Lush forests, mythical volcanoes, dreamy beaches and the culture of "Pura vida", a local expression that is a true ode to life, Costa Rica is a destination that has a thousand experiences to offer. Beyond its dreamy landscapes and charming cities and towns, the small Latin American country is known for its art of living and its warm welcome. It is one of the happiest countries in the world, and remains one of the few states on Earth without an army! Costa Rica, which is home to 6.5% of the world's biodiversity, including many endemic species, places environmental protection as one of its most cherished values. It is a world reference in terms of ecotourism. The country also has a policy of inclusion and is committed to gender equality so that women who travel alone find in its lands the perfect destination for a safe journey. For this reason, it has developed a project called Red SOFIA. Women of the world, here are all the good reasons to plan a wonderful solo trip to Costa Rica.
Red SOFIA, a network for the well-being of women who travel alone
Unfortunately, gender discrimination knows no boundaries. And this also concerns people who travel. In this area, Costa Rica has recently sought to innovate, making gender equality and women's safety one of the priorities of tourism development. For this, the Costa Rican Institute of Tourism (ICT) created in 2021 the SOFIA network, in partnership with the National Institute of Women and the National Commission for Tourism Safety - INAMU-.
The idea: to make Costa Rica a safe destination for women who want to travel alone and move freely and peacefully in the territory. The initiative is a good way to create a safe, peaceful and sustainable travel environment in a world where more and more women are planning solo trips abroad. As proof, and according to ICT figures, 15.8% of non-resident people who came to travel to Costa Rica in 2019 were single women. That's nearly 400,000 individuals.
The SOFIA network invites Costa Rican people and tourism actors to take part in this project of sharing honorable values of gender equality and safety. But who also wish to make the Latin American country a destination where single women travelers can move serenely, without any fear and thus fully enjoy their stay.
To this end, the SOFIA network provides for the certification of companies whose 80% of their staff has undergone training in the best practices for safety in the tourism industry. The certification is valid for two years and is renewable. It concerns the personnel of airports, bus stations, national parks, accommodations, restaurants, bars, car rental agencies, tourist guides, theme parks or providers of sports and discovery activities.
Costa Rica, an incredible nature destination for a solo trip
Costa Rica is committed to being a safe destination for all people who wish to travel alone. All conditions are met to discover this fabulous country, its culture and its many riches.
Costa Rica is above all a country which will seduce for sure the travelers adept of expeditions in full nature and activities in the open air. After a visit to San José, you can quickly take in the sights by exploring the Poas volcano, known for housing one of the most beautiful craters in the world. Lunar landscape enthusiasts will also enjoy strolling around the Irazú volcano, east of the capital. Not to be missed in the area, the presence of the Rio Pacuare, for a white water rafting session.
Another attraction of Costa Rica is its lush jungles, privileged places to enjoy the vegetation and animal species. On the Pacific coast, not far from the city of Quepos, is the Manuel Antonio Park, a must-see. There you can go from the forest to the beautiful beaches. It also shelters numerous species of plants, mammals and birds. It is here that you can see howler monkeys, white-headed capuchins, sloths, agoutis and other raccoons. Another place with incredible biodiversity is the Monteverde Natural Reserve. Here you can walk through the forest and feel as if you are approaching the clouds. Suspended bridges, zip lines and other courses of accrobranche offer their share of sensations. And then, there is the fauna to observe and in particular some 400 species of birds of which the quetzal, so beautiful with its green feathers.
Want to enjoy the sea and its activities? In Costa Rica, you have the choice between the Pacific and Caribbean coasts. In the west, the Nicoya Peninsula is considered as the seaside region of the country. You can either laze around for hours in the sun on Playa Manzanillo or grab your surfboard and hit the waves at Playa Santa Teresa. In both cases, the setting is sublime with a stretch of sand bordered by dense vegetation at the back. On the Caribbean coast, in Puerto Viejo, the views are once again idyllic, with palm trees, white sand and translucent waters.
These other unmissable experiences in Costa Rica
Costa Rica is a land of experiences. Travelers who visit between October and March will have the chance to witness leatherback turtles laying eggs along the beaches that border Las Baulas Marine Park. Leatherback and green turtle egg-laying is also an important time in Tortuguero National Park, from April to October. Another popular activity in the area is a kayak trip along the canals, in the middle of a rejuvenating nature.
A safe trip to Costa Rica is also the opportunity to stop in its most beautiful cities and villages, the best way to get in touch with a warm, welcoming population and to discover the Costa Rican way of life. Cartago, former capital of Costa Rica, is a masterpiece of colonial art. In La Fortuna, you can enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of a small town where it is good to relax, between moments around the gastronomy and long hours in a thermal center.
Natural landscapes preserved and varied, charming welcome, invitation to slow down time, cities where to impregnate oneself with the culture and the local life, Costa Rica is a country that commits itself to the respect of its wealth and of each individual. A destination to discover and live 100%.
