Discover the main attractions of Costa Rica...

At Natural World Safaris we love Costa Rica because it has that perfect blend of adventure, a chance to unwind and wildlife waiting to pop out around every corner. Our Product Manager, used to guide there a few years ago so we feel our knowledge of this enchanting destination is second to none. As one of the most biodiverse countries in the world; the tourism industry has flourished over the years making it a spectacular place to travel. 

The name Costa Rica means ‘rich coast’ and this is no understatement. Although small in size it can lay claim to an incredible 6 percent of the world’s biodiversity, making it a haven for wildlife encounters. It is not surprising that it is one of our favourite places to travel. Throw in live volcanoes, incredible beaches, wondrous waterfalls, captivating cloud forests and you have the perfect recipe for a natural world extravaganza.

Blessed with bundles of character, the ‘Ticos’ swear by their maxim of pura vida (pure life)! With so much to do in this enthralling Latin American country it’s hard not to live life to the full. Here are some of our highlights...

Tortuguero National Park

Located on the northern Caribbean coast, and accessed and explored by boat, a tropical rainforest provides habitat for an abundance of wildlife. It also protects a 22 mile stretch of beach where hundreds of endangered turtles come to shore to lay their eggs. As well as the turtles you are likely to see monkeys, sloths, tapirs and a variety of birds.

Best place to stay: Mawamba Lodge

Monteverde

Monteverde Cloud Forest is found in the central highlands was one of the first natural reserves and has become a model of environmental sustainability and eco-tourism. It is a great place to spot mammals such as monkeys and tapirs, and if you are lucky one of the six endangered cats found in Costa Rica. It is also a birder’s paradise, with over 400 species including the national bird, the magnificent Quetzal. If you're seeking adventure, zip lines and walkways line the canopies, hiking and horse-riding is also readily available. It truly is a location that shouldn’t be missed.

Best place to stay: Hotel Belmar

Arenal

Imagine a perfectly conical volcano with a column of smoke steadily rising from its peak. Now imagine it piercing through a deep green tropical rainforest. Finally, picture yourself soaking in natural hot springs with cocktail in your hand whilst watching a natural firework show as Arenal volcano spits out hot lava rocks which then tumble down its steep slopes. Do we need to say anymore?

Best place to stay: Arenal Nayara Hotel

Manuel Antonio

Probably the best place in Costa Rica to combine sun, sea and sand with a love of nature. Manuel Antonio’s palm-fringed beaches merge with a dense tropical rainforest teeming with life. Manuel Antonio National Park is one of only two spots in the country where you can see all four monkey species; it is also a great place for sloth-spotting. With lodgings perched on hilltops providing stunning views of both the Pacific Ocean and the rainforest they make for an endearing visit:

Best place to stay: Arenas del Mar

Osa Peninsula

The Osa Peninsula feels like a lost world. It has been described by National Geographic as ‘one of the most biologically intense places on earth’ probably due its lack of roads and general remoteness. Covered predominantly by primary rainforest it is a hot spot for wildlife. Scarlett macaws and toucans fly overhead, the calls of the howler monkeys reverberates through the forest, and charismatic eco-lodges marry the rainforest to delightful beaches.

Best place to stay: Lapa Rios

Guanacaste

Located on the northern Pacific coast, Guancaste is blessed with beautiful beaches, and a handful of national parks making it one of the most visited regions in Costa Rica. You can trek to the summit of Rincon de la Vieja volcano, or discover tropical dry forests which once extended from Mexico all along the Pacific coast, and which today has practically disappeared from the Mesoamerican scenery. The beaches here range from darker volcanic to white and golden sands lapped by clear azure waters rich in marine life. With an average temperature of over 27C its tricky to leave it out of your holiday plans.

Best place to stay: Cala Luna

Nicoya Peninsula

The Nicoya Peninsula, separated from the mainland by the Gulf of Nicoya, is famed for its beaches. A seamlessly endless stretch of coastline, dotted with spectacular beaches and incredible coastal scenery it has become synonymous with honeymooners to Costa Rica searching for a romantic retreat. The accommodation offers some of the best barefoot luxury options in Costa Rica, so if you want to kick back, relax and enjoy your surroundings then this is where you want to go.

Best place to stay: Hotel Punta Islita