Properties in Costa Rica Blog

Costa Rica is on the front pages yet again! 

In recent years, Costa Rica has emerged as a leading destination for travelers seeking a unique blend of adventure, natural beauty, and sustainability. It comes as no surprise then that the Central American gem has been honored with the prestigious title of “Best Latin American Destination” by National Geographic. With its stunning landscapes, abundant biodiversity, and commitment to sustainable tourism practices, Costa Rica has captured the hearts and imaginations of both tourists and conservationists alike.

A Sustainable Paradise

Costa Rica has long been at the forefront of sustainable tourism initiatives and the country’s commitment to environmental conservation is evident in its extensive network of national parks, protected areas, and wildlife reserves. With over 25% of its landmass designated as protected territory, Costa Rica has set a shining example for the rest of the world to follow and National Geographic has recognized its efforts to preserve its rich biodiversity and promote sustainable practices.

From its lush rainforests teeming with exotic wildlife to its pristine beaches and crystal-clear waters, the country offers a remarkable array of natural wonders for visitors to explore. Through responsible tourism, Costa Rica is ensuring that future generations will be able to experience these incredible landscapes.

Costa Rica is also a playground for adventure enthusiasts. Offering a range of thrilling activities, including zip-lining through the treetops of the cloud forests, white-water rafting down raging rivers, surfing world-class breaks, and hiking up volcanoes. Its varied topography, with both Pacific and Caribbean coastlines, as well as mountains and rainforests, provides endless opportunities for outdoor exploration and adrenaline-pumping experiences.

For wildlife lovers, Costa Rica is a paradise. The country is home to an astonishing array of animal and plant species, including howler monkeys, toucans, sloths, jaguars, vibrant tropical birds, just to name a few. Whether it’s spotting elusive quetzals in the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve or observing sea turtles nesting on the Caribbean coast, nature lovers will find themselves immersed in a captivating world of biodiversity.

Embracing Pura Vida

One of the defining characteristics of Costa Rica is the concept of “Pura Vida,” which translates to “pure life.” This phrase encapsulates the country’s laid-back lifestyle, warm hospitality, and commitment to environmental sustainability. Visitors to Costa Rica are greeted with genuine warmth and friendliness, creating a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere that has clearly attracted millions of tourists over the years. 

Costa Rica’s dedication to sustainable practices also extends to its hospitality industry. Many hotels and resorts have adopted eco-friendly initiatives, such as using renewable energy sources, implementing water conservation measures, and supporting local communities. Travelers can enjoy their stay knowing that their visit contributes to the preservation of the country’s natural heritage.

If you’re considering a trip to Costa Rica, it’s essential to plan ahead to make the most of your experience. Research the various regions and activities that interest you, keeping in mind the time of year and weather conditions. Whether you’re seeking an action-packed adventure or a relaxing escape, Costa Rica offers something for everyone.

Remember to respect and abide by the country’s environmental regulations, such as staying on designated trails, refraining from littering, and not disturbing wildlife. By practicing responsible tourism, you can play a part in preserving Costa Rica’s pristine ecosystems.

Costa Rica’s recognition as the Best Latin American Destination by National Geographic is a testament to its commitment to sustainable tourism and its breathtaking natural beauty. The country’s impressive biodiversity, thrilling adventure opportunities, and warm hospitality make it a must-visit destination for travelers from around the world. As Costa Rica continues to prioritize conservation and responsible tourism, it remains a clear example of how countries can protect their natural heritage while offering unforgettable experiences to visitors.

Costa Rica is well known for its sustainability-oriented vision and initiatives towards the conservation of its most precious zones. This is not the exemption for the new underwater project that the Rocky Reef Conservation and the Punta Leona Hotel have been working on, combining art with the conservation of marine life. We’re talking about an underwater museum located 50 meters off the Central Pacific Coast and at a depth of 2 meters in low tides, making it perfect place to experience snorkeling or amazing diving sessions.

The backbone of this project is the fact that it constitutes in a type of regenerative art where Costa Rican sculptor Fabio Brenes along with some help from James Madison University students created three stone and wood pieces that portray three of the most representative figures of the zone: the “Cacique Garabito”, a manta ray , and a sea turtle. With a renowned record of over 20 years working in wood sculptures, it is safe to say that Mr. Brenes knows his work and during his years of creation, most of his artwork has been inspired by the awe of nature and figurative elements that belong to it. Not only do these sculptures enhance the diving experience for the people, but this type of art also considers the habitants of the sea as they have been created to offer them another type of home. Keep in mind, this is only the beginning stage of the project, meaning that their efforts and actions towards creating even more habitats and places for marine flora & fauna to thrive is just starting. For those who love the sea, this is a great step in the direction towards a healthier relationship with our surroundings and the animals that live in it. Stay close for more updates on the wonderful underwater museum in Garabito, Puntarenas.

Source:

• Fernandez, Ileana. (March 12, 2022) Costa Rica’s First. Underwater Museum. Recovered March 20, 2022, from: https://ticotimes.net/2022/03/12/costa-ricas-first-underwater-museum

The beginning of September marks the annual Whale Watching Festival in Uvita beach within Ballena National Park in Costa Rica. Uvita is a quaint fishing village in Costa Rica’s southern zone. This year marks the 7th annual festival celebrating the peak migration time of the humpback whales. The event takes place over two weekends on September 4th and 5th, and then again on September 12th and 13th. Last year 40,000 visitors flocked to the park to watch the whales and more are expected this year.

Ballena National Marine Park is a favorite whale watching spot. Covering 110 hectares of land and 5375 hectares of the ocean the reserve protects wildlife and the native habitats. The park acts as a sanctuary for whales to breed and give birth. Every year, the magnificent humpback whales arrive from July through October after making the 8,000-kilometer journey across the southern hemisphere. The whales swim north from the Antarctica to the warm waters of Golfo Dulce in Costa Rica. The warmer waters close to the equator provide that optimal habitat to mate and breed. September marks the peak of the migration along the coast of Costa Rica.

In addition to the two-hour whale watching tour, the festival offers activities such as cycling, beach volleyball, hiking, and dolphin watching. Both bottle-nose dolphins and spinner dolphins can be spotted here. There is also the opportunity to watch the legendary sea turtles including olive ridleys, green turtles, and hawksbill who travel to the beaches of Ballena to lay their eggs. The largest numbers of sea turtles make their way to shore to lay their eggs during the waning moon in September. The beaches of Ballena are not as closely monitored as some of the other more well-known beaches. The park asks visitors to be respectful if they venture out at night to catch a glimpse of this wonder of nature as the sea turtles make their way to shore.

Costa Rica is committed to protecting the biodiversity of its many species including many on the endangered species list. Due to strong international cooperation and conservation efforts, the humpback whales where recently removed from the endangered species list. More conservation efforts are needed to protect both endangered and critically endangered species. Festivals such as these aim to increase public awareness for the need for conservation and efforts to protect wildlife. Costa Rica and parks such as Ballena have also been instrumental in protecting sea turtles as well as other species.

The festival is a fantastic time to visit this preserve. Adventurers, families and wildlife enthusiasts can appreciate the laid-back, relaxed environment and rich biodiversity. With activities for adults and children to enjoy, it’s a fun family-friendly event that also provides a great opportunity for children to learn about nature, wildlife, habitats, and conservation. This weekend will be last chance to enjoy one of the spectacular two-hour boat tours to spot the majestic creatures. Tours start at 7 am.