Sandwiched between Panama and Nicaragua, among deliciously verdant greenery, lies the happiest country on earth: Costa Rica. Overflowing with exotic wildlife, misty volcanic peaks and surfers’ havens, it’s no wonder this pocket-sized country has become increasingly popular with travellers. A craggy chain of towering volcanoes act as a spine, running through the country’s middle and separating the two palm-fringed coastlines that feature on many a bucket list.
1st February 2025 - Costa Rica Travel Inspiration
Pint-sized Costa Rica might be small, but it sure is mighty. Fusing thrumming cities like San Jose and Limon with outstanding nature, this pocket of paradise boasts two rugged coastlines, a strip of smouldering volcanoes and plenty of lush rainforests, jade green lakes and misty mountain peaks. It’s no wonder we struggled to pick just six of the most beautiful places in Costa Rica for this roundup. From waterfall chasing at Tenorio Volcano National Park and rafting down the Pacuare River,
21st December 2024 - Costa Rica The Natural World
The ‘know-it-all’ of the eco class, Costa Rica is consistently listed as one of the ‘greenest’ and ‘happiest’ places on the planet. And this eco-minded attitude is summed up by their ubiquitous slogan ‘Pura Vida’, which translates to ‘pure life’ or ‘simple life’. In order to protect its resplendent landscapes and dizzying biodiversity, the country has long championed sustainable travel, through Community Based Tourism initiatives, renewable energy and environmental education.
25th October 2023 - Costa Rica Responsible Travel
Want to see the diverse landscapes in Costa Rica in real life, just to make sure they’re as incredible as they sound? It’ll be the trip of a lifetime, that’s for sure. Located in Central America, this relatively small country is known for its natural beauty and biodiversity, making it a popular destination for travellers from across the world. Costa Rica has two coastlines: the Caribbean coast and the Pacific coast.
29th June 2023 - Costa Rica The Natural World
Costa Rica is known for adventure, with epic surfing, active volcanoes, lush jungles and wildlife that will take your breath away. A common misconception is that Costa Rica is not worth visiting during the rainy season, which means missing out on some of the best that this beautiful country has to offer. Plus, low season travellers enjoy less crowds, reduced rates and increased availability. Indeed, there are lots of great reasons to spend autumn in Costa Rica.
24th April 2023 - Costa Rica Travel Tips
We’ve all been there: when that ever-classic car advert with a Lamborghini whizzing across clear mountainous roads appears on the TV and that deep pang of wanderlust for a faraway adventure on wheels seeps into your mind. So why not let that pang turn into a reality with an epic Costa Rica road trip? This tropical oasis is a real pocket rocket of a nation — it is around a fifth of the size of England alone but around ten times as biodiverse.
18th April 2023 - Costa Rica Travel Inspiration
If you’re stork raven mad about birds, you’ve come to the right place. Costa Rica is home to some truly im-peck-able birdwatching sites and unusual species that will make your heart soar. Now, we’re sure you don’t have time to learn about all 903 of Costa Rica’s bird species (never mind listen to more terrible puns) but this roundup of some of our favourites should give you an idea of the wonderment that awaits in Costa Rica’s canopies, mangroves and gardens.
15th April 2023 - Costa Rica Safari & Wildlife
With acres and acres of lush rainforest bordered by two strings of impeccable coastline, you can trust us when we say that tourist attractions in Costa Rica are not hard to come by. And thanks to the nation’s pride in its tourism (and more recently eco-tourism) industry, many of the best sites are easily accessible and can be enjoyed in plenty of luxury and comfort. Yet despite its international popularity, Costa Rica has all but entirely avoided becoming the next Cancún-esque, fly-and-flop tourist trap.
13th April 2023 - Costa Rica Travel Tips
Exotic, wild and simply made for adventure, Costa Rica is a wonderful winter destination. The increasingly warm and dry weather at this time of year is ideal for enjoying a whole host of outdoor activities so in terms of where to go and what to do, the sky’s the limit. Cast yourself away on the idyllic beaches of the Nicoya Peninsula or plunge into the rapids of the Pacuare River on an epic white-water rafting trip.
10th April 2023 - Costa Rica Travel Tips
‘Why visit Costa Rica?’ is a question on the lips of many intrepid explorers. But the real query is why wouldn’t you want to visit Costa Rica? This kaleidoscopic country is famed for its laid-back lifestyle, flora and fauna-filled rainforests and 'Pura Vida' attitude, which is part of daily life in the bustling towns and cities. Picture yourself hiking through lush green jungles, keeping your eyes peeled for sedentary sloths, swinging monkeys and bright-beaked toucans.
8th April 2023 - Costa Rica Travel Tips
Ah, Costa Rica. Ah, beaches in Costa Rica. Ah, kicking back with a good book on the beaches in Costa Rica. Paradise? We think this might just be it. The Spanish word for beach is playa, which makes sense in Costa Rica, as the beaches are all about play — there’s surfing, kayaking, wildlife watching and plenty more to keep every member of your eager entourage entertained for days on end. But don’t get us wrong — relaxation is also on the agenda.
