Ah, this amazing world of Central America! Warm sun, ocean, sandy beaches, landscapes, capable of amazing, and truly amazing diversity of flora and fauna. When planning a trip to Costa Rica , be sure that you will not be bored! Numerous national parks , about 120 volcanoes, endless plantations of coffee and sugar cane, beckoning secrets about buried treasures - what else does a real traveler need? Waterfalls, hot springs, amazing bays - in Costa Rica there is much to see! And if these lines have already had time to interest you, let's find out in more detail what sights the country is proud of and what must first be included in its route.
In general, it is worth saying that Costa Rica is a relatively small state. But he has one indisputable advantage with which it is difficult for some tourist countries to compete. Coast of Costa Rica is washed on one side by the Pacific Ocean, and on the other by the Caribbean Sea. This fact gives a lot of opportunities both for the creation of modern iconic places, and for older attractions.
TOP-10 most popular attractions in Costa Rica
- San Jose . This city is the capital of Costa Rica . Frankly, only because of this fact, he deserved the first place in our top, as there is nothing to do here, frankly. No, of course, the city is rich in attractions , for example, museums, in which there are a lot of unique artifacts. For example, the Museum of Gold , whose collection dates back to the pre-Columbian era. In addition, you can admire the architecture of the city. Despite the modern skyscrapers and buildings, here you can find whole neighborhoods with houses of old buildings that are made in colonial or neoclassical style. However, on this the advantages of the capital end - here is very dirty and a high level of crime. Most likely, San Jose as a tourist attraction is more suitable for those who travel in transit through Costa Rica.
- The city of Alajuela . He rightly ranks second in size and size in the country. Here the situation is somewhat rosy than in the capital. Among local attractions, the Volcano Poas National Park attracts a lot of attention. In addition, several farms for breeding butterflies have settled in Alajuela. In the vicinity of the city is also located an old fortress, owned by the Spaniards.
- City of Cartago . Once it was the capital of Costa Rica, but numerous earthquakes caused irreparable damage to the settlement, including in terms of historical monuments. Today you can see the amazing beauty of the cathedral and the Basilica of Our Lady of the Angels. In addition, the local ethnographic museum has a fairly extensive collection of exhibits.
- The city of Limon . Perhaps this is the place that is definitely worth visiting in Costa Rica under any conditions. It is here that you can feel the color of the local population in full, because in the vicinity of Limon are Indian reservations. Directly in the city is to soak up the famous beach of Playa Bonita and visit the local markets, which amaze the atmosphere that reigns here.
- The city of Monteverde . The best place for eco-tourism. The local population defines it as "foggy forests". This fact is connected with the fact that the jungle grows here in the place of condensation of fogs. This unique place is a real abode of a pristine nature, and it is for this that they appreciate it, therefore a day and a half more tourists are allowed here.
- The volcano of Rincon de la Vieja . A real find for those who love not only to actively spend their holidays, but also to contemplate, because from its peak a stunning view of the lake of Nicaragua and the bay of Saint Helena opens. At the foot you can soak up the thermal springs, and exploring the park, you have a great opportunity to observe some of the rarest species of plants and birds.
- Arenal National Park . Here the charge of thrills is guaranteed! In addition to the wonderful nature and amazing lake , you can see here a real active volcano . Small eruptions occur every 15 minutes. In addition, a landmark in the park is also the waterfall of La Fortuna . The water here falls from a height of 70-75 m, and for tourists specially equipped observation deck, from which you can observe amazing landscapes.
- Tortuguero National Park . It is located in the basin of the river of the same name, and today several hideaway species of turtles have found shelter. However, the flora and fauna in the park itself is quite diverse. In addition, you can get here only by river or air transport, which makes this corner of the wildlife even more unique.
- National Park Manuel Antonio . One of the most visited places in the country. Its territory is relatively small, but here in addition to the wonders of wildlife, you can also find wonderful beaches with azure water edge. In addition, the infrastructure here is very well tailored for the tourist: many hotels and various institutions. It is here that the world-famous hotel is located in the form of an airplane, which in some way is also a landmark of Costa Rica.
- Coffee plantation Dock . Something new and unusual can be told here as an inveterate coffee man, and a simple philistine. Excursions, which are held here, very well demonstrate the process of creating a fragrant drink from the germination of coffee berries to the frying of its grains.
It is quite difficult to single out just a dozen of attractions, when in Costa Rica, literally at every step there is something to admire or to be surprised. In fact, the numerous reserves and parks will amaze you no matter what route you plan yourself. Even if you travel by Costa Rica in transit, you will find something to see! The enchanting city of Liberia , the Bay of Baia Balena bay, the amazing stone balls , the numerous waterfalls, the unique settlement of the Malec Indians, the riverbed of the Tarkoles River - and this is only a small part of what a country like Costa Rica is still rich in!
