Costa Rica Holiday Guide
Costa Rica is blessed with a multitude of natural parks, protecting a range of natural ecosystems ranging from high cloud forests, to lowland rainforests, to coastal mangrove swamps and lagoons, to unspoilt coral reefs. Visit Arenal National Park to get close to the rugged splendour of Arenal Volcano, and venture into the cloud forests of the Savegre Reserve to see the colourful bird species such as the beautifully coloured quetzal. The Manuel Antonio National Park near the picture-perfect Quepos on the Pacific Coast is one of many rainforest wildernesses, where expert guides will help you spot spider and howler monkeys, sloths, bats and macaws. And visit Tortuguero National Park to witness giant turtles laying their eggs on the beach.
Costa Rica’s beaches are washed by the waters of two oceans. The Pacific coast is the larger draw for visitors, featuring a wonderful variety of sandy beaches, surf and waves that offer something for everyone, coral reefs that entice snorkelers and divers from around the world, and natural rainforest that often reaches to the beaches. Drake Bay, on a pristine stretch of southern coast, offers swimming, diving, forest trekking, horse riding and many more idyllic activities. Dominical features a gloriously long coastal strip with waves ideal for watersports aficionados, and nearby Caño Island is the place to dive amongst turtles, whales and all sorts of colourful fish.
From the capital of San José, to such visitor-friendly towns as Cartago and San Ramón, Costa Rica bids a friendly welcome to holiday makers. There is a wide choice of holiday hotels, hostels, bed and breakfasts and camping sites, so let Expedia’s search filters help you find the town and accommodation that suits your preferences and pocket. Whichever town you visit, you will find a range of museums, historic sites and cultural attractions, as well as parks bursting with colourful flora and fauna. And once you’ve walked up an appetite, check out the fresh produce markets to pick up a delicious lunch or dinner.
From treetop zipline rides to coral-reef scuba dives, Costa Rica has holiday activities to suit everyone. The rainforest parks offer guided tours along their excellent walking trails, and sites such as the Black Stallion Eco Park allow visitors to explore nature on horseback. Many rainforest sites feature canyoning, rapelling and ziplining, while the beach resorts serve up a choice of surfing, boating, kayaking, windsurfing, snorkeling and scuba diving.
