Parque Francisco Alvarado One Of The More Unique Places To Visit In Costa Rica
Photo: JERRYE AND ROY KLOTZ MD
- A surreal garden located in Zarcero with some of the most extraordinary garden sculptures youll ever see.
- This is the lifes work of artist Evangelisto Blanco who has been working on the garden since the 1960s.
Why its so awesome: This garden is one of the most stunning in the world, which is why its also one of the most popular places to visit in Costa Rica. Created by a single artist, the hedges and shrubs offer the otherworldly experience of walking amongst dinosaurs, religious figures, and abstract human figures. Its truly a masterpiece and deserves all the attention it gets.
What to do there: If youre wondering where to go in Costa Rica for some peace and quiet, this is the right place for you. Take a few hours to explore this garden and the genius of its creator. Make sure that you have your camera with you too, so you can get lots of photos to remember your trip by. And make sure that you dont miss the series of sculptured tree arches that have been positioned to form a naturally grown tunnel.
Where To Stay In Drake Bay
La Paloma Lodge – One of the most beautiful eco lodges in the Osa peninsula, the all-inclusive La Paloma Lodge is set high on a bluff overlooking the ocean and surrounded by lush rainforest jungle. Its a short walk into the tiny town of Drake Bay and a favorite stay of ours, whether youre planning a family vacation or your honeymoon.
Westin Playa Bonita Resort
Situated alongside the Pacific Ocean, the Westin Playa Bonita Resort is a 20-minute drive from Panama City, the vibrant capital city of Panama. Amenities Westin Playa Bonita amenities include beachfront swimming pools, kayak rentals, concierge, spa, fitness center, steam room, free in-room internet, beauty salon, gift shop, business center, and a complimentary parking facility. The hotel
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Why Visit Costa Rica
Much of Central America is lush and green, with amazing wildlife and super friendly people, and it may be difficult deciding which country to explore first. But for us, Costa Rica has the best combination of eco-friendly opportunities with developed tourism infrastructure, perfect for first time travelers.
Like every first trip to a new place, we had the usual nervous anticipation and didn’t know quite what to expect from our first trip to Costa Rica. Even with all the stories we’d heard from online travelers and friends, we could not have imagined how much this amazing place would stay with us for years to come.
Go. Now!
Take It Easy With An Outdoor Adventure In The ‘region Of Turtles’
Translated as ‘region of turtles,’ Tortuguero is a favorite national park for visitors of Costa Ricas Caribbean Coast. More importantly, its a favorite destination for several different species of sea turtles green, leatherback, loggerhead, and hawksbill have all been sighted in the area.
Hatching season starts in July and lasts until late September. Tour the beach at night for the chance to see green sea turtles coming ashore to lay their eggs.
Youll have the chance to spot more wildlife on a quiet tour of the marshlands in an expertly guided boat look for crocodiles in the canals, and monkeys and birds in the trees. Other animals you can spot include super-rare manatees.
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Casa Vista Azul Private Home
The Casa Vista Azul Private Home has seven bedrooms with a pool house and stunning views of Manuel Antonio bay. Its located in a prestigious neighborhood in the heart of Manuel Antonio a short walking distance to plenty of restaurants and nightlife. Casa Vista Azul is a spacious home away from home great
Is A Costa Rica Honeymoon Expensive
One obvious point that needs to be made is that the price tag always depends on what you decide to do. Let it be said that Costa Rica is not the cheapest country to visit especially compared to the rest of Central America. This has to do with the high level of safety and precautions taken during tours, the level of training guides received as well as the level of development to be found around the country.
Unless you are budget travelers even on your honeymoon, a one-week honeymoon in Costa Rica can cost you an average of 2500 USD for 2 people, not including your flight. This price also largely depends on the type of hotels you choose and how many activities you plan on doing. Here is a breakdown of costs to give you a general idea.
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Falcons Nest Villa At The Springs Resort
The luxurious five-bedroom, six-bathroom Falcons Nest Villa is located within The Springs Resort property in the Arenal Volcano region. Exterior: The Terrace The 3,553 square foot Falcons Nest Villa is situated at the highest point of the property with an incredible view of Arenal Volcano. Sit and enjoy the sunset from the large Jacuzzi on
Top 10 Places To Visit In Costa Rica
- 9.63k views
Regarded by many as the jewel of Central America, Costa Rica is a bucket-list destination that is guaranteed to deliver. From towering volcanoes and vast rainforests to pristine beaches with excellent surf, this relatively small country has it all. Want to dive right in, but not sure where to start? Here is our guide to the 10 best places to visit in Costa Rica.
