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Costa Rica: A Biodiverse Paradise

WHY YOU SHOULD VISIT THIS CENTRAL AMERICAN GEM

Article by Kate Baxendale

Photography by Stock Images

When considering your next vacation—hopefully international travel will be allowed in the near future!—the beautiful country of Costa Rica should be at the top of your list. Why? Because it truly has it all—from rainforests and beaches to resorts and waterfalls. Costa Rica is one of the safest and most peaceful places to relax, explore and have the adventure of a lifetime! Here are just a few of the many reasons why you should visit Costa Rica.

National Parks

"According to Culture Trip, Costa Rica is home to 27 national parks and 5 percent of the world’s biodiversity. But it’s not all just jungles. It’s also cloud forests, swamps, coral reefs, dry forests, and rainforests. One of the best things to do in Costa Rica is to take a hike on one of these protected lands, especially Tenorio Volcano National Park, where you can see the stunning Rio Celeste waterfall."

READ MORE: 12 Reasons Why Costa Rica is One of the Best Vacation Destinations in the World

Beaches

"Samara is one of the best kept secrets in Costa Rica, but the word is starting to get out. This beach town has plenty of small shops and unique restaurants to fill your time between beach time and adventures. As an added bonus, Playa Carrillo is located just 5 minutes south and considered by many to be the most beautiful Costa Rica beach on the Pacific coast."

READ MORE: Costa Rica Beaches

Food + Drink

"A casado – strangely translating as 'married man' – is a typical plate of Costa Rican food. While there are all sorts of varieties of this plate, traditionally it includes rice and beans, a salad, fried sweet plantains, and a protein – either fish, chicken, pork, or beef. Some casados will come with a slice of fresh cheese, French fries or grilled vegetables. A casado basically has all the staples of a perfectly balanced meal and is the comida typica (typical food) of Costa Rica. This plate is served for lunch or dinner."

READ MORE: 10 Traditional Foods You Have to Try in Costa Rica

Wildlife

"There are more than 500,000 species of plant and animal existing in Costa Rica – quite a feat considering the country is a mere 51,000 kilometres squared. An incredible 25% of Costa Rica is protected land, providing sanctuary to the various flora and fauna that exist here, and within that you can find 28 national parks, 58 wildlife refuges, 32 protected zones, 15 wetland areas, 11 forests and 8 biological reserves. If you’re ready to visit the land where 5% of the world’s biodiversity call home, then look no further than Costa Rica. Here are just a few of the animals that you can expect to find:

  • Sloths
  • Toucans
  • Howler monkeys
  • Hummingbirds
  • Red-eyed tree frogs
  • Coatimundis

READ MORE: Costa Rica Wildlife: Where to See These 19 Amazing Animals in the Wild

READ MORE: Top 10 Animals to Spot in Costa Rica

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