Lush jungles so far as the eyes can see, sprinkled with towering volcanos and waterfalls, and bordering unspoiled seashores but to be trodden by the plenty: Costa Rica is a surprise of nature, and it is no surprise Americans cannot get sufficient of it.
It obtained a record-breaking 2.6 million vacationers by air in 2024, the best quantity in 16 years, and imagine it or not, U.S. residents make up the majority of all arrivals: extra particularly, they account for 70% of the general determine, or over 1.5 million.
It appears not everyone seems to be hell-bent on flocking into these Cancun all-inclusives to lounge by a pool all day, on daily basis, in spite of everything…
So what’s it about Costa Rica that has stolen the hearts of so many within the nation, and the place precisely are they headed?
What’s So Special About Costa Rica?
Costa Rica could also be a small nation in Central America solely a bit smaller than West Virginia, however it boasts pure wealth like no different: from mountains to sea, and each patch of lush forest in between, it comprises roughly 5% of the world’s biodiversity.
In different phrases, in the event you’re a passionate birdwatcher, you want to watch playful monkeys within the wild, otherwise you’re merely the adventurous sort who units out on multi-day mountain climbing journeys with sweeping views of an infinite cover of timber as a reward, that is the place to be.
Costa Rica additionally has over 800 miles of shoreline, each on the Pacific and the Caribbean, and it has its justifiable share of laid-back, small coastal settlements that present some aid from the jam-packed resort cities within the Tropics.
Experience Costa Rica’s Pura Vida
Looking for a few of that ‘pura vida’?
Santa Teresa is a classy surfer’s city on the unspoiled Nicoya Peninsula internet hosting yoga retreats, rustic boutique inns proper on the waterfront from $86-a-night, and locally-run eating places serving freshly-caught seafood.
Maybe you are one to get misplaced in nature in quest of large thrills, and in that case, the Manuel Antonio National Park is criss-crossed with tourist-friendly footpaths teeming with uncommon wildlife: long-tailed wood-creepers, white-faced capuchins, and even sleepy sloths.
You’ll discover all of them in right here.
Over on the Atlantic aspect, Puerto Viejo de Talamanca is a various group born out of the fusion of Afro-Caribbean and Hispanic influences, and aside from its untarnished shoreline, it is a foodie hotspot of the primary order!
We nonetheless dream of KOKi‘s signature grilled octopus and fabulous drinks.
Where Are Americans In Particular Going In Costa Rica?
Most vacationers who landed in Costa Rica final yr arrived at Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) close to the capital, San José: to be extra exact, 1,779,529 of them.
San José is a one-of-a-kind metropolis break centered round a colonial core with centuries-old church buildings and stately authorities palaces, although we would argue it merely features as a launching pad for Arenal-bound vacationers.
That’s a part of the rationale why SJO is Costa Rica’s busiest worldwide hub: it’s the closest airport to the hugely-popular volcano that is the nation’s most easily-recognized landmark.
The small leisure city of La Fortuna is a brief 3-hour drive from the capital, and it is probably the most sought-after vacation spot in Costa Rica because of the number of actions provided, well-developed tourism infrastructure, and its many sizzling springs.
Hiking to the La Fortuna waterfall and crossing suspension bridges is a must-do within the space ($99 on GetYourInformation), and from solely $49, you’ll be able to spend a calming afternoon at Ecotermales Fortuna, a spa within the coronary heart of the jungle with naturally-heated swimming pools.
For the perfect resort with a view in La Fortuna, and in the event you do not thoughts splurging somewhat, you will not be disillusioned within the Royal Corin Thermal Water & Spa Resort.
Of course, there are much-cheaper, less-luxurious lodging preparations at Arenal Montechiari Hotel, with rooms ranging from $91 this spring, and the views are equally gorgeous.
The second Costa Rican vacation spot foreigners are flying to en masse is Guanacaste International Airport (LIR), which registered 881,289 arrivals, up 14.5% from the earlier yr.
The largest metropolis, Liberia has a captivating Old Quarter with many museums and colonial church buildings, but the first attraction within the neighborhood can be the Rincón de la Vieja National Park, a pure oasis recognized for its string of volcanos and adjoining springs.
There are numerous factors of curiosity within the sprawling park, and fortunate for American guests, all of them could be simply reached from Downtown Liberia.
For occasion, you’ll be able to e-book a mountain climbing tour to La Leona Waterfall, positioned on the innermost a part of a slender canyon, from $40, couple it with a personal tubing tour down a crystal-clear river for double the worth, or hike the Las Pail path, adopted by sizzling spring leisure at Rios Negros ($74).
Americans Are Not Discouraged From Visiting Costa Rica
Last however actually not least, Americans usually have fewer reservations about vacationing in Costa Rica, because the nation has an extended document of protected tourism practices.
Tour operators are often licensed professionals with a number of years’ expertise of their area, and so they know these jungles just like the again of their palms, and on high of that, crime ranges throughout Costa Rica are markedly decrease in comparison with the Central American common.
See why right here.
It might not have a Bukele, like El Salvador, however it’s thought-about an equally low-risk vacation spot by the U.S. State Department, who’ve positioned it at Level 2 of their Travel Advisory itemizing.
In non-technical phrases, U.S. residents aren’t discouraged from touring to Costa Rica on account of violence, however they have to train ‘elevated warning’ as petty crime and different types of theft stay a priority in sure areas.
↓ Elevate Your Travel↓
Sign Up Now For Travel Off Path Premium! No advertisements, VIP Content, Personal Travel Concierge, Huge Savings, Daily Deals, Members Forum & More!
✈️Join Our Travel Off Path Community Forum: Where vacationers unite, ask questions, share experiences and even discover like-minded journey buddies!
SUBSCRIBE TO OUR LATEST POSTS
This article initially appeared on TravelOffPath.com
Opinions expressed listed here are the writer’s alone, not these of any financial institution, bank card issuer, resort, airline, or different entity. This content material has not been reviewed, authorised or in any other case endorsed by any of the entities included throughout the submit.