Costa Rica is a paradise of active volcanoes, sandy beaches, tropical rainforests, waterfalls, hot springs and wildlife. The name Costa Rica or “rich coast” in Spanish is exactly what you will find in this stunning country. With breathtaking natural wonders, it’s no surprise why over a million tourist visit Costa Rica every year. Located in the middle of Central America, Costa Rica splits the Atlantic Ocean and Pacific Ocean apart. The two oceans are only few hours away from each other by land. Getting to Costa Rica is more affordable and more convenience than ever given that Air Transat is offering flights twice a week from YVR. Air Transat will fly from December 2019 to April 2020 every Wednesday & Saturday to both San Jose & Liberia.
Liberia
Liberia is a favorite for travellers because of its proximity to lakes, volcanoes, forests and its 300 km of coastlines and beaches.
Arenal Volcano, one of the most famous and still active volcanoes in the world, is only a few kilometres from Liberia. The Monte Verde’s suspension bridges are also perfect for observing the rain and cloud forests from above. Parque Nacional Palo Verde is a birdwatchers’ paradise and Rincón de la Vieja is a must-see for its craters and sulfuric volcanic springs.
Liberia is a beach-lover’s dream. Playa Hermosa is quiet and idea for scuba diving or snorkelling. Playa del Coco is more lively due to its popularity among tourists and locals. Playa Conchal is picturesque with its white sand and turquoise water and Playa Tamarindo is very popular among surfers, in addition to having excellent restaurants and an energetic nightlife.
San José
Costa Rica’s capital, San José is more metropolitan than Liberia and boasts numerous restaurants, museums and shopping. At an altitude of 1170 metres, its climate is pleasant all year round.
Not far from San José, accessible by boat is Tortuga Island where you can spot crocodiles and exotic birds and at Manuel Antonio National Park on the coast is also home to monkeys and sloths.
Coffee aficionados will love to tour famed Café Britt or Doka plantations. Costa Rica is, after all, world famous for their coffee exports.
San José’s Teatro Nacional is one of the city’s most beautiful buildings in the city center. And an impressive collection of gold can be found at the Museo de Oro Precolombino. And the Museo de Jade houses the biggest collection of South American jade.
Happy Travels!
About Claire Newell
Claire Newell is a travel expert, author and a recognized authority on the international travel industry. She is the founder and owner of Travel Best Bets, one of the largest agencies in Canada and the best-selling author of Travel Best Bets – An Insider’s Guide to Taking Your Best Trips, Ever. She has appeared in top broadcast and print media throughout U.S. and Canada over the last 25 years, including Canada’s Global TV network, NBC’s Today Show, Fox & Friends, CNN, and others. Claire also writes regularly for print and online publications including Readers’ Digest, Today’s Parent and more.