Every travel destination in the world has some things of interest that are unique and Costa Rica has several that are found only in Costa Rica.

• Sarchi ox carts are vividly colored folklore wooden ox-carts that were in use before cars. These are still seen around the country. Sarchi is the center for carving these wooden carts.
• Mysterious spheres of pre-Columbia Costa Rica have been found in a number of locations throughout Costa Rica. These spheres range in size and are found on Isla del Cano in the Peninsula de Osa. These spheres pose one of Costa Rica's riddles, as their exact origin and significance defies explanation. They range in size from small fruit-sized balls to large boulders over 2m (6 ft) in diameter. Many spheres found in groups have been placed to reflect the positions of the stars.
• Turtle arribadas are the spectacle of sea turtles coming ashore en mass (up to 1,000 at a time) to lay eggs and Costa Rica is considered one of the best places in the world to see this spectacle. Ostional National Wildlife Refuge protects the endangered Olive Ridley sea turtle and it is at the beaches of this refuge that the turtles come on shore, dig holes for their eggs and then journey back to sea. The nesting season peaks in August to October.
• Zarcero has a topiary garden at the Parque Central with bizarre and interesting vegetation. sculptures. The town of Zarcero is located near Sarchi. Unique in Costa Rica and possibly in the world, Parque Central in Zarcero has been created by the park gardener who has clipped and pruned cypress bushes and hedges. The gardener has sculpted amazing creatures such as birds, cats and motorcycles out of the hedges.
• Gallo Pinto is a national dish and a Costa Rican specialty. A combination of black beans and white rice with spices such as cilantro, onions, garlic, salt and local condiment called salsa lizano makes up this dish.
• Use of tu is considered impolite in Costa Rica and frowned upon. Costa Ricans use vos which is uncommon in the remainder of the Spanish world.
• Pura Vida is a Costa Rican expression used upon greeting or saying goodbye. It means something like this is living or full of life. The expression came from the Mexican movie Pura Vida made in 1956 and has been used since that time.

There are numerous unique possibilities for Travel in Costa Rica and this can make sorting and deciding where to go a little challenging, especially if you are on a time limit.

Check out your Costa Rica travel destinations and peruse brief summaries about what's of interest. This might help make your travel planning a bit easier.