What To Do

• Culture
  
• Ecotourism
  
• Adventure
  
• Sun and Beaches
  
• Families
  
• Cruises
  
• Executive
  
• Relax
  
• Honeymoon

Main Regions of Costa Rica

Culture
Heritage and Culture

Costa Rican culture is in many ways a reflection of its racial diversity. The predominant influence has long been European, which is reflected in everything from the official language -- Spanish -- to the architecture of the country's churches and other historic buildings. The indigenous influence is less visible, but can be found in everything from the tortillas that make part of a typical Costa Rican meal, to the handmade ceramics sold at roadside stands.

An important aspect of Costa Rica's cultural legacy is their love for peace and democracy. The Ticos like to stand out that their nation is the exception in Latin America, where military dictatorships have long dominated politics.

They take pride in having more than one hundred years of democratic tradition, and almost half a century without an army. The army was abolished in 1948, and the money the country saves by not expending in military issues is invested in improving the Costa Ricans' standard of living, which has fostered a culture of social peace that makes it such a pleasant place to visit.

The Ticos
The Ticos, as Costa Ricans are commonly known, are famous for their hospitality, and are quite happy to live up to their reputation. They are well-educated and hard working people, who are quick with a handshake and a smile. They are well aware of the special land they have, and most likely they will help foreigners when they get lost, even explaining things that might seem bizarre to foreigners, and making their stay as enjoyable as possible.

People say the Ticos are their nation's greatest asset, and once you've experienced their friendliness and spontaneity, you'll have no doubt to that regard .

Ecotourism

In Costa Rica, nature reveals itself in its entire splendor.

Considered one of the most bio-diverse regions in the world, Costa Rica is divided in 20 natural parks, 8 biological reserves, and a series of protected areas that captivate ecotourism lovers. The variety of activities includes horseback riding, hiking mountainous paths in the cloud forests, and guided bird-watching tours.

Tortuguero National Park is especially famous for sea turtle nesting that takes place every year, and the natural canals that abound with protected species such as crocodiles, manatees, and otters.

• Highlights

• National Parks

• Rivers and lakes

• Forests

• Bird Watching

• Horseback Riding

• Canopy Tours

• Rain Forest's Aerial Tram

Adventure

Costa Rica is a land of volcanoes, rain forests, waterfalls, and rivers. Adventure travelers can choose from a variety of activities such as rafting, snorkeling, kayaking, sport fishing, surfing, and lots more. The most challenging activity will be choosing what to do!

Featured activities

☺Extreme Action

Costa Rica is a destination with an abundance of thrills and adrenaline for lovers of adventure tourism. The whole year round, and in most parts of the country, whether it is on water, land or earth, you can select among a great variety of activities for all of the family. Usually they take place in natural environments, where you will have unforgettable experiences.

The most important element to enjoy from adventure activities is safety.
Aware of this, in Costa Rica we are directing adventure tourism companies towards the regulations and operation licenses awarded from the different governmental entities.

Owing to the excellent characteristics of adventure tourism in Costa Rica, some international media have acknowledged our country as the best destination for adventure.

☺Challenging the Currents

Experience the thrill of aquatic adventures in the different options offered by Costa Rica for the most daring, but also for those liking the milder versions. Dare to master the river currents in groups of five persons or more, while rafting, or well, learn how to kayak.

While you feel the excitement of our rivers and their whirlpools, you’ll enjoy a totally natural world. If you’d rather settle for calmer waters, you’ll be surrounded by beautiful landscapes, admiring wildlife and lush, captivating forests that will make you feel one with it all.

Kayaking may also be practiced at sea; experience the thrilling motion of the waves under the shining sun; get to know Costa Rican beaches with its many-coloured sands, surrounded by exuberant vegetation. Your trip may be soothing if you’d rather opt for a canoe trip by the rivers, canals, lakes and wetlands, in natural scenaries of exquisite beauty.

One of the most attractive activities for tourists visiting Costa Rica is diving, in the surface or "snorkel" version, or deep sea diving with a tank. You’ll get in touch with a colourful, underwater world, with the possibility of observing the spectacular whale shark, white-finned sharks (at Coco´s Island*), devilfish, schools of different species, eels, lobsters, the beauty of coral reefs and so much more.

