Sometimes it seems like Costa Rica is on everyone’s bucket list, so it makes sense to wonder why is Costa Rica so popular? Is Costa Rica really worth visiting?
Well wonder no more because in this post I’ll give you 5 great reasons to visit Costa Rica and explain why it’s such a popular destination. Get ready to add it to your bucket list to!
Why Visit Costa Rica
Costa Rica is one of the safest and most stable countries in Central America. Stretching from the Pacific Coast to the Caribbean Coast, this tropical paradise teems with amazing biodiversity, unique wildlife, and unspoilt natural beauty.
Plus, the magnificent landscapes, stunning beaches, rainforests, and volcanoes offer unlimited opportunities for adventure activities or just relaxing and soaking up the nature.
Costa Rica is also very inspirational in this day and age as it’s one of most eco friendly and happiest countries. Eco Tourism and yoga are hugely popular as people come to soak up the ‘pura vida‘ lifestyle!
It’s easy to see why Costa Rica is such a sought after destination, but in case you’re still not sure if it deserves a place on your bucket list – here are some more reasons to visit Costa Rica.
5 Top Reasons to Visit Costa Rica
1. Amazing nature, wildlife, and biodiversity
Costa Rica is a place of extraordinary biodiversity and was even named as the winner of the Future Policy award in a global biodiversity summit in Nagoya, Japan, recognizing the country’s efforts in protecting and preserving its natural environment.
Costa Rica is home to 5 per cent of the earth’s biodiversity. There are around 13,000 plant species, 1,200 butterfly species, 8,000 species of moths, 1,600 species of fish, over 850 types of birds and at least 200 types of reptiles all living together in different habitats, not to mention the plethora of mammals and insects.
The country has 29 national parks, 19 wildlife refuges, 8 biological reserves and numerous other magnificent protected areas. These natural attractions are one of the main reasons that people visit Costa Rica as they offer a chance to explore the natural beauty and spot wildlife including monkeys, sloths, jaguars, and hundreds of bird species.
Some of the best wildlife reserves and national parks to visit in Costa Rica include:
- Manuel Antonio National Park,
- Arenal Volcano National Park,
- Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve
- Ballena Marine National Park
- Tortuguero National Park,
You can see a complete list of Costa Rica’s national parks here on the official tourism website.
2. Inspirational and sustainable eco tourism projects
Another top reason to visit Costa Rica is to experience the inspirational commitment to eco tourism! Eco and sustainable tourism in Costa Rica isn’t just a trend; it’s a fundamental part of the country’s ethos. The nation takes pride in its leadership in conservation and sustainable practices, and offers visitors an environmentally friendly way to explore and enjoy its natural wonders while also contributing to it’s preservation.
This commitment is evident in its numerous eco-lodges, tours and activities that emphasize minimal environmental impact and promote conservation efforts. Eco tourism activities such as guided rainforest hikes, wildlife sanctuary visits, and sustainable coffee plantation tours not only educate visitors about the importance of conservation but also directly support local communities and conservation projects to ensure that Costa Rica remains a lush, vibrant paradise for generations to come.
Plus, eco-tourism in Costa Rica doesn’t just limit itself to land-based adventures; the country’s rich marine ecosystems provide ample opportunity for snorkeling, scuba diving and whale watching. The waters off the coast of the Nicoya Peninsula offer some of the best underwater experiences, where you can encounter a variety of marine life, including colorful fish, manta rays, and even sharks.
For whale watching, head to the Ballena Marine National Park, where humpback whales can be spotted during their annual migration from July to November and see the unique natural phenomenon of a whales tail formed by sandbars during low tide at Uvita Beach.
3. The beautiful beaches
There are close to 300 beaches along Costa Rica’s 1,290 kilometres of coastline, each of which has something spectacular to offer whether you just want to relax and bask in the beauty or if you prefer your beaches more active – you’re sure to find the perfect one for you.
Some of the best beaches in Costa Rica include Playa Negra, known for its black sand and great surf, Manuel Antonio Beach in the popular Manuel Antonio National Park, and Conchal Beach, where the sand is made up of tiny crushed shells. Then there is the tranquil Playa Blanca that is known for its beauty. It is a small beach that boasts soft, white sand and a clear blue sea.
Mal Pais, along with neighbouring Santa Teresa, has often been voted as one of the top 10 most beautiful beaches in the world and is popular with beach lovers, surfers and yogis. Also popular for surfers is Playa Tamarindo, Playa Hermosa, and Jacó, a stunning black sand beach with a lively party scene. And if you haven’t tried surfing yet, there are numerous surf camps in Costa Rica that will teach the ropes and have you catching waves in no time. Learning to surf is another of the top reasons to visit Costa Rica and many camps provide yoga classes too.
There’s too many amazing beaches to list here but you can be sure that whatever you’re dream tropical beach looks like – you’ll probably find it in Costa Rica!
4. Exciting adventure activities
Costa Rica is also an adventure paradise with so many different activities to try that will get your adrenaline pumping and immerse you in the beauty of nature.
As mentioned before, yoga and surfing are massive in Costa Rica, the water is warm all year round and the country has no shortage of epic surf spots, surf schools and yoga schools. You can even combine the two with a surf and yoga retreat for the ultimate mind-body experience.
Other popular adventure activities in Costa Rica include ziplining through the rainforest, horseback riding, ATV tours, rock climbing, bungee jumping, kayaking, canyoning and white water rafting (the country has more rivers per square kilometre than anywhere else on the planet!)
Most hotels can help you organise these activities as day trips but if you a seeking a more immersive experience there are also multi-day adventure tours that visit several destinations and combine various activities like hiking to remote waterfalls, camping in the rainforest, exploring hidden caves, and meeting the tribal people of Costa Rica for the ultimate adventure vacation.
5. Serene yoga retreats
If, like me, you dream of practicing yoga nestled in nature in a tropical paradise then Costa Rica should be on your bucket list. It’s a great way to reconnect to yourself and nature.
Costa Rica is one of the best yoga destinations in the world offering a wide range of yoga retreats from luxury wellness retreats with pampering spa treatments to eco friendly yoga retreats. Many also combine yoga with surfing, horseback riding, ziplining and other activities.
Another relaxing activity that you shouldn’t miss is the chance to soak in the Tabacon hot springs. The mineral-rich waters have therapeutic properties and are the perfect way to unwind and ease any sore muscles after all that yoga. Many retreats also offer spa treatments and massages.
You can even train to be a yoga instructor by completing a yoga teacher training program if you have 2 weeks – 1 month to spare. Who knows, a Costa Rica yoga trip could really change your life!
Is Costa Rica worth visiting?
As you can see there are SO many great reasons to visit Costa Rica, whether you’re a wildlife and nature lover, a thrill-seeker looking to surf massive waves and zipline through rainforests, or just want to relax on the beaches, practice yoga and soak up the Pura Vida lifestyle – Costa Rica is the ideal destination.
Plus, by staying in eco lodges and participating in sustainable, eco tourism activities, you can feel good that your visit is eco friendly and supporting local organisations who are working to preserve the natural beauty of Costa Rica and setting the standards for eco tourism across the world.
So if you love nature and wildlife and are looking for an eco friendly active vacation then Costa Rica is definitely worth visiting! Put it on the top of your bucket list today!
