Welcome to Costa Rica! Congratulations on selecting one of the most scenic, fun places in the world for your vacation! Whether you enjoy the awesome food, amazing views, or never-ending activities, your stay in the heart of Central America will be one you'll remember for the rest of your life. You already know how much there is to do in this wonderful nation of only 5 million people, but we're here to show you how to make the most of your opportunity.
Travel Capital of Central America
You're not the only one who's visiting this southern gem this (or next) year. Costa Rica has recently become a vacation capital of the Western Hemisphere. Travelers from America, Canada and South America all flock to the amazing beaches and natural beauty of Costa Rica. The boom of this industry has allowed Costa Rica to get even better at something they're already one of the best at... hosting!
The nation sees over 2.5 million travelers every year. That's almost half of the country's total population. It's no surprise that of the most popular markets for travelers to hail from is the United States. Almost half of their tourism total for the year calls the USA home. And with the affordability that Costa Rican vacations offer, the average span of a vacation has crept north of 10 days. But what do you do for almost two weeks in Central America? That's easy. Everything!
Location, Location, Location
If there's one thing you won't have trouble finding it's affordable Costa Rican hotels. There's no shortage of great places to stay in this vacation hotspot. Give it a few days near the Arenal Volcano National Park or head to the coast and stay near Tamarindo Beach. East coast, West coast, somewhere in the middle... it doesn't matter. There is no bad place to stay when you visit Costa Rica.
Your preference will likely depend on what you and your fellow travelers love to do most. If you're a group of avid hikers, there are plenty of fantastic spots to put you right near the action. A couple of beach bums? Costa Rica has just the spot for you. Variety is king in this haven. And with cheap prices and luxurious resorts, the list can even become quite overwhelming. That's why it's best to choose your temporary residence based on your interests. One thing there's no arguing about is that there's plenty enough to love about Costa Rica that you'll be back again. So, if you're on the fence, remember that many travelers get the opportunity to try out multiple locations thanks to return trips in future years. But let's focus on your upcoming venture first.
Food Fight!
One great thing about traveling to a touristy area is that they always have familiar foods. If you're not venturous in your meal preferences, no worries-you'll be able to find plenty pizza, burger and taco restaurants. If you're a traveler that loves to explore cultural delicacies and try different cuisines, you're in luck! There's few better places than Costa Rica!
This amazing country specializes in fruit and vegetables, so dinner sides and snacks are always going to be excellent. And it's no stretch to say that Costa Rican rice dishes are some of the best on earth. Traditional South American food is prevalent as well as specialty dishes that are sure to make your mouth water. So, if you like to enjoy world class dining after a long day on the water or in the mountains, you've come to the right place.
Hiking, Biking and More
You know by now that there's no shortage of adventure in Costa Rica. There are five active volcanoes and more than 60 national parks. Of course, you've heard about the world-renowned beaches. Whether you're a veteran kayaker or a watersports rookie, the list of ocean activities is endless.
One thing that is highly recommended is the surfing. From beginners to pros, the coastline is shaped with your surfing expedition in mind. Make it a day trip or sandwich it in between bungee jumping and horseback riding. Any way you do it, you're sure to enjoy yourself in one of the world's most beautiful playgrounds.
This article is copyrighted by Travelers Today, the travel news leader
