Breathtaking nature with exotic animals, beautiful beaches and unforgettable experiences. We travel through Costa Rica for 2 weeks and sum up our highlights for you. We first visit the capital San José because here is the country's largest international airport..
Our journey through Costa Rica begins right in the heart of San José. The Mercado Central, which has been around since 1881, is still the city’s most important market hall. It’s a vibrant, bustling place where locals shop for everything from souvenirs to exotic fruits and traditional dishes – all at very affordable prices. It's the perfect spot to dive into the everyday life of the Ticos.
With a rental car, we set out to explore Costa Rica on our own – giving us the freedom to stop wherever the road leads us. One of the first highlights along the way are the Nauyaca Waterfalls, hidden deep in the tropical rainforest. A short hike takes us to this natural wonder, where the water crashes down over 60 meters into crystal-clear pools. Swimming is allowed here – and cooling off in the middle of the jungle is nothing short of magical.
Our next stop is Puerto Jimenez, from where we take a boat to the famous Corcovado National Park – one of the most biodiverse places on Earth. Access is only permitted with a certified guide, so be sure to book your tour a few weeks in advance. Once inside, you're immersed in a world of untouched wilderness: scarlet macaws, howler monkeys, coatis, sloths, and even tapirs can be spotted here – if you're lucky!
The Manuel Antonio National Park in Quepos feels quite different – it’s more developed and definitely busier, but still well worth a visit. The walking trails are easy and accessible, and wildlife sightings are almost guaranteed. At the beach, giant iguanas sunbathe while monkeys swing through the treetops – it's like watching nature’s own live show.
Just a short drive away, we stop at the Rio Tarcoles, known for its population of huge crocodiles that lounge right under the bridge – both impressive and a little bit terrifying. From there, we head into the mountains to Monteverde, where the misty cloud forest wraps us in its mystical atmosphere. Here, we also get a glimpse into local agriculture, learning how coffee and sugarcane are cultivated in this fertile region.
As our journey winds down, we make our way to the Caribbean coast, where the pace of life slows down. On the road to Tortuguero, we spot curious raccoons and drive past endless banana plantations. The village of Tortuguero, home to just 700 people, can only be reached by boat – making it one of the most remote and peaceful places we’ve visited. Surrounded by jungle and waterways, it feels like a world of its own.
Costa Rica surprises us again and again – with its wild nature, warm-hearted people, and incredible variety between the Pacific and Caribbean coasts. It’s not just a country you travel through – it’s a place you truly feel.
Join us on this visual adventure and create your personalized travel itinerary. We recommend a 10-14 day trip to Costa Rica, spending your time also in here *.
- Travel period: 10 days
- Best time to travel: November to April
- Main dish: 20 €
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