Despite its small size, nestled in the heart of Central America, Costa Rica boasts an incredible wealth of natural wonders and is home to 5% of the world’s biodiversity. This vast heritage, made up of over 6 million species, can be explored through the Biodiversity Atlas (CRBio), an online portal offering taxonomic information and mapping species on a geographic scale.
Whether you’re planning a fly & drive adventure or a guided tour, Costa Rica never fails to impress, making your Christmas and New Year holidays truly unforgettable. Its pristine nature sets the scene for a variety of outdoor activities as well as relaxing moments in the warm volcanic hot springs—the ideal blend for discovering every side of the world’s happiest country.
The best way to soak up this thriving paradise is by visiting some of the 26 national parks and 161 protected areas, together covering 25.58% of the country’s surface. Among the most captivating is the Tortuguero National Park. Known as the “Little Amazon” due to its lush vegetation and intricate network of natural canals, this park is located on the Caribbean coast, 80 km north of Limón. Its name derives from being the primary nesting site for green sea turtles in the Western Caribbean, but it’s also home to 300 different colorful bird species, monkeys, crocodiles, snakes, jaguars, and more. Another natural wonder is the Arenal National Park, dominated by the ever-active volcano. Located 130 km north of San José, it’s a must-visit for birdwatching enthusiasts, as is the extraordinary Monteverde Biological Reserve, where, with some luck, you can spot the mythical quetzal, the sacred bird of the Maya.
Costa Rica is also a top destination for trying new sports, such as kite surfing. Popular spots include Bahia de Salinas, in the north of Guanacaste, where winds create perfect waves for both experts and beginners, and the Nicoya Peninsula, one of the world’s five Blue Zones where longevity rates soar and where the Pacific coastline is lined with spectacular beaches.
Situated between Nicaragua and Panama, Costa Rica offers visitors an extraordinary variety of wildlife, landscapes, and diverse environments, making any trip to this Central American country a one-of-a-kind experience. Proudly sheltering nearly 5% of the world’s known biodiversity, Costa Rica has become a global leader and role model in sustainability, with a well-developed tourism infrastructure, a wide range of accommodations, and many activities.
If your idea of a holiday is all about relaxation, then the ultimate experience lies in the volcanic thermal springs: genuine natural pools with hot waters. Around Arenal Volcano Park, in the town of La Fortuna, you’ll find the peaceful and romantic hot springs of the Tabacon Resort and EcoTermales, the latter a hidden gem in the rainforest and accessible with a day pass.
