Costa Rica

Costa Rica is perched at the narrow crossroads between Central and South America; Pacific and Caribbean Ocean, a tiny country that is jam packed with wildlife, beaches and breathtaking scenery. Only a mere 0.1% of the world’s surface areas yet it boasts an extraordinary 5% of the planet’s entire biodiversity, a welcome reward for a country that has given up its army and dedicated itself to all things green. For visitors, there is a natural treasure trove to explore from the rich mangrove channels of Tortuguero to Monteverde’s lush cloud-forest home to over 400 species of birds. In the southwest, steamy jungle tumbles onto the golden beaches of the Osa Peninsula and Corcovado National Park whose waters teem with tropical fish, a delight for keen divers. In the highlands, the scenery is no less impressive. Smoking volcanoes and granite peaks offer world class hiking, biking and riding whilst casacding rivers and waterfalls play host to paddlers and rafters alike.

Around 10% of Costa Rica is dedicated to national parks and throughout, beautiful lodges and coffee plantations provide the perfect base to explore. And then why not finish your trip on the dreamy beaches of Manuel Antonio or the Nicoya Peninsula? Costa Rica was rated as having the highest quality of life in both 2009 and 2012 and it is easy to see why!