For a country of its size, Costa Rica sure hit the Mother Nature mother lode. The most visited nation in Central America contains biodiversity so staggering you can't possibly imagine it all until you've been there for yourself on a Costa Rica vacation. With both Pacific and Caribbean beaches, cloud and rainforests, rivers and lakes, volcanoes and mountains, it's no surprise that a whopping 25% of the country is protected or designated as national parkland.
Corcovado National Park, for example, encompasses 13 major ecosystems. The Monteverde Cloud Forest features a wide variety of brilliantly colored birds and plant life, including the purple orchid. And Tortuguero National Park's delights include everything from nesting turtles to swinging monkeys, including the endangered and beautiful red-backed squirrel monkey.
The country's population is centered around its main city, San Jose, where most people on Costa Rica vacation packages launch their adventures. Sitting in the country's Central Valley, San Jose is filled with historic buildings and cathedrals, including the famous theater. Bars and restaurants draw in the night-owl crowds to El Pueblo, while day-trippers can easily depart from the city for the butterfly-filled wonders of the countryside.
Events in Costa Rica
Arenal Volcano
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Arenal Volcano
Arenal is the granddaddy of Costa Rica's natural attractions and one of the most active volcanoes in the world. Get as close as...
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Aviarios del Caribe Sloth Sanctuary
Set amidst lush tropical gardens on the delta of the Estrella River, Aviarios del Caribe is a real gem on Costa Rica's...
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Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve
There can be few things as mystical sounding as a cloud forest. But this is not something from a fairy tale, here in one of the most...
