Costa Rica is a premier destination for fans of breathtaking nature, fascinating wildlife, pristine beaches and adventure.
Two pieces of local intel to get you started: "ticos" is how Costa Ricans refer to themselves, and "pura vida" means “pure life”. You will likely hear "pura vida" the minute you land in Costa Rica, as it is a greeting, goodbye and saying that "ticos" use.

San José, the capital, is situated in the heart of the country, an excellent gateway to enjoy tours and activities to the surrounding Central Valley. Nestled between mountain ranges, this area is mainly known for coffee cultivation and the awe-inspiring active volcanoes Irazu and Poás.

From rain, cloud, and tropical dry forests to mangrove swamps and coral reefs, Costa Rica offers a manifold of natural beauty. Various national parks and reserves lure visitors with exotic flora and wildlife, while adventure seekers will have ample options to choose from: hiking along the national park trails or experiencing the rainforest from a bird´s perspective through a canopy tour!

The Osa Peninsula in the South Pacific has an enormous biodiversity and is in one of the most condensed biological places on earth. The Corcovado National Park extends to over 40,000 hectares and protects more than 141 species of mammals, 400 species of birds, 116 species of reptiles and amphibians, 40 species of fish, and at least 500 species of trees. Water turtles use the lonely beaches as their nesting site, dolphins splash about in the water and, in the months from January to March, whales can be spotted as they make their way through the Pacific Ocean.

Two oceans border Costa Rica: the Atlantic Ocean in the east, and the Pacific Ocean in the west. Although the coasts are very different in their culture and style, both offer paradisiacal beaches and charming villages with beautiful hotels and lodges. The more remote Caribbean beaches are characterized by wild vegetation, especially around the Cahuita National Park, known for its sandy beaches and coral reefs. The Pacific beaches are more developed, with its towns, beautiful hotels and excellent restaurants.