Reasons To Visit Costa Rica
Whilst Costa Rica is famed for its natural beauty, there are also 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.
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.
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.
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 ancient magma flows and crater lakes. At Arenal, in particular, you may even be able to glimpse live lava flows and hear gas eruptions.
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.
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.
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Central America
The sleepy hamlet of San Gerado de Dota is about three hours south of San José and famous amongst the world’s birdwatching community.
A friendly and stylish lodge with spectacular views and knowledgeable staff, the Dantica Cloud Forest Lodge is a joy for visitors staying in this part of beautiful San Gerardo de Dota.
Also known as Cabinas Chacon, the Savegre Mountain Hotel is located in San Gerardo de Dota, in the Talamanca mountains of Costa Rica. It offers comfortable accommodation and excellent wildlife-spotting opportunities.
15 days from £2,915pp
22 miles away
25 miles away
27 miles away
47 miles away
Further reading:Costa RicaWhen to GoHighlightsItinerary IdeasPlaces to GoThings to DoAccommodationAbout Costa RicaCountry Guides
Other countries in Central America, Mexico & Cuba:BelizeCubaGuatemalaHondurasMexicoNicaraguaPanama