What Costa Rica is known for

What Costa Rica is known for

San Jose image by commons.wikimedia.org
*Vacation Mode is a for-profit site. It contains paid banner advertisements that are generated and managed by a third-party network. This site also includes relevant affiliate links (both in the content and on the sidebar) all of which we do our best to clearly mark as such.

 

What Is Costa Rica Known For

Costa Rica is known for its beautiful beaches, friendly people, and amazing wildlife. The country is home to some of the world's most famous tourist destinations, including Manuel Antonio National Park, Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, and Corcovado National Park.

Costa Rica is also home to many unique species of animals, plants, and insects. Some of these include monkeys, sloths, frogs, butterflies, and hummingbirds.

Geography

Pacific coast
Image by Pxhere.com.

 

Costa Rica is located in Central America, bordered by Nicaragua to the north, Panama to the south, Belize to the west, and Colombia to the east. The country covers an area of 1,904 square miles (4,871 km2) and has a population of 4,534,000.

Climate

With its tropical climate, Costa Rica is home to some of the world's most diverse ecosystems. Its geography ranges from rainforests to dry forests, cloud forests, savannas, beaches, volcanoes, and coral reefs.

Biodiversity

Costa Rica is famous for its biodiversity, including its thousands of species of birds, mammals, reptiles, amphibians, fish, insects, and plants. It is also home to many endangered species, including the giant armadillo, jaguar, puma, scarlet macaw, white-tailed deer, Baird's tapir, and the golden lion tamarin.

Flora and fauna

Leopard
Image by Flickr.com.​​​​​

 

Costa Rica is home to some of the most beautiful flora and fauna in the world. The country boasts over 1,000 different species of birds, including the scarlet macaw, the blue morpho butterfly, and the green iguana.

There are also hundreds of types of trees, plants, and flowers native to Costa Rica. Some of the most common include the Guanacaste tree, the hibiscus flower, and the jasmine vine.

Costa Rica is also home to many mammals, reptiles, amphibians, fish, butterflies, and insects. There are over 200 species of snakes alone, including the fer-de-lance pit viper, the boa constrictor, and the coral snake.

Costa Rica is also home to many unique species of plants, including the giant bromeliad, the giant rosette plant, and the banana palm.

And finally, there are over 50 species of monkeys, including the spider monkey, the white-faced capuchin, and the squirrel monkey found in Costa Rica.

Economy

Costa Rica is a small country with a large economy. 

The country's economy is based primarily on tourism, agriculture, and ecotourism. However, its economy is growing at a rate faster than many countries in Latin America.

According to the World Bank, Costa Rica's GDP per capita was $10,976 in 2017, making it the fifth-highest in Latin America. This makes Costa Rica one of the richest countries in Latin America.

Largest cities

San Jose
Image by Flickr.com.

 

Costa Rica is home to some of the largest cities in Central America. The capital city, San José, is the second-most populous city in the country after Guatemala City. The third largest city is Alajuela, followed by Heredia, Limón, Puntarenas, Liberia, Cartago, and Turrialba.

Religion

Costa Rica is a country where over 60% of its population identifies themselves as Christian. The majority of these Christians are Roman Catholic. However, there are many different denominations represented here, including Evangelical Protestants, Pentecostals, Jehovah's Witnesses, Mormons, Seventh Day Adventists, Baptists, Methodists, and others.

There are also many Buddhists, Hindus, Muslims, Jews, and atheists living in Costa Rica.

Culture

Costa Rica is famous for its culture and diversity. The country is home to many different ethnic groups, including Afro-Caribbeans, Chinese, Japanese, Koreans, Latinos, Russians, and others.

This cultural diversity makes Costa Rica a great place to visit and live. There are over 300 languages spoken here, making it one of the most linguistically diverse countries in the world.

Costa Rica was once a colony of Spain but became independent in 1821. Since then, it has been ruled by various governments, including military dictatorships, civilian presidents, and democratically elected leaders.

Cuisine

Costa Rica cuisine is unique because it combines influences from many different cultures. The country was founded by Spanish conquistadors who brought African slaves with them. They were followed by English settlers who brought their own food traditions. And finally, there are the indigenous tribes who still live in the rainforests today.

