Located in central Costa Rica, the Central Valley is home to over 70% of the country’s population. This remarkably beautiful area makes up most of Costa Rica’s interior and boasts many coffee plantations blanketing the hillsides and is fringed by rugged mountains and two active volcanoes, Irazu and Poas. Visitors can look forward to a number of wonderful attractions such as: the Iglesia de San Jose Orosi, built in 1734, it is the oldest church in Costa Rica; the famous town of Cartago, the country’s oldest town; as well as Poas Volcano National Park, home to the most active volcano in the country and Irazu National Park, home to the largest and highest active volcano in Costa Rica.
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 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.
Nestled in the northern reaches of the Puntarenas province within the stunning Tilaran Cordillera, Santa Elena is a small town just a short distance from the awe-inspiring Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve. The town shares its name with the nearby Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve, located approximately 5 kilometres away, adding to its natural allure. Despite its size, Santa Elena boasts a convenient downtown area, offering a variety of luxury and budget hotels, lodges, and accommodations to cater to every traveller's needs. From the town, one can embark on horseback-riding tours of the magnificent Monteverde and Santa Elena Reserves, as well as engaging hiking trips and thrilling canopy tours that showcase the beauty of the surrounding areas.
Resting on Costa Rica’s Pacific coast in Brasilito Bay, the quaint fishing village of Brasilito is known as the locals’ favourite destination for escaping the pressures of the cities. Featuring a two kilometre stretch of soft-sand beach, luxuriously warm blue waters and a rather untouched natural state, the town draws families of ‘Ticos’ (the name Costa Ricans call themselves) to relax over weekends and play rounds of soccer in the quiet parks. The area’s other (and most popular) beach of Playa Conchal is easily accessible, as is the secluded Bahia de los Pirates Beach and hidden, camping-friendly Playa Mina Beach. Visitors can meander along the beaches, into the forest and up to stunning viewpoints on horseback or ATV. The nearby tourist towns of Tamarindo and Playas del Coco offer catamaran tours, zip lining, diving, sportfishing, surfing, kayaking, and many more activities.
