Major Tourist Attractions In Costa Rica

Though barely a representation of the real Costa Rica you’re likely to begin your explorations with the capital city. San Jose is a modern industrialised city full of car fumes and departmental stores. As the central transportation hub you’re bound to pass through it a number of times. And there’s plenty to see in this metropolitan capital city. There are a number of museums displaying pre-Columbian artefacts as well as remnants of the colonial period.  
 The town also houses the Serpentarium where the exhibits are reptiles, insects, spiders, and amphibians native to Costa Rica. San Jose is located in the Central Valley that houses one third of the country’s population. Most of the major cites of the country are also situated in this area. The northern and southern ranges that traverse the topography of Costa Rica offer plenty of activity and excitement. Hidden in these ranges are several volcanoes, some active that are a sight to behold.

Volcan Arenal is situated in a national park, near Fortuna, in the northwest of the country. The volcano splutters and spouts emitting lava and rocks. Where only smoke accompanied by a huge roaring can be heard in the morning, the show becomes better at night. Molten lava can be seen dripping down the blackened sides of the volcano and near the summit the sky is aglow. Make sure you plan your visit on a clear night as clouds often ruin the view. Climbing the mountains is dangerous and strictly prohibited.

For something quieter, visit the Volcan Barva, located near Heredia in Central Valley. A dormant volcano, with slopes veiled in cloud forest, this offers refreshing visit. The only way to explore the slopes is by walking which ensures a clean and pure forest. Volcan Poas, near San Jose lies amid a sprawling cloud forest. The centre of the crater supports a turquoise blue pool of water. The colour is a result of the sulphuric gases released from the volcano. Near San Jose also lies Volcan Irazu, the highest volcano in the country. The volcano is situated in a park that houses a variety of wildlife.

One of the most visited and for a good reason is the Monteverde area. The area is a collection of several reserves that house a variety of plant life and wild life. The Monteverde cloud forest is one of the most popular tourist destinations. It isn’t difficult to guess why – clean mountain air, verdant slopes, gushing waterfalls, friendly locals...and don’t worry about the tourist – the omnipresent mist veils all!

If you’re tired of exploring parks, ascending volcanoes and sighting wildlife, head for the coastal areas where a dip in the blue waters and snooze on the sand is sure to refresh you. Along the Pacific coast some beaches that should be included in the itinerary are Jaco, Playa Hermosa, Pavones, Dominical, Playa Cativo and Puntarenas. Jaco is the all-time favourite with party lovers and sun worshippers. The north-western end of the Pacific Coast, the Peninsula de Nicoya has some of the best beaches. Playa Hermosa, Playa Tamarindo and Playa Samara are worth visiting. One of the most popular dive sights in the world is Playa del Coco. The coast is dotted with exclusive beach resorts but there are areas where you can spend a day in isolation.

The Caribbean Coast is smaller but more culturally vibrant than the pacific coast Reggae, rastafarians and bribri coexist. The coastline here is unbroken and dotted with coconut trees instead of volcanoes and cloud forests. The coastline is green and verdant and there are pockets of wildlife reserves. (It rains through the year here so don’t forget your umbrella!) Parque Nacional Tortuguero is a naturalists’ delight – the inhabitants besides the odd 480 permanent residents are turtles who nest in the area, howler monkeys and a variety of bird life. For warm waters and healthy tan, visit Cahuita where black sand contrasts with turquoise blue waters. One of the most culturally diverse areas of the country is Puerto Viejo De Talamanca where the cuisine, language and music show traces of indigenous culture, Afro-Caribbean influences with Spanish dressings. Limon is the main city along the coast and also the transportation hub of the area. Costa Rica offers a wide choice of handicrafts at the "Plaza de la Cultura" next to the Gran Hotel, in downtown San Jose.

You can also browse through the National Handicraft Market for handmade ceramics, wood crafts, reproductions of pre Columbian gold and silver pieces and jewellery. For exquisite woodcraft, visit the picturesque town of Sarchi located in the Alajuela province, where you not only get bracelets, earrings or jewel boxes made of wood but the famed Costa Rican "oxcart". Most certainly, don't leave Costa Rica without its gourmet coffee! Some of the well known varieties are "Tico Hybrid", "Arabic", "Villa Sarchi", "Caturra" and "Mundo Novo".