We Love —
- Visiting Costa Rica’s most popular ecotourism destinations, where we get a guided visit around the charming Tortuguero Village.
- Relaxing on the beautiful beaches of Puerto Viejo and observing the rich biodiversity and wildlife of the region.
- Staying comfortably in Superior or Standard Category hotels with a customised meal plan for the utmost comfort throughout the trip.
Customer reviews —
Your Itinerary In Brief —
An exceptional holiday awaits in the lush jungle, pristine shores and vibrant towns of Costa Rica! Experience the beauty, culture and food of this sublime Central American country on this 7, 9 or 11-night tour with car rental, transfers and hotel stays included.
Choose your ideal duration:
Day 1: San Jose
Day 2: San Jose - Tortuguero
Day 3: Tortuguero - Puerto Viejo
Day 4: Puerto Viejo
Day 5: Puerto Viejo - Sarapiqui
Day 6: Sarapiqui - Arenal
Day 7: Arenal
Day 8: Arenal - San Jose (departure)
9 Nights:
Day 1: San Jose
Day 2: San Jose - Tortuguero
Day 3: Tortuguero
Day 4: Tortuguero - Puerto Viejo
Day 5 & 6: Puerto Viejo
Day 7: Puerto Viejo - Sarapiqui
Day 8: Sarapiqui - Arenal
Day 9: Arenal
Day 10: Arenal - San Jose (departure)
11 Nights:
Day 1: San Jose
Day 2: San Jose - Tortuguero
Day 3: Tortuguero
Day 4: Tortuguero - Puerto Viejo
Day 5 & 6: Puerto Viejo
Day 7: Puerto Viejo - Sarapiqui
Day 8: Sarapiqui
Day 9: Sarapiqui - Arenal
Day 10 & 11: Arenal
Day 12: Arenal - San Jose (departure)
Your Itinerary In Detail —
7-night Itinerary
Day 1: San Jose
Welcome to Costa Rica! Our local representative will receive and assist you at the airport. Private transfer from Juan Santamaría International Airport to your hotel in San José. Check in, get comfortable in your hotel room and relax!
Overnight in San José.
Day 2: San José - Tortuguero (4h on route & 1h5 on boat) (B, L, D)
Early Check out. At the agreed time, meet at the hotel reception for a semi-shared transfer to the wonderful area of Tortuguero in the North Caribbean. Tortuguero is one of Costa Rica's most popular ecotourism destinations; it was created in 1970 to protect endangered nesting sea turtles. The canals, rivers and lagoons of Tortuguero National Park are a study of rainforest, freshwater, and marine biology. Tortuguero National Park is a place unlike any other, a paradise for research and ecotourism.
En route, stop in the city of Guápiles to have a Costa Rican breakfast in a local restaurant and then continue to the pier where you will board the boat to Tortuguero. This boat transfer will be a wonderful introduction to the heart of the rainforest. While travelling on the canals, you will admire the natural landscapes with different shades of green.
Arrive at the lodge, check in, get comfortable in your room, and enjoy a tasteful lunch. In the afternoon, meet your guide to visit the enchanting Tortuguero Village. This town has a small population of around 500, there are no cars, and it is located on a relatively narrow piece of land between the beach and a canal. Have a closer encounter with the Caribbean culture; discover its people and lifestyle walking through this colourful town.
Overnight in Tortuguero.
Day 3: Tortuguero - Puerto Viejo (1h5 boat & 3h on route) (B, L)
Wake up early and join a guide to enjoy nature in its entire splendour by touring the canals of Tortuguero National Park, by boat at sunrise and take your best photos in the jungle. Discover its network of canals, lagoons and dense rainforests through an early boat tour, guided by an expert naturalist guide. Abundant wildlife inhabits Tortuguero, including 57 species of amphibians, 111 species of reptiles, and 60 species of mammals. Return to the lodge to enjoy breakfast.
After breakfast, check out and be ready to continue your trip. Shared transfer by boat and land from Tortuguero to the restaurant located in Guápiles, where you will have a traditional lunch.
Afterwards, meet the Car Rental representative to get your rented vehicle and all the necessary information for your road trip and continue your journey to your next destination: Puerto Viejo, located in the unique South Caribbean Coast of Costa Rica. The beautiful beaches of this region are some of the most relaxing in the country. Boasting warm, calm waters, this tropical paradise is ideal for laid-back travellers seeking a getaway in a quaint beach community. Upon arrival, get comfortable in your hotel room and enjoy leisure time to relax at the hotel facilities.
