Costa Rica’s Peaceful Lifestyle, Sand, Surf and Rainforests

Costa Rica’s has been a top travel destination for many years.  Peaceful lifestyle, friendly culture, magnificent beaches and extraordinary natural beauty make it a top choice to get away.

This tiny country is well known for it’s delicious coffee, environmental consciousness, “pura vida” lifestyle and world class surf spots.

Once you visit Costa Rica, you’ll find yourself going back again and again.  Many fall in love with it’s relaxed lifestyle and tropical climate.

Here’s some great spots you just can’t miss if you’re visiting for the first time:

Costa Rica’s Manuel Antonio National Park

Manuel Antonio was listed as one of the world’s 12 most beautiful National Parks in the world. It is also one of the few where the rain forest reaches right into the ocean, creating steep cliffs, secluded world class beaches and great kayaking and snorkeling spots.

Just a short drive away from the popular surf town of Jacó Beach, Manuel Antonio National Park has some of the most impressive landscapes in the world.  Here you can enjoy wildlife such as white face monkeys, three-toed sloths, howler monkeys, iguanas, toucans and even dolphins and whales during migrating season.

Arenal Volcano

The drive to Arenal Volcano from the city will take you on a wonderful scenic 4 hour drive. This volcano is one of the few conical shaped active volcano’s in the world and also the youngest in Costa Rica.

With majestic views from all angles and lush countryside, this volcano offers frequent lava flows at night and amazing hot water springs.

This area offers high class hotel accommodations with luxurious spas and hot water springs as well as hiking, kayaking, whitewater rafting, canyoneering or just nice relaxed tours around the volcano.

Río Celeste

You’ve probably seen photos of Río Celeste before as it’s one of the most spectacular rivers in the world. Located in the northern part of Costa Rica, Río Celeste is well-known for it’s bright turquoise color. This color is the result of a chemical mixture of sulfur and carbonate from the Tenorio Volcano.

 There’s a one-hour hike through the rain forest to get to the river, but certainly well worth it.

You can visit visit several hot springs and enjoy the waterfall with a little picnic while exploring the banks of the river.

Santa Teresa Beach

Santa Teresa Beach is located down in the Nicoya Peninsula in Costa Rica. A booming surf town with world-class white sand beaches. If you’re not into dipping in the ocean, the jungle will provide nice little hideaways on the beach to relax and spend the day.

Just a short drive away, you can find the town of Mal Pais which is one of the most beautiful beaches in Costa Rica and the world.

Either of these destinations will provide you with great activities such as fishing, canopy tours, snorkeling, SUP, horseback riding and even yoga and hiking in a nature reserve.

Monteverde Cloud Forest

Monteverde is considered the top ecotourism destination in Costa Rica and is home to the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve. Declared by Newsweek as “the World’s #14th place to remember before it disappears”, Monteverde provides miles of cloud forests, coffee plantations, monkeys, misty afternoons, bided hikes, canopy tours and even a cheese factory.

The Monteverde Cloud Forest spans six distinct ecological zones and is home to thousands of exotic birds, butterflies, mammals, insects and species of plants.

With 2.5% of the World’s biodiversity, Monteverde is a dream destination if you’re into unique landscapes and virgin rain forests.

There’s so much more to Costa Rica, with more than 300 different beaches both on the Atlantic and the Pacific Coast as well as 7 active volcanos… you’ll find yourself quickly making plans to go back!

(Photo credits 1 – 2 – 3 – 4 – 5)