This diversity means that Costa Rican cuisine has a lot of variety. There are dishes from every region of the country, including Central America, South America, North America, Europe, Asia, Africa, and Oceania.

And this diversity makes Costa Rica's cuisine very tasty.

Coffee

Coffee trees
Image by TMF-ASSO from Pixabay 

 

Costa Rica is famous for its coffee. The country produces some of the world's finest beans, and many people come here to visit the plantations where the coffee is grown.

Languages

Costa Rica is home to many different languages spoken by its residents, including Spanish, English, French, German, Italian, Portuguese, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Arabic, and others.

This diversity makes Costa Rica a great place to learn foreign languages. There are many language schools throughout the country, and most offer intensive courses for beginners.

Happy People

According to the World Happiness Report, Costa Ricans rank among the top 10% of countries worldwide for happiness. And Costa Rican culture is based on the idea that everyone should be treated equally, thus making it one of the happiest countries.

This means that no matter who you are or where you come from, you're valued and respected. So when you visit Costa Rica, you'll find that people here are happy to help you out, whether you need directions, a place to stay, or just a smile.

And because Costa Ricans value equality, they tend to be very accepting of others. This makes them great hosts and wonderful travel companions.

Pura Vida

"Pura Vida" is a phrase that will follow you wherever you go in Costa Rica, and you will hear and see it frequently. The phrase "Pura Vida" has been a part of the national lexicon of Costa Rica for more than half a century. However, it is more than simply a slogan; it is a style of life that aims to live a "pure life" or "simple life." Its English translation is "pure life" or "simple life."

Hot Springs

Hot springs
Image by Flickr.com.

 

Costa Rica is famous for its hot springs. There are over 100 natural hot springs scattered throughout the country. Some of these hot springs are open to the public, while others are private resorts.

If you're looking for a relaxing vacation, Costa Rica is the place to go. Hot springs are a great way to relax after a long day of sightseeing.

There are two types of hot springs in Costa Rica: mineral pools and thermal baths. Mineral pools are usually found near rivers or lakes, where the water comes directly out of the ground. Thermal baths are located inside a building, where the water is heated to 104 degrees Fahrenheit (40 degrees Celsius).

Both types of hot springs offer different benefits. Mineral pools are typically more relaxing than thermal baths because they contain no chemicals. However, thermal baths are often more convenient because they are indoors and require fewer steps to use.

Hanging Bridges

Costa Rica is famous for its hanging bridges. The country has over 1,000 bridges, most of them suspended between two mountains.

Most of these bridges were built during the 1950s and 1960s when Costa Rica was developing rapidly. They're still used today, and many are now listed on the World Heritage List.

Costa Rica's hanging bridges are unique because they're made out of wood and metal. Most of the wooden ones are constructed from cedar, mahogany, and teak. Some of the metal ones are made of steel, aluminium, copper, and stainless steel.

Costa Rican hanging bridges are often called _pulgas_, which means "hanging". This refers to the fact that they hang from cables strung between two mountains.

There are three types of pulgas in Costa Rica: suspension bridges, cable-stayed bridges, and truss bridges. Suspension bridges are the oldest type of pulga, and they consist of two parallel beams supported by cables. Cable-stayed bridges use cables attached to towers instead of being suspended between mountains. Truss bridges are similar to suspension bridges except they use trusses to support the bridge deck.

Waterfalls

Costa Rica Waterfall
Image by commons.wikimedia.org

 

Costa Rica is home to some of the most beautiful waterfalls in the world. From the majestic Irazú Volcano to the misty Osa Peninsula, there are many places where you can experience nature at its finest.

If you're looking for a place to visit, here are some of our favorites:

Irazú Volcano

The highest peak in Central America, this volcano is located near the town of San José. At 2,922 meters (9,566 feet), it's the tallest mountain in Costa Rica.

Osa Peninsula

This peninsula is located just south of Puerto Viejo de Sarapiquí. Here you can find the famous Corcovado National Park, which is home to hundreds of species of wildlife.

