Plan Your Trip to Costa Rica
NATURAL WONDERS
Costa Rica is a land of volcanoes, rainforests and cloud forests, huge waterfalls and mighty rivers. This abundant natural setting makes Costa Rica vast and varied. Here are popular highlights of the destination.
ARENAL VOLCANO NATIONAL PARK
Located 9+ miles from Fortuna in the northwest part of Costa Rica, Arenal Volcano National Park is one of the most visited destinations in the Northern Zone. Several trails—Heliconias, Coladas, Tucanes and Los Miradores—allow observation of much of the park’s flora and fauna, as well as the remains of lava tracts. The park covers an almost 30,000 acre area.
TENORIO VOLCANO NATIONAL PARK
Tenorio Volcano National Park is famous for the photographs of its trails, a waterfall, a sky-blue river, and abundant natural surroundings. Take a tour to explore the tropical forest, takein the flora and fauna, admire Río Celeste waterfall, walk near the fumaroles (volcanic cracks where sulfurous gases escape), the “teñidero” (the point where the river takes on its light blue color), and its thermal springs.
MONTEVERDE CLOUD FOREST RESERVE
The Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve is made up of a tropical jungle with a great variety of flora and fauna and an ever-present mist, hence its name. One of the most exciting ways to see the forest is through the ziplining tours that take place in the area. Enjoy incredible views through the hanging suspension bridges, which extend through canyons and connect to the hiking trails. It also offers 8 miles of trails that will make for a great day of hiking.
SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE
In Costa Rica, you will find plenty of exhilarating activities taking place in the greenest habitat and surrounded by exotic wildlife. A paradise for those who look for something different, a visit to Costa Rica provides a new life experience for all.
ACTIVITIES
Venture onto impressive suspension bridges, where the whole family will be able to better appreciate the river landscapes from up close, the canopy of the forest, the sensation of the depths of nature, and learn how life works in the treetops. One of the activities that has made Costa Rica famous for is ziplining, or “canopy”, as it’s commonly called. In Costa Rica, you’ll find activities that will allow you to enjoy exciting and unforgettable moments. You’ll just have to choose the kind of adventure you want to embark on and decide where you want to do it.
BEACHES
Costa Rica occupies a privileged place in the heart of Central America and it is estimated that 600 beaches surround the entire national territory. This wealth allows the enjoyment of the beach as a means of recreation, sport and rest. The Pacific coast contains major tourism centers and beaches that are favorites among surfers. The Caribbean region stands out for its variety of marine ecosystems and its white and black sand beaches, ideal for activities centered around nature and the ocean, including surfing, diving in clear water, basking in the sun and hiking along the coast.
ECO-FRIENDLY
Costa Rica is sustainably focused and is ranked as one of the top eco-friendly destinations in the world, building many institutions and learning experiences geared towards sustainability. Although Costa Rica is a small territory, it makes up about 6% of the earth’s biodiversity. Fortunately, this natural treasure is protected by the National System of Conservation Areas, preserving a total of 26% of the national territory.
CULTURAL TRADITION
Costa Rica offers world-renowned cultural wonders, including: the oxherd and oxcart – a masterpiece of Oral and Intangible Cultural Heritage – chiefdom settlements and the stone spheres of southern Costa Rica, and the Guayabo National Archaeological Monument. Other nationally prized offerings and cultural traditions shared with visitors include creole swing dance, Limón calypso, traditional Chorotega ceramics, the Boruca Little Devils Festival, art, crafts, music and gastronomy, among others.
FAMILY
Costa Rica has a wholesome environment and is an excellent place for families, with plenty of exciting activities everyone will enjoy including walks, guided visits, group games, interacting with the locals, enjoying the local cuisine, beach sports and much more.
BIRDING
Costa Rica has long been famous among serious bird watchers and many people who never before had an interest change their mind when they encounter the country’s spectacular avian diversity. With almost 900 species of birds – more than all of North America – it is hard not to become an instant fan of the beautifully feathered creatures one encounters in Costa Rica.
ROMANCE
Costa Rica is big on romance. Every couple has dreams of walking hand-in-hand, along a perfect beach, feeling the soft sand between their toes as the nearby ocean sets the tone for romance. Costa Rica’s multicolored beaches are the perfect honeymoon under the sun and the moon! There are so many memories to be made: the underwater world and diving experience, sailing, kayaking, fishing, golfing, and visiting natural reserves filled with lush greenery. The passion and romance are hidden in the beautiful sunsets just awaiting discovery!
WELLNESS
Costa Rica is the ideal setting for detoxification from stress and the daily grind. Travelers can experience Wellness tourism as part of a lifestyle that combines physical activity and healthy eating while enjoying a wide range of activities to renew your mind, body and soul. Wellness includes activities that put you in contact with nature: Hot Springs, Forest baths (breathing in the fresh air of the forest), Earthing (barefoot walks on the earth/sand), and high-quality healthy food.
