Located in Central America, between Nicaragua and Panama, bathed by the Pacific and Atlantic oceans; with a population of under 5 million people and thousands of colorful species, all of whom feel proud to call this little piece of land “home".
Five percent 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 hiking 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.
Surrounded by emerald hills, coffee plantations and lush tropical countryside, Turrialba brings together Costa Rica’s agricultural heritage and adventurous spirit. The town sits beneath the distant silhouette of Turrialba Volcano, whose forested slopes rise above the eastern highlands. Beyond the fields and rural villages, the Pacuare River cuts through dense rainforest, drawing white-water rafting enthusiasts to its exhilarating rapids and spectacular scenery. Nearby, Guayabo National Monument reveals the remains of a pre-Columbian settlement, with ancient stone foundations, paved pathways and aqueducts hidden among the greenery. From misty mountain roads to rushing rivers, Turrialba offers a compelling taste of Costa Rica’s wilder side.
Resting in the remote volcanic mountains to the north of Costa Rica’s Central Valley, the tiny town of Bajos del Toro makes an ideal getaway for nature lovers, hikers and bird enthusiasts. The town sits at the foot of the towering Poas Volcano and is surrounded by a number of protected wilderness areas including the Poas Volcano National Park, Juan Castro Blanco National Park, and the Bosque de Paz Rain/Cloud Forest Biological Reserve. The climate in this area is typically wet which allows for wonderfully lush vegetation as well as beautiful waterfalls, streams and pools. This spectacular natural environment provides ample opportunity for outdoor adventure including: trout fishing, horse riding, river rafting, mountain biking, hiking rugged mountain trails, or whizzing through the forest canopy on a zipline tour. Don’t miss the impressive Cataratas del Toro Waterfall, which drops 300-feet into an extinct volcanic crater.
