unspoiled habitat
A country whose waters brim with turtles, whales and tropical fish, and whose national parks shelter everything from ocelots to the rarest of birds.
From surfing big waves on the Nicoya Peninsula to riding sky-high zip lines through the cloudforests of Monteverde, few places on the planet can offer you such a rich, varied and accessible amount of adrenaline-fuelled fun. Or take you so easily from one unspoiled habitat to the next – volcano to turtle nesting site to golden beach.
Here are our experts’ favourite reasons for visiting Costa Rica.
GO WILDLIFE WATCHING IN THE OSA PENINSULA
With 13 separate ecosystems, some 500 types of tree and 300-plus bird species – including record numbers of the scarlet macaw – it’s no surprise that the Osa Peninsula was dubbed “the most biologically intense place on Earth” by the National Geographic.
Unbeatable above or below the surface of the sea, its rainforests are roamed by jaguars and tapirs whilst its coral reefs play host to a kaleidoscope of visiting turtles, multi-coloured fish and rays. The entire peninsula is brimming with wildlife, but Corcovado National Park is the undoubtedly the headliner.
TRY ADVENTURE SPORTS IN ARENAL
If its name suggests adventure to you, you probably have the right impression. Looming over the town of La Fortuna, Arenal is a mighty volcano – the near-perfect symmetry of its shape never failing to please the photographers amongst you. But it’s also the venue for strolling along dizzying canopy walkways, horseback rides and zip lining.
Although you can’t climb up the volcano itself, the park has many easy-to-navigate trails that wind through secondary forest and old lava fields. Have an experienced guide by your side to help you uncover the secrets of the region’s unique flora and fauna, and relax tired muscles in one of the volcanic-heated hot pools.
WHITE WATER RAFT INTO PACUARE JUNGLE LODGE
Tucked away in the rainforest, the only road into Pacuare Jungle Lodge is actually a river – the eponymous Pacuare. What a way to arrive (or leave) – riding a torrent of water aboard a bouncing raft.
Once here, you can continue challenging exhilarating grade III and IV rapids from the eco-comforts of this secluded retreat. Mind you, Pacuare Jungle Lodge is pretty exciting in its own right; with private pools, jungle activities for kids and a wide range of wildlife-spotting opportunities for the whole family.
SEE TURTLE NESTINGS IN TORTUGUERO
An astonishing array of fauna inhabit the rivers and rainforests of this national park on the Caribbean coast, but it’s the turtles that give Tortuguero its name.
Every year, thousands of turtles come to lay their eggs on Tortuguero’s sandy shores. Leatherbacks and hawksbills are the first to arrive in March, followed by loggerheads and green turtles in June/July. With some overlap between the nesting and hatching seasons of the different species, you might be lucky enough to witness the mad dash of newly hatched turtles racing towards the ocean.
WATCH WHALES ON THE SOUTHERN PACIFIC COAST
There is no place like Costa Rica for whale watching – especially when it comes to the spectacular annual migration of Pacific humpback whales.
Between July and October, hundreds of these gentle giants arrive in the warm waters of Costa Rica’s Southern Pacific Ocean to breed, feed and raise their young. Whale watching boat trips along the coast are a great way to get up close encounters with these magnificent creatures (as well as dolphins and rays) as they swim and leap from water.
RELAX IN LUXURY ON THE PAPAGAYO PENINSULA
The Papagayo Peninsula on Costa Rica’s North Pacific coastline has beaches and lagoons that rival any in the world. It also has some plush resorts and world-class hotels, like the Four Seasons, with enough facilities, interesting things to do, beach and water sports and excursions to keep the whole family happy.
BE AMID THE TREETOPS IN MONTEVERDE
A hotbed of biodiversity, Costa Rica’s lush Monteverde cloudforest is brimming with rare birds, colourful amphibians, butterflies and exotic plants. With miles of trails it’s a fabulous destination for walkers, but another great way to experience the area is by flying through the forest canopy on zip wires. A truly fun, family friendly adventure in the treetops!
GET A COFFEE IN THE COFFEE VALLEY
You don’t need to stray far from central San José to get a cup of some of the world’s greatest coffee. Grown in the fertile volcanic soil of Costa Rica’s Central Valley and infused with subtle sweet notes of chocolate, honey, and vanilla, beans are grown and picked by expert local farmers. Best served by running not quite boiling water over the ground beans using a traditional Costa Rican chorreador.
TAKE ON WATER SPORTS ON THE NICOYA PENINSULA
Not content with some of the most beautiful honeyblonde beaches in Latin America, the Nicoya Peninsula is also a world-renowned destination for surfing and sportfishing with the wonderfully named roosterfish a sought-after prize.
If you don’t fancy taking to the water, walk inland from the beach to surround yourself with nature, with trees brimming with monkeys and sloths, and the underbrush hiding coati, armadillo and the elusive ocelot.
CITY BREAK IN SAN JOSÉ
Connecting the country is the lively and colourful San José, the launching pad of any Costa Rican adventure. This lively and diverse hub is home to a fascinating Gold Museum, the strange sculptures of Jimenez Deredia, and even a section of the Berlin Wall.
Check out the restaurant Silvestre for a high-end take on traditional Costa Rican dishes or, if you are in the mood for something more ‘tico’, try the surprisingly delicious Caldosa Costarricense – a mix of fresh cerviche and crisps served straight from of the packet.
EXPERTS
Jonny
Claire
