Visitors to the Republic of Costa Rica will find that despite its small size, the country has an incredible number of attractions and activities to offer. Five per cent of the world’s biodiversity can be found within Costa Rica’s borders and great efforts have been made to preserve this rich resource; protected national parks make up almost 25% of the land – more than any other country in the world. From fishing and surfing to white water rafting and exploring volcanic regions, Costa Rica is the perfect playground for nature lovers and adventures seekers alike.
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.
An exuberant blanket of dense rainforest encompasses over 77 000 acres on the northeastern coast of Costa Rica at Tortuguero National Park, a biodiverse wonderland and sanctuary for a rich array of wildlife, including jaguars, monkeys, sloths, and an astonishing variety of bird species. The park's name, meaning "Land of Turtles," highlights its significance as a nesting ground for several sea turtle species, most notably the endangered green turtles. A network of canals weaves through the lush rainforest, offering visitors a unique opportunity to explore by boat or kayak, immersing themselves in the park's unparalleled natural beauty. Pristine beaches, vibrant mangroves, and dense forests make Tortuguero National Park a must-visit destination for nature enthusiasts and conservationists, where adventure and ecological wonders intertwine harmoniously.
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 south of the bustling beach town of Puerto Viejo along the Southern Caribbean Coast of Costa Rica, Punta Cocles is an exquisite Carribean beach paradise. Dubbed the capital of this coastal region, it features 3-kilometres of soft golden sand fringed by swaying palms and lapped by warm crystalline waters. Visitors come here to indulge in seaside relaxation and discover the natural glory of the rainforest. Enjoy a thrilling surf, explore the unspoilt underwater wonderland of colourful coral reefs inhabited by exotic marine life, take a stroll along the coastal trail, spot monkeys playing in the trees, and see a host of tropical birdlife as well as sloths, green iguanas and crabs. Don’t miss the opportunity to explore the amazing Cahuita National Park, Gandoca-Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge and Talamanca Indian Reserve.
Located in central Costa Rica, the Arenal Volcano National Park lies within the Arenal Tilaran Conservation Area and encompasses eight of the country’s 12 protected life zones. The park is home to the majority of Costa Rica’s 850 bird species, and an array of exotic creatures such as capuchin monkeys, parrot snakes, jaguars and deer, and its diverse landscapes include grasslands and volcanic badlands. Overlooking the park is the magnificent Arenal Volcano as well as the Chato Volcano, complete with a stunning lagoon. Experience this exciting region by hiking through lava fields and rainforests, spotting birds and animals, and taking a dip in the hot springs.
Resting on the western edge of the Nicoya Peninsula, Santa Teresa is a tiny beach village set on the beautiful coast of Costa Rica. It is a surfing mecca and draws many visitors to its sandy shores each year. This laid-back town has grown into a popular travel destination. Visitors can stroll along the gorgeous white sandy beaches and watch the surfers that flock here to surf the impressive waves from all over the globe. Aside from surfing Santa Teresa offers a variety of other activities for visitors to enjoy including hiking in the scenic surrounds, enjoying a horse riding excursion and thrilling canopy tours. Those looking for more adventure can also look forward exploring the nearby Cabo Blanco Nature Reserve.
Naranjo is a tiny agricultural town resting at the base of the Espírito Santo Hills in Costa Rica’s lush Central Valley. With more than two hundred years of coffee cultivation under its belt, the town has become a coffee lovers’ mecca. It has ever-increasing numbers of visitors touring the area’s coffee plantations, sampling some of the world's finest coffees, and learning about the local brew. Other popular activities include discovering the lush tropical landscape via a canopy tour or a jungle hike. Don’t miss the chance to explore the nearby Juan Castro Blanco National Park, which is known for its orchid flowers and quetzal birds and Poás Volcano National Park, which features a remarkable crater lake filled with smoke billowing from fumaroles.
