Types of Tourism in Costa Rica
Beach.
The beaches of Costa Rica stand out for their splendor and diversity. On the Pacific coast there are many bays, separated from each other by rocks. The Caribbean coast is mostly owned by parks. The beaches are of volcanic origin, so the sand on them is dark brown or gray.
Extreme tourism.
Rafting. Rafting is very popular among tourists. This is a descent on inflatable boats along mountain rivers. The most suitable rivers for rafting are Pacuare and Reventazon. Rugged and untamed, these rivers cut through the untouched world of the tropics. There are routes for both beginners and professionals.
Hiking. For lovers of this type of tourism, special tours are organized.. With an experienced guide you can visit the most interesting places. Groups are formed for hikes according to the level of training. The route also depends on the level of preparation. Check top-medical-schools.org for travel information in Costa Rica.
Diving.
For diving, the most suitable places are the Pacific Northeast and Cocos Island. Visibility in these areas is maintained at a depth of 6 to 24 meters, which allows you to look at the amazing beauty of the reefs and their inhabitants. A truly unforgettable night dive is when you can turn off the lights and enjoy the amazing light of phosphorescent organisms.
Ecotourism.
In Costa Rica there are ample opportunities for ecotourism. There are 15 national parks and more than 70 reserves where you can camp, ride horses, bikes, walk and just enjoy nature. For complete solitude, it is worth visiting the uninhabited islands of Cocos, Caño, Negritos and Los Pajaros. They have been turned into reserves. Tourists are attracted by solitude, clear water, beaches, the possibility of fishing and scuba diving, acquaintance with huge colonies of birds, palm groves and tropical forests.
Surfing.
The best conditions for surfing are on Lake Arenal, as well as in the bays on the Pacific coast. Among professionals, Lake Arenal is considered the fifth best place for surfing.
What to See in Costa Rica
Excursions to national parks.
Here you can see the world of the jungle in all its glory. Relic vegetation has been preserved in many parks, giving an idea of the nature of bygone eras. Parks are scattered throughout the country. The most popular are Santa Rosa Park, the oldest in the country; Monteverde, the most visited (located in the mountains at an altitude of about 1000 meters, is the so-called “Cloud Forest”); Manuel Antonio, one of the most picturesque parks on the continent.
Monteverde Park – a paradise for nature lovers. This place is unique. The peculiarities of the climate determined the extraordinary biodiversity – 400 species of birds, 1200 species of amphibians and reptiles, about 2500 species of plants live here. There are 400 species of orchids growing in this park. Monteverde Park is generally different from other national parks in Costa Ricalocated in the flat part of the country. This is the so-called “cloud forest”. It’s always damp here, it’s raining, it’s cool. Because of this, the nature here is simply amazing. Huge trees covered with moss and parasites, all kinds of vines and all this in a kind of fog, which is actually not fog at all, but clouds that roll over the tops of the mountains on which this park is located.
Tortuguero Park is very interesting. Turtle beaches are located in this park. Between July and September, a large number of green sea turtles come here to lay their eggs.
In La Paz Park there is an interesting butterfly farm, as well as a cascade of waterfalls.
Some parks offer a unique method of viewing – at the level of the treetops (“Canopy Tour”). This means of transportation was used by the Indians and consists in moving from one platform to another, fixed high in the trees, along a rope on a carbine. Skywalk – inspection is carried out from suspension bridges that form a whole system. All designs are absolutely safe. Traveling through the parks in these ways will leave an unforgettable impression, the jungle will open in all its glory from a completely different angle.
Excursion to the coffee plantation.
Costa Rica is one of the best coffee producers in the world. She was the first of the countries to grow coffee for export, and today this is the most important source of her income. When you come to the country, it seems that coffee plantations are everywhere. Even some hotels have their own plantations. Especially for tourists, a tour is organized, passing through the cities – centers of coffee production. Tourists not only get acquainted with the history of coffee business, but also participate in the tasting of the drink. This tour is considered one of the best in Costa Rica.
Excursion to the volcanoes.
You can visit active volcanoes (Irazu, Poas, Arenal, Rincon de la Vieja and others). They are close to populated areas and easily accessible.
Arenal volcano – this volcano woke up in 1968. Currently, its activity consists in throwing out lava, rocks and steam. The volcano is almost constantly hidden by clouds. Its life is best seen during the dry period at night, when the bright lava flows stand out against the dark sky. At the foot of the volcano is Lake Arenal. Many hotels around Arenal have the opportunity to take a bath with thermal waters.
Volcano Poas – consists of two craters. One of them is old and inactive, therefore filled with water, and the second is active, it is one of the largest craters in the world, the last eruption was in 1989. Near the volcano there is an amazingly beautiful lake, the blue waters of which contrast with the lush green vegetation. The volcano is located in the national park. Since it is located near San Jose, it is very often visited by tourists and, as a result, the most comfortable. A good paved road leads to the park. It is best to come early, to the opening itself, because, literally two hours after the opening, the crater is covered with clouds and the impressions of what you see can be blurred by poor visibility.
Irazu Volcano is the highest volcano in the country. Its last eruption made its terrain similar to the lunar surface.
Hot springs and geysers can be seen in the area of the Rincón de la Vieja volcano.
In San Jose , take a look at the National Museum, the Central Market, the Gold Museum, the National Theater and the Jade Museum