Overnight in Puerto Viejo.
Day 4: Puerto Viejo (B)
Breakfast included at the hotel. Leisure day to relax and enjoy the beautiful beaches of Puerto Viejo and the surroundings. You can visit the charming Cahuita National Park, a 30-minute drive from your hotel, or by taking an optional guided excursion. This National Park is filled with rich biodiversity and wildlife.
Overnight in Puerto Viejo.
Day 5: Puerto Viejo - Sarapiquí (4h on route) (B)
Breakfast included at the hotel before check out. Afterwards, be ready to continue your trip to your next destination: the always-verdant region of Sarapiquí; famous for its amazing and rich biodiversity as well as for being an adventure seeker's dream destination. Upon arrival, get comfortable in your room and relax. Enjoy optional activities such an amazing chocolate tour, an incredible fun and exciting white water rafting tour or a guided night walk at La Tirimbina Reserve.
Overnight in Sarapiquí.
Day 6: Sarapiquí - Arenal (1h5 on route) (B)
Breakfast included at the lodge then, check out. Afterwards, be ready to continue your road trip. Your next destination is La Fortuna de San Carlos, home of the Arenal Volcano. Prior to December 2010, the Arenal Volcano was one of the ten most active volcanoes in the world, and it was a truly majestic sight, as it spewed molten rocks and ash from its summit on a daily basis. Today there are no lava eruptions, for now, but you can still see smoke / ash spew out of the top of the volcano.
Upon arrival, get comfortable at your hotel room and enjoy leisure time to relax at the hotel facilities. During your stay in Arenal, you can take advantage of the many options to discover the region: hot springs, hiking to the Volcano, chocolate tour, waterfalls, adventure flying zip lines, hanging bridges, canyoning, coffee tour, cooking classes, wildlife, culture and much more!
Overnight in Arenal.
Day 7: Arenal (B)
Breakfast included at the hotel. Leisure day to relax or explore the natural wonders of Arenal region.
Overnight in Arenal.
Day 8: Arenal - SJO Airport (3h on route) (B)
Breakfast included at the hotel before check out. It is time to self-drive to the car rental office near the Juan Santamaría International Airport to return the vehicle. Then, a shared shuttle will take you to the airport from the car rental office to your flight back home.
End of the services.
9-night Itinerary
DAY 1: San José (30 min)
Welcome to Costa Rica! Our local representative will receive and assist you at the airport. Private transfer from Juan Santamaría International Airport to your hotel in San José. Check in, get comfortable in your hotel room and relax!
Overnight in San José.
Day 2: San José - Tortuguero (4h on route & 1h5 on boat) (B, L, D)
Early check out. At the agreed time, meet at the hotel reception for a semi-shared transfer to the wonderful area of Tortuguero in the North Caribbean. Tortuguero is one of Costa Rica's most popular ecotourism destinations; it was created in 1970 to protect endangered nesting sea turtles. The canals, rivers and lagoons of Tortuguero National Park are a study of rainforest, freshwater, and marine biology. Tortuguero National Park is a place unlike any other, a paradise for research and ecotourism.
En route, stop in the city of Guápiles to have a Costa Rican breakfast in a local restaurant and then continue to the pier where you will board the boat to Tortuguero. This boat transfer will be a wonderful introduction to the heart of the rainforest. While travelling on the canals, you will admire the natural landscapes with different shades of green.
Arrive at the Lodge, check in, get comfortable in your room, and enjoy a tasteful lunch. In the afternoon, meet your guide to visit the enchanting Tortuguero Village. This town has a small population of around 500, there are no cars, and it is located on a relatively narrow piece of land between the beach and a canal.
Have a closer encounter with the Caribbean culture; discover its people and lifestyle walking through this colourful town.
Overnight in Tortuguero.
Day 3: Tortuguero (B, L, D)
Breakfast included at the Lodge. At the agreed time, join the guide for a nature walk along the private trails of the Lodge and discover the flora and fauna that live in this magical place. In the afternoon, after lunch, enjoy nature in its entire splendour by touring the canals of Tortuguero National Park, by boat and take your best photos in the jungle. Discover its network of canals, lagoons and dense rainforests through an early boat tour guided by an expert naturalist guide. Abundant wildlife inhabits Tortuguero, including 57 species of amphibians, 111 species of reptiles, and 60 species of mammals. Return to the lodge to enjoy breakfast.
