Beyond the stunning beaches and lush rainforests, this small Central American country holds many surprises. From its deep-rooted coffee history that fueled its early development to its surprising national animal, Costa Rica has a rich and unique story to tell. Read on to find out five interesting facts about the country that you probably didn’t know!
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1. You Can See Both Coasts in One Day
Start your day with the beautiful Caribbean sunrise, catch some waves at the famous Salsa Brava surf spot (known for its long right wave), and later head over to Manuel Antonio to watch the sunset on the Pacific – all in just one day!
Yes, it’s a long drive of about seven hours, but if you begin your journey early and take some fun breaks along the way, like visiting the impressive Poás Volcano and the cool gardens in Zarcero, you’ll have a day full of sunshine and adventure.
2. The National Animal is the White-Tailed Deer
Monkeys are very common in Costa Rica, but surprisingly, the white-tailed deer is the country’s “national animal,” not the capuchin, spider, squirrel, or howler monkeys. While monkeys are mischievous and easy to spot, deer are shyer and prefer to stay hidden in the jungle. But if you visit places like Manuel Antonio National Park (watch out for curious capuchin monkeys and coatimundis) or Corcovado National Park on the Osa Peninsula, you’ll be right in the middle of amazing wildlife experiences!
3. There Isn’t a Bad Time to Visit
Anytime is a great time to visit Costa Rica, with a ton of things to do all year long! From December to April, more tourists visit, but the rest of the year is when the country becomes lush and green. Yes, it might be a bit wetter, but everything is in full bloom, and there are fewer people around to crowd the beautiful sights.
One thing to remember is that the weather in Costa Rica doesn’t follow strict rules. While the highlands will be significantly cooler, it may be a comfortable 72 degrees with a wind in the Central Valley around San José. In places like Guanacaste and the Nicoya Peninsula in the Northern Plains, it’ll be drier and hotter.
4. Costa Rican Was Built on Coffee
Costa Rica’s history is closely tied to coffee. They call it the “golden grain” or “el grano de oro” here. Coffee played a big role in the country’s early growth, and in the 1800s, farmers who wanted to grow coffee were given free land. Most types of Costa Rican coffee have a smooth and silky texture, with tastes ranging from fruity and crisp to chocolaty and smoky. Today, coffee remains an important crop and a significant source of income for the country.
Find Out About Things to Do in Costa Rica on a Corporate Incentive Trip!
You already know the interesting facts about the country. Now it’s time to book your corporate incentive trip and start planning out things to do. Contact an incentive travel expert today.