Costa Rica’s natural beauty, vibrant wildlife, volcanoes, and energetic vibe make it a top travel destination for travelers from around the world. Picture hiking volcanoes, ziplining over rainforests, and then watching the sun drop into the Pacific after a day of spotting sloths or howler monkeys. Or, explore the wonders of Central Valley while the capital San José keeps you close to museums, markets, and mountain day trips.
Costa Rica’s welcoming spirit of gratitude, warmth, and laidback lifestyle is clearly reflected in the country’s infamous unofficial motto of pura vida. This welcoming invitation to enjoy life - pure life - can be felt from the cloud forests of Monteverde in Puntarenas to the beaches of Nicoya, and in the lively energy of San Jose in the Central Valley to coral reefs off its Caribbean coast.
Located between Nicaragua to the north and Panama to the south, Costa Rica offers nearly 800 miles of coastline and is known as one of the world’s most mega-diverse countries. With more than a quarter of the country reserved for conservation, one can fully enjoy how the land shifts from lush rainforests to stunning beaches and from volcanic landscapes to dry forests. Distinct mountain ranges, including Cordillera Central and Cordillera de Talamanca, form a central spine through the country, creating vast networks for hiking, mountain biking, and outdoor adventure.
People come to Costa Rica for the wildlife, the adventure, and the easy pace of life. You might spot sloths, toucans, and monkeys without leaving your rental's balcony. The food is fresh and comforting, from a hearty gallo pinto breakfast to casados stacked with rice, beans, plantains, and seafood pulled in that morning. Coffee lovers can tour working farms in the highlands and taste some of the best beans in the world.
Outdoor recreation is everywhere. Zip line through the canopy, raft the Pacuare River, surf in Tamarindo, or soak in hot springs near Arenal. Venture to the world-class surfing beaches of Jaco and Hermosa. With their perfect waves, these beaches cater to both beginners and seasoned surfers alike. And with the bountiful Pacific waters, you can try your luck with fishing at Herradura, which is home to the Signature Triple Crown and the billfish capital of the world.
Costa Rica’s distinct tropical regions along the Pacific coast, lowland mountains, and captivating ecosystems, paired with a taste of Caribbean beaches to the west, deliver something memorable at every turn. Yes, there’s always time for some pura vida.
