal Volcano National Park
The Arenal Volcano National Park is situated in La Fortuna Costa Rica and has surroundings filled with a variety of attractions and conditions to amuse everyone. No matter whether you wish for some relaxation, adventure or a nature encounter, you will find a variety of activities and hotels as per your requirements. Arenal Volcano - its main highlight (obviously!) is presently in a resting phase, though the hot springs are also one of the attractions of the region. For all the adventure junkies out there, there’s zip line tours, white-water rafting tours, hanging bridges walks, hikes, and much more. Other than all this, one can also just relax simply in the hot spring pools while relishing the magnificent views of the volcano. Indulge yourself in a hot stone massage or enjoy volcanic mud wrap in one of the magnificent spas situated in the various hotels of the area. Arenal is considered as one of the best places in Costa Rica for couples to visit!
Day 4: Poás Volcano National Park
Undoubtedly one of the most impressive places in Costa Rica, Poás Volcano National Park houses an active volcano that occupies 14,000 acres of parkland. A strong symbol of the geothermal forces, the crater once formed the landscape of the country that we know today. The recent major eruption happened in 1910 when the volcano resulted in tremendous columns of smoke and tons of ash into the atmosphere. Although a popular tourist destination, today the national park offers tourists a myriad of hiking trails as well as splendid viewpoints over a region dense with wildlife and vegetation. Poás is situated at just one and a half hours from San Joe and serves as a perfect day trip.
Day 5: Corcovado National Park
The largest park in Costa Rica, Corcovado National Park is hugely considered the gem of the large-scale national park system. Enclosing a vast area of more than 400 square kilometers, it is a well-known area ecologist and also with travel junkies who yearn to discover what the tropical rainforest and the coastline have to offer. Many, in particular are drawn to the astonishing range of wildlife residing in this park - American crocodiles, two-toed and three-toed sloths, anteaters and jaguars are especially notable here. In fact, the National Geographic has referred to Corcovado as ‘the most biologically intense place on Earth in terms of biodiversity’ on numerous occasions.
Day 6: The Guanacaste Beaches
The incredible tropical paradises of Costa Rica, Guanacaste Beaches offer an ideal combination of pristine beaches, clear waters and lush scenery that are perfect for swimming, diving, surfing and fishing. Stretching across the Country’s northwestern point, there are a number of places to choose from. If you are still in doubt, then Tamarindo would prove to be a commendable choice which is the ultimate spot for all of the above and is also famous as one of the prime nesting areas for Leatherback turtles. From November to April, these endangered creatures take over the beach, delving their nest up to 1m deep and laying eggs before returning back to the sea.