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Top 3 Activities In Tamarindo Beach
1. Book a catamaran with a private skipper to experience Tamarindo from the bay. If youre lucky, you may even see dolphins, sea turtles, and whales depending on the time of year.
2. Take an ATV tour. Many of the stops on the tour are only accessible by a dirt road, so be sure to wear something you wont mind getting a little muddy.
3. Go surfing! If youre already in one of the worlds top surfing destinations, no doubt, youll want to try to catch a wave of your own. You can rent a board from the local shacks on the beaches. Many local surf shops also offer lessons at reasonable prices.
Drake Bay The Gateway To Corcovado
Follow the same watery route as explorer Sir Francis Drake on a visit to Drake Bay accessible only by boat, and home to biodiversity unlike anywhere else on Earth.
Stay in comfortable accommodations right on the edge of Costa Ricas vast, tropical wilderness Corcovado National Park. This is a starting point for tours that take you deep into the jungle or out onto the bright blue waters of the bay.
You can see plenty of marine wildlife on boating tours, including whales, dolphins, rays, and sea turtles. Dive beneath the water near Caño Island to see some of the tropical fish that thrive in this area, and sandy beaches where sea turtles are known to come ashore.
Pick what view you want from your room the jungle, the Pacific Ocean, or both. Lodges in the area emphasize the surroundings, with terraces, hammocks, and outdoor bars that let you spend as much time as possible making memories in this incredible scenery.
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San Lucas Island Prison
- This was once one of Costa Ricas most brutal prisons and is now a wildlife refuge.
- If you want to learn more about the darker side of this tropical paradise, then this is definitely the place to come.
- The prison and the tour arent for kids.
Why its so awesome: For more than a century, this island housed Costa Ricas most brutal prison. The prisoners endured conditions that are hard to imagine now. However, you can experience a small part of their suffering through the artworks they left behind, often etched in blood.
What to do there: If you have a strong stomach, then take the tour for the best experience. The artwork is often carved out in blood, whether the artists or someone elses, and depicts naked women, religious imagery, and detailed images of the brutality and hopelessness experienced by those interred there. Definitely not for children or for the sensitive, but still an interesting place to visit in Costa Rica.
Iglesia De San Jos De Orosi One Of The Most Underrated Places To See In Costa Rica
Photo: Rodtico21
- This cathedral is located in a peaceful mountain town around 22 miles outside of San Jose.
- The climate in this area is incredibly pleasant, which is why this area is said to produce the best coffee in the world.
Why its so awesome: Located in Orosi, this is one of the best places to visit in Costa Rica if youre interested in architecture as well as a more authentic way of life. Its Costa Ricas oldest church still in use and was inspired by Spanish-colonial architecture. Theres also a small museum and garden attached to the church that are worth exploring.
What to do there: Big cities are great, but sometimes its nice to visit a small town and get a glimpse of regular, everyday life. And if you visit this church, youll get the chance to do just that. So, make sure you admire the church and check out the museum with its interesting art and artifacts. Spend some time exploring the garden, and then get a coffee. This area is rumored to produce the best coffee in town because of the rich soil, so have a cup and make up your own mind.
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Villa Calatea At The Springs Resort
Villa Calatea is a two-bedroom, two-bathroom villa set on The Springs Resort property in the Arenal Volcano region. Villa Calatea is a great option for a family or two couples traveling together, and Arenal Volcano is a fantastic region for exploring hot springs, the volcano, and various adventure activities. Amenities Villa Calatea is located only
Drake Bay Best Place To Stay In Costa Rica For Families
This is a remote village, not a crazy tourist hub and therefore one of the safest areas in Costa Rica. That means that you and your family wont be fighting for a place to put your beach towel down! The main beach of Drake Bay is called Playa Colorada, which has a handful of restaurants and warm, peaceful water!
Keeping in mind that Drake Bay is a remote coastal city, lodging is sparse. That definitely means that youll have plenty of privacy and wont have to fight the crowds. Book well in advance to make sure you get the right accommodation choice for you and your family.
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Best Hostel In Arenal Volcano: Arenal Backpackers Resort
If Arenal Backpackers Resort would let me move in I would stay there forever! This is a hostel that really doesnt feel like a hostel. While there are wickedly affordable dorm rooms, this hostel does feel more like a hotel. They really have earned the right to put the word resort in their name! Its a beautiful property with abundant gardens and a drool-worthy pool! Plus the views of the volcano are amazing from this hostel, its the perfect spot to go for a hike in the cloud forests.
Guayabo National Monument Turrialba
Nearest airport: Juan Santamaria International Airport 82 km, 2 hours and 20 minutes approximately, driving by car.