Cocos Island, one of the 10 most important marine places in the planet , was declared as World Natural Heritage site by the UNESCO in 1997, for this reason, the visits to the island are regulated by the SINAC- MINAE, the government environmental office. The island is located about 500km (appox. 300 miles) from Puntarenas and it takes approximately 20 hours to get there.

☺Explore Costa Rica by land

When you engage on a hike to have a closer contact with nature, you’ll discover the amazing trails crossing mountains; they are an invitation to search deeper into every corner of our land, appreciating the imposing rivers and waterfalls.

Scenic beauty, challenging paths and lots of fun are expecting lovers of mountain bikes.

Horseback riding may be enjoyed almost anywhere in the country, guided by an expert. Hit the trails in the forest or if you’d rather, come in closer touch with Costa Rican culture, in a friendly experience with the people of the community, while learning about interesting towns.

But the thrills are not over yet: go to the underground, mysterious world of caverns: Speleology; it adds up another dimension, the beauty of a rare adventure, not without its risks.

☺From the Heights

You might go for adventures that take place over the imposing structures of hanging bridges where all of the family will have a closer view of the river landscapes, the canopies and the depths, while learning about life on the tree tops.

If you’d rather choose the kind of adventure involving ropes, in Costa Rica you’ll find the place to face those extraordinary challenges.

One of the options is rapel, an exercise that makes you descend from the highest top of trees, waterfalls, cliffs or rocky formations, to the ground. You only need some comfortable clothes and selecting the tour that best matches your needs for adventure.
One of the activities that has attracted attention and promoted adventure tourism in Costa Rica is the tyrolean or canopy, as it’s commonly called.

This activity consists of gliding at different speeds, holding unto steel cables suspended between platforms located on the canopy of the highest trees. Some of them involve crossing over river gorges, making it necessary to climb a mountain to continue your journey.

During the trip and from the high platforms, you can delight with the imposing natural landscapes and views of the forest from up high. The Canopy’s advantage is that it may be practiced by almost everyone, depending on the level of excitement you wish to experience.
If you can overcome vertigo, enjoy the feeling of flinging yourself in a free fall. Bungee jumping in Costa Rica has been booming since 1991, it is practiced with ropes in different sites of the country.

In Costa Rica you’ll find everything to experience exciting, memorable activities, in an extension of barely 51,100 km2. You make the choice of the kind of adventure you want to have and the exact place for it to take place.

Sun and Beaches
Costa Rica occupies a privileged spot in the heart of Central America. While its territory of 19,652 square miles touches both the Atlantic and Pacific oceans, the country is surprisingly accessible - one can travel from coast to coast in just three hours by car (or 45 minutes by plane).

The Caribbean region of Costa Rica stands out for its variety of aquatic ecosystems and its beautiful white and black sand beaches, providing an ideal setting for activities such as sport fishing, snorkeling, and sun bathing. The Pacific coast concentrates big tourist centers and its beaches are very popular for surfing, for example Esterillos, Jaco, Hermosa, Boca Barranca. In the Golfito region, near the Marino Ballena National Park, surfing fans can find the famous "long lefthander wave."

Families

☺VACATIONS FOR EVERYONE

The world’s offer in tourism is giving more importance each day to satisfying the increasing demand represented by family tourism.

The principles of democracy and peace in Costa Rica have been promoted throughout its history, so the country naturally developed a series of activities and places with specialized programs for family recreation: walks, guided visits, group games, interaction with diverse communities and cultural groups, tasting the varied Costa Rican gastronomy, beach sports, among others.

You may select among the many options that will contribute to the enthusiastic enjoyment of free time spent with your loved ones. Sports, adventures, nature, relaxation… those ingredients are part of the special family tourism you may experience in Costa Rica.

☺A VALLEY OF CULTURE

As the capital of the country, San José also represents the capital of culture and amusement. Offering a series of places for all family members to enjoy the museums, theaters, cinemas, and recreation centers.

Among the most relevant, the imposing, gothic architecture of the National Theater with performances that include every art gender. The Gold Museum will show you Pre Columbian, Costa Rican art. The National Museum will let you travel through Costa Rica’s history and the Children’s Museum, will guide you and your family through an interactive learning adventure, applied with innovative devices on each subject, to learn while you all play.

