Stunningly beautiful and with a wealth of flora and fauna, Costa Rica is also the most advanced Central American country in terms of both its economy and society.
Landscapes and natural attractions
For such a small a country there is an incredible amount to see. There are mist-shrouded cloudforests, smouldering volcanoes, beautiful bubbling hot springs, lush rainforests, rolling hills, huge tumbling rivers, white sand beaches that stretch for miles, incredible wildlife as well as sweet-smelling coffee and fruit plantations, all within easy reach of the capital, San José.
Wildlife
The diversity of the flora and fauna is on show everywhere in a riot of vivid colours: this is one of the best places to spot tapirs, caiman, iridescent butterflies and day-glow frogs, not to mention the elusive jaguar.
Adventure and experience
Costa Rica is also one of the most adventurous countries in Central America: they have devised hundreds of different ways to experience the country; on foot, by horseback, motorboat, canopy walkways and the more adrenaline stimulating activities including ziplining, scuba diving, river-rafting, mountain biking, volcano climbing, sea-kayaking and surfing to name but a few.
Ecotourism and guides
It is progressive in its views on ecotourism, has a long history of democracy and is peaceful enough to not even warrant an army. The guides throughout the country are excellent, which just enhances any trip.
Adventure Activities
Whilst Costa Rica is famed for its natural beauty, there's plenty of ways to explore the country for those seeking a bit more of an adrenalin rush. Canopy zip-line tours, white water rafting, quad biking along deserted Pacific beaches, horseriding, hiking to pristine lakes and forests, mountain biking and kayaking are just a few of the options available.
Ecotourism
Costa Rica has long been heralded as a pioneer in ecotourism, with over a quarter of the country being protected as a national park or reserve. Whilst many hotels elsewhere in the world will wave the ecotourism flag with little or no real credentials, things are different in Costa Rica where hotels can gain accreditation from a national board for implementing green practices.
Turtles
July to October is the nesting season for the endangered Green Turtle, when the turtles come up on to Tortuguero beach at night to lay their eggs. It is possible to arrange trips at night to witness this fantastic natural phenomenon, and it really is a wonderful sight to see these peaceful giants so close up.
Volcanoes
There are over 200 volcanoes in Costa Rica, many remaining active and fascinating to explore. Their landscapes range from dramatic jagged moonscapes to verdant tropical rainforest, conical in shape to rugged and barren with old magma flows or crater lakes. At Arenal, in particular, you may even be able to glimpse lava flows and hear gas eruptions.
White water rafting
Rafting in Costa Rica is simply spectacular and there are numerous places to try it, suitable for all levels. The Pacuare River, in particular, is the most challenging. It is a thrilling experience in a stunning setting as the surrounding tropical rainforest provides your backdrop for this adventure, complete with narrow gulleys and beautiful waterfalls along the way.
Wildlife
The wildlife is simply spectacular in Costa Rica and you have real chances of seeing tapirs, sloth, ocelots, coatis, caiman, numerous species of monkey, margay, turtles, iguanas, frogs, butterflies, not to mention more than 850 species of birds.