Rincón de la Vieja National Park

Located in Guanacaste, this park is home to over 200 species of birds and animals.

Puerto Viejo de Talamanca

Located in Limon Province, this small town is surrounded by lush rainforests and beaches.

La Paz Waterfall

Located in Alajuela, La Paz Waterfall is one of the largest waterfalls in Costa Rica.

San Carlos Waterfall

Located in Cartago, this waterfall is one of the most photographed sites in the country.

Catarina Falls

Located in Santa Rosa, Catarina Falls is a popular destination for tourists.

No Army

Costa Rica is a small country with no army. This means there are no troops stationed here. There are only police officers who enforce laws and protect citizens.

This makes Costa Rica a great place to live because crime rates are very low. People respect each other and rarely commit crimes.

There are many reasons why Costa Rica is a safe haven for tourists. The most important reason is that Costa Ricans themselves are friendly and welcoming. They're not aggressive and they don't try to take advantage of foreigners.

Bribri People

Bribri people of Costa Rica
Image by Yoair.com.

 

Bribri People are a unique group of Costa Ricans who live in the southern region of the country. They speak Spanish, Portuguese, and English, and many have dual citizenship.

They're proud of their heritage and culture, and they're not afraid to show it off. Bribri People are friendly, outgoing, and welcoming. They love meeting new people and making friends.

Blue Zones

Costa Rica Blue zones are areas where people live longer than average. They're places where people eat well, exercise regularly, and avoid stress.

People who live in blue zones tend to be happier and healthier. But there's no magic formula. The key is to find out what makes these places tick.

Volcanoes

volcano crater
Image by Jerzy Andrzej Kucia from Pixabay 

 

Costa Rica is home to some of the world's most active volcanos. Volcanic activity is common throughout the country, especially in the northern region. The most famous volcano is Arenal Volcano, located near Lake Arenal.

Arenal Volcano is a popular tourist destination because it offers great views of the surrounding area. Visitors can hike through the lush rainforest, visit hot springs, go horseback riding, and take rafting trips down the river.

Other notable volcanos include Poas Volcano, Turrialba Volcano, La Paz Waterfall, and Caldera de Tabacón.

Costa Rica is home to four UNESCO World Heritage Sites

World Heritage Sites are places of outstanding natural beauty and cultural significance. They're protected areas where human activity is limited to preserve the environment. UNESCO recognizes these sites because they're important to humanity and our planet.

Costa Rica is home to three UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, Manuel Antonio National Park, and Sirena Cave. These sites are located near each other, making it easy to visit them all within a single day trip.

Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve is the most famous of the three. Located just outside of San Jose, this reserve is home to hundreds of species of plants and animals, including monkeys, sloths, toucans, poison dart frogs, and many others. The reserve is also home to the world's largest population of golden-headed tanagers.

Manuel Antonio National Park is located south of Quepos, on the Pacific coast. This park is home to the country's only coral reef, which attracts thousands of tourists every year. Visitors can snorkel here, swim with sea turtles, and explore underwater caves.

Sirena Cave is located in southern Guanacaste Province. This cave is home to millions of bats, which live there during the night. During the day, visitors can tour the cave, learn about its history, and enjoy stunning views of the surrounding countryside.

Manuel Antonio National Park

Costa Rica is home to Manuel Antonio National Park, one of the most beautiful national parks in Central America. The park is located along the Pacific coast and features pristine beaches, rainforests, and wildlife.

The park is famous for its white-sand beaches, lush tropical forests, and abundant marine life. Visitors come here to relax, hike, surf, swim, snorkel, dive, kayak, and visit the many attractions within the park.

Arenal Volcano Volcan Arenal

Costa Rica is home to some of the world's most popular tourist destinations, including the Arenal Volcano National Park.

This park features a series of waterfalls, hot springs, and natural pools, making it a great place for swimming and relaxing. Visitors can hike through the jungle, visit the volcano, or take a horseback ride along the beach.

Monteverde and the Cloud Forests

Costa Rica is famous for its cloud forests, which are lush rainforests filled with towering trees and hanging mosses. Monteverde and Santa Elena are two of the most popular destinations for tourists visiting Costa Rica.

