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.
Southern Costa Rica is known for its remote, unspoilt landscapes encompassing the towering Cerro Chirripo standing at 3820 metres, the jungle-clad Osa Peninsula, and the magnificent La Amistad International Park. Visitors can spot an array of wildlife including monkeys, sloths and coatis; discover the rugged coasts of the Golfo Dulce - a wild, scenic and incredibly biodiverse gulf; and immerse themselves in the local Bribrí, Boruc, Cabecar, and Ngobe cultures. Don’t miss a visit to the Corcovado National Park, featuring a network of scenic hiking trails, long stretches of golden shoreline, and a variety of diverse ecosystems.
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.
