Costa Rica

Everything you would expect from a tropical destination is to be found on Costa Rica’s Caribbean coast, where lush surroundings and friendly people compliment any traveller’s stay. Bordered by Nicaragua on the north and Panama on the south, the Caribbean coast stretches nearly 200 kilometers.

The town of Tortuguero, called “the Venice of Costa Rica” because of its canals, is the perfect place to visit to see wildlife and for rest and relaxation.

The port city of Limon has a population of 85,000, many of whom are descendents from Jamaicans who came to work on the banana plantations.

To the south are found the costal villages of Cahuita, Puerto Viejo and Manzanillo. This area without a doubt boasts some of the countries most beautiful beaches, as well as delicious Caribbean-style cooking.

The laid back tropical setting and people here has led many visitors to return over and over again.

There is a special atmosphere to the mid Pacific region, which seems to envelop you in feelings of relaxation, somehow alleviating stress.

The peak season here is December through April. Visitors find a wide range of accommodations , from bed and breakfasts to four-star hotels – all of which cater to their guests with the utmost in hospitality.

Puntarenas is the largest town on the coast, and serves as one the Costa Rica’s main ports. A trip along the costal road will take you to many smaller seaside villages, offering not only beaches but also mangroves a estuaries.

Or tour the world of the tropical rainforest hiking or on horseback, where you will find hidden waterfalls and abundant wildlife.

Costa Rica’s Central Valley is the physical, political, economic and population center of the country. The cosmopolitan capital city of San Jose offers every advantage of a major metropolitan area. It is a fine city for walking tours, offering the classic beauty of the National Theatre, the majestic cathedral, the brilliantly impressive pre-Columbian Gold Museum, and a myriad of other museums, restaurants, parks and shopping opportunities.

At 3,700 feet above sea level, the climate of the Central Valley is mild and spring-like, with daytime temperatures averaging between 70 to 75 degrees F. The rainy season lasts from May through October with refreshing showers mostly occurring in the afternoons.

When travelling through Guanacaste, the sun is sure to make a strong impression. It almost appears closer here – bathing everything with a special light. Great expanses of golden grassland sway elegantly in the wind while stunted, gnarled Guanacaste trees dot the low, rolling hills.

Guanacaste, bordered by two mountain ranges, is wonderful to visit year-round. Sun worshippers will appreciate the glorious heat of the dry season, and the rains bring the trees into full bloom, creating explosions of brilliant colors and fragrances, while the hills change from golden to a lush green carpet.

The climate plays a large part in making this Northern area so special. The mild, 70 degree F weather you’ll find here is refreshing, especially after some time on the hotter coast. Misty cloud forest environments, verdant rolling hills and a marvelous windswept lake make the region a must stop on any visit to Costa Rica.

The dramatic contrast in topography is a striking characteristic of this area. The Cordilleras (mountain ranges) of Tilaran and Guanacaste bring out the beauty of the Plains of Guataso, San Carlos and Tortuguero. The several small and mid-size rivers that flow through the plains help to make the region extremely fertile.

Further adding to the beauty , 600 of the 850 species of birds found in Costa Rica make their home here. So don’t forget your binoculars!

The South Pacific region of Costa Rica is known for its biologically diverse, complex ecosystems and wild natural beauty. This area offers dramatic scenery and incomparable adventures. The most popular time to visit the South Pacific area is January through April, but if you don’t mind getting a little wet, the lushness of the rainforest in the wet season is an experience not soon to be forgotten.

Just one hour’s flight from San Jose will bring you to one of the world’s most impressive nature areas. You will find luxurious resorts and lodges, offering splendid meals and personalized tours of the jungle for unmatched bird watching, and scuba diving or snorkelling in the warm Pacific waters.