Costa Rica is a enchanting destination, with lush rainforests and warm Pacific Ocean waters. The beauty of this Central American country goes beyond its beaches, mountains and volcanoes. The country has an astonishing diversity of ecosystems — each one unique in its own way. Here are just five amazing natural landscapes that make up Costa Rica’s natural wonders.
Beaches
Costa Rica’s beaches are a major attraction for visitors to the country. Beaches offer a variety of activities and things to do, including surfing, swimming, snorkeling and scuba diving. You can spend hours relaxing in the sun or playing volleyball on the beach with your friends! There are also many hotels nearby if you want to stay overnight at one of them after enjoying yourself at the beach.
Jaco Beach
Arenal Volcano
The Arenal Volcano is one of the most active volcanoes in the world, and it’s located just outside La Fortuna. It’s a popular tourist attraction for both visitors and locals alike, who come to hike or raft around its base. The scenery is breathtakingly beautiful–especially during sunrise or sunset–and there are plenty of opportunities for adventure!
The Central Valley
The Central Valley is the most populated area in Costa Rica and home to San Jose, where you’ll find many coffee plantations as well as volcanoes and rivers. The Pacific Ocean borders this region on its western side while Lake Arenal lies farther north.
The Central Valley has many attractions including:
- Volcanoes – Poas Volcano National Park is one of the most popular national parks because it’s home to three different active volcanoes: Poas Volcano (3,708 meters), Irazu Volcano (3,432 meters) and Turrialba Volcano (2,857 meters). You can hike up any one of these mountains for an incredible view from above!
- Rivers – The Naranjo River flows through San Jose before meeting up with other rivers at Lake Alajuela where fishermen come from all over Costa Rica looking for their next catch!
Manuel Antonio National Park
Manuel Antonio National Park is a tropical rainforest in the central Pacific Coast of Costa Rica. It is located on the coast, close to the border with Panama and is one of the most visited parks in Costa Rica.
The park has an area of about 12 square kilometers (4.6 sq mi), including 7 kilometers (4 mi) of beachfront along Manuel Antonio Bay and 17 km (10 mi) of trails through primary forest.
Manuel Antonio Park
In addition to its many natural attractions such as beaches, coral reefs, rainforest and waterfalls; there are several hotels and restaurants within walking distance from your hotel room or rental villa if you want to avoid driving after dark as well as horseback riding tours offered by local operators which will take you into areas inaccessible by vehicle!
Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve
The Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve is a natural treasure, home to more than 2,500 species of plants and animals. The reserve was established in 1972, protecting an area of about 10 square miles (17square meters).
Monte Verde Cloud Forest
The town of Monteverde sits at an elevation of 6,500 feet (2,000 meters) above sea level. It was founded by Quakers who came here looking for peace and quiet–they found it! Today the area has become one of Costa Rica’s most important ecotourism destinations because of its biodiversity; it attracts hundreds of thousands visitors each year who come to see the cloud forest or hike its trails through secondary growth rainforest with over 350 species of birds alone!
Corcovado National Park
Corcovado National Park is the largest park in Costa Rica, and one of its most popular. It’s home to an incredible array of wildlife, including jaguars, scarlet macaws and howler monkeys–and this list doesn’t even cover all of them (there are hundreds more)!
The park also has rich biodiversity: over half of all known plant species exist here. There are many opportunities for wildlife viewing within Corcovado’s borders; you can go on a guided hike through rainforests or take boat tours down rivers to see animals like monkeys up close. You might even spot an elusive tapir! The park also contains several indigenous tribes who live there because they’ve been living there since before Europeans arrived in South America: they’re fascinating people with interesting traditions and customs as well as some great stories to tell if you get lucky enough meet one while visiting Corcovado National Park!
About the Writer
I’m an independent travel planner with CS Elements Travel. I specialize in group travel and custom itineraries. My favorite destinations are: Portugal, Panama, Punta Cana, Jamaica, Cancun and Spain. My identifiers are: Travel Advisor, Latina, Wife, Pizza Snob and World Traveler. Follow my adventures and if you would like help planning your next trip, here is where to find me: lynnette@travelcselements.com
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