Any way you look at it, Costa Rica offers the best of nature’s beauty and bounty.
Close view to Arenal Volcano. Photographer Luis Angel Espinoza
Choosing a vacation destination can be challenging-There are just so many extraordinary places in the world, with so much to see and do. Costa Rica has been known to solve this dilemma, thanks to its natural gift for satisfying the needs of any traveler. Any way you look at it, Costa Rica offers the best of nature's beauty and bounty. And once here, you can with just a very short trip experience both the Pacific and the Caribbean coasts, each offering an entirely different world and landscape.
One of the elements that makes Costa Rica such an enriching place to visit is the country's commitment to protecting its biodiversity. As a result of this dedication, Costa Rica is home to over 4% of the earth's species. Whether you are kayaking or rafting down a whitewater river, horseback riding through lush green countryside, zipping through the rain forest on a canopy tour, or simply relaxing on the beach, Costa Rica is sure to renew your leve for the natural world.
Canopy Tour. Photographer Luis Angel Espinoza
A great place to indulge this passion is in Costa Rica's national parks, established in 1978 with the purpose of protecting more than 2,000 species of flora and fauna. Today, over 25% of the country's territory is protected, providing a Close-up view into one of the world's most endangered habitats, the rain forest. Tortuguero, one of the most famous parks in Costa Rica, is a must-visit during turtle-mating season: from July through October, leatherback turtles arrive on the park's shores to nest their eggs, and for just a few dollars you can watch.
Not in the mood for an action-packed vacation? Not to worry. You can just as easily relax in one of Costa Rica's many hot springs, indulge in a healing mud bath, or enjoy a breathtaking view of the Arenal volcano at night. Many lodges throughout the country offer a variety of spa services to pamper you. Or, just wander down to one of Costa Rica's many pristine beaches. Grab a board and play in the world-famous surf, or find a hammock and enjoy the view. You might even catch sight of some dolphins—they level to play in Costa Rica, too.
*Took from Conde Nast Traveler. Publicity by the Costa Rica Tourism Board (I.C.T)
