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.
San Gerardo de Dota is a small mountain village in Costa Rica's Talamanca mountain range, south of San José, nestled in the lush Savegre River Valley. This tranquil nature destination is renowned for its cool, misty cloud forests and exceptional birdwatching, particularly opportunities to spot the resplendent quetzal, one of Central America's most striking birds. Visitors can follow forest trails, photograph moss-covered trees and waterfalls, and explore the biodiversity of nearby Los Quetzales National Park and private nature reserves. The clear waters of the Savegre River offer opportunities for trout fishing, while cosy mountain lodges and local restaurants provide a welcoming base for exploring the countryside. With crisp mountain air, abundant wildlife and peaceful rural surroundings, San Gerardo de Dota is an appealing retreat for nature lovers, hikers and wildlife photographers.
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.
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.
Situated near the mouth of the San Carlos River in Costa Rica’s northern lowlands, Boca Tapada is a small, remote border community close to the Nicaraguan frontier. Known for its ecotourism and rich diversity of flora and fauna, it lies within a landscape of lush tropical rainforest, wetlands and agricultural land, where pineapple and sugar cane plantations extend across parts of the surrounding lowlands alongside dense jungle. The area is recognised as an important nesting stronghold of the endangered Great Green Macaw. Much of the surrounding landscape forms part of the Maquenque Wildlife Refuge and Biological Corridor, where forest trails and waterways support hiking, boat excursions and wildlife viewing. Birdwatching is a major drawcard, with more than 400 recorded species, including the Rufescent Tiger-Heron, Dusky Antbird and Keel-billed Toucan.
Located in central Costa Rica, the Arenal Volcano National Park lies within the Arenal Tilaran Conservation Area and encompasses eight of the country’s 12 protected life zones. The park is home to the majority of Costa Rica’s 850 bird species, and an array of exotic creatures such as capuchin monkey, parrot snake, jaguar and deer, and its diverse landscapes include grasslands and volcanic badlands. Overlooking the park is the magnificent Arenal Volcano as well as the Chato Volcano, complete with a stunning lagoon. Visitors can experience this exciting region by hiking through lava fields and rainforests, spotting birds and animals, and taking a dip in the hot springs.
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