Costa Rica means “Rich Coast,” and a more suitable title would be hard to find, particularly as it relates to the country’s excessive wealth and abundance in natural beauty. Bordered on its eastern coast by the sparkling sapphire seas and natural coral reefs of the Caribbean and on the west by the vast waters of the Pacific, the entire country is blessed with a network of beaches and coves.
The international airport in Liberia has opened up the huge province of Guanacaste to a wider audience, with its 300 km of warm Pacific shoreline and 70 beaches.
The Gulf of Papagayo is home to many of the province’s finest beaches, including Playas del Coco. This was one of the first tourist areas of Guanacaste province and as a result many bars, cafes and restaurants maintain a true Costa Rican feel to them. This area also remains a relatively busy fishing port, which contributes to its authentic feeling.
Other beaches include Playa Hermosa, or “beautiful beach,” stretching 1.5 km and well shaded. It is sheltered by a bay and the water is quite calm. Playa Panama is a secluded cove surrounded by shade-giving trees; Playa Flamingo is a long ribbon of white sand beach; and Playa Tamarindo is a perennial mecca for surfers.
It would be impossible to list all of the many natural riches that bless this country. Most noteworthy is the Parque Nacional Arenal, anchored by a superb, classic-looking cone shaped volcano that remains active. From the Mirador observation point you can experience the powerful strength of this mighty crater as the earth rumbles under foot and you observe great surges of lava flowing from its peak.
The Monteverde Nature Reserve is unique in that it allows tourists to hike its trails and experience the splendour of this thick tropical rainforest while retaining its ecological integrity by strictly limiting the number of visitors each day.
Costa Rica occupies a privileged spot in the heart of Central America. While its territory of 19,652 square miles touches both the Atlantic and Pacific oceans, the country is surprisingly accessible – one can travel from coast to coast in just three hours by car (or 45 minutes by plane).
The Caribbean region of Costa Rica stands out for its variety of aquatic ecosystems and its beautiful white and black sand beaches, providing an ideal setting for activities such as sport fishing, snorkeling and sun bathing. The Pacific coast concentrates big tourist centres and its beaches – such as Esterillos, Jaco, Hermosa and Boca Barranca – are very popular for surfing. In the Golfito region near the Marino Ballena National Park, surfing fans can find the famous “long lefthander.”
No matter what your interests, whether it be sightseeing and enjoying the magnificent nature this land has to offer, revelling in the wonderful water-sports or just chilling out at one of Sunwing’s great resorts, Costa Rica has something to offer everyone! |
