Costa Rica is a country in Central America that is well known all over the world for its biodiversity. It is a very diverse country with tropical weather along with the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean bordering it from the north east and south west sides. Most of the country is made up of protected rainforests and jungles that are teeming with wildlife making this country the perfect vacation destination for wildlife enthusiasts. Because of its diverse landscape there are several beautiful beaches and hill stations in Costa Rica that attract several tourists all-round the year.
There are two main mountain ranges in Costa Rica that run along almost the entire length of the country. The Costa Rica Mountains run from the north western part of the country to the south-eastern part of the country. The Cordillera Volcanica Central runs from the north western part of the country to the central part of Costa Rica and consists of a lot of volcanoes that are known for its volcanic activity. Cordillera de Talamanca is the second mountain range in Costa Rica that stretches from the south central part of the country to the south eastern part where it continues into the neighbouring country of Panama. Both these mountain ranges have several places worth visiting, some of which are listed below.
San Isidro
San Isidro is an agricultural destination located in the southern highlands of Costa Rica about 3000 feet above sea level. Nestled in the foothills of the Talamanca Mountains, San Isidro will provide you with some spectacular views of the Costa Rican settlements and the surrounding landscape. It is one of the hilly places in Costa Rica that has the ideal weather for growing several fruits and vegetables such as pineapple, coffee and sugar. San Isidro is best known for birdwatching because many birds visit this area, especially the quetzals. The travellers can also indulge in outdoor activities such as hiking in the nearby national parks and enjoy the local cuisine in the many restaurants that prepare their dishes from the local produce.
Bijagua
Bijagua is a quaint yet one of the most beautiful hill stations in Costa Rica. It is located in the Northern Mountains and is ideal for people who want to experience nature and its beauty. There are small lodges in Bijagua where you can stay and experience the lifestyle of the local people. The highlight of Bijagua is the Rio Celeste waterfall that attracts a number of travelers to this place. The waterfall is known for its bright blue waters that looks unreal, but occurs naturally because of the various volcanic minerals present in it. Apart from the waterfall, Bijagua is an excellent place for witnessing the wildlife of Costa Rica. You can hike through the rainforests with a local guide and see the wildlife in their natural habitat.
San Gerardo de Dota
If you are looking for a quiet getaway in the mountains of Costa Rica then San Gerardo de Dota is a great place for you. San Gerardo de Dota is a small village hidden away in the Southern Mountains that are known for having a high number of sightings of the quetzal bird. A lot of tourists come to Costa Rica to see the quetzal bird which is a beautiful green and red bird that has long tail feathers. San Gerardo de Dota is one of the best places to see this bird because it is filled with natural cloud forests that are home to the quetzal. The travellers can stay at the rustic lodges of the San Gerardo de Dota and get to feel one with nature. You can also hike through the Los Quetzales National Park and explore the local waterfalls.
Zarcero
Located in the Cordillera Central Mountain Range of Costa Rica, Zarcero is one of the finest honeymoon places in Costa Rica. It is situated at a height of 1736 metres and is known for its beautiful weather throughout the year. Zarcero is a small farming town that indulges in dairy and agriculture and is home small enterprises that make a living from organic farming. Fresh dairy items such as milk and cheese are readily available. The rugged landscape of Zarcero is covered with coffee and sugarcane plantations that are surrounded by cloud forests. The local people are friendly and welcoming making you instantly feel at ease. Zarcero has the magical charm of a small town and a great place for a relaxing vacation hidden in the mountains.
Monteverde
Located among the Costa Rican Mountains, the small town of Monteverde ranks among the best mountains in Costa Rica for vacations. It is very well known for its cloud forests which are worth a visit. Because of its height, the forests of Monteverde are covered by clouds which provide the necessary moisture for sustaining the flora and fauna of the region. It is one of the best places in Costa Rica where you get to experience nature first hand. You can take guided hikes up the hilly region and witness the wildlife in their natural habitat. The weather is chilly and therefore you will be needing warm clothes. You can also visit the nearby town of Santa Elena and explore the local restaurants, gift shops and art galleries.
Atenas
One of the most visited places of Costa Rica, situated just 45 minutes away from the capital city is Atenas. The beautiful village is home to many museums, galleries and restaurants and has developed as a self-sufficient town that attracts many expats who love to retire here. Because of its location in the Central Valley, the weather is always pleasant and you are surrounded by the lush green hills which are truly a treat to the eyes. If you want to experience the beauty of Costa Rica and are looking forward to a relaxing vacation then you should definitely visit Atenas.
Arenal Volcano and Lake Arenal
Surrounded by the Arenal Volcano National Park, the majestic Arenal Volcano is a beautiful mountain that attracts a lot of tourist attention. It is a perfectly symmetrical mountain that you can explore by taking a hike up its slopes through the rainforests. There are several hot springs at the base of the mountain where you can spend a perfect relaxing day. While you are in the area, you can also visit the stunning Lake Arenal that is surrounded by emerald green hills. There are several hotels and restaurants along the lake shore that serve delicious food and also provide a view of the Arenal Volcano.
Santa Maria de Dota
Situated in the Southern Mountains, Santa Maria de Dota is a small mountain town which is not frequented by tourists and therefore is an ideal place to go if you are looking for a less crowded place from where you can just get to know the lifestyle of the local people. It is a vibrant town with restaurants, parks and shops. Santa Maria de Dota is blessed with cool climate and fertile soil which is ideal for growing coffee and the Tarrazu beans grown here are famous all over the world. Due to its elevated location Santa Maria de Dota is one of the best places in Costa Rica for birdwatching. Many people visit this place just to have a quiet vacation and explore the local lifestyle and wildlife.
