It is no wonder that Costa Rica is an ideal holiday location; be it for a family trip, a bachelor’s holiday or a solo journey. While the country has a lot of options to offer, at times it can get overwhelming. In order to help choose the best, we have churned out a list of best tourist attractions of Costa Rica below:
1. San Jose
San Jose is the capital city of Costa Rica and is undoubtedly the best location offered to tourists coming from all over the world. The city of San Jose is an epitome of urban culture; its bustling nature, lip-smacking cuisine, sparkling nightclubs and an extensive history of age old traditions and culture. The must visit tourist attractions of San Jose are:
- Avenida Central: Avenida Central is one of the biggest shopping centrals of San Jose and is quite popular among tourists. This area is flooded by an extensive array of showrooms, local shops, and street vendors, selling everything; right from branded products to local ones.
- Museo Nacional de Costa Rica: This is the national museum of Costa Rica; which remains an epitome of history, art, culture and tradition. This museum is highly regarded by tourists from all around the world as it houses precious and unique pieces of art and fascination – the pre-Colombian artifacts, conservatory butterfly incarnations from early 20th century, fortress barracks, and many more.
- La Sabana Metropolitan Park: La Sabana Metropolitan Park lies at the heart of San Jose; it is a relocated area filled with an oasis of tranquility, peace and warmth of nature. It is Costa Rica’s biggest recreational park spread over more than 150 acres. It houses sports complexes, Costa Rica Art Museum, artificial lakes, fitness areas, etc.
- Jade Museum: The Jade Museum is another historical site which is highly popular among tourists. It was built in 1977 and is a typical source of Costa Rica’s historical jade trade between 500-300 BC. What is its specialty is that it displays more than 7,000 items of historical significance, including jade jewelry and art.
2. Montezuma
Montezuma is an exquisite location situated towards Nicoya Peninsula, Costa Rica’s most avid peninsular region. It is a heaven in the laps of nature as Montezuma comprises a natural reserve, a gorgeous island and stunning beaches, making an ideal location for leisure. The freshness, peace and tranquility offered by this location is what drives more and more tourists here each year, making it a popular site for travel.
Although small in size and detached from the urbaneness of Costa Rica, Montezuma houses quality restaurants, accommodation centers and areas suitable for walks, that ultimately uplifts the country’s natural closely by degrees.
3. Guanacaste Beaches
The Guanacaste Beaches are not only the most popular beaches of Costa Rica but of the entire Central American region. These are the beaches where celebrities party; it happens to be favorite hub for several global celebrities like Mel Gibson, Justin Bieber, Kim Kadarshian, Sofia Vergara, among others.
The Guanacaste Beaches run along the 200km Pacific coast and is known to provide extensive surfing opportunities. The crystal clear water blesses the location with added serenity. These beaches are an ideal combination for nature’s spell as well party smokers.
4. Arenal
Arenal is one of the most central volcanoes, which is placed at an elevation of 1670 metres above sea level. The volcanoes located here are still active; tourists visit this destination specifically to witness volcanoes erupting in minute scales.
In addition to the volcanoes, Arenal comprises exhilarant adventure activities meant for children and adult alike – the place is home to a remarkable waterfall that allow rafting, hiking, cycling across the valleys, camping by the waterfall, hot springs, alongside many other activities. With such vivid pleasures to offer, Arenal remains one of the most visited tourist attraction of Costa Rica.
5. Monteverde
Monteverde is the cloud forest of Costa Rica; it’s a home to exquisite flora and fauna. It is also referred as the largest eco-hub of the country. Major proportions of tourists visit this destination to witness a glimpse of the large flock of quetzal birds. The entire area is a natural paradise with greenery, tranquillity, and soothing calmness in its air.
Apart from enjoying the presence of natural wonders, tourists can also take up zip-lining, which gives a wholesome view of the entire dense canopy of Monteverde. You are most likely to pay US$ 50/person for a zip-lining experience.
6. Cahuita
A tiny town located right to the national park that goes with the same name, Cahuita is another natural blessing that Costa Rica is adorned with. It is a lively town, with only approach towards life – live life to the fullest! There is one major bar at in this town, which is the central location of crowds discerning on evenings and weekends.
Once you reach Cahuita, you can enjoy all sorts of activities that it offers – hiking, swimming, surfing, animal viewing, bonfires, among, many others. Cahuita is also well-known for its age-old culture and traditions; its Afro-Caribbean influence, the cuisine, the authenticity of people, local wines, etc.
7. Puerto Viejo
Puerto Viejo is located towards the Caribbean coast of Panama and is a popular destination among tourists for its serene beaches, exciting surfing opportunities, and an ideal atmosphere to drink, dance and party hard. The town of Puerto Viejo is quite wholesome in nature; it is lively, sound and quite bristling with some party or the other going on every night. The beaches also house some of the most lavish restaurants and hotels, making it centrally positive for accommodation as well. Near the town is a jaguar rescue centre that retaliates back all wildlife roaming free.
