Costa Rica is a country in Central America known for its unique fauna and flora. And also the fact that it does not have an army, but it has kilometers of amazingly beautiful beaches for surfing and recreation.
National parks
They occupy a significant part of the entire territory of the country. Tropical plants, flowers, butterflies, colorful birds - you can find everything here. One of the largest parks, Manuel Antonio, is conveniently accessible from the capital, San Jose. There is also a beautiful beach on the territory of this park, so you can live surrounded by all this beauty. Also famous are the national parks of La Amistad, Corcovado, Las Baulas and many others. Pay attention to seasonality. Since birds and animals are in natural conditions, some of them can migrate. For example, at the end of the dry season in April, some species of parrots fly off the Pacific coast. Please check this information before traveling.
To explore the country, it is most convenient to rent a car to go around it far and wide. Public transport is also available, it is cheap and completely safe, but it is quite rare.
There are also volcanoes in Costa Rica, but they are not as famous as in Nicaragua or Guatemala.
Surfing
Much of the Pacific coastline is a surfer's paradise. Locals go to the ocean in a board, as if to work, and every student knows how to ride. Once here, it's hard to resist taking a few lessons. A surf school can be found at every turn. For these purposes, the beaches of Tamarindo, Playa Grande, Jaco and others are suitable.
Relaxing beaches
Most travelers who have traveled half of the world agree that this particular country was created for relaxation and contemplation. In addition to the large surfer beaches, there are many picturesque coves with emerald waters. The locals are very friendly and smiling, and all this creates an atmosphere of relaxation and tranquility. In addition, it is here that you can watch some of the most beautiful sunsets.
Caribbean coast
The Caribbean coast has no less beautiful nature, while prices for accommodation are noticeably lower, since most tourists go to the Pacific Ocean. Although the country is small, the culture of the Caribbean is very different, like the inhabitants, here they are mostly dark-skinned.
Cities
There is absolutely nothing to do in cities here, except to use them as staging points. San Jose, of course, has a central street and a few temples, but most of the neighborhoods are gray, uninteresting, and sometimes even unsafe. Liberia, where the second international airport is located, is completely devoid of any attractions.
About the country as a whole
First of all, it should be said that the country is very expensive. Prices are at the level of large cities in Europe, and sometimes even higher (for example, for food). Security is quite high, during daylight hours you can be calm about yourself and your belongings. Local residents are very friendly towards tourists and do not try to deceive them, for the most part. Despite the general high level of prices, on many beaches there are quite budget small hotels called "cabins", starting at $ 20 per night for a double room.
