San Jose, affectionately known to its residents as 'Chepe', lies in the heart of Costa Rica and is home to almost two-thirds of the country’s population. With few buildings over 100 years old, the mountainous capital is relatively modern compared to its Latin American counterparts, but still has a significant amount of culture, art and history for visitors to discover. With a number of theatres full of Costa Rican culture, museums that include the largest collection of American jade in the world, and streets full of bright murals and painted buses, San Jose is an eclectic city waiting to be experienced.
The Pacuare River meanders down the Atlantic slope of the Talamanca mountain range, through the dense rainforest of the Pacuare Protected Zone, until it finally reaches the Caribbean Sea on Costa Rica's central coast. Although the river is primarily known for its challenging rapids and its excellent white water rafting opportunities, it also features some remarkable scenery characterised by lush primordial rainforest, lowland tropical forest, and dramatic towering waterfalls. This pristine natural terrain along the banks of the river provides a haven for a wide variety of wildlife including river otters, jaguars, ocelots, howler monkeys, capuchin monkeys, sloths, iguanas, coatis, and raccoons - among many more. Birders will delight in the colorful avian life. Day trips combine rafting adventures with the exploration of waterfalls, hiking trails, and natural springs along the way.
Located just 2-hours drive northwest of San Jose, the little Costa Rican town of La Fortuna rests at the foot of the majestic Arenal Volcano. La Fortuna provides an excellent base for visitors to explore the beautiful surrounding area, most notably the scenic Arenal Volcano National Park. Photographers will delight in the spectacular views provided by several lookout points along sublime hiking trails, which wind through lush rainforests and past idyllic natural hot springs. The glistening Arenal Lake, which is the largest lake in the country, offers fantastic opportunities to practice water sports. Don’t miss the beautiful La Fortuna waterfall and natural pool. Visitors can also look forward to wildlife tours, coffee plantation tours, and cacao farm tours, as well as an array of excellent restaurants and shops in the town centre.
On the northern Pacific Coast of Costa Rica, just north of Playa Panama, lies the exquisite untamed Gulf of Papagayo. This expansive wilderness area is known for its spectacular views, its excellent bird watching opportunities, its impressive array of exclusive, luxury resorts and its beautiful palm-lined beaches featuring long stretches of powder white sand lapped by calm, aquamarine waters. Surrounded by lush tropical forest and a dramatic volcanic landscape, the Gulf of Papagayo is the perfect destination for nature lovers eager to explore the magnificent national parks of Guanacaste, or those looking to simply unwind with a cocktail in hand on one of the area’s idyllic world-class beaches.