For this Holy Week, the Costa Rican Tourism Institute (ICT) calls for visiting Costa Rica in all its regions, but above all rediscovering destinations such as the Brunca Region (Golfito, Buenos Aires, Osa, Coto Brus and Pérez Zeledón) where you can find natural paradises, authentic cultural manifestations of native peoples, rurality, coffee plantations, cliffs, forest reserves, national parks, rivers, waterfalls, hot springs, caves and multiple options for adventure sports, gastronomy, trout fishing, lodging, botanical gardens and day tours.
These tourist attractions are joined by other options such as the Los Santos Zone, Monteverde, Turrialba, La Fortuna, Sarapiquí, Cahuita and also the Caribbean area, where you can enjoy nature in the protected areas, its fabulous beaches, the delicious Caribbean cuisine, calypso music, community tourism, indigenous traditions, river channels, local crafts, heritage buildings and adventure activities.
“It is an excellent opportunity for Costa Ricans to get to know their country, this is their country and it is the country they should visit, we have wonders on the southern side of Costa Rica, in the Costa Rican Caribbean, go, get to know it, because it is what is going to enrich your personal heritage about what Costa Rica means and what Costa Rica has, so please Costa Ricans, make Costa Rica shine in the world, being your own ambassadors,” highlighted William Rodríguez, Minister of Tourism.
Responsible tourism in the “Semana Mayor”
Together with the call to rediscover Costa Rica, the ICT reminds tourists of the importance of being responsible with the environment, flora and fauna; By 2024, they will maintain active messages on their social networks with advice on respecting natural environments and not extracting flora, fauna or shells due to the imbalance that this generates in the different ecosystems.
Another piece of advice is not to feed the species that inhabit national parks and protected areas, because they could damage their digestive system and cause diabetes, cavities and parasites. It is important to highlight that human food decreases the survival capabilities of species and reduces their genetic diversity and healthy reproduction.
Another piece of advice is the use of utensils, since they recommend avoiding disposable ones and reducing the amount of garbage. If you want to transport food or drinks, it is better to do so in reusable containers and if you need to buy napkins or similar, make sure they are made of materials biodegradable and environmentally friendly.
The call to be responsible also addresses personal safety, that of families and companions.
“The Costa Rican Tourism Institute invites you to walk and rest, visiting all the wonders that Costa Rica has, but being responsible travelers, using tourist services from authorized companies, available on the pages of the ICT and the Chambers of Tourism, responsible not leaving personal items left unattended, neither in cars nor in public places; responsible, respecting official entrances to protected areas or national parks and, in addition, taking precautions when entering rivers, lakes or beaches, knowing in advance if there is the presence of fauna or dangerous currents. To the extent that we are responsible and prepared, we will be able to have safe and memorable vacations,” emphasized Alberto López, General Manager of the ICT.
Free stops and viewpoints open throughout Holy Week.
The Costa Rican Tourism Institute (ICT) also invites and recommends visiting its free-access managed projects for this Holy Week, such as the Orosi and Ujarrás viewpoints, as well as the historic Ruins of Ujarrás. , located in Paraíso de Cartago, which will be open from Holy Monday until Easter Sunday.
The three recreational spaces are a close option for people who decide to stay in the Central Valley, in addition, they are places of recreation, tradition and beauty and they will all be open, from Monday to Holy Sunday from 8:00 in the morning to 4:00 pm.
Orosi Viewpoint: It is located 3 kilometers south of the Paraíso Church of Cartago, the main road to Orosi.
Mirador de Ujarrás: It is located 2 kilometers east of the Paraíso de Cartago church.
Ujarrás Ruins: It is located 5 kilometers east of the Colonial Church, on the road to Cachí.
More alternatives and tips for tourist
Those who wish to obtain more information about places to tourist, a wide number of tours throughout the country, taste the gastronomy of all regions, learn about the culture and its traditions, can review and download the ICT Tourist and Cultural Guides at the following link: https://www.ict.go.cr/es/servicios-institucionales/guias-turistico-culturales.html
This material, prepared by the ICT with the support of municipalities, business chambers and other institutions, contains information on activities, gastronomic dishes, lodging, customs, festivities, from regions such as Caribe, Golfito-Jiménez, Guanacaste North, Guanacaste South, Monteverde , Northern Plains, Los Santos, Osa, Sarapiquí and Turrialba.
Please note that the ICT central offices (La Uruca) will be closed until April 1st. In the case of the Regional Offices, located in Liberia, Limón, San Carlos, Río Claro, Quepos, Puntarenas, they will be open from Monday to Holy Wednesday from 8 to 4 pm, with the aim of answering questions from national and international tourists.