“Pura Vida” – you hear in Costa Rica everywhere! The phrase is versatile and can be called “hello”, “thank you”, “No problem”, “Don t worry, be happy” or something else entirely. The Costa Ricans love these two words, and so do I! Because translated it means pure life and one could not better describe the warm country. The positive nature of the Costa Rican and the versatile land itself will inspire you.
On one of the beach-paradise relax, watch the animals or throw yourself into a sporting adventure! Where do you start with this variety of activities to do it? Here are 11 things that you should experience in Costa Rica:
1. Rainforest Safari
If you traveled to Costa Rica, which is certainly one of the first items on your To Do list, because Costa Rica has to offer a breathtaking nature. Apart from mountains and beaches, there are numerous forests full of exotic animals and plants.
Especially many species you can discover in Manuel Antonio National Park. From the cheeky raccoon on sloths to a whole gang of capuchin monkeys – here you will experience what is in Costa Rica at home.
Would you rather explore the bird diversity of the country, you should in the higher cloud forest of Monteverde Curi-Cancha visit the Reserve. Here you will find next to toucans also the most magnificent birds of Costa Rica, the rare “Quetzal”.
In Tortuguero, you can also explore by boat the rainforest. There, the forest climbs around Tortuguero canals, making it explorable only by boat. An absolute experience!
2. Canopy Tour
You always wanted to know what it feels like ever to fly? Then you have the best opportunity to experience this feeling in Costa Rica. Canopy tours are available at almost every corner of Costa Rica and let you fly over the treetops of the rainforest. Whether adventure beginner or adrenaline Junky – there are big and small tours as desired.
For the junkies among you: you can your canopy tour also conclude with bungee jumping and the best in Monteverde! Although I have but enjoyed great respect for heights, my little canopy tour in Arenal. It is worthwhile to face his fears, because then you’ll be rewarded with the most beautiful feeling!
Watch 3 Water Turtles
Ready to respect, lack of an alternative, I have here a South African tortoise: Note Patrick.
Many of Costa Rica’s beaches, you can observe a wonderful part of the course of nature: how they put sea turtles lay their eggs on the beach. For example, on the east coast in Tortuguero, where the green turtle lays its eggs at night. The Costa Ricans organize tours for small groups, although they allow the observation, but in a context that does not affect the process of turtle. To see how much the Costa Ricans to protect their natural, is impressive. And to watch the turtles themselves as they put the eggs and then run back into the sea in order to cover hundreds of kilometers, is incredibly beautiful. This natural phenomenon not to be missed!
4. Volcano tour
In Costa Rica you will find the 60 volcanoes! Classified as active are just a few of them. Among the most active include Poas, Turrialba, Rincón de la Vieja and Arenal. The latter has been suspended since 2010, but was in front of the most active volcano in the world. Around the volcano Arenal you’ll find the huge Arenal Lake, which was artificially dammed and provides a large part of the country demand for electrical energy.
5. Bathe in natural water
At the foot of the Arenal Volcano steaming spring hot springs that you can enjoy in the bathing area of Tabacón Spa resorts. Here you can swim the way to the bar and sip a cocktail directly in the thermal pool! You want pure nature? Then visit one of the waterfalls in Costa Rica. The waterfall Celeste is especially nice because it shines through a chemical combination of sulfur and calcium carbonate in a turquoise or baby blue.
6. enjoy fresh coffee from the plantation
Where does actually the coffee as it is made and how it tastes fresh from the coffee plantation? That you can live the best in Monteverde! Here you verkostest not only coffee, but also the finest chocolate.
7. Diving
Isla del Coco is the largest uninhabited island and one of the most beautiful diving paradises in the world. As an experienced diver, you can swim here with hammerheads. The largest coral reefs in Costa Rica can be found on the Isla del Caño, you can visit the coast of Bahía Drake.
8. Surfing
Costa Rica is an absolute surfer’s paradise with its meter high strong waves. For beginners a challenge for advanced a dream! The most popular places for surfing are Tamarindo on the Pacific Coast as well as Jacó and Puerto Viejo on the Caribbean Coast.
9. Riding
Once along the beach on horseback – the dream I could meet in Costa Rica! And you too can 🙂 Many ranches offer horseback riding on the beach or in the mountains with views of the beach.
10. sunsets
In Costa Rica you will experience sunsets as a single color extravaganza. But here I prefer to let the pictures speak for themselves!
11. La comida de Costa Rica
Last but not least: Enjoy the Costa Rican cuisine and all their wonderful freshness! Pineapple, papaya and banana flavors are bombastic in Costa Rica. The typical national dish is a Casado, whose base representing rice and beans. These plantains and fish or meat and vegetables are served. A little tip: Eat in the sodas, which are often led by smaller families Local! There it is best and cheapest. Stick to the “locals”. They know where it is good.
Daniela prefers already for some time again in the distance. She lived seven months in Los Angeles, explored some European countries and spent five weeks at Costa Rica. This small country in Central America has their adventure only really aroused and also meant the birth of her travel blogs Happy Travels – Pura Vida. There you can still learn about Costa Rica much more.