9 Reasons Why You Should Visit Costa Rica

From the rainforests to the beaches, to the spectacular spas, here are just 9 reasons why you need to visit Costa Rica.

1. THE BEACHES

Costa Rica has nearly 300 different beaches along its stunning Pacific and Caribbean coastlines, each with a distinct setting. Even on nearby beaches the sand can vary from white, black, or brown colouration. Some are fantastic for swimming and snorkelling and others are better for surfing.

2. THE WILDLIFE

Up in the northern Caribbean sits Tortugero, one of the most remote villages in the entire country. It borders Tortuguero National Park, where birds, reptiles, and amphibians seen nowhere else in the country thrive. Expeditions take visitors out on the canals or to the beach, where they watch baby turtles hatch and attempt to reach the sea. The Cahuita and Gandoca national parks in the southern Caribbean are also replete with wildlife, including the elusive sloth. Aside from sloths, there are lizards, geckos and iguanas all over the place, and Costa Rica is also known as a great bird-watching country with over 812 recorded species found there.

3. ADVENTURE

If you are a thrill-seeker and someone that craves adventure, then Costa Rica is definitely the place for you. It’s home to the original canopy tour that lets you travel through the jungle like a monkey, and it’s known for its zip-lining tours, white-water rafting on world class rapids, kayaking, scuba diving, cliff diving, sky diving and pretty much anything else extreme that you can think of.

4. THE RAINFORESTS

About 25% of the country is made up of protected national parks and rainforests which hold 5% of the world’s biodiversity. Aside from taking canopy and zip-lining tours, there is also a tour that offers an aerial tram ride through the rainforest treetops guided by an expert naturalist. This is perfect for the less adventurous. Other parks, like Manuel Antonio National, offer walking tours with guides who point out different animals and species, including the elusive sloth.

5. THE VOLCANOES

Costa Rica currently has five listed active volcanoes and 200+ volcanic formations. Because of them, the country has very rich and fertile soil which helps make it so lush and full of life. The volcanoes and surrounding areas are also popular areas for hiking, camping and mountain biking. The most famous is Arenal, which is over 5,500 feet tall. The country's tallest volcano is Irazu, which towers 11,259 feet above sea level and is very active. Poas Volcano National Park is Costa Rica's most visited national park.

6. ECO-FRIENDLY

With plans of being the first carbon neutral country in the world, Costa Rica is also a destination popular for its eco-tourism – some might even say they were the first to start it. With many eco-friendly hotels and lodges across the country attempting to be as low-impact as possible, they are well on their way to full sustainability. You can feel good about visiting and not leaving a big footprint.

7. BIODIVERSITY

More than 850 avian species make bird-watching very popular in Costa Rica, which accounts for nearly 5 percent of the world's biodiversity. Carara Biological Reserve boasts the country's largest population scarlet macaws. Manuel Antonio National Park, one of the country's most visited national parks, is home to approximately 100 types of mammals, including the rare spider monkey. For a chance to see nesting turtles, head to Tortuguero National Park.

8. SPECTACULAR SPAS

Costa Rica boasts a great selection of world-class spas and retreats which cater for every budget and focus. There’s body cleansing detox programmes, heart pumping fitness bootcamps, energising Yoga and meditation retreats and pampering wellness havens. Be sure to try some of the unique treatments and therapies that use ingredients that Costa Rica is famous all over the world for such as coffee body scrubs and volcanic mud wraps.

9. FRIENDLY PEOPLE

Costa Rica is known as the happiest country on Earth. It’s army-free, citizens have a life expectancy of 79, and they’re surrounded by a beautiful setting that’s sure to improve any mood. Expect beaches, volcanoes, rain forests, and pretty great weather most of the time. “Pura Vida” is a local saying there, meaning “life is good.” Everywhere you go in Costa Rica you will be welcomed with a smile by the locals, and they will truly make you feel at home in their country.