Costa Rica Escapes
Costa Rica is a rugged, rainforested Central American country with coastlines on the Caribbean and Pacific. Though its capital, San Jose, is home to cultural institutions like the Pre-Columbian Gold Museum, Costa Rica is known for its beaches, volcanoes, and biodiversity. Roughly a quarter of its area is made up of protected jungle, teeming with wildlife including spider monkeys and quetzal birds.
Costa Rica is one of the most biodiverse countries in the world; it contains about 5% of the world’s species. The lush wild natural environment can be experienced all throughout the country and is easily accessible to the curious visitor. Costa Rica is a safe paradise. Unlike other countries, Costa Rica enjoys a very stable political climate and economic development, providing visitors with a tranquil setting for their stay. It is one of the few countries in the world with no army. The country and its people have a peaceful disposition, which makes for the perfect place to enjoy an unforgettable vacation. Costa Rica offers dreamlike landscapes, kind people willing to share their culture and a safe country to experience natural wonders.
Costa Rica provides the perfect combination of relaxation, adventure, culture, fine cuisine and wildlife. Visitors find in Costa Rica an adventure paradise set in the most beautiful natural and safe environment. It is also the home of four World Heritage sites certified by UNESCO.
Essential Costa Rica is about promoting organic ingredients, unspoiled nature and authentic experiences. It is one of the world’s most unique places. In support of these efforts, the Costa Rica Institute of Tourism (ICT) has developed a Sustainable Tourism Certification (CST) program for those companies that place an extra effort on offering, through their everyday activities, a conscious approach towards preserving the environment and the local community.
ARENAL
A charming and quiet town, La Fortuna is easily accessible from the capital city San Jose (3-hour drive or 30 minutes flight from the main airports), and offers some panoramic views of the spectacular Arenal Volcano. Beside the volcano, this town has other great tourist attractions like the La Catarata de la Fortuna, a breathtakingly beautiful waterfall that falls from a dizzying height of 70 meters.
NORTH GUANACASTE
Generous and warm province, Guanacaste is known for its cattle ranching production and spectacular beaches. It is the driest region of Costa Rica, specially the coastal areas. Guanacaste became part of Costa Rica in 1824; until then, it had remained an independent province. This territory certainly has a very important natural and cultural richness for Costa Rica’s economy. Some of the best beach hotels in the world are found on the beaches of Guanacaste.
SOUTH GUANACASTE
This Area includes the southwest coast of the Nicoya Peninsula. Its north limit is the Punta Cerritos and its south with river Bongo outfall, with a length of approximately 110 kilometers in front of the coast. The main tourist center of the South Guanacaste Unit is the Nicoya city, located at 30 kilometers of the coast that works as a distribution center and stop break for the tourist that travels to the south Guanacaste beaches and the travelers to other passages. The second tourist center is the village of Sámara, located over the coast, which gives it a central position in relation with the whole passage territory.
CENTRAL VALLEY
The strikingly beautiful Central Valley and Highlands offer a variety of climates, but many consider this area of Costa Rica to be in “Eternal Spring.” The incredible landscapes include rich, green coffee fields, soaring volcanoes, winding rivers, sugar plantations, picturesque farm land and charming small towns such as Grecia, Sarchi, Zarcero, Atenas ,Escazu and the Orosi Valley, Irazu or Poas Volcanoes; hike Braulio Carrillo National Park or Los Angeles Cloud Forest.
MONTEVERDE
Set atop the spine of Costa Rica’s continental divide, Monteverde is a world above the coastal towns that dot the country’s famous shoreline. It is a place of cloud forests and coffee plantations, monkeys, mist, and friendly locals. The town of Santa Elena is small and quaint, filled with tasty restaurants and folksy artisan shops, while the nearby rainforest hosts a remarkable amount of biodiversity
RIO CELESTE
Set in the mountains in rural northwestern Costa Rica, the Rio Celeste (Blue River) and waterfall is a breathtaking natural wonder that one has to see to believe. The brilliant blue water, which seems altered at first blush, gets its show-stopping hue from a chemical reaction between volcanic minerals.
- The enchanting Rio Celeste – A four-hour rainforest hike through the Tenorio Volcano National Park. You´ll experience the wealth of flora and fauna of this area, culminating in an astounding view.
- Pure Trek Canyoning – Your Canyoning experience includes 3 waterfalls and 1 rock wall. Furthermore a Monkey Drop, which is a small zip line and rappel and a Rock Climb.
- Volcano & Hot Spring – The Arenal Volcano has been active since 1968, and constantly ejects gases, water, fumaroles and explosions with pyroclastic material emissions.
- La Fortuna Water Falls – This is a good combination of horseback ride and hike at a beautiful stage. First you will be enjoying spectacular views of the San Carlos Valley and enclose tropical forest.
- White River Rafting – The northern zone of Costa Rica is blessed with the most beautiful landscapes and incredible rivers for rafting. With an excellent level of water throughout the year
- Surfing Lessons – This is not just a lesson: it is the first step in surfing. After years of experience teaching surfing we guarantee you will stand up and ride your first waves in just one lesson!
- Sunset Catamaran – On this half day trip, you will sail around Tamarindo Bay looking for marine life and enjoying the fabulous Tamarindo sunset; listening to sunset music
- Horseback Rides – Visit one amazing part of the Nicoya Peninsula, Hacienda Ario. This is a 15 000 acres cattle farm, with over 40 years of tradition.
- Dolphin Watching – This unforgettable natural adventure is for those looking to enjoy life to its fullest. Discover Manuel Antonio’s coastline the way Christopher Columbus traveled
- ATV & Zipline – Experience the most unforgettable ATV tour in the Quepos/Manuel Antonio area, located just minutes north of the Manuel Antonio National Park biological corridor.
- Scuba Diving – xDeparting early in the morning in our comfortable van; through the Costanera Highway; along the Pacific Ocean for about 1 ½ hour; up to the town of Sierpe.
- Tortuguero Canals – Both Tortuguero National Park and the town are only accessible by boat or plane; thus making it an unforgettable experience. This park contains the habitat of 7 kinds of turtles. It is possible to watch thousands of turtles laying their eggs on the beach at the same time.