Costa Rica
Costa Rica is small country in Central America. It is bordered by Nicaragua to the north and Panama to the south. The Caribbean Sea is to the east and the Pacific Ocean is to the west. There are two major mountain ranges in the country: the Cordillera Volcanica and the Cordillera de Talamanca.
Costa Rica is committed to preserving the beauty and diversity of the country through the development of national parks. One fifth of the country is covered in forests. The Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve is the largest cloud forest in Central America. Costa Rica is home to over 2,000 species of trees and 9,000 different kinds of flowering plants. Tropical dry forests remain dry until the rainy season begins in April or May. These forests burst into bloom when the rains arrive. The tropical rain forests are humid and hot year-round. The heavy rains encourage thick plant growth from the treetop canopy to the forest floor, including fungi, molds, ferns, and vines. Palm trees and mangroves are prevalent along the coastal areas. There are over 200 species of reptiles, the majority of which are snakes. There are many brightly colored toads and frogs, including the poison arrow frog. The country is also home to hundreds of mammals including bats, and insects, such as vibrant butterflies and leaf-cutter ants. Birdwatchers may get a glimpse of the endangered colorful quetzal bird, blue-footed boobies, scarlet macaw, and toucans. The national flower is the orchid. There are over 1,200 species of orchids in Costa Rica.
All trails lead to waterfalls, misty crater lakes or jungle-fringed, deserted beaches. Explored by horseback, foot or kayak, Costa Rica is a real tropical adventure land.
As the eco- and adventure-tourism capital of Central America, Costa Rica has a worthy place in te travel bucket list of travelers around the world. With world-class infrastructure, visionary sustainability initiatives and no standing army since 1948 (when the country redirected its defense funds toward education, healthcare and the environment), Costa Rica is a peaceful green jewel of the region. Rainforest hikes and brisk high-altitude trails, rushing white-water rapids and world-class surfing: Costa Rica offers a dizzying suite of outdoor adventures in every shape and size – from the squeal-inducing rush of a canopy zip line to a sun-dazed afternoon at the beach. National parks allow visitors to glimpse life in the tropical rainforest and cloud forest, simmering volcanoes offer otherworldly vistas, and reliable surf breaks are suited to beginners and experts alike.
And then there are the people. Costa Ricans, or Ticos as they prefer to call themselves, are proud of their little slice of paradise, welcoming guests to sink into the easygoing rhythms of the pura vida (pure life). The greeting, farewell, catchy motto and enduring mantra gets to the heart of Costa Rica’s appeal – its simple yet profound ability to let people relax and enjoy their time. With the highest quality of life in Central America, all the perfect waves, perfect sunsets and perfect beaches seem like the pura vida indeed.
Sample Itineraries
Costa Rica family holiday 15 days
Costa Rica family holiday 15 days Day 1: San Jose. Welcome to Costa Rica! You can arrive at any time today as there are no activities planned. San Jose sits in the heart of the country in the lush, wide Central Valley, and has a comfortable subtropical climate. With over half the country’s population living within its limits, it’s a bustling city with lively markets, intriguing museums and a dynamic atmosphere. It’s also easy to navigate – laid out in a grid pattern, the avenidas run east to west and the callés run north to south. After the meeting tonight, perhaps get to know the rest of the group and head out for your first taste of the local ‘tico’ food. Read more
Costa Rica modules, 12 days
San Jose & Central Valley, 3 days – 2 nights San José sits in a mile-high mountain valley ringed by volcanoes whose ash has fertilized the soil and turned the region into Costa Rica’s market garden, the land that coffee built. The surrounding countryside of the Central Valley is stunning, characterized by coffee plantations; lush rain and cloud forests sprout with wildlife and spectacular volcanoes and mountains. Day 1 Arrival via xxx at xx:xx pm and Airport Shuttle to Hotel Holiday Inn San Jose Downtown Aurola Lodging: Hotel Holiday Inn San Jose Downtown Aurola, Standard room including breakfast – 2 nights & 3 days Meet and Greet – a short meeting where we will give you tips and suggestions about your trip. Day off to rest and charge batteries up. Day 2 Read more
Costa Rica modules, 15 days
Costa Rica modules, 15 days San Jose & Central Valley 3 days – 2 nights San José sits in a mile-high mountain valley ringed by volcanoes whose ash has fertilized the soil and turned the region into Costa Rica’s market garden, the land that coffee built. The surrounding countryside of the Central Valley is stunning, characterized by coffee plantations; lush rain and cloud forests sprout with wildlife and spectacular volcanoes and mountains. Read more