Overnight in Tortuguero.
Day 4: Tortuguero - Puerto Viejo (1h5 on boat & 3h on route) (B, L)
After breakfast, check out and be ready to continue your trip. Shared transfer by boat and land from Tortuguero to the restaurant located in Guápiles, where you will enjoy a traditional lunch.
Afterwards and depending on your package choice, meet the Car Rental Representative to get your rented vehicle and all the necessary information for your road trip and continue your journey to your next destination: Puerto Viejo, located in the unique South Caribbean Coast of Costa Rica. The beautiful beaches of this region are some of the most relaxing in the country. Boasting warm, calm waters, this tropical paradise is ideal for laid-back travellers seeking a getaway in a quaint beach community. Upon arrival, get comfortable at your hotel room and enjoy leisure time to relax at the hotel facilities.
Overnight in Puerto Viejo.
Day 5 & 6: Puerto Viejo (B)
Breakfast included at the hotel. Leisure days to relax and enjoy the beautiful beaches of Puerto Viejo and the surroundings. You can visit the charming Cahuita National Park, a 30-minute drive from your hotel, or by taking an optional guided excursion. This National Park is filled with rich biodiversity and wildlife.
Overnight in Puerto Viejo.
Day 7: Puerto Viejo - Sarapiquí (4h on route) (B)
Breakfast included at the hotel before check out. Afterwards, be ready to continue your trip to your next destination: the always-verdant region of Sarapiqui; famous for its amazing and rich biodiversity as well as for being an adventure seeker's dream destination. Upon arrival, get comfortable in your room and relax. Enjoy optional activities such an amazing chocolate tour, an incredible fun and exciting white-water rafting tour or a guided night walk at La Tirimbina Reserve.
Overnight in Sarapiquí.
Day 8: Sarapiquí - Arenal (1h5 on route) (B)
Breakfast included at the lodge before check out. Afterwards, be ready to continue your road trip. Your next destination is La Fortuna de San Carlos, home of the wonderful Arenal Volcano. Prior to December 2010, the Arenal Volcano was one of the ten most active volcanoes in the world, and it was a truly majestic sight, as it spewed molten rocks and ash from its summit daily. Today there are no lava eruptions, for now, but you can still see smoke / ash spew out of the top of the volcano.
Upon arrival, get comfortable at your hotel room and enjoy leisure time to relax at the hotel facilities. During your stay in Arenal, you can take advantage of the many options to discover the region: hot springs, hiking to the Volcano, chocolate tour, waterfalls, adventure flying zip lines, hanging bridges, canyoning, coffee tour, cooking classes, wildlife, culture and much more!
Overnight in Arenal.
Day 9: Arenal (B)
Breakfast included at the hotel. Leisure day to relax or explore the natural wonders of Arenal region.
Overnight in Arenal.
Day 10: Arenal - SJO Airport (3h on route) (B)
Breakfast included at the hotel, then, check out. It is time to self-drive to the car rental office near the Juan Santamaría International Airport to return the vehicle. Then, a shared shuttle will take you to the airport from the car rental office to your flight back home.
End of the services.
11-night Itinerary
Day 1: San José (30 min)
Welcome to Costa Rica! Our local representative will receive and assist you at the airport. Private transfer from Juan Santamaría International Airport to your hotel in San José. Check in, get comfortable in your hotel room and relax!
Overnight in San José.
Day 2: San José - Tortuguero (4h on route & 1h5 on boat) (B, L, D)
Early check out. At the agreed time, meet at the hotel reception for a semi-shared transfer to the wonderful area of Tortuguero in the North Caribbean. Tortuguero is one of Costa Rica's most popular ecotourism destinations; it was created in 1970 to protect endangered nesting sea turtles. The canals, rivers and lagoons of Tortuguero National Park are a study of rainforest, freshwater and marine biology. Tortuguero National Park is a place unlike any other, a paradise for research and ecotourism.
On route, stop in the city of Guápiles to have a Costa Rican breakfast in a local restaurant and then continue to the pier where you will board the boat to Tortuguero. This boat transfer will be a wonderful introduction to the heart of the rainforest. While travelling on the canals, you will admire the natural landscapes with different shades of green.
Arrive at the Lodge, check in, get comfortable in your room, and enjoy a tasteful lunch. In the afternoon, meet your guide for an enchanting visit of the Tortuguero Village. This town has a small population of around 500, there are no cars, and it is located on a relatively narrow piece of land between the beach and a canal.