☺ACTIVITIES TO CHOOSE FROM

Adventure does not discriminate by age, sex, or degree of physical fitness. Costa Rica offers activities adapted to different tastes and budgets, where all family have fun together.

The practice of adventure tourism strengthens living together as a family, with activities such as hikes in protected areas present on the many national parks and biological reserves areas, as well as fluvial fishing, mainly of trout and tilapia, and surfing. Moreover, Costa Rica’s natural richness makes it a perfect place to benefit from family vacations. Together, you’ll share while going deep into the country’s tropical forests, discovering a surprising variety of flora and fauna, formed by exuberant vegetation, mammals, and birds. All these protected species are found in the diverse National Parks and Biological Reserves you may explore while trekking and horseback or aerial tram riding.

A complement of the scenic beauty and amusement offered by Costa Rica are the several beaches along the Caribbean and Pacific coasts.

☺ADVENTURES ON LAND

Find in Trekking exciting expeditions or walks that will approach you to natural beauties. Or you may prefer a route with alternative means that facilitate your journey: mountain biking, ATV’s or horseback rides, ideal vehicles to dare and explore the different landscapes, full of flora and fauna you find throughout the country.

There are other attractions to enjoy the forest, like traveling among the trees, practicing canopy, or perhaps enjoy the movement of walking on hanging bridges.

☺ADVENTURES ON WATER

The thrill is not less in this category. A very popular adventure among families having young or teenage members is rafting. The most searched for the practice of this sport are the Pacuare, Reventazón, Sarapiquí, and Corobicí rivers. With this kind of activities on rivers you’ll spend pleasant fun times, while enjoying the fascinating view, surrounded by nature.

At sea, you’ll also experience good sensations. You may go skin diving or snorkeling, going into the depths of Costa Rica’s marine world, take boat or kayak trips, or well, discovering many kinds of beach to share with your family. This country’s coasts have the advantage of warm waters throughout the year, which gives you the opportunity of visiting anytime you like. You will spend fun-filled family moments with the many existing activities, like surf, Jet Ski, banana boat, or simply playing with the waves and sand.

Cruises

This country´s port industry honors the name of “Costa Rica”, which in English means “rich coast”. Each cruise ship that comes to its coasts will find optimum conditions for disembarkation: Specialized operators, excellent flotilla, surveillance and security from the Ministry of Public Safety, traffic police, and ambulances. Professional guides will be waiting to take tourists along the many available tours that will attract everyone.

Costa Ricans value highly the great natural treasures they have inherited. At the present time, approximately 25% of the territory has several protected areas: National Parks, Biological Reserves, National Wildlife Refuges. This exotic display of flora and fauna, is waiting for tourists from all over the world in a unique place, different from any other destination.

All this natural beauty comes with advantages that will make your trip more enjoyable: Tour operators with broad experience in serving cruises, multi-cultural cuisine, a safe atmosphere, and many recreational activities. The beautiful coasts of the Caribbean and Pacific Region can also be easily accessed.

In addition to the above-mentioned facts, visiting Costa Rica will be an unforget- table experience, not only for its natural beauty and a world-known democracy, but also for its people. “Ticos” are warm, friendly, and many foreigners who visit the country, find their conservative manner, quite appealing. With all this, tourists can feel free to explore and venture, traveling short distances – less than one day – between each location.

COAST TO COAST, CLOSE TO ANY DESTINATION

Cruise disembarkation, in the Pacific as well as in the Caribbean coasts, is done in a professional and safe manner. Both have suitable infrastructure from where tourists can join several exciting tours throughout the country.

The capital city, San José, is less than 3 hours away from any of those ports of call, which is very convenient to reach the active business center and enjoy the many opportunities for adventure this country has to offer.

The uniqueness of Costa Rica lies in the numerous options tourists can find to go on tours that will make them go deeply into nature and fun. Some of these exciting choices include: Visits to volcanoes, national parks, forests, expe - riencing the “tico” culture, hiking, bird watching, and many others. The National Theatre, located downtown, is an architectonic jewel that no one should miss plus the Gold and Jade Museums for an enriching cultural visit, creating a perfect complement for pleasure traveling.

