Best Natural Parks of Costa Rica To Visit in 2023

Costa Rica is the ultimate paradise - a natural wonderland of diverse ecosystems, stunning landscapes, and endless adventure. One of the best ways to experience Costa Rica's breath taking beauty is by visiting its network of protected national parks. With 28 incredible National Parks dotting its landscape, every trip to Costa Rica would only be complete by taking time to explore at least one!

Whether it's a romantic getaway or an adventure with friends, we've compiled the list of Costa Rica's best natural parks for 2023.

Tortuguero National Park

Tortuguero National Park is a nature-lovers paradise. It's a hidden gem that's only accessible by plane or boat, making it a truly unique destination. But don't let the remoteness deter you, as it is the third most visited park in the country! The park boasts incredible plant and animal life diversity, with eleven distinct habitats interweaving to create a rich tapestry of natural wonders. One of the best ways to explore Tortuguero is by boat or kayak.

But what really sets Tortuguero apart is its reputation as a haven for sea turtles. Every year, these gentle creatures return to the park's beaches to nest, attracting turtle enthusiasts from all over the world.

Location: Limon Province

Fee: $5 Children And $15 Adults

Open time: Every day from 6 AM to 12 PM and from 1 PM to 4 PM, the park is open.

Piedras Blancas National Park

This park, located in the southern zone of Costa Rica, boasts lush Jurassic forests and houses a number of plant and animal species that are native to the region. Its importance goes beyond its beauty, as it is actually a wildlife corridor that connects Corcovado National Park and gives Jaguars their last chance for refuge.

Do you want to be close enough to the park to feel like you're part of it? Reserve your stay at Playa Nicuesa Lodge – it's right at the edge of Piedras Blancas, so you can get up early and wander among all this natural beauty.

Location: Osa Peninsula

Open time: The park is open daily from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. On Tuesdays, the park is closed.

Manuel Antonio National Park



Manuel Antonio National Park is one of Costa Rica's most beautiful landscapes, and it was rightfully named one of the top parks by Forbes Magazine in 2011. The park offers several hiking trails that wind through the rainforest, providing excellent opportunities for birdwatching and wildlife spotting. With white sandy beaches cuddled gently by coves, any beachgoer will be excited by what they find here.

Specially the park is known for its breath taking scenery, lush tropical rainforest, and pristine beaches. It's home to diverse wildlife, including monkeys, sloths, toucans, iguanas, and various species of reptiles and amphibians. When traveling from Manuel Antonio to San Jose in Costa Rica, consider taking the private minivan for a convenient and affordable option.

Location: Pacific Coastline, south of Quepos

Fee: $16 for Adults

Open time: Usually, it's open daily from 7 am to 4 pm. On Tuesdays, the park is closed.

Santa Rosa National Park



Santa Rosa National Park is an experience like none other—situated in the northwesternmost corner of Costa Rica, this park contains some of the world's last remaining tropical dry forests. It was created to connect critical habitats to ensure wide-ranging wildlife, including jaguars, have enough habitat to survive. Basically, the park is home to howler monkeys, white-faced capuchin monkeys, coatis, deer, and many species of birds. You might even spot a jaguar or a puma if you're lucky!

One of the park's most popular areas is the beach at Playa Naranjo. This is a great spot to relax, swim, or even surf.

Location: R7QV+5XC Hacienda Murciélago, Provincia de Guanacaste

Open time: 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Las Baulas National Marine Park

The lovely Las Baulas National Marine Park is located on the northwest coast of Costa Rica. It was created in 1990 to conserve the nesting beaches of the critically endangered leatherback sea turtle, the world's largest sea turtle species. However, the 3.2km stretch of white sand beach is perfect for swimming or surfing if you visit during daylight hours; between September and May, it closes down after sunset so that these ancient animals can lay their eggs in peace.

Once you're inside the park, you can take a guided tour to see the nesting turtles, or you can explore the park on your own. One thing to remember is that Las Baulas National Marine Park is a protected area, and visitors are expected to follow certain rules to minimize their environmental impact.