Have a closer encounter with the Caribbean culture; discover its people and lifestyle walking through this colourful town.
Overnight in Tortuguero.
Day 3: Tortuguero (B, L, D)
Breakfast included at the Lodge. At the agreed time, join the guide for a nature walk along the private trails of the Lodge and discover the flora and fauna that live in this magical place. In the afternoon, after lunch, enjoy nature in its entire splendour by touring the canals of Tortuguero National Park, by boat and take your best photos in the jungle. Discover its network of canals, lagoons and dense rainforests through an early boat tour guided by an expert naturalist guide. Abundant wildlife inhabits Tortuguero, including 57 species of amphibians, 111 species of reptiles, and 60 species of mammals. Return to the lodge to enjoy breakfast.
Overnight in Tortuguero.
Day 4: Tortuguero - Puerto Viejo (1h5 on boat & 3h on route) (B, L)
After breakfast, check out and be ready to continue your trip. Shared transfer by boat and land from Tortuguero to the restaurant located in Guápiles, where you will enjoy a traditional lunch.
Afterwards and depending on your package choice, meet the Car Rental Representative to get your rented vehicle and all the necessary information for your road trip and continue your journey to your next destination: Puerto Viejo, located in the unique South Caribbean Coast of Costa Rica. The beautiful beaches of this region are some of the most relaxing in the country. Boasting warm, calm waters, this tropical paradise is ideal for laid-back travellers seeking a getaway in a quaint beach community. Upon arrival, get comfortable in your hotel room and enjoy leisure time to relax at the hotel facilities.
Overnight in Puerto Viejo.
Day 5 & 6: Puerto Viejo (B)
Breakfast included at the hotel. Leisure days to relax and enjoy the beautiful beaches of Puerto Viejo and its surroundings. You can visit the charming Cahuita National Park, a 30-minute drive from your hotel, or by taking an optional guided excursion. This National Park is filled with rich biodiversity and wildlife.
Overnight in Puerto Viejo.
Day 7: Puerto Viejo - Sarapiquí (4h on route) (B)
Breakfast included at the hotel before check out. Afterwards, be ready to continue your trip to your next destination: the always-verdant region of Sarapiqui; famous for its amazing and rich biodiversity as well as for being an adventure seeker's dream destination. Upon arrival, get comfortable in your room and relax. Enjoy optional activities such an amazing chocolate tour, an incredible fun and exciting white-water rafting tour or a guided night walk at La Tirimbina Reserve.
Overnight in Sarapiquí.
Day 8: Sarapiquí (B)
Breakfast included at the lodge. Leisure day to relax surrounded by pristine nature of Sarapiquí or take advantage of your free time and explore the beauty of this region by taking an optional guided tour. Enjoy optional activities such an amazing chocolate tour, an incredible fun and exciting white water rafting tour or a guided night walk at La Tirimbina Reserve.
Overnight in Sarapiquí.
Day 9: Sarapiquí ● Arenal (1h5 on route) (B)
Breakfast included at the lodge before check out. Afterwards, be ready to continue your road trip. Your next destination is La Fortuna de San Carlos, home of the wonderful Arenal Volcano. Prior to December 2010, the Arenal Volcano was one of the ten most active volcanoes in the world, and it was a truly majestic sight, as it spewed molten rocks and ash from its summit daily. Today there are no lava eruptions, for now, but you can still see smoke / ash spew out of the top of the volcano.
Upon arrival, get comfortable in your hotel room and enjoy leisure time to relax at the hotel facilities.
Overnight in Arenal.
Day 10 & 11: Arenal (B)
Breakfast included at the hotel. Leisure days to relax or explore the natural wonders of Arenal region. During your stay in Arenal, you can take advantage of the many options to discover the region: hot springs, hiking to the Volcano, chocolate tour, waterfalls, adventure flying zip lines, hanging bridges, canyoning, coffee tour, cooking classes, wildlife, culture and much more!
Overnight in Arenal.
Day 12: Arenal - SJO Airport (3h on route) (B)
Breakfast included at the hotel, then, check out. It is time to self-drive to the car rental office near the Juan Santamaría International Airport to return the vehicle. Then, a shared shuttle will take you to the airport from the car rental office to your flight back home.
End of the services.
