Something Extraordinary for Everyone Along Costa Rica’s Pacific Coast
Whether you are traveling with family or friends, Costa Rica’s Pacific Coast offers something unique. This Central American oasis is perfect for both relaxation and excitement with its warm turquoise waters, lush green rainforests enhanced with colorful vegetation, massive overhanging cliffs, and beautiful cascading waterfalls.
Along with incredible beauty, Costa Rica’s Pacific Coast offers a host of activities. Whether creating memories to take back with you or learning about a country that you hope to one day call home, consider some of the recommendations provided.
Volcano Exploration
Among the 67 volcanoes in Costa Rica, 61 are dormant or extinct. You can visit any number of volcanoes, including Arenal, Poas, Irazu, Tenorio, Turrialba, and Rincon de la Vieja. For many people, Rincon de la Vieja is the best choice. This volcano is part of nine contiguous craters located throughout the Rincon de La Vieja National Park. While there, you can take advantage of the healing hot springs and warm bubbling mud pools; zip-lines; and opportunities for hiking, swimming, and horseback riding.
Rainforest Zip-Lining
Zip-lining provides a breathtaking view of the rainforest. Of the different locations for zip-lining, Witch’s Rock is highly recommended. After being securely fastened into the harness, you will experience the sensation of flying as you zip-line over the canvas of trees, getting glimpses of capuchin and howler monkeys.
Surfing the Waves
Whether you are a novice or seasoned surfer, the gorgeous water and perfect waves in Costa Rica are enticing. Regardless of your surfing skills, you can take advantage of courses available at the Witch’s Rock camp. Examples of top surfing breaks along the Pacific Coast include Playa Avellanas, Ostional, Playa Marbella, Playa Guiones, and Playa Tamarindo. The latter offers diversity, making it ideal for beginner, intermediate, and advanced surfers alike.
Exploring Costa Rica from Horseback
Exploring the beaches and jungles of Costa Rica on horseback is surreal. Tourism companies offer different horseback riding adventures based on your riding skill and preferred length of excursion. For the best horses, trails, and guides, consider choosing Centaura Farm, Discovery Horseback Tours, El Pinto Expeditions, Good Costa Rica, Horse Trek Monteverde, or Sabine’s Smiling Horses.
Jet Skiing Adventures
With a perfect balance of bouncy and smooth waves, jet skiing in the bays that hug the Pacific coastline is an exhilarating adventure. Letting the throttle out, you will feel invigorated as the warm air and ocean spray hits your skin. You can also find a quiet place in the bay to look at different species of fish through the crystal-clear water.
Authentic Costa Rican Cuisine
No trip to Costa Rica would be complete without sampling authentic cuisine. By choosing a traditional restaurant, you can dine on local favorites, like arroz con pollo, a chicken and rice dish; empanadas, turnovers filled with beans, meat, cheese, or potatoes; and gallo pinto, the national dish, which translates to “spotted rooster” and consists of lightly spiced black beans and rice.
A Day of Shopping
Markets and stores sell beautiful items made by talented locals. For instance, you can purchase lacquered paintings, hand-beaded bracelets and necklaces, delicately carved wooden boxes, and chocolate-covered espresso beans.
Abundance of Wildlife
Costa Rica is home to an abundance of wildlife. For instance, there are more than 1,250 species of butterflies and 8,000 species of moths. In addition, Costa Rica has roughly 175 types of amphibians, mostly frogs; 225 reptiles, such as lizards, snakes, crocodiles, and turtles; and about 250 species of mammals, such as monkeys, sloths, and bats. There are also 894 species of birds and wild cats, including pumas, jaguars, and ocelots, among others.
Learning the Language and Culture
Especially if you plan to move to Costa Rica, you can gain a unique perspective by enrolling in one of the many schools that teach Spanish. These programs also provide insight into the beautiful culture.
Conclusion
If you decide to relocate or retire to Costa Rica’s Pacific Coast, it is important that you work with experienced real estate professionals. Coldwell Banker, a global real estate leader, can provide all the assistance needed to make Costa Rica your new home.