Costa Rica … the name is almost as pretty as the actual place. Literally translated to “Rich Coast,” this country is one of the most beautiful places to visit. It offers a diverse variety of experiences, sites, and food.

Here are my top five reasons why Costa Rica should be at the top of your “Travel To-Do” list:

Rainforest

The rainforest is so amazing with its lush environment, outstandingly tall trees and all of the unique animals that live within it. The first time I had the pleasure of traveling there, I was able to take a gondola through the rain forest in what they call a “Canopy Tour.”

Fun fact: There’s a tree that some of the locals refer to as the “Tourist Tree.” When our tour guide was asked why, he said it was because it had red, peeling bark.

Food

The food was so unbelievably fresh and scrumptious. I do not think I ever had one bad meal. I definitely recommend seeking out the smaller, local restaurants. We found a small place right off of the beach, where we ate dinner in an open room, looking out onto the most beautiful sunset we have ever seen.

I distinctly remember loving the Red Snapper. One night, my parents ordered it and the waiter replied, “I apologize, but you might have to wait an extra 20 minutes. We are waiting for the boat to come back in with the fish.” It does not get any fresher than that.

Animals

Costa Rica is home to a wide array of wildlife, due to its many different kinds of habitats.

I highly recommend visiting a butterfly observatory. The vast range of colors, shapes and sizes of the butterflies residing in Costa Rica is something you cannot see anywhere else.

Also, if you go on a tour of the rainforest, be sure to keep an eye out for monkeys. They are much easier to see than you think.

Last, you will definitely encounter some crazy looking frogs … almost every night at dusk, frogs come out and just hang out on the sidewalks.

Airfare

To let you in on a little secret, the price of flights to Costa Rica are sometimes cheaper than most flights to Mexico or the U.S. Virgin Islands. It is, as it always is with airfare, all about timing. However, due to the fact that Costa Rica is much less of a tourist destination than a place like Cancun, odds are you can find a cheaper flight. It is definitely a deal you cannot pass up.

Activities

Whether you want to go surfing, standup paddleboarding, wakeboarding, whitewater rafting, ziplining (and more), Costa Rica has it all.

Not only that, but you get to engage in these activities among one of the most beautiful landscapes in the world.

I honestly cannot say enough great things about Costa Rica. I would definitely recommend taking a trip.