The perfect eco holiday destination for adrenaline junkies…
You cant read the news today without hearing about how climate change is going to affect our futures and it makes for a depressing read. Bearing this in mind, many people are becoming more ecologically conscious in a bid to slow down the negative effects our actions are having on the environment. This attitude even extends to where we are choosing our holidays.
Costa Rica has been estimated to be one of the most popular holiday destinations in the world in 2019. This isnt just because the country is a haven of luxury, eco-centric resorts and facilities, but also because it can provide visitors to the country with a unique insight into an established rainforest, filled with wildlife, access to glorious white sand beaches and compelling landscape features that make for fascinating day trips.
Adrenaline junkies in Costa Rica
You might have had a zip wire experience in the UK, where you fly at high speeds along a line, while the concrete jungle of Milton Keynes passes underneath you. What makes the same experience in Costa Rica different is the fact that youll be zipping through the rainforest canopy, where up to 90% of the wildlife here is said to be found. Youre unlikely to come face to face with a sloth, a toucan or a red eyed tree frog as you make your way at speed through the New Forest!
If youd like your exhilarating experience to be closer to the water, you could try surfing on Costa Ricas east coast, or white river rafting. The waves along the coast are world class, which makes the rides appealing to professional surfers from all over the world.
If youve tried your hand at surfing off the Cribbar in Newquay, or one of the Welsh surfing hotspots and youre ready for a new challenge, this could be it. But thats not to say, you wont also find gentle surfing conditions suitable for beginners a little further along the coastline.
On the Guanacaste Coast, the surf is ideal for those just starting out and many of the Central America packages Aspen Travel books on behalf of its partner companies will provide water sports instructors to help you develop your skills.
Those whove tried white water rafting will tell you that theres no experience more exhilarating. As you make your way down the mountain waterways very fast, youll be at the mercy of your vessel (as well as your instructor.) Its safe, but youll feel the adrenaline caused by your activity rush through your body.
Attractions for Eco Warriors
There is a school of thought that teaches us that zoos are a necessary evil. In order to cause an emotional reaction in people to provoke them into supporting a cause against species extinction, those same people need to see the animals theyll be saving. In Costa Rica, the wildlife isnt behind bars, but is, in fact, populating the rain and cloud forests.
Places like the Monteverde Cloud Forest are just a short distance away from Costa Ricas capital San Jos and they will allow you to view the fauna in its natural habitat. Rope bridge walkways hang between the trees affording you a view of everything moving above and below you. There are also cable cars systems and trails along the forest floor. Some of the animals and birds you might hope to see here are tapirs, coatis, capuchin monkeys, ocelots, three-toed sloths, macaws and quetzals.
The sea is also a great place to meet the local wildlife. The beaches here, particularly those that face towards the Caribbean, are filled with white sand and azure waters, where youll find exotic fish and turtles. Its warm and if youre keen to see more colourful action under the waves than a snorkel will allow, you could always opt for a dive lesson or tour.
Another spectacular natural feature of the local landscape is the Arenal volcano. It can be seen from miles around and has a lake that offers a multitude of water-sports activities at its base. You can hike up to its summit and enjoy the glacial view, as well as the hot springs. There are lots of popular picnic spots nearby
Other places worth exploring in the area, either on foot or by bike, are the Manuel Antonio National Park, which consists partly of rainforest and stretches along to the coast, the Tortuguero National Park; a protected area for nesting turtles and Corvocado National Park.
Eating out in Costa Rica
The food here has been influenced both by its Caribbean neighbours and its Spanish colonial history. Dishes you must try include Gallo Pinto; a very traditional recipe with rice and beans as its base, Casado, which offers the staple of a rice and beans base served with plantain and a tortilla, Tamale, made from dough and Chifrijo; a meaty dish that contains crispy pork.
About our Costa Rica packages
Great Rail Journeys offers Enchanting Costa Rica and Panamaall-inclusive tour, which will take you to the volcanoes, the beaches and the rainforests, with a shopping experience in San Jos thrown in as well. All this, before moving onto Panama to witness for yourself the wonders of the Panama Canal.
A two week Cox and Kings tour will incorporate a few days in Costa Rica as part of a wider tour of Central America and will see you travelling to Panama, Nicaragua, Guatemala and Antigua as well, view here. Collettes tour of Tropical Costa Rica, deals exclusively with the country in question and provides you with 9 fun-packed days in which to thoroughly get to grips with the geography and gain an insight into the culture.
The all-inclusive escorted tour packages will include your flights, accommodation, food and drink, as well as the entrance tickets to attractions and transfers. Youll have a tour guide on hand to make sure you reach all your travel connections on time and reach your overnights. If youd prefer to be more independent, however, but without having to go to the hassle of booking your own itinerary, you could opt for a self-drive holiday.
This means youll be travelling only with the people you choose to go on holiday with, whether thats your partner, friends or family and youll be driving yourself around in a hire car that will be arranged on your behalf. Your itinerary will be provided on arrival and your overnights pre-booked. Its up to you the route you choose to get to them and how long you stay at each attraction along the way.
If youre travelling alone, over 50 and looking to make new friends with like-minded interests and a love of exploring the world, Saga will take you on a tour of Costa Rica that could potentially change your life, particularly if youre not sure if solo travel is for you. There wont be a single supplement and your tour guide will double up as a host to ensure that everyone on your trip feels welcome and included. You could be discovering the rainforests this month, but planning your next move to another part of the world while youre there!
If youre keen to find out more about the 2019 buzz surrounding Costa Rica, please get in touch with our team of friendly travel advisors here at Lowcostdeals. Well happily guide you through the many different holiday packages we offer with a view to finding the most appropriate one to suit your budget and travel preferences.