Costarica has rich coastal line, and as a backbone of the country there are three volcanic mountain ranges, passing through in consistent way from northwest up to southeast through the whole territory of the state. As far as the highest mountain is concerned, so, it is Chirripo, a mountain 3820 m high.

Capital of Costarica – San José –is situated in an altitude of 1150 m, in vast and fertile valley, Meseta Central. The town was founded in 1737, but nearly any rests remained from this colonial time period. Now, you can find here many interesting museums and restaurants. They create, together with pleasant mountain climate, a combination, for which it is worth to visit this town. In comparison with other capitals of Central America, San José is more cosmopolitan, similar as in USA. To most interesting museums belong: Museo de Jade (it is most known museum in Costarica) you can find greatest collection of American jadeits – special stones – of the world. There is also to be found here the archaeological exposition of ceramics and artefacts from stone. Museo Nacional is situated in a fortress Bellavista, presenting local archaeology, furniture of colonial times, and religious artefacts. Museo de Arte Costarricense is a nature-historic museum with its collection of pictures and statues of 19th and 20th centuries. Museo de Ciencias Naturale presents especially local fauna and flora. Anyway, most impressive building of capital is those of National Theatre (Teatro Nacional), constructed in 1890. It is real centre of cultural life. You can see the interior within organized guiding tours or during performances. As far as the parks and town´s green are concerned, San José has a lot to offer – you can find here several „free time places“, such as: Parque Nacional, Parque Espana, Parque Morazan, Parque Central and Parque La Sabana.

Central valley and highland (La Maseta Central) is being taken for historical heart of Costarica. In north and east, this area is bordered with mountain range Cordillera Central, where there are to be found several volcanos, including known localities, such as Poás and Irazu. Parque Nacional Volcan Poás is spreaded in north direction from Alajuela and would be visited by anybody who would like to see active volcan. The crater is 1,5 kms wide and 300 m deep. Only couple of kilometres in eastern direction from this national park, there is situated another one – Parque Nacional Braulio Carrilom, protecting virgin rain forest. In untouched areas, there are existing many sorts of animals and plants. Over the whole park, there is rising, in its south-western part, volcano Barva, 2906 metres high. Near to the top, there is to be seen several lakes, where you can get the accommodation in camping place.

If you wish to know original villages and picturesque countryside, would you visit the valley of Orosi-river, flowing several kilometres in eastern direction from the capital. The river flows through Tapanti National Park, not far from the town of Cartago. Anyway, other towns which could offer similar sceneries, belong Parasio, Ujarras, Orosi and Purisila. Nevertheless, Irazu (3432 m), the highest active Costarica volcano, could be admired in national park of the same name, not far from the town of Cartago.

North-west part of Costarica is formed with mountain range of Cordillera de Tilaran and Cordillera de Guanacaste. The reservation Monteverde is a popular place for those, who wish to see and admire this tropical environment. This mountain range is divided by Laguna de Arenal and Arenal. This is most active  Costarica volcano and a centre of national park –Parque Nacional Volcan Arenal. Further, we recommend you to visit nature reservation Reserva Biologica Bosque Nuboso Monteverde and Reserva Santa Elena.

Nice beaches are to be found in an area of Peninsula de Nicoya. However, the only disadvantage, there are roads, leading there. They are in very bad state. So, most accessible beach is to be noted Playa del Coco, in western direction, 35 kms distant  from the community of Liberie. It is placed between two rocky capes, and there are here also favourable conditions for diving. Anyway, you can test other beaches, such as Playa Tamarindo, Playa Avellana, Playa Nosara or Playa Junquillal.

Parque Nacional Tortuguero is most important place in Carribean area, where gigantic turtles are reproducing. So, from eight sorts of these sea-turtles of the whole world, six sorts are nesting in Costarica. Travellers can visit the beaches at night, where the turtles put their nests and watch, how they lay the eggs, or follow how the youngs are pecking through the shell. Attention, making photos with lightning is strictly forbidden by law! Best period for visit of the beach, there is a term since 1st July till 15th October, when gigantic turtles lay their eggs. In village of Tortuguero, you can rean a vessel, concretely canoes or kayaks.

South Costarica reaches its highest point near to the peak Cerro de la Muerte (nearly always covered with a fog), 100 kms distant in south direction of San Jose. From here, it steeply drops to the town of San Isidro de El General (702 m). It is entry gate to neighbouring Parque Nacional Chirripo, where the highest Costarica mountains could be found. Parque Nacional Corcovado is marvellously wild (you can reach it by means of a boat on Sierra-river, or by means of ferry-boat via Golfo Dulce de Puberto Jimenez). The area of Bahna Drake, situated on Peninsula de Osa is also very popular. These areas are accessible from the south via Palmar or Golfito. San Vito is a pleasant town (it has 10000 inhabitants), situated in an altitude of 980 metres above sea level, and offers a relief from hot climate in plainlands. This town was founded by Italian emigrants in 1950. Even at present, you can hear Italian language and meals of Italian kitchen could be tasted here. Not far from this town, (six kms in south direction), you can visit Wilson Botanical Garden, with collection of thousands of plants. It is collection of world top level, including more than 700 sorts of palms. Entry-fee is USD 6,- approx., but these costs are worth to be paid for.

The reservation Biologica Carara is situated at mouth of Rio Tarcoles, 50 kms in south-east direction from the town of Puntarenas, or 90 kms in west direction from San Jose. This most in north situated tropical humid rainy forest on Pacific Coast is full of various sorts of animals. So, red parrots ara are living here. Nevertheless,  it is nearly impossible to see them without experienced guide. Most of travel agencies offer one-day excursions from San Jose at  average charges amounting to USD 75,- per 1 person.

Text: Jakub Štantejský, Lonely planet

Photo: Google Earth