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.
Irazu Volcano National Park Prusia Sector Entrance
The Nicoya Peninsula is one of Costa Rica’s spectacular ‘off-the-beaten-track’ destinations, separated from the country’s mainland by the Gulf of Nicoya and the Tempisque estuary. Nicoya’s idyllic sand beaches, aquamarine bays, charming local hamlets, and excellent eco-tourism opportunities combine to make it an unforgettable travel experience. Popular pursuits here include sport-fishing, fishing, snorkelling, diving, surfing, or simply soaking up the sun on the peninsula’s array of magnificent shores, as well as bird-watching and wildlife viewing in its various nature reserves.
Located on Costa Rica’s scenic Pacific coast in the Guanacaste Province, the little village of Samara is known for its palm-fringed golden-sand beach and crystalline turquoise waters. Explore the fascinating local streets lined with upmarket boutiques, tour operators and an array of restaurants, cafes and bars. The surrounding area boasts a magnificent landscape covered in lush tropical forest and inhabited by a variety of wildlife including iguanas, monkeys and many different bird species. Visitors can enjoy an ice-cold beer at one of the beach bars, take a sunset stroll on the spectacular Playa Samara, and participate in a host of watersports such as kayaking, surfing, and stand-up paddleboarding. Popular attractions include the Werner-Sauter Biological Reserve, the Belen Waterfall and the offshore coral reef.
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.
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.
Once the most important river port of Costa Rica, this quaint market town lies on the confluence of the Rio Sarapiqui and Rio Puerto Viejo in the northeastern part of the country. Visitors are drawn to the area for its natural beauty - awe-inspiring tropical rainforests beckon to be explored. Enjoy sublime hiking, excellent birdwatching, and riverboat tours that give visitors the chance to see toucans, monkeys, sloths, and crocodiles in their natural habitat. Alternatively, visitors can take in the abundant scenery and wildlife on horseback, while thrill-seekers can experience the adrenaline-fuelled activities of kayaking, white water rafting, and zip-line forest canopy tours. Gain insight into local ancient traditions with a visit to the fascinating Museum of Indigenous Cultures, filled with musical instruments, masks, and shamanic healing tools.
Idyllically set on Costa Rica’s exquisite Caribbean coast, Cahuita is little beach town known for its laidback atmosphere and authentic Caribbean culture. This tropical paradise is a gateway to the magnificent Cahuita National Park. The park lies to the west of the town and features an abundance of exotic wildlife as well as a long stretch of exquisite forest-lined beach lapped by warm turquoise waters. Just to the east of town is a popular black sand beach providing some excellent swimming conditions and small waves which are ideal for beginner surfers. Other outdoor activities available in the area include: snorkelling, scuba diving, hiking and canoeing. Foodies are equally well catered for with a delicious range of unique Afro-Caribbean cuisine served up in Cahuita’s lovely selection of local restaurants.
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