Location: 500 m SO de la Escuela de Playa Grande 933, Provincia de Guanacaste, Santa Cruz

Fee: $10

Open time: 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM

Marino Ballena National Park

Located in Costa Rica, Marino Ballena National Park is home to some of the most stunning beaches and marine life you'll ever see. The park is named after the humpback whales that visit the area between December and April to mate and give birth. Aside from the whales, you'll also find dolphins, sea turtles, and a variety of fish and other sea creatures in the park's waters.

If you enjoy water activities, there are plenty of options here. You can go snorkeling, scuba diving, kayaking, or even take a boat tour to see the whales up close.

In an effort to protect this special area, it was declared the first-ever marine park in Central America - making it a truly unique place to explore.

Location: 500 m SO de la Escuela de Playa Grande 933, Provincia de Guanacaste, Santa Cruz, 5030

Open time: 6 am to 6 pm

Poas Volcano National Park



Poas Volcano is an active stratovolcano in the Central Valley of Costa Rica. The park offers visitors the chance to see the volcano's crater, one of the largest in the world. The impressive cavity is filled with water of a stunning aqua color, from which ethereal steam rises. You'll need to take a short hike to get to the viewpoint, but the stunning views of the steaming crater are well worth it. In addition to the volcano, the park is also home to various flora and fauna, including several species of birds and monkeys.

Make sure to wear comfortable shoes and clothing, as the weather can be unpredictable at higher elevations.

Location: 5QX6+6JW Parque Nacional Volcán Poas, Provincia de Alajuela, Valverde Vega

Open time: 7:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m

Braulio Carrillo National Park

Braulio Carrillo National Park is a protected area located in central Costa Rica, and it's named after Braulio Carrillo, a former president of the country. Spanning an impressive 108,970 acres, it boasts two volcanos and a plethora of river systems that cut through some of the steepest topography in Costa Rica. If the soaring heights don't take your breath away, soak in awe-inspiring views from Quebrada González and Barva Volcano – both spots guarantee spectacular things to look at.

While most of the park is preserved for preservation and research purposes, visitors are still encouraged to explore this paradise respectfully.

Location: Quebrada Gonzalez, Carr. San Jose Limon KM 2, Heredia

Open time: 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m

Corcovado National Park

Corcovado National Park on the Osa Peninsula is a biodiversity hotspot where you can experience nature like never before. You should know that this is one of the most biologically diverse places on earth. It's home to over 500 species of trees, 140 species of mammals, and over 400 species of birds. Explore the canopy, and you'll have the chance to spot some of Costa Rica's most magnificent animals - including spider monkeys, jaguars, three-toed sloths, squirrel monkeys, howler monkeys, scarlet macaws and tapirs!

The park may be challenging to get to, but it is worth exploring if you're an avid wildlife admirer looking for something rare and special. Location: Osa Peninsula between Drake Bay and Puerto Jimenez

Fee: $15

Open time: The park is open every day from 8 AM to 4 PM.

Wrap Up

Overall, Costa Rica is an amazing place to visit and experience the exotic culture and beauty that this nation has to offer. With its plentiful natural parks, it's worth visiting in 2023.

We encourage you to check out the parks on this list, as they are all incredibly beautiful and teeming with wildlife. If you're looking for a specific park, Manuel Antonio National Park is an excellent choice and should be at the top of your list.

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Top Things to do in Cancun, Mexico

Cancun is one of the three constituents of Mayan Riviera, one of the most popular beach destinations that fall across the coastline of the Gulf of Mexico. From December to April, millions of tourists visit this spot to relish its white sandy beaches and the clear waters every year. Cancun is known for its diverse culture and rich traditions. It offers a variety of adventurous water sports and other activities and the historical relics and architecture of the Mayan civilization. The best thing about the place is that you have so much to do, and it's moderately cheaper than it should be. Here are a few places to wander around and activities that you should check out if you visit Cancun.

Underwater world

The hidden underwater world is, by every means, a must-visit. The rivers that flow in the Yucatan peninsula are home to the longest underground linkage of rivers and caves in the whole world. The underwater swimming can keep your adrenaline thrusting, and guess what, it can be done throughout the year. These crystal waters can be experienced at a nearby spot called Xcaret. The rivers are clear and quiet, a perfect place for you to lie down and take a break. There are parks as well that you can enjoy, such as Xplor and Xcaret.

