The 6 most beautiful sights on Costa Rica
As the pearl of Central America, Costa Rica attracts with parks, lagoons, paradisiacal beaches, but also cities full of history and folklore.
15 November 2021
It was Columbus who discovered Costa Rica in 1502. But the first contact with the inland and indigenous civilizations took place in 1563 with J. Vásquez de Coronado, who decreed Cartago, the capital of the country. Besides the impressive history Costa Rica also beckons with incredible flora and fauna that span volcanoes, oceans, forests, parks and waterfalls. Definitely worth a trip!
1. Corcovado National Park
If you've always wanted to experience the jungle up close, Corcovado National Park is the place to be! In the almost untouched nature you can discover an incredible amount of animals and spend a few great days directly in the wilderness. Because of the limited number of visitors it is also not overcrowded. There are many ways to reach the national park. Puerto Jimenez is the cheapest starting point.
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2. san José
Before diving into the greenery and admiring the beaches, San José is a must on any Costa Rica trip. The capital was an agricultural center that developed in the 1800s with the increasing coffee trade. The city is the heart of the state, after a long past in which it played only a marginal role. There are two major markets: the Mercado Central or the Mercado Artisanal. Here you can experience traditions and authentically interact with the locals.
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3. Lankester Botanical Garden
Located on the outskirts of Cartago, the Lankester Botanical Garden is now a set of gardens and brings out the best of the local flora. The garden is best known worldwide for its 1400 orchid species. The park, which covers more than 10 hectares, is home to ferns, cacti and numerous other plant species that have become ideal habitats for various bird species.
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4. volcano Irazú
One of the most popular and visited places in the whole country: Irazù Volcano is a symbol of the country and is part of the park of the same name. It is located about thirty kilometers from Cartago and overlooks with its peak of 3432 meters. On clear afternoons, you can see the two oceans from the top. One of the most beautiful spots is the Diego de la Haya crater, where there is a green lake with a thousand shades, surrounded by unspoiled nature.
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5. Guayabo National Monument
It is the largest and most interesting archaeological area in Costa Rica with an extension of over 200 hectares and in 1970 the area was declared a national monument. According to archaeologists, people lived in this area for centuries, and religious and political decisions had essential historical starting points here. The archaeological city is located in the middle of a lush rainforest. The fauna of the area is very diverse, you can meet toucans, armadillo monkeys and various species of birds.
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6. Manuel Antonio National Park
Located in Quepos, near Puntarenas, the park is home to hundreds of different species of birds, mammals and plants. In addition to pristine nature and beautiful hiking trails, the highlight of the national park is a wild beach surrounded by palm trees that stretch along miles of coastline. The park is also home to several species of frogs. Moreover, the area includes 12 small islands and you can often pet dolphins or see whales from afar while in the water.
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