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.
Located in Costa Rica’s Northern Plains at the foot of Arenal Volcano, La Fortuna is a popular base for exploring the surrounding rainforests, waterfalls, hot springs and wildlife-rich landscapes. Visitors come to hike through Arenal Volcano National Park, where trails pass through tropical forest and volcanic terrain, with opportunities to spot diverse flora and fauna and enjoy views of the volcano. Nearby Lake Arenal, Costa Rica’s largest artificial lake, is ideal for kayaking, fishing, windsurfing and boat trips, while La Fortuna Waterfall cascades into a clear natural pool surrounded by forest. The area is also known for its geothermal hot springs, coffee and chocolate tours, canopy experiences, horse riding and river activities. With its combination of volcano scenery, outdoor adventure and nature-based experiences, La Fortuna is one of Costa Rica’s best-known destinations.
Neighbouring the spectacularly scenic 680-hectare Manuel Antonio National Park and situated along Costa Rica’s Pacific Coast, the bustling beachside village of Manuel Antonio offers a variety of comfortable accommodation options for eco-explorers and adventurers who flock here to explore this beautiful area. The undeniable highlight is the adjacent Manuel Antonio National Park, Costa Rica’s smallest national park, featuring lush biodiverse rainforests, mangroves, lagoons, offshore coral reefs, pristine white-sand beaches and abundant wildlife, including over 100 mammal species and almost 200 bird species. Visitors can enjoy a variety of exciting activities including fishing, swimming, snorkelling, wildlife viewing, bird watching, hiking and relaxing on tropical beaches.
Situated in southern Costa Rica, the small village of Uvita, also known as Uvita de Osa, is a little remote gem on the coast. It isn’t as overdeveloped as the other beach towns and boasts an array of wonderful attractions and activities for visitors to enjoy. Uvita serves as the gateway to the incredibly scenic Marino Ballena National Park, famous for its migrating pods of humpback whales. It features a unique peninsula, the Cola de Ballena, which translates as ’The Whale’s Tail’, which is indeed in the shape of a whale tail. Visitors can look forward to enjoying a refreshing dip in the Uvita Waterfall, as well as the enormous multi-tiered Nauyaca Waterfall and exploring the caves of Playa Las Ventanas Don’t miss the opportunity to catch a magnificent sunset over the Pacific Coast of Costa Rica, and spot colourful toucans flying around the jungle. Highlights include: the Annual Whale and Dolphin Festival, horse riding excursions, kayaking tours and excellent diving and snorkelling opportunities.
Forming part of the Osa Conservation Area, Piedras Blancas National Park is situated in the Puntarenas Province near the Golfo Dulce on the Southern Pacific Coast of Costa Rica. Renowned for its untouched beaches, glistening bays and lush rainforests, Piedras Blancas is popular with nature lovers. Visitors can look forward to a wide selection of activities including exploring the rugged mountains, discovering rare tropical trees, and spotting an array of wildlife such as a diverse variety of bird, mammal and reptile species. Most notably, the park is among the last remaining habitats for the Jaguar in the whole of Costa Rica. Don't miss the opportunity to meander along the vast network of jungle trails while soaking up spectacular views of the 14 000 hectares of unspoilt natural beauty.
Situated in vibrant Costa Rica, the large city of Alajuela serves as the capital of the Alajuela Province. It is known for its rich history and laid-back charm and provides an excellent base from which to explore the countryside to the north. This city’s biggest claim to fame is as the hometown of one of the country’s most famous national heroes, Juan Santamaria, a humble drummer boy who sacrificed his life at the Battle of Santa Rosa. Visitors can look forward to exploring Parque Central, a lush oasis in the heart of the city; browsing the massive Central Market, which stretches over an entire block; or visiting the Juan Santamaria Cultural Historical Museum. Don’t miss the opportunity to sample authentic Costa Rican cuisine at one of the many restaurants and cafes lining the bustling streets.
