As spring rounds the corner, it's starting to feel like time to travel again -- so here are 5 reasons to choose to visit Costa Rica in 2021 The world economy needs a travel rebound. You could use one, too. And countries like Costa Rica, whose economy is largely based around tourism, really need international travel to start picking up again. As soon as you feel it’s safe to travel, make your long overdue vacation plans count with this list of ideas to help heal beautiful Costa Rica — one adventure at a time!  A lot of us typically prefer not to visit the same destination repeatedly. But you’re not alone if you love to visit Costa Rica so much you want to see it again and again. It is a welcoming nation that is very open to international tourism with a pledge to protect the environment, to keep visitors safe, and to support its tourism-based economy while also maintaining care for its core values in the process. There are numerous reasons to want to visit Costa Rica for your first or your tenth time. There’s the friendly people, the beautiful beaches, the stunning national parks, the wonderfully weird wildlife, and a diverse array of ecosystems that ensures that every area you visit is a little different. There’s been decades of major investment in ecotourism in Costa Rica and there are absolutely abundant activities for nature and adventure lovers to choose from. Here are just five of the many reasons why you should travel to Costa Rica in 2021.

Close encounters with the wonders of nature

On this narrow, volcanic isthmus of land between the continents of North and South America, there exists a country so rich in natural beauty, the adjective is actually in its name. “Rich Coast,” or Costa Rica, attracts millions of visitors throughout the year primarily with its natural beauty. Costa Rica is found between two oceans and two continents, offering completely unique habitats and ecosystems that are very accessible for tourists to visit while still maintaining their pristine, untouched feel. Costa Rica is most known for its wild jungles and exotic wildlife. The most notable environment present here is the Costa Rican jungle. However, this country is home to at least 12 different microclimates and a great deal of ecosystems that are equally diverse — each exquisite in its own right. This is a land of thick, lush, protected forests, mangroves, and marine environments that are filled with spectacular species that visitors and Costa Rican nationals all love to see.  [caption id="attachment_45014" align="aligncenter" width="940"] There is nothing like a sloth hanging off a tree, smiling down at the camera almost as though he is posing.[/caption] This serenely beautiful yet tiny nation continues to amaze visitors year after year with its exceptional nature and wildlife experiences. Costa Rica is packed with a total of 28 exquisite national parks and many more privately protected nature preserves. Our thriving mountainside villages of Dominical, Uvita, Ojochal and the surrounding area are home to forest preserves filled with fast-moving rivers, spectacular waterfalls, and a host of interactive experiences that allow visitors to play in the abundance of Costa Rica’s pristine nature. By visiting, you are setting yourself up to intimately experience some of the most vibrant and stunning natural landscapes you've ever seen. 

Costa Rica leading the world in sustainable tourism

Planning your 2021 travel? Bloomberg suggests that its readers consider Costa Rica. The U.S.-based media company published its “Where to Go in 2021,” recommending destinations “that will be especially profound” for travelers this year. Among the list of 24 countries is Costa Rica — a place where visitors can immerse themselves in nature and “leave no trace.” When Costa Rica began its Certification for Sustainable Tourism (CST) program in 1998, it was a world’s first. Today, Costa Rica’s Earth-friendly hotels and tour companies have rippled into something of a global standard. Costa Rica is raising the bar even higher in 2021 with a massive overhaul of CST criteria planned that will inspire hoteliers to build with low- or no-impact construction methods and to make operations as sustainable and environmentally-friendly as possible.  Forward thinking businesses with low- and no-impact tours and activities are abundant in our South Pacific region where development was delayed until recent decades and therefore subject to tighter environmental regulations. Restaurants in the Costa Ballena area offer farm-to-table dining, being supplied by local farmers and preparing homemade dishes from a delicious and authentic Costa Rican cuisine as well as numerous international flavors. Costa Rica’s government released a carbon footprint calculator last November to encourage tourism offsets. This allows for visitors to mitigate the carbon footprint that they create in their travel to the country by supporting the regeneration of local wildlife through donations. Costa Rica is also moving to protect 30% of its land under official conservation programs and encouraging other countries to do the same. 

Adventure!

