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 capital of Costa Rica, the large, sprawling city of San José is the focal point of the Central Valley with a spectacular setting, ringed by jagged mountains and volcanoes on all sides.
Located just 15 minutes from the airport but nestled amongst peaceful, lush forest, Finca Rosa Blanca is a warm, welcoming inn which boasts its own organic coffee farm and the perfect surroundings for a relaxing break.
Hotel Grano de Oro is a beautifully converted Victorian mansion within easy walking distance of many shops and restaurants. The 35 rooms are all individually furnished in a period style with...
Located only 5 minutes walk from downtown in the oldest and most historical section of San Jose, the Hotel Don Carlos used to be residence for two of the past presidential families. ...
Peace Lodge lies in the Central Valley, two hours from San José in the grounds of La Paz Waterfall Gardens Nature Park. The 16 guest rooms and villas are beautifully constructed...
A good value boutique option for those visiting San Jose, The Alta Hotel offers comfortably-furnished bedrooms and a remote setting with views over Costa Rica's capital city, which lies just 20 minutes away.
The Trapp Family Country Inn is a welcoming hotel with friendly staff and comfortable guest rooms. It is ideally located for Juan Santamaria International Airport, which is just one mile away.
The Xandari Plantation Inn consists of 22 spacious villas only 25 minutes from San José. Overlooking Costa Rica’s Central Valley, the villas and gardens have been designed and furnished with...
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Further reading:Costa RicaWhen to GoHighlightsItinerary IdeasPlaces to GoThings to DoAccommodationAbout Costa RicaCountry Guides
Other countries in Central America, Mexico & Cuba:BelizeCubaGuatemalaHondurasMexicoNicaraguaPanama