Monteverde is located in the Central Valley region of Costa Rica, near San Jose. The town itself is small, but there are many things to do nearby, including hiking, zip-lining, horseback riding, and bird watching.

Tamarindo

Tamarindo is a small town located on the Pacific coast of Costa Rica. It's a popular tourist destination because of its beautiful beaches and warm climate.

But there's another reason why Tamarindo is a great place to visit. It's home to a thriving community of artists who live and work here. They create art out of local materials, including wood, clay, and stone.

Many of these artists sell their creations at craft fairs, festivals, and galleries. Some even exhibit their work in museums in Costa Rica.

Dominical

Dominical is a small beach town located just north of San Jose. It's famous for its beautiful beaches, warm weather, and laid back vibe.

If you're looking for a tropical vacation destination in Costa Rica, Dominical is a great place to visit. The area is home to many hotels, restaurants, shops, and bars. There are plenty of activities to keep you busy during your stay.

There are several things you should know about Dominical. First, it was not cheap. Second, there are no ATMs. Third, most places close at 5 pm. Fourth, Dominical is a popular surfing location. Fifth, it's very hot (and humid) throughout the year. Sixth, Dominical is a bit isolated. Seventh, Dominical is a long drive from San José. Eighth, Dominical is a short flight away from Liberia. Ninth, Dominical is a must-visit when travelling to Costa Rica. Tenth, Dominical is a perfect stopover between San José and Monteverde. And finally, Dominical is a wonderful place to relax and unwind after a day of adventure.

Jaco

Jaco Surf
Image by commons.wikimedia.org

 

Jaco Beach is located in Guanacaste Province, just north of San Jose, Costa Rica. The beach is home to a large number of surfers who come here to ride waves.

Jaco Beach was named after a local fisherman who caught his first fish here. Today, the area is called "the place where the fish jump."

The name "Jaco" means "fish" in Spanish. So when you're surfing at Jaco Beach, you're not only catching waves, you're catching fish!

There are several ways to reach Jaco. One way is to fly into San Jose International Airport (SJO) and take a bus to Jaco. Another option is to drive to Jaco from Liberia, Guanacaste, Heredia, Quepos, Tamarindo, Santa Cruz, or any other major city in Costa Rica.

Diamante Eco Adventure Park

Diamante Eco Adventure Park is located in the heart of the rainforest, surrounded by nature and wildlife. The park offers guests a unique opportunity to experience the beauty of the jungle and learn about the importance of preserving our natural resources.

The park features a variety of activities, including zip-lining, canopy tours, horseback riding, kayaking, hiking, swimming, and snorkelling. Guests can also visit the butterfly garden, where they can observe butterflies and other insects.

Guests who stay at Diamante Eco Adventure park receive free admission to the Butterfly Garden.

Osa Peninsula and Corcovado National Park

The Osa Peninsula and Corcovado National Park are two of the most popular destinations for tourists.

The Osa Peninsula is home to Puerto Jimenez, where you can find cheap flights to San Jose, Costa Rica. The peninsula is also home to Corcovado National park, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This national park is home to some of the world's largest wildlife including jaguars, white-tailed deer, tapirs, sloths, monkeys, and many others.

Corcovado National Park is also home to the highest waterfall in Central America, Angel Falls. Angel Falls is located at the base of the Osa Peninsula and is over 2,000 feet tall. It's estimated that Angel Falls drops over 1 million gallons of water every second!

Tortuguero National Park

Tortuguero National Park
Image by Flickr.com.

 

Costa Rica is also home to Tortuguero National Park, where you can experience nature at its finest.

This national park is located along the Caribbean coast of Costa Rica, near the town of Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui. This area is famous for its wildlife, including manatees, sea turtles, crocodiles, monkeys, sloths, iguanas, and hundreds of different species of birds.

Many people come to Tortuguero National park because they want to see the animals. However, there are plenty of other activities to keep you busy during your stay.

Irazu Volcano National Park

Irazú Volcano National Park is located just north of San José and offers amazing views of the surrounding jungle and mountains. The park was named after the indigenous name for the volcano, Irajá.

