Top 5 Reasons to Backpack Costa Rica

This weeks Top 5 Reasons to Backpack Costa Rica is brought to you by our friends Samantha and Yeison from the amazing travel blog Mytanfeet. Although both of us have traveled to Costa Rica, we couldn’t go past these two experts when it comes to Costa Rica backpacking! Enjoy!

It’s no surprise that when backpackers start planning their trip around Central America, Costa Rica is high on their list. As someone who has lived there for over 2 years, I can guarantee you that the longer you stay in Costa Rica, the more you’ll want to move there. Adventure seekers, outdoor lovers and wildlife enthusiasts, read on to have your wanderlust for Costa Rica jump through the roof! Check out our top 5 reasons to backpack Costa Rica and book your ticket today!

An Abundance of Wildlife

Top 5 Reasons to Backpack Costa Rica

Did you know Costa Rica contains 5% of the biodiversity in the world? For a country that’s only 51,000 square kilometers, that’s a lot! With 26 national parks and more refuges, reserves and protected zones, wildlife simply thrives in Costa Rica’s protected land and waters, especially since they banned recreational hunting in 2012. You can spot over 800 species of birds, 4,000 species of insects and hundreds of mammals, reptiles and amphibians who call Costa Rica home. Some favorites are monkeys, toucans, whales, dolphins, turtles, sloths and crocodiles.

Adventure in Every Corner

Top 5 Reasons to Backpack Costa Rica

Want to dive with bull sharks or rappel down a 200 foot waterfall or zipline across the top of a cloud forest? How about ATV on a beach with howler monkeys next to you? You can do all of that in Costa Rica! Adventure is never a hard thing to find and Costa Rica offers some of the best thrills and excitement all throughout the country. It doesn’t matter if you just want to go for a short hike through the virgin rainforest or go beach-hopping, every activity is bound to be an adventure on its own.

Fit in a Lot in Little Time

Top 5 Reasons to Backpack Costa Rica

Because Costa Rica is a fairly small country, you can do and see more in less time. One day you can be lying on a beach in the Caribbean watching the sunset and two days later you can be hiking up a volcano crater in a rainstorm. With over 20 microclimates in the country it is impossible not to enjoy a range of different activities, climates and scenery. You’ll be able to get the best of everything!

Explore and Experience Nature at its Best

Top 5 Reasons to Backpack Costa Rica

Everywhere you go in the country you’ll be able to experience nature to the fullest. Costa Rica has tons of waterfalls, beaches, volcanoes, mountains, rivers and forests all with unique characteristics waiting to be explored. Take a drive through the Central Valley and you’ll be amazed at the incredibly lush jungle laying just a few kilometers outside the city. Visit different beaches in the Guanacaste province and you’ll be shocked at all the types of beautiful beaches you can find. Venture a bit off the beaten path and you might find a little oasis all to yourself.

Learn How to Live Slower and Appreciate Life

Top 5 Reasons to Backpack Costa Rica

There is a saying in Costa Rica: pura vida. In Spanish it translates to “pure life.” They use this to say thank you, hello, good bye, see you later or anything positive. Costa Ricans are a people who appreciate the little things in life and are grateful for what they have, understanding that the most important thing is to live a happy life. Pura vida is their way to reaffirm this belief and it is the country’s motto. Once you visit Costa Rica, you will experience pura vida. Everyone who goes there comes back with a new perspective and appreciation for life. That is the lasting impact Costa Rica leaves on their visitors.

About the Authors

379748_455927921167669_1318436602_n   We are Yeison and Samantha, an adventurous couple whose home base is Costa Rica. We’re on a quest to take  our tan feet around the world while enjoying as many beaches and sunsets as possible. You can follow our  adventure through our Facebook, Twitter or Google+

24 thoughts on “Top 5 Reasons to Backpack Costa Rica”

  1. I’ve been to Costa Rica for a very short time before and have been considering going back. I think you definitely have intrigued me with this post! The volcano part got me. 😉

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  2. These images are incredibly motivating. I plan on taking the backpacking tour to Central America in November 2015 and will definitely add Costa Rica to the line-up. I wasn’t aware of the natures reserve and biodiversity within the country, I can’t wait to appreciate it myself.

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  3. Costa Rica was my first solo trip and it has been one of the best countries I’ve been to, I love how there are things for every type of person, and you def feel the Pura Vida!

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    • Costa Rica was also my first destination when I first landed in Central America. It was one of the first times i was truly alone on the road and it was an incredible experience. I hope to go explore it even more one day!

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  4. We’re traveling through Costa Rica now and really appreciating the biodiversity. Too bad there is so much difficulty with trash though. Sad to see it piled up next to the roads and beaches – I don’t hear as much discussion about that…

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    • Costa Rica does have gorgeous biodiversity. I don’t remember much trash though, definitely not compared to the rest of Central America but it’s been a while since I’ve been. They are known for having a government really dedicated to preserving the environment but I suppose its hard to convince locals to do the same. It’s definitely something we’ve noticed in other parts of Central & South America, though, so sad 🙁

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  5. I love Costa Rica for the “pura vida” way of life that is so ingrained in their society!! I would love to return sometime soon and backpacking sounds like an awesome way to experience Costa Rica from a new perspective! Great article. Thanks so much!

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