Top Five Things to See in Costa Rica

Costa Rica is a major tourist destination and a popular place for Americans to weather during the winter. If you are planning to go this cold season, here is a list of the top destinations within Costa Rica. But first, let’s begin with a few interesting tidbits about the country:

• Costa Rica does not have a standing army
• McDonalds and Burger King have home delivery in Costa Rica
• Costa Rican women do not take their husband’s last name
• Wearing shorts is a sign of disrespect
• Costa Rica is home to more than 5% of the world’s biodiversity.
• 25% of the country’s land is dedicated to protected reserves
• The country has a 96% literacy rate and the best educational system in Latin America
• The country hopes to be carbon neutral by 2021
• Costa Rica has one of the world’s highest life expectancies at 77 years old.

If these facts have awakened your interest in Costa Rica, there’s more. Volcanos, beaches and national parks are some of the tops things to do in Costa Rica.

1. Visit a Volcano

Costa Rica is the land of volcanos with over 200 volcanos, some as old as 65 million years. Arenal Volcano is the most famous of Costa Rica’s six active volcanos. Until 2010, Arenal used to erupt daily, making it a popular draw for tourists from around the world. While Arenal no longer continues to showcase these daily eruptions, it still is a great place to visit. You can find hot springs, rain forests and a quiet, but still very impressive volcano. Costa Rica is also home to Poas Volcano, Rincon de la Vieja Volcano, Irazu Volcano and Turrialba Volcano.

2. Visit a National Park

As mentioned above, 25% of the country’s land is dedicated to protected reserves. As to be expected from such a green place, the country’s national parks are truly spectacular. There is the Monteverde Cloud Forest, where a cover of clouds hangs over the forest at all times. Then there is Tortuguero National Park, a water-filled area only accessible by boat or plane. The park is home to many turtles and is best explored by boat. Turtles are the main reason to visit, but you can also find many species of monkeys as you ride through the park’s canals. Finally, there is Corcovado National Park, named by National Geographic as one of the most biologically intense places on Earth and one of the last remaining lowland rainforests. As suggested by National Geographic, this park is home to an incredible array of wildlife.

3. Visit a Beach

Last, but definitely not least, Costa Rica is home to a stunning range of spectacular beaches. The Nicoya Peninsula and Guanacaste top this list, both of which are home to a number of pristine beaches, such as Tambor beach, that make for great vacation getaways. A few additional fun facts: the Guanacaste is also the national tree of Costa Rica and Nicoya is one of the world’s five Blue Zones (places where people live longer, healthier lives than anywhere else).

So if you want to see this beautiful and eco-friendly country, pack your bags for a winter vacation and come back with plenty of travel stories to share with friends and family.