Paddleboarding



If you love adventures, then stand-up paddle-boarding is something you should give a try. It is a refreshing exercise that you can enjoy in the clean waters of the city. You can take lessons or just grab the board and start paddling on your own. It's a fun activity that will be on your bucket list if you ever visit Cancun.

Catamaran Cruise

If you're looking for places to visit just to enjoy your family time and relax, then the Catamaran cruise is where you should be. The Catamaran takes you offshore to delight in the striking sun with a cocktail in hand, enjoying the passing sights and the clear open sea. The cruise offers both multicultural and native cuisines as well.

Also, within the city, you can get a pirate ship tour (it's 100% sure you're going to love it). The best thing about it is that this activity it's recommended and accessible for the whole family.

Also, visit this post about things to do in Riviera Maya, Mexico

Chichen Itza



One of the seven wonders of the world, Chichen Itza, is undoubtedly one of Mexico's most popular tourist attractions. The city contains a mix of iconic and ancient sites that had been formed in the era of the Mayan civilization. It is said to be one of the legendary cities of Mesoamerica. It has many historical buildings and architecture that have been standing for more than thousands of years. El Castillo, or the temple of Kukulkan, is one of the city's most prominent tourist destinations. If you're interested in archaeology and love wandering around mythical areas, Chichen Itza is the place for you.

Forum by the Sea

Done taking a break and ready to party? Forum by the Sea has got you covered. It is a large shopping area located in the heart of Cancun's nightlife. It is a quintessential spot for you to visit if you love partying and social gatherings. It has malls, access to the beach, and discos. Coco Bongo is the most popular of the night clubs in the city where you can enjoy music, dance, and a full-on party atmosphere.

You can also visit the city breakwater, where you can get incredible shots to cherish and share! (as well as it is a spectacular place to appreciate the sunset and have a bit of calm before living Cancun Nightlife)

ATV Activities

If you want to experience the city's calming nature, there are a lot of opportunities for you to try ATVs in Cancun. You can go through the jungle, explore the area, have a little picnic, and ATV throughout the day.

Xoximilco

Looking to experience some traditional Cancun activities, this Mexican fiesta is a definite activity to participate in. The festivity starts with you getting on a lively gondola. Voyaging through the canals, you can enjoy the beautiful scenery and try mouth-watering Mexican cuisines with live music and dances.

How to get Around in Cancun



Getting around Cancun can be a bit tedious if you haven't taken the right steps to acquire the transportation method you deserve.

To move around the Cancun in a safe, fast, and accessible way, you can get a Cancun airport transportation service that will take you to your destination, whether you decide to move around the city on an open service or directly to your destination and without stopping.

If you want to move more freely, you can also rent a car in Cancun or get a Cancun Airport Taxi service. These are usually also economic (although our recommendation is private transportation) due to the security level that these services provide.

What to eat in Cancun?

Eating in Cancun will not be a difficult task at all. There are vegan restaurants, Asian, Mediterranean, and obviously Mexican-American restaurants. Also, many options will adapt to your budget to visit the city or its surroundings.

Photo Copyright: All the photographs in this article have been borrowed from wikipedia.org under the Creative Commons License. Each photograph has been linked to its host page on wikipedia.org.

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Why Luxury Vacationers Love Belize

When it comes to vacationing, you can go just about anywhere along the coast to find a nice sandy beach. So why are so many luxury vacationers heading to Belize for their getaways? The main reason is the depth of vacations to Belize. There's so much to do beyond the beaches.

Mayan Culture
For those interested in Mayan culture, Belize is the epicenter of this ancient civilization with the most temples, pyramids, and ritual chambers in the Americas. Sites such as Caracol along with Altun Ha, Xunantunich and Cahal Pech are great locations to explore what remains of the Mayan civilization.

Belize Zoo
Unlike the common concrete zoos found in many locations, the Belize Zoo is very open, creating a more natural environment for the animals where enclosures blend in with trees and plants around them. Once a refuge for wild animals and used as a site for documentaries, it now exhibits 150 animals that have been orphaned, rescued or born in the zoo.

