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Costa Rica is one of the best travel destinations on the planet. Its many extraordinary features make it a perfect place to escape to. No other place has such a respect for wildlife, and it also has many resorts and towns that are also very beautiful. The variety of atypical destinations and activities enable vacationers to free their minds from any obligations they have in their normal lives. Below is a list of the top five destinations in Costa Rica to help visitors get the most out of their trips.

1. Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve

Though Costa Rica is a small country, it has five percent of the world’s biodiversity, which is much in comparison to its size. The Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve is a great place to observe the nature of the land. As its name implies, fog usually covers the forest, and humidity is usually around 100%. While that may cause some discomfort for out-of-towners, the sites are well worth it.

2. Manuel Antonio National Park

Manuel Antonio has eco tours available that will captivate even the most loyal city-dwellers, but the beaches are probably the most famous attraction. The beaches here are the type people imagine when thinking about the perfect tropical paradise where they want to spend their retirement. White sands enclose bays of clear blue water and are boarded by the rainforest. Out from the shore, people can enjoy exceptional fishing, sailing and scuba diving.

3. Arenal Volcano and Hot Springs

At the base of Arenal Volcano is a small town called La Fortuna. Here, you can get close to Costa Rica’s most active volcano. Furthermore, the city has hot springs you can relax in while taking in the site of the smoking volcano top. The hot springs are beautifully decorated and shrouded in by the tropical landscape.

4. Grecia

Visitors here are amazed by the beauty of both this small town and the surrounding country of the San Jose highlands. Also in the area are the towns of Sarchi and San Ramon, which are also very picturesque. For those who want to learn about the people in Costa Rica as much as the wilderness, the Tico culture in this area is particularly strong. If a visitor wants to take a bit of Costa Rica with them when they leave, the towns are well known for arts and crafts that would make great souvenirs.

5. Tortuguero National Park

This national park, filled with rivers and lagoons, is famous for its unique wildlife, even among the other parks in Costa Rica. Four of the eight species of marine turtles in the world use this park as nesting grounds. The turtles shrinking populations were what inspired the park’s status in 1970. There are also other endangered species here, such as the West Indian Manatee.

Costa Rica is a worldwide leader in environmental preservation. Along with its many stunning parks, the country has many small towns to stay in while visitors explore the country. The climate, cultures, and wildlife here cannot be found anywhere else. Costa Rica will always be a top destination for vacationers because of its rare attractions, and people can experience the best the country has to offer by visiting these five locations.

Jason Muller is an adventurous traveler currently enjoying long term vacations in Costa Rica. He writes about destinations, activities and accommodations in the country.