There is a reason why more than one million tourists a year choose to visit small Costa Rica in Central America.
In fact, there is more than one reason.
The first white man to set foot in Costa Rica was Christopher Columbus during one of his voyages of discovery.
When he landed, the local tribal leaders welcomed him and presented him with a variety of exotic gifts.
Columbus, impressed by the great wealth displayed before him, called the place “the rich coast”, Costa Rica in Spanish.
The truth discovered by the Spaniards who arrived after him was somewhat more bitter, as it turned out that compared to neighboring countries it was very poor in natural resources.
In addition, the intense volcanic activity prevented the establishment of permanent settlements, leaving Costa Rica relatively isolated compared to the rest of Central America.
Thanks to the fact that more than a quarter of the country’s territory is declared protected land designated for conservation, Costa Rica has become one of the leading countries in the world in nature preservation, ecological tourism, and environmental awareness.
Massive conservation efforts have resulted in the country now hosting one of the richest biological diversities in the world.
In addition to its abundant wildlife and plant life, Costa Rica is blessed with many natural phenomena such as active volcanoes, beautiful tropical beaches, fast flowing rivers, and more.
Travelers can expect a once in a lifetime experience thanks to a direct encounter with all of these phenomena within a small geographic area and over a short period of time.
Days 1 to 3 – Tortuguero Reserve
Tortuguero Reserve, located in the eastern part of the country along the Caribbean coast, is known as the largest nesting site in the world for the large and rare green sea turtle.
In addition to the green turtle, the reserve has extremely rich biological diversity of animals living in a tropical paradise.
The reserve is located among a network of canals in the heart of the tropical forest, and all movement within it, including arrival and departure, is done exclusively by boat.
The visit to the reserve takes place as a safari style tour along the many waterways.
Days 4 to 5 – Arenal Volcano
Arenal is the most famous volcano in the country and is located in the heart of the central mountain range.
It is set within the tropical rainforest, and the image of its smoking cone rising above the endless jungle is one of the landscapes that best represents the country.
Due to its intense volcanic activity, the area contains many hot springs, providing a wonderful place to sit after sunset and watch the “fireworks” emitted from the volcano’s crater.
Days 6 to 7 – Monteverde Reserve
One of the most well known nature reserves in Costa Rica.
Due to its high elevation, a cloud forest has formed there, somewhat different from the rainforest of the Arenal region.
Its biological diversity is among the richest on the continent, with the highlight being the quetzal bird with its long tail.
Its ornate feathers once made it a target for hunters, and today it is a very rare bird.
Monteverde Reserve is one of the few places where there is a good chance to see it.
Days 8 to 9 – Manuel Antonio Reserve
A reserve located on a peninsula along the Pacific Ocean coast.
This is the most accessible place where the rainforest meets the ocean beaches, creating a beautiful nature reserve that allows a combination of walking trails through the forest, with parrots, monkeys, sloths, and other animals in the treetops, along with swimming and snorkeling at top level tropical beaches with clear blue water and many species of fish.
Days 10 to 11 – La Paz Waterfalls and San Jose
Although there is little to do in San Jose, it is almost impossible to avoid due to its role as the main entry and exit gateway to the country.
A short drive away are the impressive La Paz waterfalls, where visitors can take an easy walking tour and visit the local wildlife shelter.
In addition to the waterfalls, it is recommended to visit Poas Volcano, probably the most accessible volcano in the country, allowing access almost directly to the crater.
