There is a reason why more than one million tourists a year choose to visit the small Costa Rica in Central America. The truth is that there is more than one reason.
The first white man whose foot stepped in Costa Rica was Christopher Columbus on one of his voyages to discover the continent.
When he landed on land, the heads of the local tribes welcomed him and presented him with many exotic gifts.
Columbus, who was very impressed by the great wealth presented to him, called the place the rich coast Costa Rica in Spanish.
The truth discovered by the Spaniards who arrived after him was somewhat more bitter and it became clear that compared to the neighboring countries it was very poor in natural resources.
In addition to this the active volcanic activity prevented the establishment of permanent settlements and thus Costa Rica remained relatively isolated from the rest of Central America.
Thanks to the fact that more than a quarter of the country is declared as protected area and intended for preservation, Costa Rica became one of the leading countries in the world in everything related to conservation and development of natural sites, ecological tourism, and environmental awareness.
The massive conservation work led to the fact that today it is possible to find in the country a biological diversity among the richest in the world. Besides the many animals and plants Costa Rica was blessed with many natural phenomena such as active volcanoes, beautiful tropical beaches, rushing rivers and more.
The traveler is expected to experience a once in a lifetime adventure thanks to an immediate encounter with all these phenomena in a small area and in a short time.
Days 1 3 Tortuguero Reserve: The Tortuguero Reserve located in the east of the country on the Caribbean Sea coast is known as the largest nesting place in the world of the large and rare green turtle.
Besides the green turtle it has a very rich biological diversity of animals living in the tropical paradise.
The reserve is located between a network of canals in the heart of the tropical forest and all movement in it including arrival and departure is done only by boat.
The visit in the reserve is conducted as a safari trip passing between the many waterways.
Days 4 5 Arenal Volcano: Arenal is the most famous volcano in the country and it is located in the heart of the central mountain range.
It is planted in the heart of the tropical rainforest and the picture of the smoking cone above the endless jungle is one of the images representing the country.
Because of the active volcanic activity there are many hot springs in the area that create a wonderful place to sit in after sunset and watch the fireworks emitted from the crater of the volcano.
Days 6 7 Monteverde Reserve: One of the most famous nature reserves in Costa Rica.
Because of its high altitude a cloud forest is formed in it which is slightly different from the rainforest of the Arenal area.
Its biological diversity is among the richest on the continent with the highlight being the quetzal bird with the endless tail.
Its impressive feathers made it a target for hunters and today it is a very rare bird.
Monteverde Reserve is one of the only places where there is a good chance of seeing it.
Days 8 9 Manuel Antonio Reserve: A reserve located on a peninsula on the Pacific Ocean coast.
This is the most accessible place where the rainforest touches the ocean shores and creates a beautiful nature reserve where you can combine walks along forest paths with parrots monkeys sloths and other animals on the tree tops and swimming and snorkeling in first class tropical beaches with blue clear waters and many fish species.
Days 10 11 La Paz Waterfalls and San Jose: Although there is nothing to do in San Jose it is almost impossible to avoid it because it is the entrance and exit gate of the country.
A short distance from it are the spectacular La Paz waterfalls where you can take an easy walking tour and visit the local wildlife sanctuary.
Besides the waterfalls it is worth visiting Poas Volcano which is probably the most accessible volcano in the country and allows access right up to the crater.
