A small country in Central America, Costa Rica is located between Panama to the south, Nicaragua to the north and bordered to the west by the Pacific Ocean and to the east by the Caribbean Sea. Although its land surface is 10 times smaller than that of metropolitan France, it contains 6% of the world's biodiversity! The country is home to active and extinct volcanoes and offers an extremely varied landscape. You can see high peaks such as enjoying the sublime seabed on dream beaches or venturing into tropical forests. It should be noted that 95% of its national energy consumption comes from the use of renewable energies and over the years it has developed a respectful tourism that makes it the world leader in eco-responsible tourism. Focus on a small Central American country like no other
Enjoy rural tourism and gastronomy
A true green paradise, Costa Rica offers the opportunity to discover wonderful natural areas and to immerse yourself in the agricultural and artisanal tradition used by the many local producers. The State is committed to developing a healthy and fair gastronomy by encouraging organic and local production
Thus, in the Central Valley, it is interesting to meet those who make the local economy work, whether they are pineapple or coffee producers. By joining the west coast and especially the southern part, we discover large cocoa plantations that indigenous communities cultivate all year round. We think of the chocolate made by the Bribis. The tastings that are offered are an excellent way to judge the quality of the products for yourself
If it is difficult to talk about Costa Rica without mentioning the richness of the rural world, we must not forget to mention the main cities, where valiant efforts are made by traders to offer the best possible cuisine to residents and visitors. San Jose is a jewel of fauna and flora and is home to beautiful parks such as La Sabana, the capital's green lung, and several places offer you the opportunity to discover very beautiful species of butterflies. After a day of strolling through the old neighbourhoods and once it is time to think about what to eat, it is good to know that many restaurants have set up their own vegetable gardens in the courtyard of their facilities to serve their customers healthy food, grown with the utmost respect. This concept has a name: "De la huerta a la mesa" which can be translated into French by: "from the garden to the plate". This is a guarantee that in many places, people eat organic food, just like in the countryside.
The art of respecting the environment, from nature to animals
Costa Rica is a territory committed to respecting and preserving its environment, because the authorities quickly understood that its rich biodiversity makes it an invaluable resource. In addition to being attentive to food culture, labels have been created to guarantee eco-responsible tourism, such as the Certification for Tourism Sustainability label for accommodation. There are 27 national parks in the country that are home to exceptional fauna and flora, with 918 species of animals and 12,000 species of plants. In 2-3 days, you can visit the Tortuguero National Park on the Caribbean coast, where you can watch the amazing laying of sea turtle eggs. Still on the same coast, we have the opportunity to observe the monkeys in the Cahuita National Park. On the other side, on the Pacific coast, it is the Ballena Maritime National Park that enchants those who come to admire humpback whales, bottlenose dolphins and a multitude of birds. And why not also take the time for a few hours of sunbathing on a long beach in a national park that remains generally less frequented by tourists
A destination conducive to well-being and sports activities
It is not for nothing that Costa Ricans were elected the happiest people in the world. In the Guanacaste region, there are even people with above-average longevity, thanks to a healthy and balanced diet or very strong friendly and family ties. Pura vida, as they say at any time of the day, to say hello, you are welcome, thank you... This expression, which means "pure life", reflects very well the atmosphere that emerges from the different regions of the country, where the emphasis is placed on warm welcome, respect for others and the natural environment. It is also a prime destination to escape the stresses of daily life and routine, to find yourself in a place that leaves a very important place for well-being. A well-being promoted by original experiences such as sleeping in nature in contact with animals, a fruit massage or walks listening to what surrounds us (noise of leaves, animal species, wind...)
Well-being is also often synonymous with sporting activities and there is plenty to delight fans of various sports. Walking lovers in fabulous landscapes appreciate the presence of many national parks where they can hike and climb a few volcanoes. There are 116 across the country. The Cerro Chirripó one lasts 2 days and promises a breathtaking panorama once at the top. Water sports are also popular, with the possibility of rafting in the Central Valley on the Pacuare River or surfing on the coasts of the territory. The beaches where the waves are generous and the most tranquil are those around Santa Teresa, Nosara and Playa Pavones. Don't forget to take the time to sit on your towel in the sun and enjoy a nice swim. On the Pacific side, we reach the Nicoya peninsula and on the Caribbean side, we prefer those of the Cahuita National Park.
