Having fun as a couple on a zip line, watching a whale or a sloth up close or participating in a cocoa ceremony are some of the experiences that await couples in Costa Rica. And all this in a country open to tourism: since last October 26, a negative RT-PCR test result for national and foreign passengers arriving by air is not necessary for entry to Costa Rica, nor is it necessary to enter into quarantine.
1.The happiest country in the world
The happiness of the country of “Pura Vida” is written in its DNA. Costa Rica is one of the fastest growing international destinations, in which tourism is one of the engines of the Costa Rican economy.
It is one of the oldest democracies in America, and it is a country of peace, having abolished the army more than 70 years ago. In addition, it is home to one of the five Blue Zones in the world, the Nicoya Peninsula. It is the only Blue Zone in Latin America and the largest in extension in the world, which concentrates more than 800 inhabitants over 90 years of age.
2.Get to know a route dedicated to cheese
In the Turrialba area, known for its Volcano, one of the ‘greats’ in Costa Rica together with the Arenal Volcano, Irazú Volcano and the Rincón de la Vieja Volcano, a thematic route has also been developed taking advantage of the’ Turrialba ‘cheese, one of its most characteristic products.
In addition to gastronomy, the couple can also delve into the “Tico” culture with a view of the Guayabo National Monument or experience nature in the Turrialba Volcano National Park, which has reopened after several years of closure.
3.Experience the ‘Wellness Pura Vida’
Get a massage with volcanic stones heated in water with temperatures between 50 and 65 degrees and placed in a therapeutic way on the skin such as the outdoor spa treatments on Montezuma beach in the province of Puntarenas; or bathe in waters and volcanic mud in certified sites such as the hot springs near the Rincón de la Vieja Volcano National Park in Guanacaste or La Fortuna de San Carlos, will allow the lovebirds to enjoy a relaxing bath in the middle of nature.
4.Observe a sloth up closely
In the rural areas of Costa Rica it is possible to meet a sloth slowly crossing the street or resting in the crown of a tree by the road. But also, for those who want to know more about their way of life, they can visit the Sloth Sanctuary, on the southern coast of the Caribbean and near Chauita. This organization is dedicated to the care and rehabilitation of rescued sloths, and hopefully, a newborn sloth can be spotted at the sanctuary.
5.Discover nature in the country with the highest density of biodiversity
With more than half a million species, Costa Rica has 6.5% of the world’s biodiversity and stands out as one of the best places in the world to explore flora and fauna. A quarter of its territory is protected by national parks and reserves.
These places have an astonishing variety of ecosystems, including tropical rain forest, tropical dry forest, cloud forest, mangrove forest, the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific coast, and miles and miles of coastal reefs. In addition, the great diversity of flora and fauna that can be seen with the naked eye is the best learning about biodiversity.
6.Participate in a cocoa ceremony
The cocoa bean is packed with magnesium, calcium, and antioxidants and is considered to have benefits for the heart. To experience its healthy benefits and discover the history and culture of Costa Rica, nothing better than participating in a cacao ceremony in the style of indigenous peoples. Thus, sitting in a circle, you can enjoy the ceremonial drink, made from boiled cocoabeans and participate in chants and mantras to the sound of traditional instruments.
7.Go whale watching
Marino Ballena National Park, on the southwestern Pacific coast, is a renowned humpback whale watching site, but is also known for the sand formation called the Tómbolo. During low tide, this formatio looks like a whale’s tail from the air, and from land you can walk on it, observing a real whale’s tail.
In addition to Uvita beach, where the tombolo is located, there are other beaches within the Protected Wild Area: Bahía, Colonia, Ballena, Arco and Piñuelas, and even without seeing whales in the sea, the views are spectacular.
8.Enjoy one of the best coffees in the world
Savoring a Costa Rican coffee will be the finishing touch of the after-dinner table for lovers of this drink. To learn more about the history and culture around coffee, in different regions of the country guided tours are organized that explain the origin and treatment of the bean in its different stages. The couple will also be able to check out other sweet delicacies of the Costa Rican gastronomy such as milk cartons, flakes, cotton candy or cakes.
