Costa Rica has long been seen as a natural treasure, which boasts more than one million tourist visit each year. Our country, located in Central America, is an isthmus where life seems to have created its roots and natural beauty has no limits.
It is a peaceful country, proud of its prosperous democracy, respect for human rights and stable political system. With an unmatched blend of rich biodiversity, friendly culture and tranquil setting, visitors to this country will find friendly faces and an abundance of activities to satisfy all tastes.
Costa Rica ’s state of the art facilities and convenient tourist amenities make it the ultimate travel destination. In fact according to the Eight Annual Honeymoon Survey held by the prestigious world-class Magazine, Modern Bride, Costa Rica was selected among the World´s 50 best honeymoon destinations, being number one of the adventure top ten list
As follows, textual information on Modern Bride´s magazine:

“ Costa Rica: Mother Nature runs the show at the rain-forest lodges of this Central American ecoplayground. Your wake-up call will be a flock of green macaws bickering with mischievous howler monkeys, your spa treatment a volcanic steam bath at the base of rumbling Mount Arenal, and your room service a juicy mango plucked from beside curling Pacific breakers.
Once called the Switzerland of Central America for its political stability, Costa Rica is now the hottest ecotourism destination on two continents with more than a quarter of its land protected in national parks and reserves. The dress code is as laid-back as the people, so prepare to trade in your high heels for a pair of hiking boots and your little black dress for a wet suit. You two will find all the amenities of an upscale resort, but with wild, unpredictable jungle just outside your door. Mother Nature leaves the in-room entertainment up to you”.

In Costa Rica, contrasts and natural diversity are great. Few places in the world present, within such a small and accessible area, so many natural variants. In its length of 51.100 square kilometers, you will always find a special place to discover. 24.6% of Costa Rican territory is mainly protected under categories such as National Parks, Biological Reserves and National Wildlife Refuges. No other country in the world has dedicated so much of its territory to the protection of the environment. Due to its geographical position, Costa Rica is an exuberant biological bridge of botanical and zoological species. Its territory creates a narrow passage that shelters flora and fauna of North America as well as South America, besides a great quantity of endemic species. The climate is pleasant all year.

Six Regions, Six Wonders:

Choosing among Costa Rica{s six wonders is a next-to-impossible task, as each has its own unique marvels.

CARIBBEAN ZONE:

Magnificent Evergreen and calypso rhythm

To arrive in the Caribbean, is to arrive in the land of coconut trees, to the land where a rich life full of positive vibrations converges with an exquisite flora and fauna. Calypso music dances on the warm Caribbean breezes. Singing stories of legends and ancestors, the dreams of modern musicians bring alive the spicy history of the region’s Afro-Caribbean roots.

This zone is characterized by the coexistence of diverse cultures that have left their imprint on Costa Rican history, including Afro-Caribbean, Chinese, indigenous Bri-Bri and Cabecar, and Caucasians. Due to this cultural mix, the Caribbean offers visitors experiences set apart from the rest of Costa Rica, including rich coconut flavored culinary traditions, rhythm and unique language. One of the obligatory visits of the area is Tortuguero. Important scientific investigations take place here on the nesting of the green marine turtle and crocodiles. This is an interesting corner of the country for scientific and ecological tourism.

Between July and October thousands of green turtles arrive on this 15-mile stretch of beach to deposit their eggs. The region has one of the highest annual rainfall rates in the world and protects important species of flora and fauna, some endemic, including reptiles, birds, and the nanatee (the largest mammal in Costa Rica) To the south, you find Cahuita, Puerto Viejo and Manzanillo, one of the few places in the world that houses a large quantity of marine ecosystems in each square meter. Puerto Viejo is very close. This is where to go to conquer the “Salsa Brava” wave, one of the most famous in the world because it reaches up to 40 feet high. It is an unbearable challenge for surf lovers, who should not miss the waves of Bonita, Puerto Viejo, Westfalia and Uvita Island beaches.

Some of the activities of this exotic area include: ocean kayaking, hiking tour at Cahuita National Park and Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge, visit to indigenous reserves, bird-watching, boat tour at the Tortuguero National Park, surfing and beach relaxation. Most hotels at the Caribbean side of Costa Rica offer a particular Caribbean style construction including wooden bungalows and alike. This region of Costa Rica doesn’t have a dry season – it rains constantly, however, October is considered the driest month and best time of the year to visit this region.

