Costa Rica is one of my favorite places in the world. It was always a dream of mine to go there ever since I was 10 years of age to go there after being given an assignment in geography. I was assigned the rain forest, and guess where I discovered? You guessed it Costa Rica!

Well at the ripe old age of 39 I finally got my chance. When my husband surprised me with a trip for our anniversary

These days, Costa Rica is one of the most popular destinations in Central America. Its popularity grows every year with it’s affordability for expats, luxury and eco travel it has something for everyone. While it is on a little higher in the price it is a shorter distance for many Canadians, a 4.5 to five hours plane ride form Toronto isn’t bad to see the rain forest if you ask me and considering that it remains affordable.

 

There is a saying in Costa Rica Pura Vida.  It translates to Pure Life and even if your Spanish is not that great the saying Pura Vida goes a log way for a lot of things. You will hear it everywhere! Saying goodbye Pura Vida, Cool thumbs up! Pura Vida! You get the idea.

I love that no matter how many times we go there, there’s a different vibe for every different place we visit, a never-ending stream of activities from zip lining through the jungle, diving, coffee plantations, volcano hikes, bathing in beautiful waterfalls, nature walks, cool wildlife everywhere, stays for every taste and budget and the locals are so friendly!

 

Top Five Things to See and Do in Costa Rica

Climb A Volcano in Costa Rica

Volcanoes are among the country’s top tourist attractions. There are currently 5 active ones and over 60 dormant ones. Arenal is the most popular, famous for its beautiful hikes and scenic views. Irazú is known for its astonishing green-blue lake in one of its craters, while the Paos Volcano is home to a boiling acid lake within its crater. There are also under ground volcanic lakes, and you can go to the healing steam, but please remember to pay attention to the signs and not stay in there to long it is just like medication to much can be toxic. There are also volcanic hot springs, and don’t forget to mud up! Your skin will feel like velvet after.

Visit Costa Rica’s Monte Verde

Monte Verde is the cloud rain forest. Fun fact Costa Rica has micro climates, when you are going from place to place the weather can change every few km. Back to the topic of Monte Verde. There is a really cute town at the base, with coffee plantations. One you get a taste the smooth rich brew, with a natural flavor of nuts from the roasting process, you will never want Tim Hortons again. That’s just my opinion though. The best part is they have fresh chocolate from their chocolate farms to put in your coffee, as if it wasn’t mouth watering already! Be sure to bring your binoculars there are lot of animals and birds to be seen in Monte Verde, and Costa Rica in general. I personally like going in green season. Virtually no lines and its mating season so the animals are out in full swing, and I don’t mean the one’s at the swim up bar! You will also have a better chance of seeing sloths and their super cute babies.

Explore Tortuguero National Park, Costa Rica

This park on the Caribbean coast is regarded as one of the most important breeding grounds for the endangered green sea turtle and leather back turtles. The park also helps protect Manatees, Sloths, and Monkey’s. There are guided tours offered by various tour guides so check with the place you are staying or give your travel agent a call. Today! aprilpearson.thetravelagentnextdoor.com

Explore Corcovado, Costa Rica

Established in 1975, Corcovado National Park is on the remote Osa Peninsula in the southwest. Spanning 424 square kilometers (164 square miles), it’s a rugged, quiet, off-the-beaten-path destination. Here you’ll find pristine jungles, hiking trails, and plenty of diving opportunities. There’s lots of wildlife too, including tapirs, jaguars, pumas, and the rare Harpy eagle. The peninsula is not easy to get to but it’s the highlight of the country for me. Tons of beautiful birds here. Please remember when traveling to the jungle natural bug spray, and proper footwear, this is the real deal folks there are thing that may bite, and flip flops are not a good idea. Also, water and sunblock are a must, don’t try to be tough the rainforest will win ever time.

Stay In Puerto Viejo

It is located on the Caribbean side of Costa Rica and is very different from the rest of the country. Here you will find a big population of Jamaican Costa Ricaian’s. They have a different dialect of Spanish, and the food and aesthetic are very Caribbean as well. There is a history there, so you will have to take the trip and learn all about it.

 This is just a small blog of all the things there are to do we have barely scratched the surface. If you want to learn more, please contact me at apearson@thetravelagentnextdoor.com