Dangriga and Hopkins Village
For travelers who want more than just to enjoy the touristy areas, heading to Dangriga and Hopkins Village allows you to immerse yourself in the culture of Belize. Dangriga is where Punta Rock music was born and these two towns are Garifuna settlements, a distinct culture consisting of those with a West African and Amerindian (indigenous to South America) descent. This culture has their own language and rituals.

Museum of Belize
This museum is distinct. Once an overflowing prison, parts of the building have been restored to its original condition. The historical accuracy of the building shows how rough the prison was when it housed national heroes who fought for Belize's independence from the British Colonial government. Also housed in the museum are priceless artifacts, some dating back more than 2,500 years.

Luxury Accommodations
For luxury travelers planning a long stay, there are luxury accommodations to accompany the amazing adventures found in Belize. For a desert island getaway, check out the island of Cayo Espanto. This island is almost private with only six villas, each with a private swimming pool, private dock, and personal butler. At the Turtle Inn, luxury cottages are available right on the beach. Other options include Mahaca Hill Lodge, La Lancha Resort, and Chaa Creek.

Luxury Travel
For those looking for a plush vacation full of amenities and comfort, traveling lavishly should be part of the deal. You can take a luxury Caribbean cruise vacation that stops off in Belize, allowing you to explore the Maya ruins and more along with other island escapes.

Exclusivity
Overall, one reason many choose to head to Belize is it's a gem in Central America. Despite being a small country, it has miles of beaches along the coast and tons to explore within the country's interior locations. With luxury provided through cruise ships and five-star accommodations, there is a special feeling that comes with those who can say they've traveled to Belize.

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Costa Rica Biking Adventures

For anyone looking to escalate their next travel destination and take part in an adventure which for many people may be a once in a lifetime opportunity, Costa Rica is the Central American country to focus on. This adventure filled expedition allows you to travel from the Pacific coast of Costa Rica all the way to the Atlantic by using only your man power to make it to the end. This is a trip that is only for the extremely adventurous and energetic of people because it is far from your average resort style vacation. This is a great opportunity to combine a tropical fitness routine with the scenery of a country that compares to no other.

If you are interested in exploring Costa Rica from a unique view that not many others can experience, than you need to consider an adventure which includes biking, hiking and white water rafting in order to cross from coast to coast. This 15 day biking trip is one that combines camping and hotels with the vast scenery and nature that you cannot experience anywhere else. You have an exquisite view of the mountain terrains, rainforests, white sandy beaches and tropical wild life at your disposal. No matter what recreational activities you are interested in, you can be sure that an adventurous expedition has been created to include the most popular activities. You can choose from vacation packages that include horse back riding, white water rafting, biking, hiking, zip lining, kayaking and more. Not only do you have the option to choose the best adventure package for you but you can also choose the length of your adventure. They range from 8 days to 15 days for your preferences.

Each of these adventure packages run around $2,500 USD and include your accommodations during the expeditions. This is very affordable for many people because it is the best way to view the country from the inside out and be guided by a professional to ensure your safety during your travels. Although Costa Rica is a safe country within Central America, there are still many dangers which can be encountered during journeys throughout the mountains, villages and rainforests. As Costa Rica is becoming one of the most popular Central American and Caribbean destinations during the height of vacation seasons, more and more people are returning to Costa Rica on several different occasions. Exploring the country via bike, etc may not be something a first time visitor would be interested in participating in but once you have seen Costa Rica and wish to return, there is no better way to see the country than from within its vast scenery.

Travelling to Costa Rica can range anywhere from a simple ocean front hotel to an all-inclusive resort and then for the most adventurous these active recreational packages throughout the country. The beauty of Costa Rica is something everyone must see as it is an experience that has no comparison throughout the Caribbean today. Whether you choose to take adventures through this tropical country or you choose to enjoy its luxury and splendour from their famous beaches, you will not be disappointed.

Credits
This is a guest post from Genuwave LLC.  Some of their blogs include International Travel Medical Insurance, Reward Credit Card, and Selling Time Share.

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