NORTH PACIFIC

Sun lover’s paradise!

The North Pacific Region is full of beautiful, varied textured and colorful sand beaches. If you love the sun, Guanacaste awaits you. Summer is present year-round and rainy season here is drier than in the rest of the country. Majestic volcanoes and warm beaches will take you to another world. This region has everything you desire and deserve. Cliffs surround the beaches while the sun baths them, making them seem golden and endless. Every year, tourists flock to the country’s Northern Pacific, encompassing the province of Guanacaste and Nicoya Peninsula, visitors soak in local traditions along with the sun. Guanacaste has its own unique way of life, a culture tourists often admire.

It has its own International Airport called Daniel Oduber by which you can enter directly to this land of enchantment with its five star beach hotels, small lodges, and exciting activities like scuba diving in the deep blue sea, fishing and golf. It is a region of ancient encounters between the indigenous people and the wise Mayan culture.

Almost all the beaches of the North Pacific Region have gentle surf and are good for swimming or sunbathing. Its abundant ecosystems, habitats for a great variety of fish, sharks, manta rays and clown shrimp, create excellent diving places.

One of the newest natural attraction, Rio Celeste, a magic blue-light River protected by Volcan Tenorio National Park. (The Guanacaste Mountain Range’s second-highest elevation) Your senses will be elighted with everything here, three things you must see: the waterfall, the hot springs and Los Teñideros (fabric dyers). Rio Celeste is absolutely astonishing!

Within this area you can find a great variety of hotels, including exclusive all inclusive resorts, secluded bungalows overlooking the ocean and romantic retreats. The zone offers a great variety of beautiful tropical beaches such as Tamarindo, Hermosa, Punta Islita, Conchal, Flamingo, Coco, Manzanillo and more. Activities include: deep sea diving, surfing, sport fishing, sunset boat tours, canopy tours, horseback riding, naturalist hiking tours and more.

CENTRAL PACIFIC

For breathtaking sunsets...

This region of the country is especially attractive to tourists in search of beautiful beaches or adventurous river rafting trips. The whole coast is made up of spectacular beaches, some isolated allowing you to rest far from the bustle and daily activity of the city and others full of life and recreational activities. Just a few hours away from the capital, the Central Pacific region is the closest beach area to San Jose. Puntarenas, its largest city and major port, is one of the main stops for the arrival of cruise and cargo ships. Many of the Central Pacific’s beaches are ideal for surfing, such as Esterillos, Jaco, Hermosa, Boca Barranca ad the beaches that border Puerto Caldera.

Wildlife observation is one of the region’s most popular activities. Carara National Park, for example, has one of the country’s largest populations of scarlet macaws. Anchored in the Gulf of Nicoya, the Guayabo, Negritos, Pájaros and Tortuga islands offer beautiful white landscapes. Other activities include sunset boat tours and dolphin encounter, sport fishing, canopy tours, horseback riding, and bird watching. On the edge of the Central Pacific coast, Manuel Antonio is the most radiant jewel.

The park protects many types of flora native to tropical rainforests, and a variety of fauna which is easy to observe almost everywhere. Activities abound include hiking tours, surfing, horseback riding, kayaking, bird watching, dolphin-watching tours, beach volleyball, white water farting down the Naranjo and Savegre rivers, jet ski tours, mountain biking, snorkeling and more. This region offers great variety of hotels and resorts which include exclusive deluxe hotels and smaller romantic getaways overlooking the ocean. Most of them offer a great view to the ocean while some are located at walking distance from the beach.

NORTHERN PLAINS

Under volcano’s glance

The Northern Plains are marked by volcanoes, humid and cloud forests, enormous waterfalls and mighty rivers surrounded with rich vegetation and wildlife. Nature’s generosity has facilitated diverse activities for the visitor including horseback riding through the countryside, canopy tours, water sports, hiking, mountain biking and wildlife observation..

During your trip from San Jose toward the Northern Mountains and Plains, you will enjoy the view of several mountain chains, such as Guanacaste and Tilaran. They are separated by the Arenal Reservoir loved worldwide by windsurfers and the small Cote Lake that is shaped like a heart.

