When temperatures dive and snow begins to blanket much of North America, you may find yourself thinking all those birds heading south for the winter must be on to something. Suddenly, traveling to warmer, southern locales closer to the equator seems like the best remedy for winter doldrums. This winter may be the perfect time to visit Costa Rica.
Costa Rica vacations offer travelers ample beaches on both the Pacific and Caribbean coasts, warm weather, lush rainforests and plenty of things to see and do in this Central American democracy. In fact, Costa Rican ports have become favorite destinations for cruise lines, including Disney cruises, looking to provide passengers with a fresh, exciting experience in a traveler-friendly setting.
Whether you visit Costa Rica for a few days, or come ashore for just a day, here are some of the must-see sights for any Costa Rica vacation:
1. Arenal volcano – One of three active volcanoes found in Costa Rica, the Arenal volcano is one of the most active volcanoes in the world and boasts a nearly perfect classic cone shape. Visitors are almost certain to witness red-hot rocks tumbling down the volcano’s slopes, an ash cloud rising above the crater, or volcanic rumblings shaking the ground. Arenal.net has plenty of information and photographs of this natural wonder.
2. Tabacon hot springs – The Arenal volcano’s geothermal activity helped create another natural wonder of Costa Rica – the Tabacon hot springs. The Tabacon River, which begins deep inside the volcano, feeds these natural pools. A world-class spa and resort has sprung up to afford visitors a luxurious way to explore and enjoy the hot springs and all their therapeutic benefits.
3. Monteverde cloud forest – Nearly a third of Costa Rica’s land mass is protected areas set aside to preserve the country’s exceptional natural beauty. The Monteverde cloud forest is part of that preserved area, and offers visitors the unique experience of a rainforest so moist and humid that a low-level cloud shrouds the tree canopy most of the time.
4. Tortuguero National Park – Sea turtles, from green sea turtles to leatherbacks and hawksbill, are the main attraction at Costa Rica’s most-visited national park. The turtles nest on the park’s beaches, laying their eggs at night before returning to the sea. To witness this once-in-a-lifetime experience, visitors must arrange night visits with a tour guide since the park closes in the evening.
5. San Jose – While Costa Rica is renowned for its natural splendor, cities such as San Jose offer plenty to see and do as well. In San Jose, visitors will find the 100-year-old Opera House, the University of Costa Rica, the National Theater, and ample museums, including the remarkable Museum of pre-Columbian art.
Whether you choose to travel with a tour group for a week, or visit for just a day with one of the many cruise lines that have made Costa Rica a regular port of call, when you visit Costa Rica you’ll find awe-inspiring sights, welcoming inhabitants — and a refreshing break from winter.