31st March 2023 - Costa Rica Beaches & Islands
It’s no secret that most people visit Costa Rica for its resplendent landscapes, intriguing fauna and diverse flora; basically all of its natural assets. However, San José tells a slightly different story. With more roads than rainforests and cars than creatures, the nation’s capital hums with the eager buzz of city life – a far cry from the birdsong and insect noises of its nature reserves. But we believe both can have their place within an itinerary and make for a well-rounded holiday.
30th March 2023 - Costa Rica 24 Hours In
Packed with dense rainforest, wild coastline and rugged mountain ranges, Costa Rica guarantees views that make your heart skip a beat. It may be small compared to neighbouring Nicaragua and the vast countries of South America, but every corner is full to the brim with natural beauty and wondrous wildlife. Whether you’re hiking, swimming or simply lazing on the beach, this stunning Central American country offers scenery like you’ve never seen before.
28th March 2023 - Costa Rica The Natural World
Costa Rica has just two seasons: the dry season lasts from December to April, and the rainy season spans from May to November. Although rainfall increases through June, July and August, visiting Costa Rica during the ‘green’ season is extremely underrated and savvy travellers will still be able to find beautiful, warm weather. Plus, low season visitors enjoy fewer crowds, reduced rates and increased hotel availability.
27th March 2023 - Costa Rica Travel Inspiration
This Latin American destination is often overlooked when it comes to local cuisine. Instead holidayers favour the dramatic coastlines, active volcanoes and resplendent rainforests over their next meal. But Costa Rica is a country where anything goes and more importantly everything grows. Now the abundant and verdant surrounding farmland, jungles and rich tapestry of cultural influences are helping to put Costa Rica (slowly but surely) on the foodie map.
26th March 2023 - Costa Rica Food & Drink
A trip to Costa Rica isn’t just about trekking through rainforest and lazing on the beach (though rest assured, there’s plenty of that). Because it’s simply brimming with natural beauty, this pocket-sized country is often sold short when it comes to culture. In fact, there’s so much to do in Costa Rica that will not only teach you about its history, but also encourage you to experience its positive, pulsating present.
24th March 2023 - Costa Rica Culture
Let’s be honest, a trip to Costa Rica will be epic at any time of the year, but spring is particularly good for discovering this Central American slice of paradise. March enjoys some of the country’s driest and warmest weather, April is still temperate, and May falls during Costa Rica’s shoulder season, which is another great time to visit. If you’re planning a trip to Costa Rica in spring (and we really think you should),
22nd March 2023 - Costa Rica Travel Inspiration
Picture this: you’re sitting straddling your surfboard off Costa Rica’s Pacific Coast, engulfed by the afternoon sun’s ethereal glow, its rays warming your back as you prepare for the next wave to take you into the soft sandy shore. Welcome to the land of 'pura vida', where life’s simple pleasures shine, and stress is nowhere to be seen. Costa Rica is a place where lush rainforests, sparkling beaches and towering volcanoes come together to create a landscape that is truly breath-taking.
1st March 2023 - Costa Rica Travel Inspiration
We wouldn’t blame you if visiting a city was the last thing on your mind when heading to the tropical paradise that is Costa Rica: the beaches are plentiful, the rainforest is lush and the flora and fauna are as diverse as anywhere on Earth just waiting to be snapped in a photo. But for those keen to dig a little deeper into the history, culture and gastronomy that makes Costa Rica so magical, do spare a day or two to discover the capital city of San Jose and its carefully-curated museums, world-class eateries and colourful markets.
23rd February 2023 - Costa Rica Travel Inspiration
Teeming with tropical rainforests, deserted beaches and bountiful wildlife, it’s almost unbelievable how biodiverse Costa Rica is. Thankfully, more than a quarter of the country is safe guarded by some form of environmental protection, allowing its flora to flourish and its fauna to remain unscathed. Costa Rica’s on-land beauty is obvious, but what if you venture beneath its turquoise-tinged waves? Like tumbling down a rabbit hole into a fantasy realm, diving in Costa Rica reveals a wealth of whacky and wonderful creatures.
31st January 2023 - Costa Rica Diving
It’s no mystery why whales, a family of creatures that contains some of the oldest, largest mammals on the planet Earth, attract wonder and fascination from us tiny human beings. Even more incredible is that despite their differences from humans in size, shape, and habitat, the behaviour of whales is strangely comprehensible to us; between the complex songs they sing, and their often tightly-knit social and family units, it’s easy to romanticise these gentle giants.
30th January 2023 - Costa Rica Safari & Wildlife
To hike in Costa Rica is to experience nature in all its burgeoning glory, and with over 28 national parks, 6% of the world’s biodiversity and a quarter of its land dedicated to conservation, the Central American nation boasts nature in abundance. From unhurried meanderings and multi-day treks to volcano trails and thundering waterfalls, there are all manner of wonderful walks weaving their way across the country.
