Looking for inspiration from Costa Rica? You’ve come to the right place. Just one visit and you’ll discover how easy it is to fall in love with this country. With its two coastlines, lush jungle, diverse flora and fauna, and many unique activities, this Central American country should be high on your list of places to explore. You want to visit Costa Rica, but you’re still on the fence! Here are nine reasons that might just change your mind!

Waterfalls

Thanks to the rugged terrain across much of the country and its tropical rainforests, Costa Rica is home to some of Central America’s most beautiful waterfalls. Many of them can be reached after a quick and easy hike through the jungle, while others require a bit more patience to reach. Either way, these waterfalls are magnificent and offer you a true moment of calm and serenity during your long hikes. Don’t miss: La Paz, in central Costa Rica, for its ideal location in the jungle. La Fortuna, near the Arenal Volcano, for swimming in the river below. Finally, the multi-tiered Montezuma Falls, located near the Pacific coast.

Biodiversity

For a country that covers only a tiny fraction of the Earth’s surface, Costa Rica is home to about 6% of the planet’s biodiversity. Thanks to its highly diverse and favorable geography, Costa Rica boasts a colossal variety of plants and species. For such a small country, Costa Rica is a true wildlife sanctuary. Keep your eyes peeled for sloths, tiny poison dart frogs, and monkeys swinging through the treetops, to name just a few.

Surfing

Whether you’re an enthusiastic beginner or a seasoned pro, Costa Rica has a wave for you. You’ll find ideal surf spots on both coasts, as well as numerous surf shops offering lessons and rentals. The magnificent big waves are one of the main reasons many surfers travel to Costa Rica. If you’d rather relax, there are plenty of spots on the beaches to watch the surfers.

Rainforests

There’s no better place to start your journey than Costa Rica’s rainforests. With more than a quarter of the country’s land area protected by national parks and wildlife refuges, it’s one of the best places in the world for hiking in wild, untouched nature. You’ll also have the chance to explore these forests with their rich and diverse vegetation via zip-lining—a fun way to discover these magnificent rainforests! There are numerous national parks with marked trails throughout the country. Among the most popular are Cahuita National Park, Corcovado National Park in southwestern Costa Rica, and Tortuguero National Park on the northern Caribbean coast.

Volcanoes

Costa Rica is home to active volcanoes, which have played a crucial role in shaping the country’s landscape. These eruptions have greatly contributed to creating mineral-rich soil. This is undoubtedly one of the main reasons for the country’s great biological diversity. Today, you can explore many of these impressive natural sites. Arenal is undoubtedly one of Costa Rica’s most visited volcanoes [LINK TO ARENAL ARTICLE]. If you’re looking for other equally impressive sites, check out the Rincon de la Vieja or Poás volcanoes.

Coffee

If you’re a coffee lover, Costa Rica is one of the countries that produces some of the best coffee in the world. Since the 1700s, coffee production has remained a vital part of the country’s economy. For visitors, it makes for a practical and enjoyable souvenir to bring home and savor long after the trip. There are many different brands to choose from, such as Café Britt and Café De Monteverde.

The beaches

One of the main reasons for visiting. With two major coastlines, Costa Rica offers vacationers some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. From the sandy beaches of the Caribbean to the magnificent, vast beaches pounded by waves. Costa Rica’s best beaches are located all along the coast. It’s true—it’s hard to find a spot that isn’t absolutely stunning. Some of the most popular ones include Tamarindo and Conchal. However, there are beaches to suit every taste. LINK TO BEACHES

Cocoa

Surely one of the most compelling reasons to visit Costa Rica. Long before Europeans arrived in Central America, the indigenous peoples of Costa Rica used cacao beans as currency. Despite a period of severe devastation caused by disease in the 1970s, cacao plantations are making a strong comeback, and many are open to visitors eager to taste this all-natural sweet treat. There are many small cacao plantations along the Caribbean coast. You can visit the cacao house of the indigenous Tsiru Ue.

Turtles

It’s clear that one of the most unforgettable experiences is watching sea turtles lay their eggs on the beaches and seeing them hatch. To watch the new turtles rush toward the ocean. Different species of turtles nest at different times of the year, on both the Pacific and Caribbean coasts. With a little planning and research beforehand, you should be able to find a nesting site and a time that fits your visit. Furthermore, turtles are wild animals; you must respect them and observe them from a distance, and never try to touch or play with them. Simply enjoy the experience and appreciate the opportunity to see these magnificent creatures in their natural environment.

The beaches, the food, and the biodiversity are just a few of the reasons why Costa Rica is such a wonderful destination. Feel free to consult our guides to create the trip that’s right for you!