Costa Rica
Lying at the heart of Central America, Costa Rica stretches from the crystalline shore of the Caribbean to the balmy Pacific, and is composed of lush jungle teeming with innumerable tropical species, glorious surf spots along the rich translucent coastal waters and a single urban jungle rich in pure Costa Rican culture.
Known as ‘Ticos’, the inhabitants of Costa Rica are a generous, peace-loving people who delight in their beautiful country and the fact that they’ve enjoyed 100 years of democracy without having an army. Home to one of the most proactive conservation policies in the world, Ticos take great care of their national natural treasures in whatever form they take: national parks, volcanoes, rainforest, sea turtles, sloths and thousands of other species of flora and fauna.
From the dry tropical forest of the Central Pacific Coast to the high altitude cloud forests, Costa Rica cherishes its delicate bio-diversity. Whether travellers come to Costa Rica for its Caribbean coast, Pacific waters or emerald jungles, nothing could destroy the magic and mystery of this ancient land.
National Parks
National parks abound on Costa Rica, known as Parque Nacionals, all are worth a visit but a few stand out from the crowd.
Tortuguero and Corcovado
Tortuguero holds the nesting grounds of green turtles as well as a small population of the rare, vividly-plumed long-tailed quetzal. Corcovado is deemed Costa Rica’s last great wilderness and is home to bellowing call of howler monkeys.
Chirripo and Manuel Antonio
Chirripo is home to the tallest peak in the country, while Manuel Antonio allows travellers to spot rare squirrel monkeys.
Carara and Santa Rosa
The sky around Carara is lit by scarlet macaws while the river banks rank with crocodiles. Accomplished surfers will want to catch the boat from Santa Rosa to Witch’s Rock in order to try out this lovely spots legendary lefts and rights.
Braulio Carrill
Finally, intrepid travellers will want to visit the heights of Braulio Carrillo in order to experience the forlorn beauty of the mist-covered cloud forests.
Osa Peninsula
The Osa Peninsula is a mass of gorgeous inlets and diminutive islands, while the desolate beaches of San Miguel and Coyote border the coastal rainforest, both of which are thick with frigate birds and scarlet macaws. Turrialba is home to some of the world’s most ferocious rapids, perfect for high-octane rafting.
Volcanoes
Costa Rica is home to a small number of active volcanoes, two of which are worth mentioning: Arenal and Rincon de la Vieja.
Rincon
Rincon is great for hiking and horseback-riding as the volcanic mud pots, waterfalls and thermal pools are definitely worth the effort.
Arenal
Though it may occasionally go quiet, Volcan Arenal has been vocal almost daily for over 40 years. Spewing sparks, lava, rocks and ash, this intimidating giant is a breath-taking sight at any time, but is particularly striking when set against the dark cobalt of the night sky. The protection of these incredible natural resources fit perfectly within the Tico tradition of ‘pura vida’, or pure life.
San Jose
Called Chepe by Ticos, San Jose is one of the most sophisticated capitals in Central America. Bristling with office towers, shopping malls and fast-food restaurants, Chepe is also home to vibrant local markets, numerous museums and a handful of neighbourhoods whose colonial styling shines. Chepe nightlife can be as elegant or licentious as personal taste decrees and, as it is home to one-third of all Ticos, Chepe remains a great way for travellers to understand modern Costa Rica.