Costa Rica

📍 Location & Overview

Costa Rica is a small country in Central America, bordered by Nicaragua to the north, Panama to the southeast, the Caribbean Sea to the east, and the Pacific Ocean to the west. Despite its size, it is world-famous for its biodiversity, eco-tourism, and friendly culture. Its capital and largest city is San José.

Costa Rica’s motto is “Pura Vida” (Pure Life), reflecting the relaxed and positive lifestyle of its people (Ticos).

🌳 Nature & Biodiversity

Costa Rica is a global eco-tourism leader:

• Over 25% of its land is protected in national parks and reserves.
  
  

• Home to volcanoes, tropical beaches, cloud forests, and rainforests.
  
  

• Wildlife includes sloths, toucans, scarlet macaws, monkeys, sea turtles, and jaguars.
  
  

Famous Natural Attractions

• Arenal Volcano – A perfectly conical volcano near La Fortuna, with hot springs and hiking.
  
  

• Monteverde Cloud Forest – Known for canopy tours, suspension bridges, and rare bird species like the Resplendent Quetzal.
  
  

• Tortuguero National Park – A maze of canals and rainforests famous for turtle nesting.
  
  

• Corcovado National Park – Called the most biologically intense place on Earth by National Geographic.
  
  

• Manuel Antonio National Park – Combines pristine beaches with lush forests and abundant wildlife.

🏖️ Beaches & Coasts

• Pacific Coast: Tamarindo, Jacó, Dominical, and the Nicoya Peninsula are popular for surfing and luxury resorts.
  
  

• Caribbean Coast: Puerto Viejo and Cahuita offer a more laid-back, Afro-Caribbean vibe with reggae culture and coral reefs.

🏛️ Culture & People

• Population: About 5.2 million people.
  
  

• Known for peace and stability—Costa Rica abolished its army in 1949 and invests heavily in education and healthcare.
  
  

• Culture blends Spanish heritage with Indigenous, Afro-Caribbean, and immigrant influences.
  
  

• Music & dance: Salsa, cumbia, merengue, reggae, and calypso are widely enjoyed.

🍴 Cuisine

• Gallo Pinto (rice and beans, usually eaten for breakfast) is the national dish.
  
  

• Fresh tropical fruits like papaya, pineapple, and mango are abundant.
  
  

• Caribbean coast features dishes with coconut milk, jerk-style spices, and seafood.

✈️ Travel & Tourism

• Main Airports: Juan Santamaría International (SJO, near San José) and Daniel Oduber Quirós International (LIR, Liberia – gateway to Guanacaste beaches).
  
  

• Best Time to Visit: December to April (dry season), though the rainy season (May–November) is greener and less crowded.
  
  

• Tourism Style: Eco-lodges, adventure tourism (zip-lining, rafting, surfing), wildlife tours, and luxury resorts.

🌟 Fun Facts

• Costa Rica produces some of the world’s best coffee.
  
  

• It ranks as one of the happiest countries in the world according to global surveys.
  
  

• The country generates more than 98% of its electricity from renewable sources.

✨ In short: Costa Rica is a paradise for nature lovers, adventurers, and eco-travelers, offering everything from rainforest hikes and volcano treks to relaxing beach escapes, all wrapped in a culture of Pura Vida.