Costa Rica: A Little Piece of Paradise | National Geographic

Summary

Costa Rica, a tropical paradise at Central America's southern end, beckons with its lush rainforests, active volcanoes, and stunning beaches. A haven for wildlife enthusiasts, it boasts diverse species and is a bird watcher's dream with over 800 species. Adventure seekers can zipline through the jungle canopy or relax in the volcano-created hot springs. The best time to visit depends on your interests, with the dry season from December to April and various activities like surfing, fishing, and turtle watching available year-round. Costa Rica's commitment to conservation ensures a rich and protected natural experience.

Takeaways

• 🏞️ Costa Rica is a paradise-like destination known for its natural beauty and is a favorite among hikers and surfers.
• 🌋 The country is located at the southern end of Central America and is known for its volcanic activity, particularly the Arenal volcano near La Fortuna.
• 🏖️ Tourism has become Costa Rica's top industry, with many tourists starting their visit in the capital, San Jose, before heading to the Pacific Coast beaches.
• 🌄 The Arenal volcano has been in a state of constant eruption since 1968, offering visitors a unique experience of volcanic activity.
• 🌿 Costa Rica is rich in biodiversity and is home to a variety of wildlife, making it a paradise for bird watchers with over 800 species.
• 🌳 The rainforests of Costa Rica offer thrilling zipline adventures, allowing visitors to experience the forest canopy up close.
• 🐢 Turtle watching is a popular activity along the coast, especially during the months of April and May when turtles come ashore to lay eggs.
• 🌙 Many of Costa Rica's animals are nocturnal, and guided night tours provide opportunities to discover the wildlife that is active after dark.
• 📅 The best time to visit Costa Rica depends on the activities you're interested in, with the dry season running from December to April being ideal for various outdoor pursuits.
• 🏞️ Over 25% of Costa Rica is protected territory, including national parks and wildlife refuges, making it a haven for nature lovers and adventurers.

Q & A

What is Costa Rica known for as a tourist destination?

Costa Rica is known as a paradise for eco-trekkers and surfers, offering a variety of activities from enjoying the good life to volcano watching and wildlife spotting.

What is the geographical location of Costa Rica?

Costa Rica is located at the southern end of Central America, bordered by Nicaragua to the north and Panama to the south.

How does the size of Costa Rica compare to the state of West Virginia?

Costa Rica is a little smaller than the state of West Virginia.

What are the traditional industries of Costa Rica?

Traditionally, Costa Rica has focused on exporting bananas and coffee.

What has become the new top industry in Costa Rica?

Tourism has become the new top industry in Costa Rica.

Where do many tourists arrive in Costa Rica and what do they often head to next?

Many tourists arrive in the capital, San Jose, and often head straight for the Pacific Coast beaches.

What is the most popular spot for volcano watching in Costa Rica?

The most popular spot for volcano watching in Costa Rica is Arenal, near the town of La Fortuna.

What activities can be enjoyed at the hot springs created by the Arenal volcano?

At the hot springs created by the Arenal volcano, visitors can relax and enjoy the bubbling water at mountain spas and resorts.

What is a unique way to experience the rainforest in Costa Rica?

A unique way to experience the rainforest in Costa Rica is by ziplining through the jungle canopy, allowing visitors to fly from platform to platform.

What types of wildlife can be found in Costa Rica's national parks?

Costa Rica's national parks are home to a diverse range of wildlife, including monkeys, white-faced capuchins, over 800 species of birds, and various other animals.

What is a popular activity along the coast of Costa Rica, especially in April and May?

Turtle watching is a popular activity along the coast of Costa Rica, especially in April and May when leatherbacks and green turtles come onto the beach to lay their eggs.

What is the best time to visit Costa Rica for different activities?

The dry season, from December to April, is generally the best time to visit Costa Rica. Different parts of the year are best for surfing, fishing, and animal watching.

What percentage of Costa Rica is protected territory?

More than 25% of Costa Rica is protected territory in the form of national parks, forest reserves, and wildlife refuges.