It is said that when Christopher Columbus landed on Uvita Island in 1502, just three kilometers from Puerto Limón, he was amazed by the lush Costa Rican orchard and the richness of the ornaments of its inhabitants. Perhaps that is the reason why the famous navigator and other Spanish conquerors baptized this place with the name of Costa Rica.
However, compared to other Latin American countries such as Mexico or Colombia, Costa Rica did not have so many precious metals, although it did have numerous natural attractions that today have made the island a priority destination for ecotourism lovers.
Manuel Antonio National Park
Whether on foot or by boat, discovering Manuel Antonio National Park is a delight. With one of the most impressive landscapes in all of Costa Rica, the park has white sands and lush vegetation in the middle of great mountains. It is located in the province of Puntarenas and is the smallest National Park in the country.
Here the adventurers will have endless activities to do, from walks on the park trails, to kayak excursions around the coast, horseback riding or fishing. Even boat tours that focus on dolphin, sea turtle or whale watching, depending on the season. Everything for everyone in Manuel Antonio.
Costa Rica, a favorite destination for surfers
With miles of white sand beaches and giant waves, Costa Rica has become one of the favorite destinations for surfers to practice this sport. After all, the country is considered the third most popular destination for surfing after Hawaii and Indonesia for its excellent beaches and waves, pleasant weather, warm waters, reasonable prices and friendly people.
Costa Rica is one of the few countries where two great oceans are only six hours apart. This makes it possible to surf the Pacific at sunrise and end the day taming the Atlantic waves at sunset. Incredible true?
The Gold Museum in San José
The cultural, economic and political heart of Costa Rica is located in San José, the capital of the country. It has numerous sites of interest for visitors to know, such as the Metropolitan Cathedral, the National Theater, the National Museum of Costa Rica or the Pre-Columbian Gold Museum, which exhibits one of the most important pre-Columbian collections in America with more than a thousand pieces of gold molded by the indigenous tribes that inhabited these lands from the year 300 AD
San José surprises with the dynamism of its streets and its beautiful colonial buildings. Without a doubt, it is worth spending a few days in the capital to discover its urban landscape, its delicious gastronomy, its nightlife and its street art.
Tortuguero National Park
Tortuguero is one of the most emblematic national parks in Costa Rica. Also nicknamed as the 'little Amazon' this reserve is the main hatchery of the green turtle. The nesting of turtles on the beaches is the main reason why many visit Tortuguero. However, in this national park there are also many other animals such as howler monkeys, frogs and green iguanas or crocodiles.
Every morning it is possible to spot them with a pair of binoculars on board a boat that enters the park's canals and mangroves. In addition, between July and October there is a night tour that allows you to see how the turtles come out of the sea and excavate a nest on the beach to lay their eggs in one of the few remaining sea turtle sanctuaries in the world.
But Tortuguero is not just vegetation. Being in the Caribbean, it is one of the largest regions of Afro-Caribbean culture in the country. Most of its population has Jamaican origin and maintains its traditions, which makes Tortuguero a very interesting place to get to know from a cultural and ecotourism point of view.
Land of Volcanoes
As part of the Pacific Ring of Fire, Costa Rica's volcanoes are among the most amazing in the world. Despite not being a very wide country, the number of volcanoes in Costa Rica reaches 112. Some of them are national parks that protect interesting natural environments.
One of these is the Arenal volcano, considered among the 10 most active volcanoes in the world by scientists although no one would say so judging by the peaceful views and the surrounding blanket of mist. The last major eruption of the Arenal volcano occurred in 1968 and Its hot springs are now one of the main attractions in the area, along with its beautiful landscapes and adventure activities.
There are many hotels with an important thermal offer, but the Tabacón spa is the greatest exponent in the La Fortuna region. The immersion in its warm waters becomes an unforgettable experience for the visitor and the waterfall is an attraction.