Costa Rica, a vibrant country in Central America, is renowned for its stunning natural beauty and commitment to environmental sustainability. Bordered by Nicaragua to the north and Panama to the southeast, Costa Rica is flanked by the Pacific Ocean to the west and the Caribbean Sea to the east. The heart of Costa Rica lies in its breathtaking landscapes, encompassing lush rainforests, pristine beaches, volcanoes, and diverse ecosystems teeming with unique wildlife.
The capital city, San José, is a bustling urban center with a blend of modernity and historical charm. Costa Rica is famous for its pioneering efforts in conservation and eco-tourism, harboring a significant portion of the world’s biodiversity. National parks and reserves, such as Manuel Antonio, Tortuguero, and Corcovado, showcase this rich diversity, offering visitors the chance to encounter exotic creatures and immerse themselves in nature.
Costa Rica is a democratic republic, often considered one of the most politically stable and economically developed nations in Central America. Its government places a strong emphasis on education and healthcare, contributing to a high standard of living for its citizens. The people of Costa Rica, known as Ticos and Ticas, are renowned for their warmth, friendliness, and ‘Pura Vida’ (pure life) attitude, which epitomizes a positive and laid-back approach to life.
Adventurous souls are drawn to Costa Rica for a multitude of activities, including surfing along the Pacific coast, zip-lining through the rainforests, exploring volcanic landscapes, and engaging in world-class birdwatching. Additionally, Costa Rica’s commitment to sustainability is evident in its initiatives to protect the environment, making it a pioneer in eco-friendly travel and a prime destination for those seeking an eco-conscious adventure.

Volcano in Costa Rica
Here are 37 interesting facts about Costa Rica to know more about this country.
- Biodiversity Hotspot: Costa Rica is one of the world’s 20 mega-diverse countries, with over 5% of the world’s biodiversity.
- No Army: Costa Rica is one of the few countries in the world without a standing army. It abolished its army in 1949.
- Volcanic Country: Costa Rica is home to over 200 volcanic formations and seven active volcanoes.
- Pura Vida: “Pura Vida” is a common Costa Rican saying that translates to “pure life” or “simple life” and embodies the country’s positive and laid-back lifestyle.
- Carbon Neutral Goal: Costa Rica aims to be carbon neutral by 2021, emphasizing its commitment to environmental sustainability.
- Monteverde Cloud Forest: Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve is known for its misty, lush forests and diverse wildlife, including quetzals and howler monkeys.
- World Surfing Destination: Costa Rica is a popular destination for surfers, boasting world-class waves along both the Pacific and Caribbean coasts.
- Ticos and Ticas: Costa Ricans are affectionately referred to as “Ticos” (men) and “Ticas” (women).
- San José: San José, the capital city, is surrounded by lush volcanic mountains and serves as a central hub for the country’s culture and arts.
- UNESCO Sites: Costa Rica has three UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Cocos Island National Park, Area de Conservación Guanacaste, and Talamanca Range-La Amistad Reserves.
- Osa Peninsula: The Osa Peninsula is one of the most biodiverse places on Earth, housing 2.5% of the planet’s biodiversity in a small area.
- Gallo Pinto: Gallo Pinto, a traditional Costa Rican dish made of rice and beans, is a staple of the country’s cuisine.
- Sloth Sanctuary: Costa Rica is home to a sloth sanctuary dedicated to rescuing and rehabilitating sloths.
- Blue Morpho Butterfly: The Blue Morpho butterfly, found in Costa Rica, is famous for its brilliant blue wings.
- Scarlet Macaw: The Scarlet Macaw, a vibrant red, blue, and yellow parrot, is a symbol of Costa Rica’s abundant wildlife.
- Coffee Production: Costa Rica is famous for its high-quality coffee and is one of the world’s top coffee exporters.
- Whale Watching: Costa Rica is a popular destination for whale watching, especially for humpback whales in the Marino Ballena National Park.
- Central Valley: The Central Valley, where San José is located, is the most densely populated region of Costa Rica.
- Sustainable Tourism: Costa Rica is a pioneer in eco-tourism and sustainable tourism practices.
- Fresh Water Abundance: Costa Rica has abundant fresh water, with over 121 volcanic formations providing a natural filtration system.
- Colorful Toucans: Costa Rica is home to six different species of toucans, known for their colorful and large beaks.
- Diverse Ecosystems: Despite its small size, Costa Rica has 12 distinct ecosystems, showcasing its biodiversity.
- Rio Celeste: Rio Celeste, located in Tenorio Volcano National Park, is famous for its bright blue color due to volcanic minerals.
- Quetzal: Costa Rica is home to the beautiful Resplendent Quetzal, a bird revered by ancient civilizations.
- World’s Best Zip-lining: Costa Rica offers some of the world’s best zip-lining experiences, allowing adventurers to soar through the rainforests.
- Costa Rican Colon (CRC): The official currency of Costa Rica is the Costa Rican Colon.
- Green Season: Costa Rica has a “green season” or rainy season, from May to November, characterized by lush green landscapes.
- Manuel Antonio National Park: Manuel Antonio National Park is one of the smallest but most biodiverse parks in Costa Rica, famed for its beautiful beaches.
- Tortuguero National Park: Tortuguero National Park is a major nesting site for green sea turtles and other endangered species.
- Home of Salsa Lizano: Salsa Lizano, a popular condiment in Costa Rica, is a unique, slightly sweet sauce used on various dishes.
- Corcovado National Park: Corcovado National Park is often called “the most biologically intense place on Earth” by National Geographic.
- Bioluminescent Waters: In certain areas of Costa Rica, such as Luminous Lagoon in Montezuma, you can experience bioluminescent waters.
- World’s Highest Density of Orchids: Costa Rica boasts one of the world’s highest densities of orchids, with over 1,300 identified species.
- Coconut Water: Costa Rica is known for its deliciously fresh coconut water, often served in the coconut itself.
- Pre-Columbian Gold Museum: Located in San José, this museum showcases Costa Rica’s pre-Columbian heritage through an impressive collection of gold artifacts.
- Cacao Production: Costa Rica is known for its cacao production, and you can tour cacao farms to learn about chocolate production.
- El Arenal: Arenal Volcano is one of the most famous volcanoes in Costa Rica, attracting visitors with its scenic beauty and hot springs.

Brown back-toucan
Costa Rica embodies the harmony between nature and culture, beckoning travelers to experience the richness of its biodiversity, the warmth of its people, and the Pura Vida way of life. The verdant rainforests, pristine beaches, and majestic volcanoes create a stunning backdrop for adventures and eco-explorations. Costa Rica’s commitment to sustainability and conservation is a beacon for the world, showcasing how a country can thrive while prioritizing the environment. As travelers leave this ecological paradise, they carry with them not only memories of its natural wonders but also the inspiration to preserve and protect our planet for generations to come.
Costa Rica’s legacy is one of preservation, eco-consciousness, and a passion for embracing life’s simplicity. It stands as a testament to the power of conservation and responsible tourism, inviting all to cherish and respect the delicate balance of nature. The spirit of Costa Rica, with its contagious optimism and respect for the environment, invites the world to join hands in preserving the beauty of this Earth and fostering a global community dedicated to sustainable living.