There are many countries in the world that are lucky enough to have an enchanting natural landscape, but Costa Rica is certainly one of the largest among them. His biodiversity manages to amaze even the most passionate about ecotourism and, if you are looking for a destination from which to return enriched, this is the place for you.
Here five unmissable stops for those visiting Costa Rica for the first time.
Sarapiqui
Costa Rica is famous for its biodiversity. The Sarapiquí area is the most verdant of the country, natural habitat of the macaque and place of cultivation of coffee - they say it is the best in the world - bananas and other fruits, thanks to the fertile soils washed by the Rio Sarapiquí. For those who want to practice ecotourismo, ask birdwatching o trekking in the forest this is the best area. You can meet monkeys, toucans, parrots and the most varied fauna.
Monteverde Biological Reserve
The warm winds of the Caribbean blow over the slopes of the Cordillera de Tilaran and condense into clouds, creating a cloud forest of over 10 thousand hectares and ranging from a height of 600 meters up to 1800 above sea level. 90% of the Monteverde territory is made up of virgin forest. The fitte nebbiand which dominate the entire reserve create a truly unique evocative environment. A community of peaceful Quakers moved here in the 70s because Costa Rica was the first country in the world to abolish the army. Monteverde it is famous for its rope bridges suspended in the forest and for adrenaline-filled activities such as canopy, sky tram, sky walk or bungee jumping.
The Arenal volcano
Like other volcanoes in Costa Rica, theArenal it is still an active volcano. It is unmistakable thanks to its perfect conical shape, in the shadow of which there are charming hotels with breathtaking views. Millions of tourists visit it every year and walking lovers will be happy to follow the paths up to the peaks, at more than 1.600 metres. The slopes of the volcano are home to hot water spas where it is worth diving for a beneficial and regenerating bath. Many of the natural thermal pools have been incorporated into the resorts in the area.
The beaches: Playa Tamarindo and Playa Carrillo
Tamarindo is the Saint-Tropez of Costa Rica and, according to Lonely Planet, it is one of the most beautiful beaches in Costa Rica. If you are looking for nightlife, trendy shops, clubs and restaurants, you will find the most beautiful ones here. But Tamarind, a well-known location in the province of Guanacaste, overlooking the Pacific, is also a surfing paradise. Thousands of food lovers gather here, but also holidaymakers who walk, go horseback riding, cycle or simply sunbathe. In nearby Playa Grande you can observe turtles laying their eggs.
Traveling along a coastal road accessible only on horseback or on a quad, you reach it Carrillo Beach, a whole different panorama. Here it seems like we are alone in the world: a wide strip of sand bordered by dense vegetation and limestone rocks that make this place truly heavenly.
Manuel Antonio National Park
It is the Costa Rica's smallest national park, but it is the richest in flora and fauna, which is why it is the most visited in the country and is always super crowded. According to Forbes it is among the 12 most beautiful parks in the world. If you want to be sure to spot a sloth – there's also a center for the care of abandoned baby sloths here – or a pygmy frog, this is where you'll find them. Many tourists love walking along the paths of the park spotting animals, and then jumping into the warm waters of the beautiful beaches which are located inside the park. This system of trails winding through tropical beaches and rainforest is unique.
The best time to visit Costa Rica is from October to April, but any other month of the year is fine. The travel formula recommended by Vuela, a tour operator specializing in trips to Central and South America, is fly & drive: you arrive at San Jose, the capital, and you rent a car driving on the beautiful roads of Costa Rica. The ideal tour lasts 13 days and 11 nights and prices start from 1.970 euros. Air France flies from Paris-Charles de Gaulle to San José twice a week (Wednesday and Saturday) with fares starting from 880 euros in economy class and 1.278 euros in Premium Economy. The flight will be operational until the end of March 2017 but, starting from April, it will still be possible to reach Costa Rica from Paris with a stopover in Panama.