27th January 2023 - Costa Rica Adventure
Despite its teeny, tiny size, Costa Rica packs a mighty punch when it comes to exotic wildlife. In fact, the land of Pura Vida (Pure Life) comes in at number eight for the world’s most biodiverse countries by landmass. There are around 500,000 species that call Costa Rica home, which represents around four percent of the total species worldwide. The extraordinary wildlife can be admired under the canopy of the rainforest, on the lush slopes of volcanoes and in the depths of the ocean.
26th January 2023 - Costa Rica Safari & Wildlife
Costa Rica is the queen of all things eco. The Central American nation boasts a whopping 6% of the world’s biodiversity (while covering only 0.03% of the earth’s surface), over a quarter of the country is dedicated to conservation and almost 98% of its energy is generated through renewable sources. It’s no wonder then that wildlife thrives here and its varied cast of creatures are at one with the natural environment.
18th January 2023 - Costa Rica Adventure
Sandwiched between Nicaragua and Panama, with the Pacific to the left and the Caribbean to its right, Costa Rica feels like the filling of all sandwich fillings. Jam packed with a wilderness and wildlife so rich that a quarter of the country has been decreed protected areas, this is the land where nature prospers. From Tortuguero’s maze of winding canals and burgeoning sea turtle population (that have since earnt the national park the moniker ‘Little Amazon’) to Isla del Coco’s tropical forest and waters,
9th January 2023 - Costa Rica Safari & Wildlife
Pura Vida is Costa Rica’s signature slogan, roughly translating to ‘simple life’, as well as conveying a sense of happiness and optimism. Much more than a catchphrase, it also embodies the country’s way of life, which surfing is an integral part of. Releasing feel-good endorphins and reducing stress levels, the water sport is renowned for its mood-boosting benefits (making it well-suited to the pura vida lifestyle).
6th January 2023 - Costa Rica Beaches & Islands
Costa Rica is well-known for its lavish eco lodges and lovely rustic retreats – to help you decide, we've compiled a list of our favourite luxury hotels in San José & the Central Valley. Finca Rosa Blanca Hotel Grano de Oro Xandari Resort & Spa Finca Rosa Blanca Winner of many Responsible Tourism awards and accolades, this is a working farm and coffee plantation with its roots firmly in sustainability.
28th June 2021 - Costa Rica Hotels
'Pura Vida'...or, 'pure life' in English, is the phrase heard everywhere in Costa Rica, but it's not just a motto to describe how to live your life. The Ticos and Ticas (male and female Costa Ricans) use the phrase in many situations. Yes, the underlying meaning is to try and live a 'pure' life, yet for each individual, that will be very subjective. It also has so many underlying synonyms. 'Pura Vida' is said as a form of 'thank you', as 'ok cool', to mean 'yes' and in many other scenarios where the locals wish to express their happiness.
28th June 2021 - Costa Rica Culture
Costa Rica is well-known for its comfortable eco lodges and hidden jungle retreats – to help you decide, we've compiled a list of our favourite luxury hotels in Manuel Antonio & the Central Pacific Coast. Arenas del Mar Alta Gracia Kura Design Villas Arenas del Mar If one phrase describes Arenas del Mar it's 'sustainable luxury'. Costa Rica already has a fine reputation for this sort of thing, but Arenas walks the 5* walk with admirably carbon neutral footprints.
28th June 2021 - Costa Rica Hotels
Costa Rica is well-known for its sustainable, yet luxurious, accommodation options – to help you decide, we've compiled a list of our favourite luxury hotels in Tortuguero National Park. Manatus Tortuga Lodge Manatus There are no roads in Tortuguero, so access to Manatus involves a two-hour boat trip through the canals and waterways that criss-cross the park. Once you reach the lodge, you can enjoy this natural refuge in great comfort.
28th June 2021 - Costa Rica Hotels
Costa Rica is well-known for its lovely eco lodges, dotted across the country – to help you decide, we've compiled a list of our favourite luxury hotels on the Osa Peninsula. Casa Corcovado Lapa Rios Nicuesa Lodge Casa Corcovado This very isolated jungle lodge is the closest accommodation to Corcovado National Park from this end of the Osa Peninsula. The rooms are all private bungalows built on the grounds of an old cacao plantation, on the edge of the jungle.
28th June 2021 - Costa Rica Hotels
Costa Rica is well-known for its stunning accommodation – to help you decide, we've compiled a list of our favourite luxury hotels near the Volcanoes and Cloud Forests. Monteverde Lodge Villa Blanca Cloud Forest Hotel Poas Volcano Lodge Monteverde Lodge Monteverde Lodge is the best option for comfort in Monteverde. They have 27 rooms, each with private bathroom and the restaurant, which looks out onto jungle, serves very good international food (there is even the option to choose from a BBQ).
28th June 2021 - Costa Rica Hotels
Costa Rica is famed for its opulent eco lodges and secluded beachside retreats – to help you decide, we've compiled a collection of our favourite luxury hotels in Guanacaste and the Nicoya Peninsula. Florblanca Harmony Hotel Latitude 10 Punta Islita Rancho Humo Estancia Florblanca Florblanca is a small resort, fast becoming the benchmark for upmarket properties on this stretch of the Pacific coast.
28th June 2021 - Costa Rica Hotels
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