Your Hotels —
Just for you:
- Included welcome and assistance at SJO Airport
- Included shared transfers to/from SJO Airport
- Included shared transfers San José – Tortuguero – Guápiles
- Shared excursions in Tortuguero (English-speaking guide)
- Included entrance to Ecotermales in Arenal on day two of the trip
- For stays of 7 nights: A rented car with basic insurance from day 3 to day 8: Standard: Suzuki Vitara for 3/4 people Arenal or Superior: Suzuki Grand Vitara for 3/4 people
- For stays of 9 nights: A rented car with basic insurance from day 4 to day 10: Standard: Suzuki Vitara for 3/4 people Arenal or Superior: Suzuki Grand Vitara for 3/4 people
- For stays of 11 nights: A rented car with basic insurance from day 4 to day 12: Standard: Suzuki Vitara for 3/4 people Arenal or Superior: Suzuki Grand Vitara for 3/4 people
HAND-PICKED JUST FOR YOU
Maximum room capacity
Stay comfortably in Standard or Superior category hotels during your road trip through Costa Rica, some of them with additional benefits!
Superior category hotels:
San Jose: Park Inn (or similar)
Tortuguero: Evergreen Lodge (or similar)
Puerto Viejo: Namuwoki Lodge (or similar)
Sarapiqui: Sarapiquis Rainforest Lodge (or similar)
Arenal: Lomas del Volcán (or similar)
Standard category hotels:
San Jose: Sleep Inn (or similar)
Tortuguero: La Baula Lodge (or similar)
Puerto Viejo: Villas de Caribe (ou similaire)
Sarapiqui: Hacienda La Isla (or similar)
Arenal: San Bosco Inn (or similar)
The maximum capacity of the rooms is 3 adults or 2 adults + 1 child or 1 adult + 1 child + 1 baby. Possibility to stay in a single room with supplement.
Your Dining Choices
You will enjoy a meal plan that is customised to your trip for total ease and comfort. Please see below for more details:
For the 7-night program: 7 breakfasts, 2 lunches (excluding drinks) and 1 dinner (excluding drinks).
For the 9 nights program: 9 breakfasts, 3 lunches (excluding drinks) and 2 dinners (excluding drinks).
For the 11-night program: 11 breakfasts, 3 lunches (excluding drinks) and 2 dinners (excluding drinks).
Your Optional Excursions —
Puerto Viejo: Hiking & Snorkeling Cahuita National Park (Minimum Two People)

In addition to the walking tour, you can enjoy the snorkeling experience. This tour takes place in a boat with a capacity of 15 people, with captain and guide, around the Cahuita National Park, which is the first place in the world where, square meter by square meter, there is more biodiversity in the different ecosystems of the land and sea.
You will be able to practice snorkeling in the most important coral reef of Costa Rica, observing: 35 different species of corals, tropical fish, sharks, mollusks, crustaceans, seaweed, sea turtles, sea sponges, among others.
Sarapiquí: Night Walk

With the help of a naturalist as a guide, you have the opportunity to discover the wonders of the forest, when most species are active. You can learn the natural history of the different nocturnal species of the rainforest. The guide focuses on nocturnal species such as: insects, frogs, nocturnal mammals, among others, showing a different perspective of the rainforest.
Arenal: Volcanoes Hike, Rio Celeste and Tenorio

One of the most incredible places in Costa Rica, beautiful turquoise blue waters create with the nature that surrounds them a setting to admire. Located on the slopes of the Tenorio volcano, this unique river is of incredible beauty. The route begins with a walk along a 7 kilometer trail that will take you through the forest, passing by the magical waterfall, the blue lagoon, the viewpoint with a view of the Tenorio volcano and the surrounding hills.
Two of the most interesting points, "Las Ollas", fumaroles full of mud and "Los Teñideros" which are the place where the river acquires its characteristic color. On the way back, you will walk along the banks of the river admiring the bubbling waters and its beautiful natural environment. The tour will end with a delicious lunch.
Arenal: Arenal Volcano National Park & Boat

Enjoy a short boat ride from the dam of Lake Arenal to the entrance of "La Península".
This trail will take you through the forest of the newest national park. You will walk through the forest of the newest national park and enjoy incredible views and fantastic vistas, ideal for bird watching and photography. Visit areas that were destroyed by volcanic activity and are now being regenerated. A walk through the "Camino de Coladas" will allow you to discover what the lava flows used to be like.
