Costa Rica
Nature & Activities
Sites like the Manuel Antonio National Park offer a literal walk through paradise, where white-faced capuchins and sloths are easily spotted steps from the sand. Adventure seekers can glide through the canopy on a zipline in Monteverde Cloud Forest or navigate the turquoise rapids of the Pacuare River. While the dry season (December to April) offers peak sunshine for beach lounging, the green season (May to November) transforms the landscape into a lush wonderland, ideal for observing wildlife.
Regional Diversity
Costa Rica is divided into seven distinct provinces, each offering a unique gateway to the country’s microclimates. To the north, Guanacaste is famous for its “Gold Coast” beaches and dry tropical climate. Moving inland, Alajuela is the heart of the northern lowlands, home to the iconic Arenal Volcano. San José serves as the bustling cultural hub and gateway to the Central Valley. To the south, Puntarenas stretches along the Pacific, hosting the biodiversity of Corcovado. Limón, on the Caribbean coast, offers a distinct Afro-Caribbean vibe and the turtle nesting grounds of Tortuguero. Finally, Cartago provides a window into colonial history and the high-altitude Irazú Volcano.
Culture & Traditions
Costa Rica is a peaceful democracy that famously abolished its army in 1948, fostering a culture centered on “Pura Vida” (the simple life). You can feel the country’s heartbeat during the “Fiestas Cívicas,” especially on September 15th (Independence Day), when schools participate in parades with marching bands and people gather to celebrate. In August, the pilgrimage to the Basílica de los Ángeles in Cartago brings the nation together in a display of deep-rooted faith.
Cuisine
Costa Rican cuisine focuses on fresh, local ingredients and comforting flavors. The national staple is Gallo Pinto, a seasoned mix of rice and beans typically served for breakfast with eggs, sour cream, sweet plantain and handmade tortillas. The Casado is a hearty platter featuring rice, beans, plantains, salad, and a protein. Coffee is a point of national pride, with high-altitude volcanic soil producing some of the world’s best beans. The afternoon coffee break is a sacred daily ritual, typically occurring between 3:00 PM and 4:00 PM.
Traveling Tips
While Spanish is the official language, English is widely spoken. Getting around is an adventure in itself navigating winding mountain roads and taking in the great mountain views. In coastal towns like Tamarindo, Nosara and Santa Teresa, ATVs and scooters are popular ways to reach hidden beaches.
Featured Destinations
La Fortuna (Arenal)
La Fortuna’s main highlight is the near perfect cone shape of the Arenal Volcano. Once one of the most active volcanoes in the world, it now provides a dramatic backdrop for world-class hot springs, hanging bridges, and waterfall rappelling. Travelers like the adventure surrounding the volcano, such as visiting the 200-foot La Fortuna Waterfall or hiking the lava fields of the 1968 trail.
Monteverde Cloud Forest
Monteverde is a Cloud Forest, a sanctuary known for its incredible biodiversity. Here, the forest is constantly immersed in a thick mist, which allows “epiphyte”plants like orchids, ferns, and mosses to grow in massive abundance directly on the branches of trees, creating a lush, vertical garden. The community has a unique history, having been co-founded in the 1950s by a group of Quaker families from the United States.
Manuel Antonio
This destination is famous for Manuel Antonio National Park, which features beautiful white-sand beaches teeming with wildlife. Most hotels in this area offer great views of the Pacific Ocean sunsets and lush vegetation. The nearby town of Quepos offers a lively marina and a wide range of dining, from sunset bistros to casual “sodas.”
Tortuguero
Accessible only by boat or small plane, Tortuguero is often called the Amazon of Costa Rica. This car-free village sits on a narrow strip of land between the Caribbean Sea and a network of freshwater lagoons. It is the most important nesting site for the Green Sea Turtle in the Western Hemisphere going from June to October. Night tours during nesting season offer a profound look at this ancient natural ritual.
Santa Teresa
Located at the tip of the Nicoya Peninsula, Santa Teresa is a bohemian paradise that has become a global magnet for surfing and yoga. The demographic is heavily international. You’ll find large communities of Argentines, Israelis, Italians, and North Americans. The town features a single dusty main road lined with international cafes and boutique surf shops. Its wide, volcanic-sand beaches offer some of the most spectacular sunsets in the country, drawing a laid-back crowd every evening to celebrate the end of the day.
