Costa Rica

Costa Rica located south of Nicaragua and north of Panama, has coasts on both the Pacific and the Caribbean. With vast areas dedicated as National Parks and Nature Reserves, with both highland and lowland tropical zones, it really has something to offer everyone. Even the city lover will find ample to amuse in the urban expanse of the capital, San Jose.

Primarily however, it is Costa Rica’s nature, rain forest and unspoiled beaches that draw people to this paradise. The many protected jungle areas are host to an amazing array of flora and fauna. The beaches with azure blue waters on one side and rain forest as the backdrop on the other are truly the stuff of romantic, ‘castaway’ tales. On the Pacific coast there is the added bonus of spectacular and breathtaking sunsets.

For the ardent naturalist the place to go is the Osa peninsular on the southern Pacific coast. Here is a region containing one sixth of the world’s biodiversity. And not only the untouched jungles are teaming with life, the ocean here is one of the best places to watch migrating whales and to experience the acrobatics of the abundant dolphin population.

North of Osa on the central Pacific coast is Manuel Antonio. Again host to a National Park where sloths, spider monkeys, howler monkeys, iguanas, toucans and a whole range of other animals are easily seen. A good accompanying guide is advised, as with all the parks and reserves in the country, as they will know exactly where particular favorites quite literally ‘hang about’. There are three golden beaches in the area, two of which are great for swimming. With many top quality boutique hotels and fine restaurants and the neighbouring fishing town of Quepos, it is easy to understand why this is a favoured spot.

The active volcano at Arenal which erupts on average every 48 minutes and heats numerous hot springs is an area on most people’s ‘must see’ list. Located centrally in the north, close to Lake Arenal and near to the Monteverde Cloud Forest, this region is a good first stop after San Jose into which most people fly. Incidentally, to get the most of one’s stay it is best to spend a few days in each location – the geography and road conditions make day trips from one location difficult with lengthy travel times.

For turtle watchers August in Tortuguero is best with the region named (in Spanish) after the animal. Although traditionally the low season with rainfall expected for an hour or so in the afternoons, this is the best time to see nesting green and hawksbill turtles. The canals and waterways here are also rich in wildlife.

Surfers will enjoy Jaco and Tamarindo both on the Pacific with Jaco central and Tamarindo north in Guanacaste. These towns have nightlife to accommodate a youthful and energetic crowd. Great fishing is also to be had off the coast of Guanacaste with Marlin and Dorado amongst the favoured catches. For some of the best white water rafting in the world a trip down the Rio Pecuare, east of San Jose, is a ‘must’.

For couples looking for the romantic setting then some of the best spots are found on the tip of the Nicoya peninsular in the Santa Teresa and Mal Pais regions. South of Limon on the Caribbean coast in Cahuita also offers the kind of seclusion favoured by lovers.

Top tips? Take taxis in San Jose, especially after dark, they are cheap and safe. With regard to traveling around the country, take organized transport. Don’t waste valuable time navigating difficult roads with no signs, etc. A recommendation is to get a good travel company to help you book transport in advance and even to help you arrange your hotels and tours. A good firm can easily arrange an entire itinerary for your stay taking all the hassle out of organizing your trip and allowing you to relax to the full and enjoy the ‘pure life’, or as they say in Costa Rica, ‘Pura Vida’.