[caption id="attachment_45021" align="aligncenter" width="2048"] Take a boat tour of the incredible mangroves around Ojochal and Cortes in Costa Ballena[/caption] Costa Rica is a sensational tropical pearl in the heart of Central America and quite possibly the best backpacking country in this part of the world. It offers a perfect combination of beach life, surfing, diving, snorkeling, wildlife and trekking through jungles or up the side of a volcano. If you're an adrenaline junkie, you've come to the right place. Costa Rica is the perfect choice for all thrill seekers, offering a wide selection of exhilarating experiences in wild nature! Since expat surfers began relocating here in the ’80s and ’90s, Costa Rica has emerged as a premiere surfing destination that offers swells, breaks and schools that you’d expect in Hawaii, Southern California, and Sydney — with much smaller crowds and far lower prices. Our beaches in Dominical and Uvita are some of Costa Rica’s top surfing capitals, and there are plenty of other great breaks to be found along both coasts. With two, long, shallow coastlines surrounded by lush jungle, Costa Rica is famous for some of the most beautiful and secluded beaches in Central America. Renting a 4x4 and traveling down the Pacific Coast while beach hopping from one sheltered sandy oasis to the next is a preferred way to spend any length of time traveling this tropical nation. Find yourself in the mountains, mangroves, waterfalls, beaches, and cloud forest all in one day, seeing all of the fascinating wildlife endemic to each of the biodiverse regions along the way. The variety of experiences that you can have in one day is a point where Costa Rica stands out as unique. Costa Rica may not yet be as well known as its Central American counterparts for diving but islands such as Cocos and Caño offer surprisingly excellent opportunities. Find yourself surrounded on all sides by thousands of fish. Huge Amberjacks, yellow and silver-striped Grunts, and dozens of other species swim in swarming schools that seem to ebb and flow in response to every movement in the ocean. Small reef sharks, rays, sea turtles, pufferfish and dolphins are often seen in these areas as well.

Culture shock (in a good way!)

If you have been to Costa Rica or you are planning to go, one simple phrase you should be familiar with is "pura vida". In English, it directly translates to "simple life" or "pure life." Costa Ricans use this term to say “hello,” “goodbye,” and “everything’s great.” But it is more than just a saying — it is a solution, an action, and a way of life. When you approach life with a pura vida state of mind, you are opening yourself up to the possibilities of life beyond what you experienced before.  Costa Ricans refer to themselves as Ticos. This word derives from hermaniticos, which means “little brothers.” This sums up the essence of the Costa Rican people really well as they value family, community, and togetherness above all.  Tourism has become such an important part of the country's economy because Costa Ricans are very hospitable. They are proud of what their country has accomplished amidst such a turbulent political region and they want to share their riches with the world. Locals are eager to share the magic of their culture, food, and traditions with foreigners who love to visit Costa Rica. Costa Rica has been named one of the happiest countries in the world, mostly because Ticos love sharing what they have and don’t like to stress.

Luxury experiences in Costa Rica

[caption id="attachment_45022" align="aligncenter" width="800"] Visit Costa Rica for a luxury getaway in an exquisite private villa at Uvita's Art Villas[/caption] When it comes to luxury experiences in Costa Rica, welcome to the adventure of a lifetime in some of the world's most comforting natural surroundings. Interact with exotic wildlife and let your explorer’s spirit come to life while enjoying Costa Rica’s signature hospitality in a private, all-inclusive stay in one of Costa Ballena’s incredible high-end holiday homes. As a whole, Costa Rica’s services, amenities, and infrastructure are clean and well-maintained, all the more when compared to other Latin American nations. Staff are friendly, helpful and experts at catering to private, unique experiences for discerning clientele. Celebrities and elites continue to choose to vacation in Costa Rica because they can have a completely catered holiday from landing to take-off in one of the more relaxing and nurturing environments in the world. Some of the most high-end estates in the South Pacific have their own helicopter landing pads that give elite travelers the most epic way to begin their stay with a bird’s eye view of the fantastic natural landscapes all around this region.  Costa Rica’s luxury holiday experiences are all about well-thought out spaces and itineraries that cultivate a blend of the height of relaxation and adventures in nature. Standout views from every room, including showers, kitchens, and more, create a peaceful and calming effect to all who indulge in the most beautiful accommodations. Book a private, in-house spa treatment or a full-service chef through one of the area's exclusive concierge services who take exceptional care of affluent visitors. [caption id="attachment_45024" align="aligncenter" width="1280"] Punta Gabriela is the perfect place to stay in Costa Rica if you want all of your needs met (this property is for sale and you can see more details here)[/caption]

Visit Costa Rica in 2021

People choosing to visit Costa Rica in 2021 are not only seeking a much needed vacation away from everyday life. They are also hoping to find the best version of themselves, embracing a new appreciation for life and the many wonders it holds. With Costa Rica, the bonus is that all of this happens within a heavenly setting. Hotel and tourism staff in the Costa Ballena are consciously monitoring guests and maintaining safety protocols so that tourism can revive Costa Rica’s sleeping economy once again. At Osa Tropical Properties, we are one of a growing number of conscientious businesses working to keep us all safe while allowing the local economy to continue to thrive. Whether you decide to book your trip to Costa Rica now or later, there’s one guarantee: you won’t be the only one benefiting from your long-awaited getaway.