OFF THE BEATEN PATH
Rural Tourism (R.T.) and Community-Based Rural Tourism (C.R.T.) provide an authentic experience with personalized attention that allows you to enjoy our form of rural living, and to get to know the essence and identity of Costa Ricans. In a perfect combination of nature and culture, you will discover Costa Rica’s “Pura Vida” lifestyle while enjoying and sharing diverse environments of peace, comfort and communal living with our customs and traditions, immersed in a magnificent natural diversity.
LET’S GO
All this natural beauty comes with advantages that will make each trip more enjoyable: Tour operators with broad experience in serving cruises, multi-cultural cuisine, a safe atmosphere and many recreational activities. The beautiful coasts of the Caribbean and Pacific Region can also be easily accessed. Costa Rica is an unforgettable experience, not only for its natural beauty, but also for its people. Costa Ricans, or “Ticos,” are warm, friendly and love to share their culture with visitors.
ACTIVITIES
Venture onto impressive suspension bridges, where the whole family will be able to better appreciate the river landscapes from up close, the canopy of the forest, the sensation of the depths of nature, and learn how life works in the treetops. One of the activities that has made Costa Rica famous for is ziplining, or “canopy”, as it’s commonly called. In Costa Rica, you’ll find activities that will allow you to enjoy exciting and unforgettable moments. You’ll just have to choose the kind of adventure you want to embark on and decide where you want to do it.
BEACHES
Costa Rica occupies a privileged place in the heart of Central America and it is estimated that 600 beaches surround the entire national territory. This wealth allows the enjoyment of the beach as a means of recreation, sport and rest. The Pacific coast contains major tourism centers and beaches that are favorites among surfers. The Caribbean region stands out for its variety of marine ecosystems and its white and black sand beaches, ideal for activities centered around nature and the ocean, including surfing, diving in clear water, basking in the sun and hiking along the coast.
ECO-FRIENDLY
Costa Rica is sustainably focused and is ranked as one of the top eco-friendly destinations in the world, building many institutions and learning experiences geared towards sustainability. Although Costa Rica is a small territory, it makes up about 6% of the earth’s biodiversity. Fortunately, this natural treasure is protected by the National System of Conservation Areas, preserving a total of 26% of the national territory.
CULTURAL TRADITION
Costa Rica offers world-renowned cultural wonders, including: the oxherd and oxcart – a masterpiece of Oral and Intangible Cultural Heritage – chiefdom settlements and the stone spheres of southern Costa Rica, and the Guayabo National Archaeological Monument. Other nationally prized offerings and cultural traditions shared with visitors include creole swing dance, Limón calypso, traditional Chorotega ceramics, the Boruca Little Devils Festival, art, crafts, music and gastronomy, among others.
FAMILY
Costa Rica has a wholesome environment and is an excellent place for families, with plenty of exciting activities everyone will enjoy including walks, guided visits, group games, interacting with the locals, enjoying the local cuisine, beach sports and much more.
BIRDING
Costa Rica has long been famous among serious bird watchers and many people who never before had an interest change their mind when they encounter the country’s spectacular avian diversity. With almost 900 species of birds – more than all of North America – it is hard not to become an instant fan of the beautifully feathered creatures one encounters in Costa Rica.
ROMANCE
Costa Rica is big on romance. Every couple has dreams of walking hand-in-hand, along a perfect beach, feeling the soft sand between their toes as the nearby ocean sets the tone for romance. Costa Rica’s multicolored beaches are the perfect honeymoon under the sun and the moon! There are so many memories to be made: the underwater world and diving experience, sailing, kayaking, fishing, golfing, and visiting natural reserves filled with lush greenery. The passion and romance are hidden in the beautiful sunsets just awaiting discovery!
WELLNESS
Costa Rica is the ideal setting for detoxification from stress and the daily grind. Travelers can experience Wellness tourism as part of a lifestyle that combines physical activity and healthy eating while enjoying a wide range of activities to renew your mind, body and soul. Wellness includes activities that put you in contact with nature: Hot Springs, Forest baths (breathing in the fresh air of the forest), Earthing (barefoot walks on the earth/sand), and high-quality healthy food.
OFF THE BEATEN PATH
Rural Tourism (R.T.) and Community-Based Rural Tourism (C.R.T.) provide an authentic experience with personalized attention that allows you to enjoy our form of rural living, and to get to know the essence and identity of Costa Ricans. In a perfect combination of nature and culture, you will discover Costa Rica’s “Pura Vida” lifestyle while enjoying and sharing diverse environments of peace, comfort and communal living with our customs and traditions, immersed in a magnificent natural diversity.
LET’S GO
All this natural beauty comes with advantages that will make each trip more enjoyable: Tour operators with broad experience in serving cruises, multi-cultural cuisine, a safe atmosphere and many recreational activities. The beautiful coasts of the Caribbean and Pacific Region can also be easily accessed. Costa Rica is an unforgettable experience, not only for its natural beauty, but also for its people. Costa Ricans, or “Ticos,” are warm, friendly and love to share their culture with visitors.
