It’s no secret that Costa Rica has something for everyone and with all the choices on adventure and activities, planning your perfect Costa Rica vacation can be overwhelming. Here is a great guide to planning your Costa Rica vacation or finding your ideal activities in this enticing tropical destination.
Osa Peninsula – Best for Nature Lovers: The Osa Peninsula is the wildest of all the regions in Costa Rica. And as one of the most biodiverse places on earth, you’ll find plenty of places to explore. From Corcovado National Park to the newly popular “safaris at sea”, The Osa Peninsula is Costa Rica’s best place for nature lovers.
The Northern Zone – Best for Adventure: From cave diving, to volcanoes, horseback riding and more, adventurers will love Costa Rica’s Northern Zone. The beaches of Guanacaste and surrounding areas are also great for surfers (including the wind and kitesurfing types) and mountain biking trails are awesome in this particular region.
Chirripo – Best for Hiking: At 12,500 feet this is Costa Rica’s highest peak and offers views of both the Pacific and Caribbean coasts.
Monteverde – Best for Families: Serving scoops of ice cream with the beauty of nature, Monteverde offeres over a thousand acres of natural wonder. Enjoy ziplining, butterfly and hummingbird gardens and top off your day with ice cream in a tree house!
Nicoya Peninsula – Best for Partying: Looking to party all night and sleep it off on the beach all day? The Nicoya Peninsula is the place for you! Mal Pais/Santa Teresa attracts young travelers and at Playa Samara the party goes all night long.
Central Pacific – Best for Beach: Home to Jaco Beach, Playa Hermosa and Esterillos Este, you’ll find everything from laid back coast lines and super chill beach bars to exceptional restaurants and nightlife along Costa Rica’s stunning Pacific Coast.
Manuel Antonio – Best for Romance: Opulence, luxe accommodations, romantic restaurants and picturesque beaches all make up the beautiful setting of Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica.
Arenal – Best for Wellness: With hot springs, warm waterfalls, cocktails and cabanas, the high-end resorts of Arenal give wellness seekers places to relax and recharge among the adventurous activities of Costa Rica.
Caribbean Coast – Best for Foodies: The cuisine of Costa Rica leaves some foodies with the desire for more exciting dishes and dining experiences. Along the Caribbean Coast you will find the influence of Afro-Caribbean, Spanish and indigenous cultures blending together to create a unique and spicy cuisine.
Guanacaste – Best for Culture: Among the rolling landscape of historic Guanacaste, you will discover Costa Rica’s cowboy country. The sabaneros of this region are some of Costa Rica’s most iconic historical figures and they still exist today. One of the best regions to experience traditional holidays, Guanacaste celebrates with rodeos, carnivals, famous bulls, and parades. You can also explore the indigenous heritage of Costa Rica in the enchanting region of Guanacaste.
Southern Zone – Best for Getting Off Grid: Home to the best waves, including Pavones where surfers will find the longest left break on earth, in the Southern Zone of Costa Rica you’ll find little more to do than surf, eat, and watch people surf, but for some of us – that’s just what we’re looking for in a Costa Rica vacation.
Tamarindo – Best for Surf: In the Northern Pacific region of Guanacaste, you will find world famous surfing along the beaches of Tamarindo. Home to Endless Summer legend, Robert August, as well as the beaches of Langosta and Playa Avellanas, the Pacific Beaches of Tamarindo and Guanacaste boast some of the best surfing in the world.
See the entire guide at HuffingtonPost.com