Top 10 Reasons to Travel to Costa Rica
You can choose from among hundreds of countries when planning your international travels, so why visit Costa Rica? There are too many reasons to count, but we’ve narrowed it down to our top 10 reasons for traveling to the “rich coast.”
1. Breathtaking Natural Landscapes
Ask anyone who’s been to Costa Rica why they would recommend it to others, and you’re sure to hear about the country’s natural beauty. You have to choose between beaches, mountains or other landscapes in some destinations, but not in Costa Rica. At every turn, awe-inspiring views greet you, whether you’re lounging on the beach, hiking a mountain, exploring a cave, flying over a volcano, fishing in the deep sea or embarking on a rainforest safari.
Because of the variety of settings and the breathtaking natural beauty, Costa Rica also happens to be a photographer’s paradise. Imagine having your engagement, wedding, pregnancy or other milestone photos taken with these stunning natural backdrops. Even a quick selfie or family photo can capture a beautiful memory in just as beautiful a location.
2. Amazing Biodiversity
Costa Rica’s variety of natural settings speaks to the country’s exceptionally high level of biodiversity. Though the nation makes up only 0.03% of the planet’s surface, it’s home to nearly 6% of the world’s biodiversity. That’s partly due to its location, where it attracts ecosystems and wildlife native to both North and South America. The Costa Rican government has also committed to protecting the environment, dedicating slightly more than a quarter of its land as a national park or reserve.
Costa Rica is an animal lover’s paradise. Just a few of the many species the country is famous for include:
- Sloths
- White-faced capuchins
- Spider monkeys
- Toucans
- Scarlet macaws
- Hummingbirds
- Blue morpho butterflies
3. Endless Activities and Adventures
As you can imagine, with so many different natural features, there are nearly endless options for outdoor activities. Some of the things to do in Costa Rica that attract outdoor adventurers include:
- Ziplining
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Mountain biking
- Horseback riding
- Kayaking and white water rafting
- Surfing
- Whale watching
- Taking a boat or helicopter tour
This list is by no means comprehensive. Costa Rica offers such a wide variety of activities, there’s always something to do that you and all your traveling companions will love. If outdoor activities aren’t your cup of tea, you can fill your days with shopping, dining or relaxing while you enjoy the breathtaking views from your room’s balcony.
4. Beautiful Weather
No matter what time of year you’re traveling to Costa Rica, you can count on delightful temperatures. Temperatures mainly vary by elevation, but they tend to fall within the perfect range that is pleasantly warm without becoming oppressively hot. For example, the country’s capital, San José, has an average temperature of 69 degrees Fahrenheit. On the beach, you can enjoy sunshine and sea breezes.
While the temperatures are lovely year-round, the tropical climate means rain showers regularly refresh the land — especially during the Green Season. September and October tend to be the rainiest months. The High Season, when you can expect more consistent sunshine and fewer rainclouds, lasts from late November through May in most parts of the country.
5. Delicious Cuisine
Costa Rican food is a feast for the eyes and the palate. With fresh ingredients and traditional recipes, local chefs can create delightful dishes you’ll dream about after you return home. One of the most iconic Costa Rican meals is casado — a platter brimming with rice, beans, salad, meat or seafood and fried plantains.
If you enjoy fresh fruit, the abundance of delicious tropical fruits will delight you, including ones you may have never tried. Costa Rica is the world’s largest pineapple exporter, so you can try the freshest pineapple you’ve ever had, including the incredible Pinkglow™ pineapple. Other fruits you’ll find in Costa Rica include passion fruit, rambutans and sour guavas.
6. World-Renowned Coffee
Costa Rican food isn’t the only delicacy to get excited about. Whether you consider yourself a coffee lover or connoisseur, you’ll appreciate that Costa Rica has earned a reputation for having some of the best coffee in the world. Costa Ricans take their coffee seriously. In particular, the rich, volcanic soil and mild climate provide the perfect conditions to grow high-quality Arabica beans.
Imagine starting your morning with the delicious, rich flavor and mouthfeel of authentic single-origin Costa Rican coffee. If you’re not a coffee drinker, you may be interested to know that cacao is one of Costa Rica’s leading exports, so you can enjoy some incredible hot cocoa or delicious chocolate in any form.
7. Fascinating History
If you’re interested in historical sites and educational outings, Costa Rica has much to offer in that respect, as well. Christopher Columbus arrived on the shores of Costa Rica in 1502, and later that century, Spanish people established settlements in the country. Most Costa Ricans today are descendants of these European settlers. However, Costa Rica’s history starts long before this encounter with Europe.
You can see some of this history firsthand in the Central Bank of Costa Rica Museums’ Pre-Columbian Gold Museum. This collection includes close to 700 pre-Columbian gold artifacts, making it one of the largest collections in Latin America. Through these dazzling exhibits, you can learn about Costa Rica’s history and Indigenous people.
8. Convenient Travel
Costa Rica also has some practical advantages over other destinations. Despite the country’s small size, it boasts two international airports and over two dozen regional airports, so traveling to Costa Rica is easy. You can even find fast, direct flights to Costa Rica from many U.S. cities. When you stay at the Villa Punto de Vista Estate, you can request a chauffeur to meet you at the airport, where you’ll board a private luxury van to the villa.
Another thing that makes travel to Costa Rica convenient for many people is the time zone. The country is on Central Standard Time — a time zone shared by many in the U.S. and Canada. You can avoid jet lag and start enjoying your trip from the moment you arrive.
9. Pura Vida Lifestyle
Costa Ricans are some of the happiest people in the world, and you’ll understand why when you spend some time in their country. Locals, who call themselves Ticos and Ticas, enjoy sharing their home with neighbors and tourists alike. Costa Ricans affectionately call their way of life “pura vida.”
This phrase directly translates to “pure life,” but Costa Ricans have imbued it with rich and varied meaning. You’re likely to hear it as a greeting or parting phrase. People can also use it to express thanks, tell someone they’re welcome or shrug off life’s challenges. Time in Costa Rica, living the pura vida life, can provide you with the perfect retreat you need to refresh your mind, body and soul.
10. Luxurious Accommodations
On top of all the things that make Costa Rica itself a fantastic place to visit, the accommodations you’ll find there can add substantially to the experience. In addition to more standard hotels, you can rent a private villa for yourself and your traveling companions, allowing you to enjoy a tropical getaway according to your preferences.
At Villa Punto de Vista Estate — a top luxury destination in Costa Rica — you’ll find a paradise all its own. Our two private villas, Villa Punto de Vista and Villa la Isla, are in a tropical reserve filled with lush greenery, natural wildlife and incredible ocean views. Spend time relaxing on the beach in Manuel Antonio Bay, soaking in your private pool, enjoying delicious fresh foods and drinks from our chef or taking in the stunning views from your room.
Start Planning Your Trip to Costa Rica Today
Hopefully, you’re no longer wondering, “Should I visit Costa Rica?” The only real question left is how soon you can plan this unforgettable getaway. Take some time to learn more about all Costa Rica has to offer on our blog and consider booking a stay at one of our award-winning private villas. You can explore availability and rates online to get started.