PORTS IN THE CARIBBEAN COAST

Puerto Limón, the most important spot in the Caribbean for cruise calls, awaits visitors with an exuberant vegetation and its friendly Afro-Caribbean culture.

When you arrive in Limón, you will find many options to enjoy your visit. In the Northern Caribbean region you can be more in contact with nature while visiting the Tortuguero National Park. This zone offers bird watch, turtle watch, sailing along canals, and an enormous variety of flora to complete the tour.

The Southern Caribbean region has beautiful beaches. Cahuita, Puerto Viejo, and Gandoca Manzanillo are the villages that best represent the Caribbean flavor, shown in their architecture and cuisine.

All this scenic beauty is complemented by an excellent tour system. They offer a great variety of options for the visitor: Canopy tours, horseback tours, nature observation, the canals of Tortuguero, visits to pineapple plantations, tropical flower plantations, sugar haciendas or banana plantations and even a city tour.

Puerto Limón has a privileged location in the Caribbean, for its proximity to the Panama Canal, the Gulf of Mexico, and the Southern part of the United States. At 160 kms from San José, this port is run by JAPDEVA ( Port Authorities for the Atlantic Region). Located at 9°, 59´, 30 “ Latitude to the North, and 83°, 01´, 48” Latitude to the West, Puerto Limón has a 280 m-long and 70 m –wide breakwater, with a new multipurpose quay. Works to dredge a new harbor are presently under way. It will be 14 m deep with a 500 m turning diameter.

The cruise terminal and the roll-on/roll-off post were built in 1997, and modernized in 2003, to meet the requirements of passenger ships. It is 10 m deep, 295 m long, and 16 m wide, and it also has a tourist terminal. The port complex offers all the necessary services for an adequate operation, such as drinking water, fuel, pilotage, medical services, and others.

Distinguished cruise companies, such as Carnival, Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, Premier Holland America, and many others come to Puerto Limon during cruise season that runs from October through April..

The Port of Moin is 8.2 kms to the west from Limón. It is located at 10°00´ N and 83°05 W. The Limon-Moin port complex is one of the most important of its kind in Central America. It connects Costa Rica with major international markets in the United States, Latin America, and Europe.

PORTS IN THE PACIFIC COAST

Puntarenas and Caldera are the two main ports in the Costa Rican Pacific coast. These two ports are run by the INCOP (Port Authority for the Pacific Region ).

Leaving from Puntarenas or Caldera, tourists will be less than 2 hours away from the many exciting tours of the zone: National Parks in the Middle Pacific region, like Manuel Antonio and Carara. In the Central Valley, there is the awesome Poas Volcano and Sarchí, where tourists will find a wide display of the work of local artisans at affordable prices. San José, the capital city, is approximately 2 hours away from Puntarenas.

The Central Pacific region has numerous interesting options, like: tours on Horseback, alligator watch, aerial trams, white water rafting, and walks along bridges suspended from the tree tops.

Base ships, which are those cruises with Costa Rica as their final destination, come to Puerto Caldera. Passengers then fly back to their country, or they sometimes choose to visit the country for a few more days. This port has a marginal wharf with a 490 m- long docking area.

The port of Puntarenas is located at 9°, 58 ´ latitude to the North. It has a jetty, divided in two sections: the first one starts on the coast shore, with a 207 m- long access bridge. The second one is a docking platform, with fenders on both sides and bollards for mooring. A 16 x 8 cluster of piles for docking and mooring, and an 8 x 8 m cluster of piles for mooring connected by two zinc-coated steel bridges. It also has two 265 m – long docking areas, with a 14 m- wide floor. Average depth is 10.5 m and the ocean current is at two knots. The port also has pipes for a good supply of drinking water, fuel, cables for power supply and telephone lines, plus all the necessary services to suit large cruise companies, such as: Carnival, Princess Cruises, Crystal, and Norwegian among others.

A COMPLETE TOUR

Because of its geographical location, Costa Rica is an exuberant biological bridge for botanical and zoological species. Its territory forms a narrow passage that shelters flora and fauna from North and South America. There is also a wide range of indigenous species that will amaze everyone.

The beauty of the natural resources found in the Caribbean and Pacific coasts will invite you to return.

