Costa Rica offers about 20,000 square miles of pura vida.
That means “pure life,” which refers to the lifestyle of relaxation, happiness and community that visitors can experience when they take a page out of the local book and enjoy all this Central American gem has to offer. Stretching 200 miles from the Caribbean Sea to the Pacific Ocean, this small-but-mighty country is known for its incredible coastlines, majestic volcanoes, rugged mountains, lush forests and vibrant cities.
Costa Rica is a great destination for every traveler, from history buffs to adrenaline junkies and everyone in between. People travel from around the globe to visit the rainforests, volcanoes and eco-tourism sites, but they will also find cultural attractions like the National Theater of Costa Rica and the Basilica de Nuestra Señora de los Ángeles. Thanks to the country’s abundance of natural beauty and cultural heritage, groups are guaranteed trips full of memorable adventures.
Essential Destinations
Rainforests
Costa Rica is known for rainforests and eco-tourism. Places like Corcovado National Park and Tortuguero National Park are renowned for their rich biodiversity and are home to many species of animals that aren’t found anywhere else. Rainforests are also big adventure sites, so hiking and backpacking are popular ways to explore. For even more adventure, zip lining through the country’s rainforests is an adrenaline-pumping experience active groups shouldn’t miss. They can see forests like Monteverde Cloud Forest from high above and enjoy new vistas of the wildlife and misty scenery. Zip lining is a popular experience offered throughout Costa Rica, so no matter the region they visit, groups can explore with a bird’s-eye view.
San José
San José, Costa Rica’s capital, is a great place to learn more about the country’s culture and history. The San José Central Market has been a cultural hub of the city for 145 years and sells fresh foods and local, handmade products from about 200 stalls, making it a great place to meet locals, eat traditional foods and purchase memorable keepsakes. The National Museum of Costa Rica and the Jade Museum are great places to see more of Costa Rica’s history.
Located in the Central Valley region, the city is close to many preserved ruins, including the Ruinas de Ujarrás and Guayabo National Monument, one of the country’s most important archeological sites.
Beach Towns
Costa Rica is home to some of the most famous surf spots in the world, like Playa Hermosa and Jaco. These beach towns are popular choices for those just learning to surf or for those who have been doing it their whole lives. But surfing is not the only thing to do on Costa Rica’s beaches; snorkeling, horseback riding and yoga are also popular activities. Each town has its own standout features. Manuel Antonio National Park, which has beaches inside the park, is known for its white-faced capuchin monkey sightings. Playa Negra in Guanacaste is another popular surf spot famous for its distinctive black sand.
Faith Highlights
A visit to the Basilica de Nuestra Señora de los Ángeles in the city of Cartago is a must. The church is dedicated to the patron saint of Costa Rica, “La Negrita,” named for a small statue of the Virgin Mary. If they visit in the beginning of August, groups can see Costa Rican Catholics participate in La Romeria, a traditional pilgrimage where they walk from near and far to honor the patron saint.
Historic Experience
Known as Costa Rica’s architectural jewel, the National Theater is open for tours and performances. Guided tours highlight the theater’s history, art and cultural significance. Inside, the “Alegoría del Café y el Banano,” a mural depicting two of Costa Rica’s biggest exports, was painted on the main foyer ceiling by Aleardo Villa in 1897, and it remains one of the most iconic artworks in the whole country.
Signature Flavor
Travelers in Costa Rica will be hard-pressed to find any restaurant without casado on the menu. Casado means “married,” and some theorize the dish got its namesake from the marriage of all the flavors on the plate. The dish typically has rice, black beans, plantains, salad, a protein, an egg and a tortilla. A staple of many “sodas,” small, open-air mom-and-pop restaurants, this dish is a favorite throughout the country and can include regional ingredients.
Just for Fun
Coffee is Costa Rica’s top export and is produced across eight of the country’s regions. Visiting a coffee plantation is more than just learning how it’s made; the experience also teaches about the role coffee plays in local history, culture and the economy. Groups can learn how it’s grown, harvested, roasted and sold, and they can sample some of freshest coffee around during a tasting.
