Staying in an ecological hotel, walking on a whale’s tail made of sand, bathing in volcanic waters or surfing in two different oceans: these are just a few of the unique proposals that tourists can experience in Costa Rica.
Spanning little more than 51,000 square kilometres, Costa Rica is home to a great richness of biodiversity, a dazzling array of landscapes and ecosystems (rainforests, mountains, coastal reefs, etc.) and the friendliest and happiest people on the planet. To really understand this country, we have compiled a list of proposals that you can only experience in the ‘country of pure life’.
Surf in two different oceans
The size and geographical location of Costa Rica mean that tourists can surf in the Atlantic and the Pacific Ocean – even in the same day! With a six-hour car journey separating the two oceans, surfing fanatics can catch the first wave of the day in the Caribbean before travelling to the Pacific for an evening surf session before dinner.
To top things off, the water is beautifully warm on both sides of the country.
Discover the country’s natural surroundings, boasting the highest degree of biodiversity on the planet
With more than half a million different species – almost 4% of the total number of species found worldwide – Costa Rica is one of the best locations on earth for exploring flora and fauna.
A quarter of the country’s territory is protected by national parks and nature reserves, with these locations possessing a dazzling variety of ecosystems, including tropical rainforests, tropical dry forests, cloud forests, mangrove forests, Atlantic and Pacific coastlines and miles and miles of coastal reefs.
Furthermore, the best way to teach people of all ages about biodiversity is to let them witness it with their own eyes.
Bathe in thermal baths at the foot of a volcano
Part of the ‘Pacific Ring of Fire’, Costa Rica has more than a dozen active and inactive volcanoes.
The most well-known volcano is Arenal, whose beautiful cone-like form and history of being one of the world’s most active volcanoes (it stopped erupting in 2010 and is currently inactive) led to the creation of a prosperous tourism industry in the areas surrounding these volcanoes, and the subsequent creation of touristic thermal baths.
These centres have swimming pools of various temperatures, whose waters – rich in minerals – are perfect for looking after your skin. Nothing beats treating yourself to an outdoors thermal bath while gazing at magnificent views of the volcano.
See the ‘Dance of the Little Devils’
The traditional festival of the indigenous Boruca community in southern Costa Rica, the ‘Dance of the Little Devils’ (also known as the ‘Game of the Little Devils’) is a reconstruction of the Spanish conquest of Costa Rica. It takes place every year in two different locations: from 31 December to 2 January in the Boruca community, and over the first weekend in February in the Rey Curré community.
Participants in this tradition from the Boruca community wear hand-made devil costumes and masks, representing the indigenous population, who dance and fight against a person dressed up as a bull, symbolising the Spanish conquistadors.
This is a celebration of the Boruca identity and community, which is a great opportunity to enjoy local music, typical food and plenty of “chicha”, a traditional corn-based drink.
Purchase an ox cart
The traditional Costa Rican ox cart is more than just a typical carriage; in fact, it is the most recognisable form of craftsmanship in the country and has also been declared as a ‘Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity’ by UNESCO.
Previously used to transport coffee, these ox carts are now a symbol of Costa Rica’s cultural heritage, painted using bright colours and with unique designs, making them authentic masterpieces.
Tourists are also sure to find various souvenirs depicting this unique decorative item.
Walk on a whale’s tail made of sand
The impressive Marino Ballena National Park, located on the southeast Pacific coast, is known as a good humpback whale spotting sight.
What’s more, it is also well-known for the formation of sand known as El Tómbolo. At low tide, this sand formation resembles a whale’s tail from above, with tourists able to walk upon it in their attempts to catch sight of a real whale’s tail.
The park is located between Playa Hermosa and Playa Uvita. Even if you don’t see any whales in the sea, the views are truly spectacular.
Stay in an ecological hotel
Costa Rica is a pioneering country in the fields of eco-tourism and sustainable tourism. With a wide variety of ecological accommodation offerings, the country allows tourists to reduce their carbon footprint during their visit.
Ranging from bungalows on the beach, camping tents and old ranches to solar panel hotels and luxury establishments, Costa Rica offers a wide variety of options, meaning that tourists can travel sustainably to any part of Costa Rica.
Taste some unique fruits and vegetables
In a little over 51,000 square kilometres, Costa Rica is home to 12 different climatic areas and a series of microclimates, enabling the cultivation of a vast array of fruits and vegetables.
The best way to enjoy them is through natural juices and drinks, which are common in all restaurants and cafés throughout the country. Some of the indigenous options include the cashew fruit, which belongs to the mango family and is enjoyed with a lemonade-type drink; and pejibaye, commonly cooked with mayonnaise.
