In the heart of Central America, Costa Rica beckons travellers with its irresistible combination of breathtaking landscapes, thrilling adventure activities, pristine beaches, and unwavering commitment to sustainability. Why does Costa Rica deserve a spot on your travel bucket list? From its remarkable dedication to preserving nature and promoting eco-tourism to its abundance of adventure activities and stunning coastal beauty, Costa Rica offers an unforgettable experience for nature enthusiasts, adventure seekers, and beach lovers alike.
Sustainability: A Model for the World
Costa Rica stands as a beacon of sustainability and environmental consciousness. Renowned for its commitment to conservation, this small country has preserved an impressive 25% of its land as protected areas, including national parks, reserves, and wildlife refuges. With over 5% of the world’s biodiversity thriving within its borders, Costa Rica is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers.
In addition to its protected areas, Costa Rica has embraced sustainable practices in various sectors, including tourism. From eco-lodges and green hotels to community-based tourism initiatives, the country offers numerous opportunities to experience responsible travel. Visitors can immerse themselves in eco-friendly practices, such as participating in organic farm-to-table experiences, engaging in wildlife rehabilitation programs, and supporting local communities.
Our Costa Rica expert Koen Peeters experienced this commitment on a recent test trip:
“A sustainable mindset is really everywhere. Many hotels are aware of their footprint, some hotels use solar panels, and they are thoughtful about waste management. Many don’t use chlorine in the pools, or other harsh chemicals.”

Adventure Activities: Thrill-seekers’ Paradise
For adventure enthusiasts, Costa Rica is an absolute playground. The country’s diverse landscapes, including lush rainforests, towering volcanoes, and raging rivers, provide the perfect backdrop for an array of heart-pounding activities.
Experience zip-lining through the canopy of the rainforest, soaring above the vibrant green foliage and catching glimpses of monkeys and tropical birds. White-water rafting down the rapids of the Pacuare River offers another unforgettable adventure. Exploring the hanging bridges amidst the misty cloud forests or rappelling down cascading waterfalls are also experiences that will forever be etched in your memory.
While there is plenty of adventure to be had, there are also many opportunities to explore the natural wonders of Costa Rica at a slower pace for travellers with limited mobility. Numerous popular destinations offer paved trails, ramps, and facilities designed for easy accessibility. To ensure that guests with limited mobility have an enjoyable experience, you can consult our Costa Rica experts who can provide information on suitable walking, boating, and birdwatching tours.

Beach Paradise: Sun, Sand, and Serenity
Costa Rica boasts a stunning coastline with the Caribbean Sea on one side and the Pacific Ocean on the other, offering an abundance of pristine beaches for relaxation and water sports. Whether you’re after secluded coves, vibrant coral reefs for snorkeling, or world-class surf breaks, Costa Rica has it all.
Tamarindo, Manuel Antonio, and Santa Teresa are just a few of the coastal gems that cater to beach lovers and sun-seekers. Lounge on golden sands, take refreshing dips in crystal-clear waters, or enjoy water sports like paddleboarding, kayaking, and snorkeling. From tranquil stretches ideal for quiet contemplation, to encounters with cheeky monkeys on the sand, Costa Rica offers a diverse range of experiences along hundreds of miles of coastal bliss.
Our Costa Rica Experts Pick: Top Hotels
As a well-established tourism destination, the country offers thousands of hotels, but not all are created equal. One of our favorite parts of Costa Rica trip planning is sharing the incredible properties we’ve personally vetted for you:

At Belmar Hotel in Monteverde – a gateway to Costa Rica’s cloud forest wonderlands – you can try your hand at milking cows on the organic farm, ride horses and join small group tours on meaningful forest immersion experiences.

Finca Rosa Blanca, just 20 minutes from the international airport, is an artistic eco-resort with playful décor, murals, mosaics and a waterfall in the main guesthouse. It’s well known for its organic coffee production and dedication to sustainable tourism.

Perched on a forested hillside within Arenal Volcano National Park, the 62-acre Nayara Tented Camp offers a luxurious safari experience, whisking guests around in golf carts from their plush tents with private thermal pools to yoga, meditation sessions and volcanic mud massages at the open air spa. Five restaurants are dedicated to cuisines ranging from Asian fusion to Mediterranean, while chocolate and coffee tours acquaint you with the country’s top exports. From excellent eco credentials to friendly staff, spectacular food and a diverse range of activities.
Why Visit Costa Rica? A Perfect Holiday Mix
Costa Rica offers an unrivaled combination of sustainability, exciting adventures, and breathtaking beaches. Its dedication to preserving its natural wonders and wildlife, commitment to sustainable tourism, and diversity of experiences make it a must-visit destination.
Whether your Costa Rica trip planning includes rainforests, conquering volcanoes, or basking in the sun on pristine shores, we invite you to reach out to our experts to curate a journey that will leave you with cherished memories and a deep appreciation for the remarkable natural beauty of this part of the world.
Central America inspiration
For more exciting destination ideas, browse these Central America pages and start planning your next adventure.
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