Adventurous Aries? Voyaging Virgo? Globetrotting Gemini?Astrology is a fascinating way to learn more about yourself by analyzing the way your galactic alignment can dissect your personality. Whether or not you believe in astrology, it’s always interesting to read about what the stars have in store for you. We’ve scoured the zodiac, and Planet Earth, and come up with suggestions for where to go in Costa Rica based on your astrological sign.
Aries (March 21 – April 19)
Spot: La Fortuna
Bold and ambitious, Aries craves adventure and intensity. When planning a vacation, these energetic and daring rams seek a destination filled with new experiences and challenges. Home to the famous Arenal Volcano, the small town of La Fortuna is often nicknamed the “adventure capital” of Costa Rica. Aries will enjoy a high intensity hike around the top of the active 5,436 ft. Arenal Volcano, followed by a dip in one of the many steamy, volcano-fed hot springs that dot the town. Other popular excursions in La Fortuna that would appeal to the Aries traveller, include exploring a rainforest canopy by way of zip line, traversing Tarzan-like hanging bridges, waterfall rappelling, white-water rafting, nocturnal wildlife tours and more.
Taurus (April 20 – May 20)
Spot: Papagayo Peninsula
A Taurus seeks pleasure of the senses, therefore, an ideal Taurus vacation is one of luxury. Located in the northwest corner of Guanacaste, the Papagayo Peninsula is a private 1400-acre peninsula featuring miles of coastline, trails and tropical dry forest, and home to luxury beach resorts and villas. The Taurus traveller can indulge in self-care and unique Costa Rican volcanic mud and chocolate treatments at one of the peninsula’s top spas, and spend the day at an 18-hole eco-golf course with impressive views of sea cliffs, beach and rainforest. Popular activities that offer the ideal balance between relaxation and adventure for the Taurus traveler include kayaking, snorkelling, stand-up paddle boarding and more
Gemini (May 21 – June 20)
Spot: Manuel Antonio
Geminis are known for their dual personalities and require entertainment, as they tend to get bored easily. The twin sign seeks variety when it comes to planning a vacation, making Manuel Antonio the ideal destination. Located in the country’s Pacific coast, Manuel Antonio National Park lures travellers with its white-sand beaches and rainforest. Gemini travellers can explore the rainforest’s several hiking trails, which are teeming with sloths and white-faced, squirrel and howler monkeys; and later, hit the park’s four beaches for swimming, snorkelling and sunbathing. Just a few minutes away, the coastal town of Quepos is a top spot for whale-watching. Gemini travellers interested in rural tourism can also head to the nearby mountain towns of Santa Juana and Coopesilencio.
Cancer (June 21 – July 22)
Spot: Nosara
Represented by the crab, Cancers are happiest and most at ease near the sea and the shore. As the homebody of the zodiac, Cancers typically seek peaceful isolation, comfort and consistency when planning a vacation. Nosara is Costa Rica’s quintessential surf town, home to miles of unspoiled coast and uniquely beautiful beaches including Playa Nosara, Guiones and Pelada. A 25-minute drive from Ostional National Wildlife Refuge, Nosara makes a great homebase for turtle watchers. Cancers will find relaxation in exploring Nosara’s beaches and spectating the impressive “arribadas,” or mass sea turtle nesting, that take place between August and November at Ostional National Wildlife Refuge
Leo (July 23 – August 22)
Spot: Puerto Viejo de Talamanca
Leos are known for their energetic and adaptable personalities. They make friends easily and adjust well to new cultures. Puerto Viejo de Talamanca is located in Costa Rica’s Limón province on the shores of the Caribbean Sea. The town boasts a relaxed, bohemian vibe, which has made it a popular destination among younger crowds. Leos will enjoy exploring the town’s dirt-paved roads by bike and immersing themselves in the town’s melting pot of Afro-Caribbean, Bribri Indigenous and Latino cultures, which is reflected in the area’s gastronomy and music scenes. Leos can learn about Costa Rica’s Indigenous cultures by visiting the cacao farms in the area, as cacao historically served as currency for these communities. Nearby popular attractions include Cahuita National Park, best known for its coral reefs, and Gandoca Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge, which features several rare habitats like a lowland rainforest, a wetland, a mangrove swamp, as well as an 8-mile beach strip.
Virgo (August 23 – September 22)
Spot: Cartago
Virgos are logical and practical individuals, who value education and personal growth. When planning a vacation, Virgos typically opt for destinations that have historical and cultural significance. Once the capital of Costa Rica, Cartago is one of the oldest towns in the country and is located near the foothills of the active Irazú Volcano. The Virgo traveller will enjoy an educational visit to Cartago’s main cultural heritage sites – Las Ruinas de la Parroquia – a now ruined church originally built in 1575, and Basílica de Nuestra Señora de los Ángeles, home to the famous La Negrita, or Black Virgin. The “Mirador de Orosí,” or Orosí lookout, offers panoramic views of the valley, scenic walking trails and cultivated flower beds, perfect for a picnic. Here lies one of Costa Rica’s most historic landmarks, la Iglesia de San José de Orosí, or Orosí Church. The church’s whitewashed walls and classic Spanish-colonial architecture are a testament to the artistic dedication that went into its design. Travellers can also uncover the ruins of Costa Rica’s oldest church in the nearby town of Ujarrás. As an Earth sign, Virgos also embrace nature and will enjoy a hike at the nearby Irazú Volcano National Park.