Executives

SURROUNDED BY SUCCESS

Find in Costa Rica the proper environment for commercial success. A symbiosis of adequate facilities, immersed in the city or surrounded by beaches and natural wonders, will make it easier for you and your work team to carry out your meetings with a surprising performance. You may also consider it as a destination for congresses, seminars, symposiums, and lectures.

The comfortable access by air to the main convention centers, lodging service adapted to every budget, and the political stability and security that distinguish it, are factors when considering alternatives.

Add to this the tropical environment and this destination will become more attractive. Your guests or relatives may join you and enjoy the rainforests, volcanoes, rivers, beaches, and endless natural beauties full of adventures. Your family’s options are many while you work. Once your duties are over, you’ll wish to share with them the attractions offered by Costa Rica.

THE RIGHT INFRAESTRUCTURE

Hotel facilities are equipped to give their guests excellent attention. In luxury five-star hotels and boutique hotels, you will find the right infrastructure for your congress or incentives’ programs, with convention centers for meetings and assembly rooms equipped to host large events, mainly on the Central Valley, that may accommodate up to 2000 persons. You may also find more options in other areas.

Access to the different regions may be by land or air, with direct flights from the United States arriving at the Juan Santamaría Airport, in San José or the Daniel Oduber Airport, in Liberia, allowing you to make the most of your time for those things that really matter.

Necessary elements for today’s business are telecommunications and technological equipment. In this sense, Costa Rica counts with one of the most advanced telecommunications’ systems in Latin America and cutting edge technology. You will always have at hand the necessary facilities to see that business ends successfully, giving your negotiations that sense of ease that only counting with the adequate tools for development of your affairs will bring.

On the other hand, your activities should not have to end in the assembly room. There is a wide offer of complementary services that will see that your event is driven to a good end. Among them are banquet services, parties, and special events, a variety of restaurants, crafts, and transport to any destination in the country.

IT’S A DEAL!.. LET’S REST

There are plenty of choices to have a good time. Costa Rica offers one or half-day tours that will let a busy agenda have a little recreation.

Among the activities held in these tours are rafting, aerial tram rides, hiking on trails, or enjoying the delicious “tico” gastronomy or perhaps, just go shopping in the different malls of the city. If you prefer night life, you might want to stay at the hotel or discover many other places out there, where Costa Ricans’ fondness for cheerful partying is reflected.

Relaxation and rejuvenation, for you and your guests, should be present after some arduous labor. The options could include Spas, massage, thermal waters, sun-filled beaches, horseback rides, or walks amidst the tropical forests. In this sense, business will be more than complete.

A CULTURAL SPACE

Profit from the options offered within the city. These come along with “tico” cordiality and fraternity, as well as the richness of a country cultivating high social and cultural values. If you appreciate music, a symphony or jazz, Latin and other genders, modern art museums, Pre Columbian art and history, theaters and many other choices, you decide.

Relax

IT’S HEALTH CARE, NOT JUST VACATIONS.

The stress level of individuals living in large cities increases day after day. This implies the need to find the proper solutions to today’s hectic lifestyle.

Costa Rica, home of natural paradises, has created a perfect combination between these environments and adequate infrastructures, for health and fitness enthusiasts.

Treat yourself to a grand-prize vacation in paradisiacal sites, where food, activities, and beauty treatments aim at making your stay a relaxing and enjoyable experience and, at the same time, improving your lifestyle. All of these elements will help you get rid of stress, muscle pains, fatigue, headaches, and slow down the aging process to make you feel good about yourself.

COME AND GET IT!

While in Costa Rica, you will live in total harmony with its nature and even with its food. There are places that follow the “Everything Bio “trend, which means that their food is prepared only with organic products.

Food undergoes strict quality controls for you to enjoy mood foods, which are healthy, balanced, and detoxified meals.

GET FIT WITH GOOD EXERCISE

Always keeping your health in mind, the hotels offer body fitness activities for their guests, such as exercise routines in gyms to help them get in shape and feel great.

There are also other sports to put your mind at ease so you can redirect your attention to those lazy muscles.

This “Fit” trend is complemented by several options, such as weekend trips or health trips and relaxation sessions in different spas.

