Many people think of going to Costa Rica and find themselves not knowing exactly which places they should go. There is a lot of information about destinations online, but the truth is that the more places they see, the easier it is to become undecisive about were to go. That is why today I have created a guide recommending destinations based on three main preferences.

Adventure Sport Lovers

There is a great variety of places to go if you are an adrenaline fan. People who are passionate about adventure sports will surely find paradise in Costa Rica. Ranging from surf and rafting, to hiking and rapel you will find it all here.

There is a wide variety of beaches to pick if you are surfer. Mal País and Santa Teresa beach offer astounding waves and are home of the surf culture of Costa Rica with beachside bars and spots. If you are more into the wild side you can also go to Whitch's Rock, which is a protected area. You will find no hotels in this beach so camping under the nightsky is a must here.

If you like other aquatic sports like rafting and wake board travel to the inside of the territory. Within the Arenal lake wakeboard can be practiced if you can find a boat (which is the tough part).  Arenal is also a good place to do some rafting, as well as the Pacuare river.

Hiking can be done almost in every part of the territory where you will find exuberating forests. Monteverde is an excelent place to go for this purpose.

Wildlife Lovers

Costa Rica holds up an estimate of 5% of all flora and fauna within its territory. Most of it is protected by law, however there are reserves that are open to Ecotourism - a new sustainable way of developing tourism. 

Tortuguero is the predilected place for nature lovers. You can volunteer for taking care of spawning turtles and their newborn babies between June and September. Tortuguero is a sanctuary for these turtles hence its name. You can also take a trip through the Tortuguero river where you will appreciate countless exotic birds.

Osa Peninsula is perfect for the marine life passionate people. Getting there requires a little bit more time, but is definitely worth it. Here you will find the Marino Ballena reserve where you can take tours to spot humpback whales jumping above the water and greeting everyone that comes to see them.

Monteverde is one of the best places to appreciate nature. Here you will find tons of unique frog and bird species only found in Costa Rica. Other amphibians can be spotted and colorful butterflies as well.

But if you are feeling dauntless, you can travel 532 kilometers off the shore to the incredible Isla del Coco. It was declared World Heritage due to its huge amount of biodiversity. You will have to practice your diving skills though, because this tiny island is home of many sharks, fish banks and corals that can only be seen from underwater.

Culture Lovers

If, in the other hand, you are passionate about people and their culture then Costa Rica won't fall short for you. People around the world have considered ticos among the nicest people they have ever met.

Go take a walk through the city of San Jose and discover the colonial heritage through its buildings, museums and theaters. Nightlife and gastronomy is also part of this city. Go to Barrio Escalante to try delicious food or to La California to see how costa ricans enjoy their friday nights. However, I must tell you that the city holds nothing compared to the experiences you can find far from it.

Go to Guanacaste to learn about the typical folklore of the country and travel to the cafetales to take a coffee tour to learn about the process of making the best coffee in the world. And take a cup at the end of course!

If you want to discover unique vibes that cannot be found anywhere else go to Puerto Viejo, Tamarindo and Montezuma beaches. This places have a culture of their own, with a unique mix of different people, music and flavours that make it a great experience.

Try visiting indigenous reserves if you are curious about how pre-colonial people lived their lives in full harmony with their sorroundings.

Costa Rica offers a great experience for a variety of people looking for a unique experience that will change their lifes. Above all you will find peace, tranquility and a sense of connection to nature that you have never felt before.

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