Recommended for: Hiking tours, nature lovers, history.
Guayabo de Turrialba is an archeological place located in the area of Turrialba, within the Cartago province and the Central Volcanic Conservation Area. This site has a great archeological importance, as well as cultural too due to the fact that it is the largest and most important site of this kind in Costa Rica.
The richness of the area in terms of history is unimaginable, even though only a very small part of it has been studied and uncovered.
The monument is located in the southern slope of the Turrialba Volcano and covers approximately 232 hectares . Its real significance remains unclear, as the settlement was occupied by natives between 1000 BC and 1400 AD, after which it was definitely abandoned in mysterious ways and none recorded anything before the ruins were founded.
It is believed that Guayabo was an important center for cultural, religious and political activities, but the specific details about its importance have yet to be discovered. Most archaeologists believe that the city was a key center of importance for the neighbors governments of the time.
Apparently, it is not recent that visitors considered Guayabo as a remarkable place among the Costa Ricas sites and attractions.
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Best Airbnb In Tamarindo: Casa De Arroz
Rent this darling studio apartment for a steal! Youll be just three blocks from the beach and one block from the nightlife! This is the absolute perfect spot for your Costa Rica vacation. This Airbnbs yard is also known to be home to iguanas, hummingbirds, and even the occasional monkey! The apartment has a fully equipped kitchen, cosy couches, and plenty of space to move around.
Iglesia De Nuestra Senora De Las Mercedes
- A quiet church located in the city of Grecia.
- At first glance, this church is pretty but normal looking, but when you look closer, youll work out what makes it special.
Why its so awesome: This church was constructed in the 1890s and was a technological marvel at the time. Its made entirely of Belgian steel and still remains the most metal church in the world today. For a long time, people wondered why Belgian steel was used in its construction, though the reason turned out to be fairly ordinary. But today, its just a visually arresting church thats painted red and white and is definitely more than it seems.
What to do there: This church is one of the most unusual in the world, which is why its one of the most unique places to visit in Costa Rica. Have a look at the unique construction, marvel at how it was made and put together, and make sure you take pictures to silence the skeptics back home.
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The Top 10 Destinations To Visit In Costa Rica
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Roughly the size of the state of West Virginia or the European country of Denmark, Costa Rica appears small on the map but in reality, its big on adventure, ecotourism, and “pura vida” .
True to its name meaning rich coast, this Central American country offers a wealth of adventure, cultural, culinary, and wellness options including rainforest hikes, wildlife, year-round waves, white and black sand beaches, eco-lodges, picture-perfect volcanos, and locally grown chocolate, coffee, and other tropical treats.
Roads can be a bit precarious, making drives longer than they might appear, so choose wisely when planning your trip, and be sure to include extra time for travel. Here are the top 10 destinations to get you started.
Time Commitment: Two days will do if youd like to combine some city exploration with coffee-sipping and volcano viewing.
Time commitment: At least two to three days to relax into the “pura vida” pace and take advantage of all of the outdoor adventures available here.
Time commitment: Two to three days to soak in the magical energy and activities of this special place.
Time commitment: Its quite a trek to reach the Caribbean coast, so its worth at least a three- to four-day stay.
Time commitment: The road to Monteverde can be bumpy, so plan at least two to three days to enjoy the area after the long journey.
Tamarindo Beachsurf & Sunsets
Tamarindo is a beach hot spot and the surrounding area has much to offer. Surfing during a lesson or on your own is at the top of most peoples agendas, but the list goes on from there. Kayaking, sailing, rafting, diving, and seasonal fishing round out the water sports, and then of course you can hop on an ATV, go horseback riding, or try zip lining, just to name a few. Then you can reflect on your adventure-filled day with a cocktail as you watch the sun go down. Save some energy for the nightlife. Tamarindo is one location that doesnt quit!
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Attractions & Places To See
Papagayo is all about the outdoors. Whether youre perched on the cliffs absorbing the view or wading into the warm Pacific, youll have a front-row seat to incredible sunsets and cool sea breezes. Add to that 12 sandy beaches, national parks, and diverse wildlife refuges, and you have a recipe for a leisurely escape to nature and tranquility.
Some of Papagayos top attractions are:
- Sailboat Tours
Coco Beachbeaches & Nightlife
Conveniently located just a short 30-minute drive from the Liberia International Airport, Coco Beachaka Playas del Cocois a funky beach town with a lot of spirit. Its well known for its nightlife with bars and restaurants open late. While Coco Beach itself may not be the most impressive, the sunsets are breathtaking, and this area is great for exploring the many surrounding picturesque beaches.
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