AYEAR-ROUND

destination with a tropical climate, this captivating land of adventures extends the pura vida ethos to its tourism, which is wellorganised and sustainable, while offering great value. Here you can spend a day as a cowboy or cowgirl, take cultural tours, visit a coffee plantation, stay with a family, recharge on a laid-back beach holiday — or cut off from everyday stress in a luxury eco lodge in a national park and be at one with nature. Swap technology and tweeting for an energising morning yoga session in a rainforest and a midday jungle trek or go out on to the water. It’s possible to see humpback whales in the Pacific waters of Costa Rica for seven months of the year. Visitors looking for a slice of Zen should head to the Osa Peninsula, described by National Geographic as ‘the most biologically intense place on earth’. Rustic jungle lodges offer an opportunity to see troops of monkeys swinging between branches, red-eyed tree frogs (top right), anteaters roaming the forest floor and flocks of scarlet macaws flying overhead. You could explore the mangroves by kayak, go bird watching, try forest bathing and have a healthy, organic meal on the beach, based on pura vida gastronomy featuring delicious local produce and herbs. Try the amazing seafood and local ceviche, too. Magnificent Monteverde Cloud Forest is home to many rare species, including the resplendent quetzal, and is easily accessed by a series of ziplines and suspended walkways in the forest canopy. And La Fortuna is close to the photogenic Arenal volcano, whose awesome dormant cone rises from lush forest, where there are more suspended trails. Geothermal activity creates wonderful hot springs nearby — perfect for relaxing body and mind. With a warm welcome, wonderful sights and wildlife in profusion, this is one of the happiest, most life-affirming — and best value — places to go for a holiday. The positive pura vida ethos of Costa Rica encourages all to live life to the full — and is sure to rub off on you.