Explore COSTA RICA
If you’re looking for a holiday that combines beautiful beaches, tropical rainforests and abundant wildlife, head to the captivating paradise of Costa Rica in Central America
NESTLING between the mighty Pacific Ocean and the warm waters of the Caribbean Sea, on the ribbon of land that links North to South America, Costa Rica is a verdant nation brimming with beautiful beaches, rugged volcanic landscapes and lush rainforests. It is home to the greatest density of species in the world, with over a quarter of its landmass blanketed in dense jungle, protected with funds raised by a tax on fossil fuels.
Locals talk of enjoying ‘la pura vida’, a pure life, so it’s hardly surprising this Latin American country has been ranked as happiest place on earth consistently by the Happy Planet Index, a ranking assessing the ecological footprint and wellbeing of 140 nations. It’s hardly surprising, then, that Costa Rica has become one of the hottest destinations for travellers hoping to absorb a little of that happiness quotient for themselves. Let’s find out a little more about what this Central American gem has to offer. BEAUTIFUL BEACHES ALONG the east coast of Costa Rica, lapped by the turquoise waters of the Caribbean, the stunning black beaches of Puerto Viejo contrast with the shimmering white sands of Cahuita – a result of the different shells that have crashed over millennia against reef formations lying offshore. You’ll find stunning dive sites, although those who simply want to slip on a snorkel and stay in the shallows will also see plenty of aquatic life. Sport fishing is popular, while some prefer to kick back and soak up the sunshine. Just three hours’ drive away, the Pacific coast offers surfers the chance to catch a wave off the golden sands of Jaco, Hermosa, Esterillos or Boca Barranca; or take a short flight from Golfito or Puerto Jiménez to admire the stunning beaches of Golfo Dulce and the Osa Peninsula, protected by Biological Reserves and the National Park of Corcovado.
To truly immerse yourself in a pristine environment, take the 36-hour boat trip to Cocos Island, a UNESCO-listed World Heritage Site some 340 miles off the east coast of
Costa Rica. Home To Dense Tropical Forests – And Cloud Forests At Higher Elevations – Filled With Biodiversity, This Was Christened The ‘most Beautiful Island In The World’ By Jacques Cousteau. Visitors Stay On Live-aboard Boats, Anchored Offshore, And Have The Opportunity To See Magnificent Marine Life On The Nearby Reefs, Including White-tip Sharks, Tuna Fish, Parrotfish, Whale Sharks And The Largest Schools Of Hammerhead Sharks In The World.
For many visitors, it is the chance to immerse themselves in the unique and varied flora and fauna that is one of the biggest attractions of Costa Rica. There’s also an array of hikes, tours, activities and experiences on offer to get close to some of the most stunning wildlife and spectacular scenery on the planet.
WILD AND WONDERFUL
THERE’S a wealth of ways to explore Costa Rica’s majestic natural landscapes – including 29 national parks, 19 wildlife refuges and eight biological reserves – from hiking trails and horseback rides to aerial trams, skywalks through the rainforest canopy, kayaking tours and exhilarating white-water rafting trips. You might spot long-tailed manakins, bellbirds and scarlet macaws, or migrating hummingbirds, egrets and more.
Witness the once-in-a-lifetime spectacle that is the mass arrival of sea turtles, who return annually to the beach where they nested, and in the rainy season, surround yourself with a proliferation of colourful frogs and toads, creating a croaking chorus as they look for partners. Coyotes, squirrel monkeys, jaguars and raccoons are just some of the other species that might form a backdrop to a day out, exploring the jungles with an expert guide.
If you’re dreaming of a restorative holiday blending tropical beaches with the chance to discover Mother Nature at her magical best, then there is no better destination than Costa Rica.
Locals talk of enjoying a pure life, in the happiest place on earth