HEALTH AND BEAUTY

Recently, there has been an increase in physical and personal awareness, and these have become important issues throughout the world. Costa Rica has become part of this trend by offering services that will make you love the way you look and feel. Facials and exfoliating treatments, massages with volcanic mud, yoga, detoxifying baths, and other kinds of massages.

Your health will certainly be improved with all the unique natural benefits Costa Rica has to offer, such as: Thermal waters, facials, and creams made with local medicinal plants.

The country offers first-class facilities, highly trained personnel, and tour operators with special packages. You can receive treatments in private clinics with international quality standards, and internationally renowned doctors trained abroad. Many of these sites specialize in numerous cosmetic procedures and surgery. All of these services will help you look and feel better... What you have always dreamed of!

Honeymoon

ON THE BEACH, ALONE, IN LOVE

Every couple has dreamed of walking hand in hand, along a paradisiacal beach, feeling the softness of the sand while the water wets their feet. Costa Rica's multicolored beaches are waiting for you. Come and enjoy their beauty and spend a perfect honeymoon under the sun!

There are many beach hotels in North and South Guanacaste, Puntarenas and nearby islands, Central and South Pacific, and South Caribbean Regions. Several local companies operate flight services to and from Liberia, Central Pacific, and Golfito. You can also travel by road.

Explore the underwater world in an amazing diving experience, go sailing around the coast, play with the waves in a kayak, go fishing, play some golf, visit the nearby natural reserves where you will be amazed by the lush greenery. Feel the passion and romance hidden in the beautiful sunsets, while you walk along the beach hand in hand, listening to the soft, rippling sounds of the waves. These are some of the options that, together with Costa Rica’s natural beauty will always be part of the memories you will have of a fantastic honeymoon.

A UNIQUE “LOVE NEST”

Costa Rica has two international airports; the Juan Santamaría Airport in San José and the Daniel Oduber Airport in Liberia, Guanacaste. So, there is no need to worry about how you will get here. All you need to do is care for each other, because it will be comfortable for you to relax anywhere, providing you plenty of time to enjoy Costa Rica's beauties together.

Several hotels offer honeymoon packages and, no matter which one you choose, you are sure to experience a memorable time. Our choices for accommodation will suit every taste and budget.

The boutique hotels offer you more privacy for your honeymoon, or if you wish, you can choose one of the many “all inclusive” beach hotels. If you are nature-lovers, there are also different hotels where you will enjoy close contact with nature and be able to go mountain hiking.

ROMANCE IN THE MOUNTAINS

Every option found in Costa Rica, complements your love life and marriage mystique beautifully. Just the two of you, walking alone in close contact with nature, enshrouded in the mist, observing the exuberant flora and fauna of the tropical forests together, or listening to the rain falling on the roof while you cuddle-up in a cozy cabin. There are also other things that can be done, like horseback riding, trekking through the forests filled with fresh air, or feeling your adrenaline rising up in your body with exciting activities like rafting or gliding across the trees.

All these activities will add a perfect final touch to a memorable stay. You will find many places to spend happy moments: Mountains, volcanoes, cascades, jungles, tropical rain forests, lagoons, etc. All these sites can be easily reached by air or by road, to add a bit of adventure to a marvelous honeymoon. The regions where you can find mountain hotels are: Monteverde, Northern Plains, Central Valley, North Caribbean, South and Central Pacific.

TOTAL HAPPINESS, RIGHT FROM THE START

Your honeymoon, the beginning of a new life together; romanticism, experiences, confidences, and memories. When you marry someone for the rest of your life, you want to choose the perfect setting to create a lifetime of memories. The smell of the wood, the texture of the sheets, the first sunset you watch as a married couple, the dawn’s sounds. So, the place you choose for your honeymoon must be warm and intimate. It must have something different for a taste of the unforgettable experiences you’re in for: a memory that will last forever.

Costa Rica offers that perfect atmosphere, as it has been recognized by the Modern Bride World's Trendiest Honeymoon Local Award ranking it among the best 10 honeymoon destinations. This is a fantastic place to spend your honeymoon, surrounded by lush vegetation with a large selection of supplementary activities.

Costa Rica is like a paradise, where you will enjoy the splendorous natural surroundings and beautiful landscapes. You can spend a quiet time here or, if you prefer, you will find lots of action and adventure at the beach or in exotic forests.