Costa Rica, nestled in the heart of Central America, is a peaceful paradise bordered by both the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean. Its landscapes range from tropical beaches and dense rainforests to active volcanoes and cool mountain highlands, with most of the population living in the temperate central plateau, home to the capital city, San José. As the only country in Central America without a standing army, Costa Rica has enjoyed over a century of stable democracy and is celebrated for its commitment to conservation with nearly a quarter of its land is protected as national parks and reserves. With its rich natural beauty, welcoming culture, and the easygoing spirit of pura vida, Costa Rica offers visitors an experience of harmony and adventure in equal measure.
Arenal National Park: Home to one of the world’s most active volcanoes, Arenal National Park is framed by breathtaking scenery and agricultural land. The volcano’s perfectly conical shape and decades of activity create a striking backdrop for hiking and wildlife encounters.
Corcovado National Park: Celebrated as one of the most biologically rich places on Earth, Corcovado National Park overflows with wildlife. Visitors may spot scarlet macaws, tapirs, jaguars, and squirrel monkeys while exploring its pristine rainforest trails.
Monteverde Cloud Forest: Monteverde’s Cloud Forest invites exploration through ziplining, night walks, canopy tours, and visits to family-run plantations. Guests can discover local crops such as sugar cane, coffee, bananas, arracache, avocados, and macadamia nuts, gaining insight into the region’s agricultural traditions.
Tortuguero National Park: Journey through the jungle-lined canals of Tortuguero National Park, alive with flora and fauna. Visitors can connect with local communities to learn about their daily life and traditions. From July to September you can witness the remarkable sight of sea turtles nesting along the beaches.
Manuel Antonio National Park: This incredible park features walking trails, tropical beaches, and colourful coral reefs. Renowned for its rich biodiversity, the park is home to three-toed sloths, white-faced capuchin monkeys, and an array of birdlife.
Costa Rica has two main seasons, each offering its own appeal. The dry season, from late November to late April, brings warm, sunny days ideal for beach escapes and outdoor exploration. From May to mid-November, the rainy or “green” season transforms the landscape into a lush paradise, with afternoon showers refreshing the forests and fields. Whether you prefer clear skies or vibrant greenery, Costa Rica’s beauty shines year-round.
Currency: Costa Rican Colon (CRC)
Language: Spanish is the official language, while English is widely spoken in areas popular with visitors.
What makes it special: Costa Rica is Latin America’s ultimate adventure destination, defined by extraordinary biodiversity and natural beauty. Pristine beaches stretch for miles, boutique eco-lodges remain tucked away from mass tourism, and jungle rivers are waiting to be explored by raft or kayak. Cloud forests and rainforests offer endless opportunities for hiking and birdwatching.
Social Customs: In Costa Rica, directions are often given using landmarks rather than street names, as signage can be limited. Modern conveniences have woven into local culture as even fast-food chains serve traditional favourites like gallo pinto (rice and beans) for breakfast or cheese pie instead of apple pie. Above all, family remains central to Costa Rican life, with multi-generational households forming the heart of many communities.
