The country’s name means “Rich Coast” due to the vast quantities of jewels and gold found by the Spanish when they first discovered Costa Rica. It is bordered by both the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea with excellent beaches on each coast with 1300 kilometres/800 miles of coastline in total. It has a reputation for its well-established systems for environmental sustainability programmes. In fact, 25% of the country consists of protected areas and national parks. Costa Rica has become the poster child for ecotourism.

Costa Rica Travel Highlights

San Jose 

The capital, San Jose, is ringed by mountains and lush green valleys. Although like most capitals, it is quite hectic, there are several neighbourhoods which make San Jose a very walkable city on Costa Rica tours. It boasts an excellent selection of interesting museums and other cultural venues. One colourful highlight takes place every Thursday at the Parque Morazan when a troupe of jugglers performs accompanied by percussion music.

More information on visiting San Jose, Costa Rica

Tamarindo 

Tamarindo, on the Pacific, not only offers bathing, sailing, fishing and diving but also has many art galleries and craft centres to enjoy. Papagayo Gulf, also located on the Pacific, is set in tropical scenery and is quieter than Tamarindo for a more isolated feel while on Costa Rica vacations.

Best Things to do on a Costa Rica Trip

National Park excursions

Arenal National Park in the north-central part of the country has the world’s most active volcano. Since 1968, it has averaged around 40 moderate eruptions a day but is very safe. The area is excellent for hiking, horseback riding, mountain biking, rafting and viewing wildlife while on a Costa Rica vacation. There are attractive waterfalls and hot springs and there is also an interesting butterfly conservatory.

Another interesting national park is Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve which has over 2500 different plants, 100 mammal and 400 bird species, many ecosystems and a well-laid-out system of trails.

The Manuel Antonio National Park on the Pacific consists of both rainforest and coral reefs that are stunningly beautiful. It has some of the best beaches in Costa Rica and is also rich in wildlife.

Wildlife tours 

Tortuguero, on the Caribbean Coast, meaning “full of turtles” is a biologically diverse national park with an amazing selection of wildlife which includes the three-toed sloth and the jaguar. It is made up of rainforests, mangroves, swamps, lagoons and beaches.

Yet another wildlife reserve is Cano Negro in the north-central part of the country, it is a marshy jungle-like very remote area not easy to navigate unless on a tour. One way to explore is a floating safari through the tropical rainforest and marshland on Costa Rica tours.

For further volcanic activity, visit Rincon de la Vieja in the northwest with its trails, waterfalls and abundance of wildlife. You can experience bubbling sulphurous mud pits here. The area has wonderful vistas of natural beauty.

Book one of our Costa Rica Vacations today!

 "Globetrotting with Goway" blog articles

For some additional reading, the following articles are from our blog “Globetrotting with Goway”….. a great source of information for those people who are, or who want to be, world travellers!

Ecotourism Destinations: Central and South America (Part 1)

Why You Should Self-Drive in Costa Rica

Explore Costa Rica from Behind the Wheel

Planes, Trains, and Automobiles Across Central & South America

Costa Rica Wants to ‘Save the Americans’

Ruins, Rainforest & Romance: Seven Journeys to Stir Your Latin Passion

Green Season Fun in Costa Rica

Up, Up, and Away on a Hot Air Balloon Ride

Our Costa Rica Vacations and Tours

At Goway we believe that a well-informed traveller is a safer traveller. With this in mind, we have compiled an easy-to-navigate travel information section dedicated to a Costa Rica vacation.

Learn about the history and culture of Costa Rica, the must-try food and drink, and what to pack in your suitcase. Read about Costa Rica's nature and wildlife, weather and geography, and 'Country Quickfacts' compiled by our travel experts. Our globetrotting tips and visa and health information will help ensure you're properly prepared for a safe and enjoyable trip. The only way you could possibly learn more is by embarking on your journey and discovering Costa Rica for yourself. Start exploring… book one of our Costa Rica vacations today!

Extend Your Trip

After your Costa Rica tours, why not consider another of Goway's Latin America tours. These include a large selection of other exciting countries in Central and South America. We offer Chile vacation packages and Easter Island tours, Ecuador vacation packages which include Galapagos cruises, Peru vacation packages which include Machu Picchu tours and Brazil tours including Iguassu Falls tours among many others.