From undiscovered paradises to more cosmopolitan destinations that consolidate this paradise as a destination for all types of travelers.
1. Puntarenas, the protected paradise waiting to be discovered
There are numerous reasons to visit Puntarenas, Costa Rica’s last secret. These include the mangroves, beaches, and forests that make up its protected areas, the seafood-based cuisine, and the chance to witness some of the best sunsets in the country. Another interesting alternative is rural tourism in Montes de Oro and Esparza. This slow-paced type of tourism is led by people with small projects that bring great benefits: generating resources for communities, with the resulting consolidation of the population; the creation of schools and the desire of young people to continue their studies; environmentally beneficial sustainability practices, such as recycling and the use of biodigesters; and the care and use of local food products in their recipes.
2. Its traditional cuisine is in fashion
There are flavors deeply rooted in the life and traditions of the neighborhood, such as the sweet tapas made at the Arias Brothers’ mill in La Paz, San Ramón de Alajuela. Here, we can learn about the sugarcane cultivation process and how it is processed to make the panela sugarcane used throughout the country to prepare a traditional and refreshing drink known as agua dulce (sweet water). In the Caribbean region, lemon and ginger are added, making it known as agua de sapo (sapo water). The family business Amaylita, in Zarcero, makes delicious sweets and breads; the La Flor butcher shop in Puriscal sells delicious pork rinds, which are served with patacones (fried plantains) and are one of Costa Rica’s typical dishes. If you want to try the delicious quesadillas and trotters, you can head to the Porras bakery in Escazú.
3. Secrets, islands and serendipities in the Gulf of Nicoya
The Gulf of Nicoya bathes the coasts of the provinces of Guanacaste and Puntarenas. The aquatic environment is the focus of most of the tours: responsible fishing, whale watching, wellness in Santa Teresa, Montezuma, and Tambor, paragliding in Caldera, or surfing on the beaches of Santa Teresa-Malpaís. Another interesting option is to visit the Curú Wildlife Reserve to learn about the story of Federico Schutt de la Croix, one of the first truly ecologically conscious people in Costa Rica. He purchased the land from the Pacific Lumber Company and halted the ongoing deforestation. Currently, the reserve facilitates student and scientific research on the numerous animal and plant species found there.
4. San José, a revitalized capital
With a blend of biodiversity, culture, history, art, gastronomy, and leisure activities, the Costa Rican capital is well worth a stop of a few days on any trip to the country. San José is a vibrant city, with good markets, museums housing extensive collections, restaurants with delicious cuisine, and interesting architecture. Among the most notable buildings are the Post Office and Telegraph Office, the Steinvorth, with its modernist architecture, the Herdocia, with its neoclassical and art deco touches, the Maroy, with its neoclassical eclecticism, and the Castillo Azul, the seat of the Presidency of the Council, built in a colonial Mediterranean style. It’s also worth taking a stroll through Morazán Park to see the Metálico building, the former Vitalia Madrigal school, and the neighboring España Park, where the Casa Amarilla (Yellow House) or Casa de la Chancillería (Chancellery) and the Old Liquor Factory are located.
5. The adventure of craftsmanship
The Crafts with Identity program is made up of seventeen collectives. Tico Treasures is a new platform that is helping to foster the creativity of all of them, highlighting the authenticity, quality, and cultural significance of each piece, allowing these 100% Costa Rican products to reach any corner of the world. Among the most notable crafts are the masks used in indigenous rituals; painted oxcarts—along with the oxcarting tradition on UNESCO’s list of Intangible Cultural Heritage—; Chorotega pottery, decorated with motifs inspired by Costa Rica’s extraordinary nature; and Boruca masks, used in the parades of the Juego de Diablitos, a celebration that represents the indigenous struggle against the Spanish conquistadors.
6. An increasingly accessible destination
A sustainable destination must be an accessible destination. Costa Rica has focused on providing wheelchair-accessible travelers with multiple options, making experiences such as visiting a volcano, soaking in hot springs, or touring a coffee plantation accessible to everyone.
7. It was chosen in 2023 as the best Latin American destination by readers of National Geographic Travel.
With just over 50,000 square kilometers, a trip to Costa Rica allows you to explore tropical forests, climb volcanoes, immerse yourself in the dreamy beaches of the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean, observe fascinating wildlife, learn about indigenous traditions, and see the efforts the country is making on its path to sustainability, a field in which it is a global leader. On the one hand, with major actions aimed at achieving total decarbonization by 2050.
For several years now, more than 98% of the energy produced is renewable, and natural spaces are being recovered. On the other hand, but no less important, is the work of all Costa Ricans, who are the first to defend environmentally friendly practices to ensure that natural resources reach future generations in optimal conditions. This wealth of landscapes and their conservation have been key factors in our readers choosing Costa Rica as the best destination in Latin America in 2023.
Fuente: viajes.nationalgeograohic.com.es