Arenal: Horseback Riding to La Fortuna Waterfall

This horseback ride takes about 4 hours. It starts at the foot of the mountain and goes up through beautiful forest terrain. You will find beautiful scenery along the way and the opportunity to observe some birds. Then you will have to walk 500 meters through the forest to reach the waterfall, which is 70 m high. At the foot of the waterfall, there is a "natural pool" where you can bathe in the cool water.
Your Journey to Costa Rica —
Flights:
You may choose from Economy, Premium or Business class flights on sectors that they operate, at the next stage of the booking process. The flights included are with either a scheduled or no-frills airline and are subject to live availability and prices can change. You can choose your preferred departure times during the booking process. Please select your flight options carefully as departure and arrival airports may differ.
Car Hire:
For the freedom to explore your destination at your own pace, make the most of included car hire with your booking. Please note you cannot be guaranteed a specific make of car within a certain group. The lead name on the booking will be confirmed as the named driver. The named driver must present a credit card in their name when collecting the car (credit cards in other names will not be accepted). The named driver must also present a full valid driving licence on the collection of the vehicle and in some cases, a credit card or cash deposit will be required. Please ensure that you check your car hire documents carefully once received as this will advise if there are any taxes/charges to be paid locally as well as potential mileage restrictions. Other fees may be applicable in addition to the cost of your car rental for any additional products added to your car rental. Important information about offers without a flight:
To ensure that your rental car is available upon arrival, please notify us of your flight schedules within 48 hours of making your reservation by filling out the relevant form in your member account. Without this information, your car may not be available on time.
It's holiday time, and freedom is yours! Take advantage of car rental for a large part of your stay and set off to explore the country's roads Car rental conditions: Valid driving licenses or international licenses are accepted in Costa Rica. They must be presented with the passport. It is very important to check that your passport is stamped with the date of entry into the country. Type: Suzuki Grand Vitara or similar up to 3-4 persons. From day 3 (7 nights offer) or 4 (9 and 11 nights offers) until the last day of the programme. Basic insurance included. The supplement for full coverage of the rented car is per day: $10. The minimum age to rent a vehicle is 21 years, and there is no maximum rental age. ADDITIONAL DRIVER : The additional driver can only be added to the contract at the pick-up location. FORMS OF PAYMENT
Cars should be driven on the right side of the road. Speed limits are posted according to road conditions. Speed limits are different in rural and urban areas.
Drivers between the ages of 21 and 24 will be charged an additional daily fee.
Drivers under 25 years of age will be charged $10.00 per day as a young driver.
All additional drivers must meet all rental requirements.
Additional drivers must check in at the rental counter with the primary renter.
Additional drivers must sign the rental agreement.
An additional daily rate may apply for any additional driver.
A maximum of four additional drivers per contract.
A passport in addition to a credit card, with available credit and in the name of the hirer, must be presented. The signature on the back must match the name printed on the card. In addition, if the hirer is making an online transaction, the number and name printed on the card presented by the hirer must match the name and number registered for the online transaction.
Accepted credit cards: American Express, Mastercard, Visa, Diners Club
A credit card authorization in the amount of $500 USD, plus the estimated cost of the rental, will be taken at the time of rental. This authorization amount can be used for vehicle damage or late fees. In the event that the customer refuses the CDW-TP, the amount held on the credit card will be USD 2500 plus the estimated cost of the rental.
Debit/Cheque cards are only accepted at this centre as final payment. Debit/Check cards are considered non-credit cards such as American Express, MasterCard, VISA, Diners Club, Discover. Any other non-credit card without one of these logos is not accepted.
Cash is only accepted at this location as a form of final payment.
Your Destinations —
Costa Rica
As the eco-and adventure-tourism capital of Central America, Costa Rica is a magnet for nature enthusiasts, thrill seekers and those who want to step off the beaten track. La Pura Vida (the pure life) is the unofficial motto of the country, and it's easy to see why - emerald rainforests, pastel-coloured hummingbirds, smouldering volcanic peaks, tumbling rivers...this verdant chunk is one of the most bio-diverse spots on the planet!
The country's national parks are its greatest glory, with one-third of the country set aside as protected natural areas. As well as being a world leader in eco-tourism, Costa Rica superbly caters for visitors looking for an adrenalin kick, with options including whitewater rafting, zip line tours through the rainforest canopy, surfing and quad biking. It is quickly becoming more popular, so grab this chance to visit now, while landscapes are still exceptionally unspoiled!