Overview

How do you describe Costa Rica, a country with so many natural treasures? Perhaps the best way to start would be with its name, which means "the rich coast."

The first word in its name, Costa or "coast", attests to this country's position in Central America, bordered by two long, sinuous coasts with kilometres of idyllic beaches.

And the land that lies between these coasts can only be described as "rich". Since it's located on the isthmus separating the Americas, Costa Rica is the natural habitat for many species of flora and fauna found in both the northern and southern continents. The microclimates of its mountains and rivers, valleys and plains, and tropical forests allow an abundant plant and animal life to flourish. Within its lush vegetation you can smell the heady scent of flowers, hear birds whose songs are as enchanting as their plumage, see multicoloured butterflies fluttering through the fields, and glimpse endangered species in the forest. Costa Rica's natural beauty is mesmerizing. However, its culture and people are just as fascinating and the warm and welcoming Ticos have contributed greatly to Latin American society.

San José, the country's capital, is surrounded by a lovely valley with beautiful landscapes and numerous attractions. This valley is where most of the country's large town are situated, and is the hub of its economic and cultural activity. Cartago, Heredia, Alajuela and other towns, in addition to San Jose, offer visitors plenty of leisure activities.

There is also the region of Monteverde, made up of vast forests that cover large valleys and mountains; Corcovado and Tortuguero, two national parks that protect the marshy jungle; and Santa Rosa with its dry tropical forest. Manuel Antonio and Cahuita offer Pacific and Caribbean white-sand beaches, in addition to many others, too numerous to mention, that are scattered along the entire coast of the country. The volcanoes Poás, Irazú, Rincón de la Vieja and all their mysteries; Huge Lago Arenal features a majestic volcano, while the high summits in Parque Nacional Chirripó are surrounded by idyllic country landscapes.

This country's natural riches enable visitors to enjoy almost every kind of outdoor activity you can imagine, and its towns and villages offer endless cultural and historical treasures.How do you describe Costa Rica, a country with so many natural treasures? Perhaps the best way to start would be with its name, which means "the rich coast."

The first word in its name, Costa or "coast", attests to this country's position in Central America, bordered by two long, sinuous coasts with kilometres of idyllic beaches.

And the land that lies between these coasts can only be described as "rich". Since it's located on the isthmus separating the Americas, Costa Rica is the natural habitat for many species of flora and fauna found in both the northern and southern continents. The microclimates of its mountains and rivers, valleys and plains, and tropical forests allow an abundant plant and animal life to flourish. Within its lush vegetation you can smell the heady scent of flowers, hear birds whose songs are as enchanting as their plumage, see multicoloured butterflies fluttering through the fields, and glimpse endangered species in the forest. Costa Rica's natural beauty is mesmerizing. However, its culture and people are just as fascinating and the warm and welcoming Ticos have contributed greatly to Latin American society.

San José, the country's capital, is surrounded by a lovely valley with beautiful landscapes and numerous attractions. This valley is where most of the country's large town are situated, and is the hub of its economic and cultural activity. Cartago, Heredia, Alajuela and other towns, in addition to San Jose, offer visitors plenty of leisure activities.

There is also the region of Monteverde, made up of vast forests that cover large valleys and mountains; Corcovado and Tortuguero, two national parks that protect the marshy jungle; and Santa Rosa with its dry tropical forest. Manuel Antonio and Cahuita offer Pacific and Caribbean white-sand beaches, in addition to many others, too numerous to mention, that are scattered along the entire coast of the country. The volcanoes Poás, Irazú, Rincón de la Vieja and all their mysteries; Huge Lago Arenal features a majestic volcano, while the high summits in Parque Nacional Chirripó are surrounded by idyllic country landscapes.

This country's natural riches enable visitors to enjoy almost every kind of outdoor activity you can imagine, and its towns and villages offer endless cultural and historical treasures.

Where on earth

Excursions

Click on the image above for details on the excursions (boat, adventure, cultural or entertainment) available in Costa Rica.

Resorts