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.
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.
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.
Tucked between the slopes of Miravalles Volcano and Tenorio Volcano in a verdant valley south of Upala, Bijagua de Upala, also known simply as Bijagua, is a small farming community set on the border of Guanacaste and Alajuela. This remote village is a rustic retreat, perfectly placed as a gateway to the famous Tenorio Volcano National Park. Outdoor lovers can enjoy a scenic trek along the trails and watch the hypnotic torrent of the Rio Celeste Waterfall as it plunges into the turquoise waters of the Blue Lagoon. After hours of exploring the forest’s leafy landscape, weary travellers can enjoy a leisurely soak in the park’s thermal hot springs. Don’t miss a visit to the Heliconias Rainforest Lodge, where visitors can traverse the network of trails and suspension bridges set amid lush rainforest.