Libra (September 23 - October 22
Spot: San Jose
Libras constantly aim to find balance and harmony, a virtue that makes them thoughtful connoisseurs of culture and the arts. Balanced in nature, they like their travel plans to be well organized and creative. Costa Rica’s capital city and cultural hub of San José is the ideal destination for the Libra traveller, who strives to learn as much about a new culture as possible. San José is home to some of the country’s most important museums: Gold, Jade, National, Costa Rican Art, La Salle Natural Sciences, and Contemporary Arts & Design, among others. The National Theatre, the architectural jewel of Costa Rica and a symbol of pride, resides in the centre of the city and hosts arts performances year-round. The Libra traveller will also enjoy learning about Costa Rica’s unique food scene at the Central Market, which features over 200 shops, stalls and open-air restaurants called “sodas.”
Scorpio (October 23 — November 21
Spot: Sarapiquí
Travel for Scorpios is centered on self-reflection, new values and new experiences. Independent and daring by nature, Scorpios tend to enjoy lesser-known destinations where they can explore freely, without any crowds. Sarapiquí epitomizes off-the-beaten path and is known for its ecotourism travel experiences, adventure excursions and rich biodiversity. Scorpios can take a tour of one of Sarapiquí’s many sustainable farms and learn about everyday conservation, farm-to-table practices and local greenhouse farming and procurement. Sarapiquí is most popular for white-water rafting, but travelers can choose from several other activities too, such as river tubing, canoeing, horseback riding, and nocturnal bat-spotting tours. Less than two hours away, Scorpios can immerse themselves in nature and uncover the diverse habitats at Braulio Carrillo National Park.
Sagittarius (November 22 – December 21)
Spot: Tortuguero
Sagittarians are known to be wanderlusters. They love the freedom and unknown of wandering, and often find themselves thinking about their next getaway. Although Sagitarrians are usually talkative and outgoing, their travel plans center around privacy and seclusion. The village of Tortuguero is one of the most remote destinations in Costa Rica, and can only be accessed by boat or plane. Created to protect the endangered baula, carey, cahauma, green and lora turtles that spawn on the Caribbean coast from July to October, Tortuguero National Park is one of Costa Rica’s most important conservation sites. Sagittarians will enjoy the peace and quiet of kayaking or canoeing on the Tortuguero canals, while spotting wildlife. Tortuguero is home to over 300 species of birds, reptiles and mammals including jaguars, tapirs and monkeys, which rely on the park’s protected status for survival.
Capricorn (December 22 – January 19)
Spot: Turrialba
Capricorns have a deep appreciation for tradition and authenticity. As one of the most independent zodiacs, Capricorns seek to explore lesser-known travel destinations and connect with the locals. Turrialba is a charming, rural town located in Costa Rica’s Central Valley, offering impressive views of coffee, macadamia and sugar plantations, as well as rolling hills, deep valleys and the active Turrialba Volcano. Often considered the most hardworking sign, Capricorns will enjoy a trip to a coffee plantation to learn about the Costa Rican coffee harvest and production process, and try their hand at brewing an authentic “Tican” cup of coffee themselves. Capricorn foodies will also enjoy indulging in the town’s uniquely famous “Queso Turrialba,” or Turrialba cheese, which has maintained its artisan production technique since the 1870s. The Guayabo National Monument, an archaeological site located on the lush slope of the Turrialba Volcano, was once an ancient city. Home to stone foundations, aqueducts, tombs and relics, Capricorns will be intrigued to learn about the traditional stories of its inhabitants, which still remain a mystery to this day.
Aquarius (January 20 – February 18)
Spot: Monteverde
Aquarius are known as the most forward-thinking zodiac. They tend to advocate for actions that aim to change the world, from new technologies to eco-friendly practices. Monteverde has been recognized worldwide for its conservation and preservation efforts, in large part due to the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve and Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve. In 2019, Monteverde launched the “Monteverde Electric Route,” a support network for travellers with electric vehicles with the goal of reducing the use of gasoline in the environment. The Aquarius traveller will enjoy uncovering the region’s Quaker history and learning about Costa Rica’s organic and sustainable farming methods. After trying their hand at milking cows and producing hyperlocal milk and cheese at one of the many family-owned farms in Monteverde, the Aquarius traveller can head into the mystical cloud forests in search of the rare Resplendent Quetzal, which has been called one of the most beautiful birds in the world.
Pisces (February 19 – March 20)
Spot: Santa Teresa
As a water sign, Pisces are most comfortable near bodies of water. Pisces enjoy destinations with open air and beaches, and are at the top of the list of the most “chill” zodiac signs. Santa Teresa is a small, lesser-known beach town in Costa Rica’s Puntarenas province, characterized by its laid-back vibe, excellent surf and yoga scene. Santa Teresa is ideal for the Pisces traveller who wishes to bask in the sun, hang ten in crystal-clear waters and practice yoga on the sand. For a nearby adventure, Pisces can head to the Montezuma Waterfalls, a set of three waterfalls, by way of ATVing.
Editor’s note: during COVID-19 travel restrictions are prone to change. Always check before departure and follow local guidance.