Irazú is a dormant volcano that last erupted in 1727. Its crater lake is filled with water from melting snow and ice. Visitors can hike through the forest to reach the rim of the crater where they can view the lake and the surrounding landscape.

Braulio Carrillo National Park

Braulio Carrillo is a national park located in Guanacaste Province, Costa Rica. The park covers 5,000 hectares (12,400 acres) and was established in 1974. Braulio Carrillo is home to many species of birds including the scarlet macaw, white-tailed deer, jaguar, ocelot, puma, and coatimundi.

The park is named after Braulio Carrillo Fuentes, who served as President of Costa Rica from 1945 until his death in 1949. He was born in San José, Costa Rica, and attended the University of California at Berkeley.

Braulio Carrillo was a conservationist who protected the country's natural resources. He worked closely with the Smithsonian Institution to preserve Costa Rican wildlife.

Rincón de la Vieja National Park

Rincón de la Viega National Park is located in Guanacaste Province, north of San José. The park covers over 1,000 square miles and contains several waterfalls, including the famous Cascada del Agua Azul.

This park is home to many species of wildlife, including monkeys, sloths, anteaters, coatis, agouti, pumas, ocelots, jaguars, and puma. There are also many bird species, including parrots, toucans, hummingbirds, eagles, falcons, owls, and woodpeckers.

There are also many hiking trails throughout the park. Visitors can hike along the Rio Negro Trail, which takes them through the tropical rainforest and past cascades and waterfalls. Or, they can take the shorter trail to the Cascada del Aguazuelo waterfall.

The Crocodile Bridge on the Tarcoles River

The Crocodile Bridge is a popular tourist attraction in Costa Rica. The bridge spans the Tarcoles river, connecting two small towns, Santa Ana and San Ramon de Tres Rios.

The bridge was built in 1884 and is made entirely of wood. It's approximately 1,500 feet long and 100 feet wide. It's also very narrow, making it dangerous for cars to cross.

The bridge is often used as a backdrop for photos because of its unique design. It's also a popular place for locals to hang out and socialize.

La Paz Waterfall Gardens

La Paz Waterfall Garden is located near the town of La Paz, just outside of San Jose. The waterfall is surrounded by lush jungle and is a popular destination for tourists who come to Costa Rica to hike, swim, and relax.

If you're looking for a unique place to visit during your next vacation, consider visiting La Paz Waterfall Gardens.

The National Theater in San Jose

Costa Rica is home to the National Theatre in San José, where you can catch live performances of classical music, opera, ballet, and theater. The National Theatre is located in the heart of downtown San José, just steps away from Central Park.

There are many reasons to visit the National Theatre in San Jose. First, it's free admission. Second, there are no lines at the box office. Third, you can take advantage of special discounts when you purchase tickets online. Fourth, you can use your ticket stubs to enter the theatre after the performance. And fifth, you can bring your family and friends along for the show.

Conclusion

The nation of Costa Rica is located in Central America and is a stunning place to visit. It is the natural habitat of some of the most fascinating animals in the world, such as monkeys, sloths, sea turtles, parrots, and a great deal of other flora and fauna.

If you're seeking a wonderful spot to spend your golden years, Costa Rica is an excellent choice. Because the weather is consistently warm and bright throughout the year, it is ideal for engaging in activities that take place outside.

Another type of tourism that is very popular in Costa Rica is ecotourism. Hiking through jungles, swimming in tropical lakes, or discovering ancient ruins are just some of the activities that bring tourists to this destination so they may experience nature at its finest.

 

Add new comment

Restricted HTML

  • You can align images (data-align="center"), but also videos, blockquotes, and so on.
  • You can caption images (data-caption="Text"), but also videos, blockquotes, and so on.
CAPTCHA This question is for testing whether or not you are a human visitor and to prevent automated spam submissions.
2 + 1 =
Solve this simple math problem and enter the result. E.g. for 1+3, enter 4.

Newsletter sign up

Join our mailing list and get a complementary stay in Mexico.  Get weekly emails with the latest travel deals you can't find anywhere else.
* indicates required