Central Valley

In the Central Valley, you can enjoy the cool weather of De la Muerte hill and the warmth of Alajuela. This valley is surrounded by mountain ranges and volcanoes, such as Poás and Irazú, which are less than one hour away by road.

From the capital city, San José, located at the country’s center and after a short drive, the tourist may become enraptured by looking at the exotic multicolored orchid flowers in Jardines Lankester. For the more daring and adventurous, a raft tour on the white water rapids of Reventazón River will raise your adrenaline levels.

North Pacific

Guanacaste, a region of folklore, music, color, delicious “casados” (typical home-made dish), has it own international airport, the point entry into this charming land of five-star beach resorts, or small and cozy lodges.

Its beaches are particularly suitable to bask in the sun or swim. Abundant marine ecosystems that are the habitat of a large variety of fish, sharks, manta rays and the clown shrimp provide excellent diving spots.

South Pacific

Living the exuberant, green nature in every detail of wilderness. Savage nature, Green Islands, warm beaches, cool ferns, sloths, monkeys, tapirs, and if lucky, you can even spot felines.

An extending area from Barú River to the Panamanian border and from the Talamanca Mountain Range to the Pacific Coast.

If you prefer hiking, the enigma of the unknown, or research, Chirripó Mountains awaits you at 3.820 meters above the sea level. The cool Chirripó, covered with a barren plateau and mystery, is the highest point in Costa Rica.

Also on the South Pacific is Dulce Gulf, a place considered by scientists as a real tropical fiord, with a water mass that is unique in the Americas.

Central Pacific

Just two hours from San José, those who love beaches, water sports, and nature will find this most attractive area.

From beginning to end, this coast invites you to visit its beaches, some far from the city hustle and bustle, others full of life, and you only have to drive two or three hours.

While driving, the blue Pacific, together with vast African oil palm plantations is the perfect company for those visiting Jacó, Quepos or Manuel Antonio. Tourist development facilities mostly consist of traditional beach-front and cabins, in addition to the famous all-inclusive resorts.

The Caribbean

Coconuts land, Afro-Caribbean rhythms and an exquisite flora and fauna in the most natural environment.

Going through Braulio Carrillo National Park -in route to the Caribbean - you will see the wonders of your destination. You will travel through a highway engulfed in mountains with luxuriant vegetation. Further ahead; the banana-smelling air will let you know Limón Province is near, with its vast tropical crops, which, in addition to bananas, include ornamental plants and the popular “pejibaye”, a native palm whose peach-like fruit has an excellent taste and color.

Caribe is home to black, Chinese, white and Indian communities who live in harmony. The province is a large wild, free, and natural area that has been barely affected by the construction of small, and well-furnished, hotels.

In this paradisiacal region, Tortuguero has become one of the main corners to both scientific and ecological tourism, drawn every year by egg-laying green marine turtles and resident crocodiles.

Fifteen foot waves known as Salsa Brava – for surfers – dolphins, beautiful migratory marine birds, white and black sand beaches, a variety of marine ecosystems ideal for diving, snorkeling, or fishing in such places as Cahuita, Puerto Viejo, Manzanillo, or Punta Uva, Cocles, and Gandoca, are an ideal place to forget about stress or to enjoy a unique experience.

Arenal Volcano Area

During the trip from San José, towards the impressive mountains and northern plains, you will enjoy the beautiful scenery offered by several mountains ranges, such as Guanacaste and Tilarán ranges, separate by Arenal reservoir, and the small heart-shaped Cote Lake.

One of the greatest attractions in the northern part of the country is Arenal Volcano. It’s almost perfect conical shape and the show featured by its red-hot lava eruptions will remind you of a carnival’s fireworks.

Arenal reservoir is an artificial lake where water sports are practiced, such as windsurfing. Very near, the Celeste River with its magic light-blue hues makes this site a dream paradise.

Monteverde

Monteverde is recognized in the world for its conservation efforts and a life style based on respect for nature.

Important communities with infrastructure services are Santa Elena, San Luis and San Gerardo. The main one is Santa Elena, which concentrates the area’s tourist and commercial supply.

Monteverde is a cloud forest, a natural, friendly, and quiet sanctuary, with gentle and hospitable people living there. A comfortable infrastructure has been developed to make tourists feel entirely integrated with the surrounding environment.

Natural parks and protected wildlife areas also abound, such as the Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve, the Monteverde Biological Reserve, and the Children’s Eternal Forest.