Small in size but big in landscapes, Costa Rica has the sort of scenery that drops jaws. There are picture perfect beaches, pristine rainforests, steaming hot springs and smouldering volcanoes. It’s a landscape that has helped Costa Rica holidays become a first choice for adventure - with rapids to raft and a zipline seemingly slung across every canyon. And it’s not only incredible scenery but wildlife as well, with monkeys, sloths, giant turtles and thousands of birds (look out for the illusive Resplendent Quetzal!) joining you on any experience. Best of all, you can indulge your wild side and stay in exceptional comfort. Costa Rica pioneered eco-tourism and while its lodges are still set in peaceful isolation, they’ve added infinity pools that brush up against the forest, hidden treehouses under the foliage and can claim some of the best locally sourced food in the country.
Holidays to Costa Rica
Walk the rainforestAs the adventure capital of the Americas there is no shortage of ways to plunge into Costa Rica’s beautiful surroundings. In Monteverde cloud forest meet hummingbirds, spider monkeys and three-toed sloths by standing in rather than staring at the canopy. The rope bridges and walkways tied between the treetops offer a rare chance to get a little closer to the animals. Always fancied getting up close to a volcano? Follow hiking trails up and around the foothills of Arenal, once Costa Rica’s most active volcano, before soaking your weary feet in volcanic hot springs. For yet more of a soaking, head to the Pacuare River to go white water rafting down the deep river gorge – you’ll be plummeting through lush primary rainforest, although you’ll not have much time to take in the view as you tackle the swirling rapids.
Walk on the wild side
More animals await along Costa Rica’s Caribbean and Pacific coastlines, including humpback whales and dolphins. The highlight, however, is on the sands of Tortuguero National Park. Visit from July to October and you’ll witness green turtles come ashore to lay eggs in their droves at what’s their most important nesting habitat in the western hemisphere. The park itself is a haven for wildlife and a boat trip along its jungle-fringed canals and lagoons will reveal alligators, tapirs, peccaries, iguana, anteaters and white faced monkeys.
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