Costa Rica
Welcome to Costa Rica, a small country located in Central America. It is bordered by Nicaragua to the north and Panama to the southeast. It’s also on a stretch of land between 2 coastlines, the Pacific Ocean to the west and the Caribbean Sea to the east.
Costa Rica is a land where lush rainforests meet pristine beaches, volcanoes touch the clouds, and biodiversity dazzles around every corner. Whether you’re an adventure seeker, a nature lover, or a wellness traveller, Costa Rica offers the perfect escape.
From misty mountaintops to sun-kissed surf towns, Costa Rica invites you to explore at your own pace — sustainably and soulfully.
The Capital City of San José
The capital, San José, gets mixed reviews and, personally, it doesn’t rank as one of my favourite capital cities. Whilst there are some interesting museums such as the Pre-Columbian Gold Museum and an elaborate National Theatre, for me, it is best used as an airport stopover point.
I stayed at Hotel Grano De Oro whilst transiting through Costa Rica and it was very comfortable and well centred to walk around the city.
The Places to Head for in Costa Rica
Whilst San José may well be somewhat underwhelming, certainly for me, the rest of Costa Rica makes up for it in buckets! If you’re looking for a one-stop destination offering natural beauty, adventure activities, sunshine, beaches and a laid-back culture, look no further. What’s more, Costa Rica is a pioneer in eco friendly tourism and conservation.
Be at One with Nature in Costa Rica
Interesting facts:
- Biodiversity: Costa Rica has 5% of the world’s biodiversity.
- Rainforests: It is covered with lush jungles filled with exotic birds, monkeys, sloths, frogs, and butterflies.
- National Parks: Over 25% of the country is protected land, including famous parks like Manuel Antonio, Tortuguero, and Corcovado.
Arenal & La Fortuna
For nature, hot springs & adventure this area is a must. Located in the northern highlands, Arenal Volcano National Park is one of Costa Rica’s most iconic destinations.
Top Experiences:
- Hike trails with lava fields and rainforest views
- Soak in natural hot springs
- Zip-line or horseback ride through the forest
- Visit La Fortuna Waterfall and Ecocentro Danaus
Don’t Miss: Sky Tram & Sky Walk – rainforest canopies from above!
Monteverde Cloud Forest
In the central mountains, Monteverde’s cloud forests are a dream for nature enthusiasts.
Highlights:
- Explore misty trails in the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve
- Spot rare wildlife like the resplendent quetzal
- Experience hanging bridges and night tours
- Visit butterfly gardens, coffee farms & artisan cheese shops
Both the Monteverde and La Fortuna areas offer a tranquil, cool-climate escape from the beating sun of this eco-conscious, central american country.
Osa Peninsula & Corcovado
Located in the southwest corner of Costa Rica, bordering Panama and jutting out into the Pacific Ocean. It is a biodiversity hotspot and Costa Rica’s wild frontier.
It is more remote, wild and less touristy than many other parts of Costa Rica – perfect for eco-tourism and wildlife lovers. In fact, the Osa Peninsula is home to the Corcovado National Park, one of the most biodiverse places on Earth.
Must-Do:
- Explore Corcovado National Park – often called the most biologically intense place on Earth
- Spot jaguars, tapirs, scarlet macaws, and dolphins
- Stay in eco-lodges and remote beachfront hideaways
Ideal For: Wildlife photographers and serious nature lovers
Tortuguero
Not forgetting the Caribbean coast, Tortuguero is accessible only by boat or plane and offers a totally unique experience. Expect jungles, canals & sea turtles!
Highlights:
- Cruise jungle canals by boat
- Witness sea turtles nesting (July–October)
- Enjoy the laid-back Afro-Caribbean culture and cuisine
Tip: Combine Tortuguero with a visit to Puerto Viejo for reggae vibes and Caribbean beaches
Enjoy the Beaches and Coastlines of Costa Rica
With two coastlines, you are not going to struggle to find your perfect beach paradise. The beaches are perfect for swimming, snorkelling, surfing or just relaxing.
Guanacaste & Nicoya Peninsula
This northwestern region boasts some of the country’s best beaches and driest weather. It is an ideal spot to find your beautiful beaches and sunsets.
Top Spots:
- Tamarindo: Surf, nightlife, and beach vibes
- Nosara: Wellness retreats and yoga on the beach
- Santa Teresa: Surf culture with boho flair
- Papagayo Peninsula: Upscale resorts and luxury getaways
Activities: Snorkeling, ATV tours, sailing, and sea turtle watching
Looking for Wellness and Retreats
Costa Rica is also becoming a popular destination for yoga and wellness retreats, especially in Nosara and Santa Teresa.
Spa treatments, natural hot springs and organic foods are readily available in the popular tourist areas of Costa Rica.
- Hotel Nantipa – a beachfront hotel with its own wellness centre in Santa Teresa
- The Retreat – nestled high in the mountains with spectacular views, 30 mins from San José
- Nayara Gardens – a hideaway in the lush landscape of La Fortuna
Experience the “Pura Vida” in Costa Rica
‘Pura Vida’ means ‘pure life’ and in Costa Rica it is a way of living with gratitude and simplicity – a lifestyle.
The culture here is warm, welcoming and laid-back, attracting travellers seeking wellness and peace of mind.
They say “Come for the adventure, stay for the pura vida”!
Where to Stay in Costa Rica
Fortunately, Costa Rica offers a multitude of accommodation to suit all budgets. If you’re looking for boutique, resorts, lodges, beach, mountain, rainforest, Costa Rica has it all covered. Additionally there are some excellent AirbnB’s if you prefer to be independent.
Below I have highlighted a few stunning hotels but quite honestly, the list could carry on indefinitely.
- Andaz Peninsula, Guanacaste
- Four Seasons, Peninsula Papagayo
- Pacuare Lodge, deep in the rainforest on the banks of Pacuare River
- The Royal Corin, Arenal
- The Springs Resort & Spa, La Fortuna
- Parador Nature Resort & Spa, Manuel Antonio
- Arenas de Mar, Manuel Antonio
- W Costa Rica, Playa Conchal