Costa Rica is one of those rare places that truly has a bit of everything: volcanoes, cloud forests, wild Pacific beaches, calm Caribbean coves and more wildlife than you can count. In the north, the Arenal / La Fortuna area is perfect for hot springs, hanging bridges, zip-lining and volcano views. MytanFeet+1 Head west to Guanacaste and the Papagayo Peninsula for golden beaches, sunsets and resort-style relaxation, or down to Manuel Antonio and the Central Pacific for national parks, monkeys, sloths and turquoise bays. Global Grasshopper+2Visit Costa Rica+2 Inland, the Monteverde Cloud Forest offers misty trails, canopy walks and incredible birdlife for travelers who love cooler temps and lush, green scenery. Wikipedia+1
What you do in Costa Rica can be as active or relaxed as you’d like: hiking, whitewater rafting, surfing, whale watching, wildlife safaris, coffee farm visits or simply swinging in a hammock with a book. Visit Costa Rica+1 And then there’s the food: classic dishes like gallo pinto (rice and beans with eggs for breakfast) and casado (a hearty plate with rice, beans, salad, plantains and a choice of protein) plus ultra-fresh fruit, seafood and that essential cup of Costa Rican coffee. A Little And A Lot+3MytanFeet+3Travel Excellence+3
The beauty of Costa Rica is how customizable it is. You can mix a few nights in the rainforest with time at the beach, stay in eco-lodges, boutique hotels or luxury resorts and build in as much “go, go, go” or “slow, slow, slow” as suits your style. As a FORA travel advisor who loves this destination, I help you choose the right regions, route, hotels and activities so your trip feels adventurous but still comfortable and stress-free.
Ready for more ideas and a deeper dive into where to eat, stay and play?
Explore my full insider guide here:
An Insider’s Guide to Costa Rica – with Heidi Dent
When you’re ready to turn “someday Costa Rica” into real dates on the calendar, I’m here to help you design a trip that feels like your own version of pura vida.