Posts tagged Irazú Volcano
The Top 5 Things to Do and See in Costa Rica
Nov 7th
Costa Rica offers visitors a wide range of interesting things to do and see as this tiny country is home to countless beaches, mountains, oceans, rivers, seas, volcanoes, and waterfalls, all of which are peppered with an incredible number of sights, sounds, and activities to enjoy.
Here are the top five things to do and see if you ever get the incredible opportunity to visit what’s fondly known as the Jewel of Central America.
5. The Monuments
The culture is deeply steeped in history and you will have several opportunities to learn about both by visiting some famous monuments in the country. Sights like the National Theater, the Basilica de los Angeles, and the many historical museums containing centuries old artifacts that are sure to fascinate and must be seen to be fully appreciated.
4. The Nature
Thirty percent is designated as an environmentally protected land, meaning it is rich with a diverse collection of fascinating flora and fauna protected by national and private reserves. With 20 national parks, eight biological reserves, ecotourism abounds highlighted by activities ranging from bird and butterfly watching to horseback riding to hoping to catch a glimpse of a monkey hopping from tree to tree or an elusive lizard making its way behind a colorful brush.
3. The Adventure
For the thrill seeker, Costa Rica offers a variety of heart stopping and exhilarating activities like bungee jumping, hiking, mountain biking, surfing, and white water rafting as well as zip lines tucked away in the forests hundreds of feet in the air. Professional soccer is the favored spectator sport and the country claims a number of world class golf courses with some right on the coastline.
The nightlife is exciting and full of clubs and dance spots along with a selection of restaurants serving everything from traditional fare to exotic dishes from around the world.
2. The Volcanoes
Home to a number of impressive volcanoes, Costa Rica also boasts the Irazu volcano, which happens to be the tallest of any in the area at a height of 11,260 feet.
Irazu is also the only location in the country, or in the rest of Central America for that matter, where both the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea can be seen at the same time.
This particular spot is renowned over the world in the tourist industry as people flock to see the unique and breathtaking view.
1. The Beaches
Costa Rica’s name in Spanish, la Costa Rica, translates in English to the Rich Coast, giving us just a small hint as to the beauty the country’s beaches behold. With some of the most beautiful coastlines in the world surrounded by cerulean waters, Costa Rica’s Caribbean shore stretches for more than 1,290 miles which are home to an astounding 500,000 different species of animal life.
Tropical adventures abound in Costa Rica where you will undoubtedly enjoy the pura vida, or the good life, with so many different ways to experience this stunning oasis nestled within Latin America.
Costa Rica Mountain Biking – Volcano To Volcano By Mountain Bike!
Oct 19th
Booking yourself and your friends on a Costa Rica mountain biking tour is essential, if you’re ready for exciting mountain biking with a difference!
How about getting dropped off at a magnificent 10 000 feet high volcano, and biking down a 7 mile descent to the foothills of the volcano next door?
Or riding all day through lush rain forests with 800 species of birds – not to mention the primates and crocodiles!
Costa Rica mountain biking is full of these and other exciting rides. The routes feature active volcanoes, very high mountain passes, lush tropical, sub-tropical and temperate forests, waterfalls, and river crossings.
As most of Costa Rica’s roads are dirt, the country easily lends itself to exploration by mountain bike. It is also extremely hilly, with many heart-stopping descents! Costa Rica mountain biking has trails suitable for riders just starting out, as well as experienced bikers looking for a challenge.
Your Costa Rica mountain biking adventure can start with a guided drive up to the top of the Irazu Volcano at 11,000 feet. Descend to 1,500 feet through miles of lush, green scenery, ending in the small town of Santa Cruz de Turrialba. If your timing is right, you may even get a taste of the Turrialba cheese fair!
The dirt road takes you through fertile dairy and farm land, cutting its way between the Irazu and Turrialba Volcano. A support van, with a driver and a guide-mechanic are available with extra bikes, food, and a first aid kit.
Alternatively, Costa Rica mountain biking can take you to the Aguila de Osa Inn from where you will be able to undertake many local rides on the bikes they provide. Most of the rides are between 1 and 3 hours in duration, and cover a wide variety of landscapes, from beach rides to river canyons (including suspension bridges!) to forests and farm areas.
The Costa Rica mountain biking experience truly is in a class of its own.
Quepos offers a number of guided biking trails. A combination bike/boat tour, will have you floating through a mangrove forest. Excellent backup is provided on the trail, as well as entertaining information about the fauna and flora.
Join an exclusive ride clinic and use your Costa Rica mountain biking travels to learn new skills, in spectacular surroundings.
Bikes are very well equipped, and safety is always taken into consideration. Romantic sunset rides are also available during high season. This is a very pleasurable way to beat the heat!
While Costa Rica mountain biking may seem more adventurous riding on your own, the conditions often make the presence of a guide preferable. You may just end up appreciating that support van after a tiring, fun-filled day…
If you want to combine Costa Rica mountain biking with other great adventures, you will find tours that include snorkeling the reefs of the Caribbean, or river rafting on the many great rivers, or just straightforward hiking with beautiful views and scenery.
A Costa Rica mountain biking tour is usually followed by delighted comments, about the fact that the places visited were not swarming with other bikers!
All of this is probably only possible with a Costa Rica mountain biking package, where over a quarter of the country was designated forever wild…
For more information visit Best-Mountain-Biking.com