The Arenal Volcano is among its main attractions. Its shape is that of an almost perfect cone and presents spectacular shows of red lava eruptions that remind you of carnival fireworks contrasted against the dark night or down sky. La Fortuna area is one of the most amazing regions in the country, with cloud forests, active and dormant volcanoes, hot springs, waterways, wildlife refuges, caves, extreme sports, bird watching and pastoral landscapes. The region combines the fertile plains of Guatuso, San Carlos and Sarapiqui with the volcanic mountain ranges of Guanacaste and Tilaran, and the cloud forest at the Monteverde Biological Reserve.

La Paz Waterfall Gardens , a private wildlife refuge and nature park is located in the Sarapiqui area which protects over 70 acres of forest. It features five amazing waterfalls, one dropping 120 feet. The nature park also has a hummingbird garden, where you will be close to the smallest birds in the world, only found in the American continent. Hotels within this area offer a tranquil environment and beautiful landscape. In Arenal area, they offer spectacular views to the Volcano and beautiful surroundings.

SOUTH PACIFIC REGION

Undiscovered paradise

Large masses of humid tropical forests harbor many of the planet’s unique species, not a small number endemic to Costa Rica. Other South Pacific attractions include an abundant marine diversity, the highest peak in the country, and an indigenous legacy whose captivating mysteries include pre-Colombian stone spheres and other cultural gems.

If you are looking for an adventurous trip, the South Pacific region is the place to visit. Here you will experience nature in its ultimate expression. Nature alive, exuberant, vigorous in each detail of a wild life still unaltered by man. Foaming blue sea, prismatic waters full of turquoise reflections and blunt waves that slide over the white and gray sands.

The South Pacific also possesses the country’s largest extension of wetlands, including the Sierpe-Térraba, and solitary beaches ideal for strolling in search of quiet communion with nature. Caño Island, a natural treasure that holds reminders of previous civilizations. Several pre-Colombian archeological artifacts have been found, including ceramics and tools. The island is also a great location for scuba diving and snorkeling. Its clear waters and amazing collection of marine creatures make it one of the country’s and the world’s best locations for those aquatic sports.

Together with its rivers and waterfalls, makes this part of the country absolutely charming. The Osa Peninsula covers most of the South Pacific region and is an area of rich natural attractions. . The Osa Peninsula’s Golfo Dulce is one of the only places on the planet where whales from North and South America come to breed their young.

The Corcovado National Park covers one-third of the Osa Peninsula and is one of the wildest zones in the country. It is protected specifically for scientific research and environmental education. Activities include: deep sea diving, sport fishing, hiking tour within Corcovado National Park, considered Costa Rica’s most biodiversed park, dolphin and whale watching, bird observation and beach relaxation.

CENTRAL VALLEY

Surrounded by giants!

Although Costa Rica’s Central Valley region is considered a gateway to the rest of the country, it has its own plethora of activities and attractions worth exploring. One of its best features is a pleasant climate. But there is also great nightlife as well as gastronomic variety, dance halls, pubs and discos full of tropical rhythms.

There are a great offer on one day tours from the capital city which include: white water rafting at Pacuare, Sarapiqui or Reventazon rivers, horseback riding, canopy tours, Tortuga Island Cruise, Poás Volcano and Irazú Volcano National Parks, the impressive Lankaster Garden for orchid lovers, San Jose city tours, canopy tours to nearby places, La Paz Waterfall gardens one day visit, Hot springs at Arenal, one day tour. You can find from romantic mountain retreats with spectacular views of the valley to deluxe hotels offering great comfort and amenities. San Jose is the political and administrative capital of Costa Rica, and also its most populous province. Museums, parks and nightlife are some of the attractions of this w city. Other important cities are Cartago which was founded in 1563 and former capital city. The climate is cool year-round, and the soil is perfect for growing fruits and vegetables, mainly potatoes and onions. Cartago´s main cathedral is the scene of the nation’s biggest pilgrimage. Each year on August 2, nearly one million people. Journey to the church. Irazu Volcano is located in this city. It first erupted in 1723, and again in 1963 and 1965.

With an irregular semi-conical shape that reaches 11,260, it forms part of the Central Volcanic Mountain Range Conservation area.

On the other side of the Valley is Alajuela, home city to the Juan Santamaria International Airport. One of most visited National Parks is in this city, Poas Vocano which has one of the largest craters in the world, nearly one mile wide and 984 feet deep.