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Costa Rica Vacations

by Kristy Annely

The hot new destination in Central America, Costa Rica offers a variety of vacation options, ranging from dazzling beaches to lush forests and misty mountains. The country has tremendous scope for ecotourism with several protected national parks and nature reserves featuring an assortment of birds, animals and reptiles. Costa Rica is also ideal for those seeking adventure sports such as surfing, white-water rafting, volcano climbing, hiking, snorkeling and scuba diving.

Often compared to Switzerland and Hawaii because of its mountains and beaches, Costa Rica is increasingly finding favor with holidaymakers from Europe and the U.S.

While December to April constitutes the peak season, many people prefer to vacation during the less crowded, off-peak or ‘green' season. Though it rains at the time, hotel accommodation is cheaper and easier to find, and vacationers can discover the beautiful country at leisure. Capital city San José is usually the first stop, with almost all international airlines flying there. The city makes an ideal base for one-day tours or longer trips, though some travelers prefer to spend all their time enjoying the cosmopolitan delights of San Jose. Other major cities include Alajuela, Cartago, Heredia, Liberia, Limón and Puntarenas, and each has its own attractions.

Popular tourist spots include the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, a haven for birdwatchers; the Arenal Area where tourists can view an active volcano; Caño Island and the stunning Corcovado National Park on the Southern Pacific Coast; and the Northern Caribbean Coast with its scenic natural inland waterways. Sun worshippers will enjoy the languid beaches along the Northern and Central Pacific coasts and the South Atlantic Coast with its predominant Jamaican influence.

Costa Rica is a safe destination and tourists can get around by bus, rented cars or local airlines. The locals are friendly and welcoming and enjoy showing off their country to visitors. Spanish is the official language but English is also widely spoken. The weather is pleasant all year round, making Costa Rica the ideal choice in any season.

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