Nature and adventure in Costa Rica

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Are you curious about a country with tropical "cloud rainforests", adrenaline-pumping adventures and relaxing beaches - which also happens to be the second happiest country in the world? Today, FREEDOMtravel welcomes an experienced Costa Rica connoisseur, who talks about nature and adventure in Costa Rica.

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Happy people and wonderful nature

Costa Rica is located in Central America between Nicaragua in the north and Panama in the south. It has been a stable democracy since 1949 and was the first country in the world to ban the army in the same year. The country is ranked year after year as one of the safest and wealthiest countries in the region.

In a 2014 Gallup poll, it was ranked the second happiest country in the world, beaten only by neighbouring Panama (with Sweden in eighth place). The country's slogan 'Pura vida' (about clean living) has rarely been more appropriate than for Costa Rica.

What attracts tourists to Costa Rica, apart from the security situation and friendly people, is the country's wonderful nature. Although the country makes up no more than 0.1 per cent of the world's total land mass, no less than 5 per cent of the world's animal species are found in Costa Rica. The Costa Rican government has also realised this and no less than 25% of the country's area is now national parks (more than any other country in the world).

Tropical climate and "cloud rainforests"

Due to its proximity to the equator, the climate is tropical. Nevertheless, the mountains that cut through the country mean that the climate on the western (Pacific) side is very different from the eastern (Caribbean) side.

On the western side, the climate is drier while the eastern side has a more humid climate and is therefore more 'jungle-like'. Up in the mountains it is colder and you can visit the so-called "cloud rainforests" which are very much what they sound like. Simply a forest up in the mountains that is constantly surrounded by clouds with a very rich wildlife.

The country's seasons are divided between the rainy season (May to early December) and the dry season (December to May). The differences between the seasons are much more pronounced on the western side, where you can guarantee no more than one day of rain between December and May, while the eastern side offers more erratic weather.

'Canopy tracks' through the rainforest

However, Costa Rica is so much more than just stunning scenery and a wonderful climate. The country also offers a wealth of activities for the adventurous. Perhaps the two biggest activities you can find throughout the country are canopy and rafting.

Canopy is a type of cable car that runs between the trees in the jungle. There are a variety of canopy courses, but the longest and most adrenaline-pumping ones are located around the Arenal volcano and in the Monteverde cloud forest. There are courses with ropes (cables) up to 1 km long and with a drop of 140 metres.

At Arenal, even after the day's activities, you can relax in the countless hot springs located near the volcano. Sitting in 42 degree water at the foot of the volcano and hearing the most powerful forces of nature rumbling above you is one of the most spectacular nature experiences you can have in my opinion.

Rafting for beginners and experts

Rafting is at its most intense during the end of the rainy season and the beginning of the dry season which is from October to January. The difficulty of rafting is determined by the river and the amount of water flowing in it through a 5 scale rating system. 1 on the scale is calm water for beginners and 5 means strong currents and wilder rivers for more experienced practitioners.

It's important to remember that a river rated 5 at the end of the rainy season often drops to a 2-3 at the end of the dry season when it hasn't rained for a couple of months. But there are rivers for everyone all year round in various destinations around Costa Rica. Before you go rafting, check that the companies you are travelling with have years of experience and a strong safety record, if you are unsure, contact a local tour operator.

Beaches for swimming and surfing

As well as adventure, Costa Rica is of course known for its many long and stunning beaches. Perhaps the most popular is the sun-drenched Guanacaste located in the north-west corner of the country.

During the long dry season from December to May, you can almost guarantee sunny weather every day and there are plenty of beaches to choose from. For surfers, there are also several different beaches to choose from as Costa Rica is usually ranked in the top five surfing countries in the world.

Costa Rica is basically that big little country in the heart of Central America. If you are interested in Costa Rica Travel so feel free to contact us, welcome to Costa Rica!

Johan Avander, has been working for 10 years on customised trips to Costa Rica with the company Swetours.com established in Costa Rica

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