So Little Time, So Much to Do!
Regions of Costa Rica

The North Pacific Coast                                                  
Beautiful beaches, exotic national parks and a variety of activities, including world-class fishing and diving, awaits visitors in this largest province of Costa Rica.

The region consists of a variety of landscapes from quiet bays and gulfs to huge cliffs and volcanoes. Even sand varies between volcanic black on some beaches and golden white a few miles down the road. In contrast to the rest of the country, the Guanacaste area is very flat and dry. These lowlands are also called "bajura".

Originally part of Nicaragua, the Nicoya region was annexed to Costa Rica by popular vote on July 25, 1824. Although it is very much a part of the country, it is distinctive not only in its terrain, but also in its rural culture. The perfect time to visit Guanacaste is, luckily enough, year-round. The dry season affords the serious sun worshipper with plenty of tanning time, while the "green season" brings the trees into bloom with explosions of color and fragrances.

Arenal Volcano and the Northern Zone
The summit of the Arenal Volcano, rising 1,633 meters above sea level and continuously active since 1968, towers far above the northern plains. The surrounding lands include glassy lakes and pristine cloud forest reserves. An incredibly diverse population of wildlife awaits you in this part of Costa Rica.

The weather in this particular region usually has warm daytime temperatures (low to mid 80’s) and relatively high humidity. There are periodic rain showers that usually pass quickly. From late February to early May, the rain lessens in frequency which allows for fantastic skyscapes during sunrise and sunset. The dark green and blue silhouettes of the Guanacaste and Tilaran mountain ranges are visible year round, which make incredible photographs. Of the 850 bird species identified in Costa Rica, 600 are permanent residents in this region. Don’t forget the binoculars!! Whitewater rafting, mountain biking and rain forest hikes are common activities for the area.

San Jose and the Central Valley
The heart of Costa Rica, the Central Valley, boasts a nearly perfect climate, excellent museums, drive-up volcanoes and fertile hillsides rich with coffee plantations. Within this fertile temperate valley live two thirds of the country’s people. The capital city of San José is located at an altitude of 2,900 feet above sea level, giving it ideal climate with temperatures that vary from the mid-70’s during the day to about 60ºF at night.

The city is rich with culture, as San Jose is home to the National Symphony Orchestra, one of Latin America’s best. There are numerous museums in the city including the Jade Museum, with the largest collection of pre-Colombian jade in the Americas. There are a large number of restaurants, lodges and nightlife activities within the city that  demonstrate Costa Rica’s friendliness and laid back way of life. Topping the list (literally) of things to do around San Jose are the nearby volcanoes: Poás and Irazú, towering 8,870 and 11,260 feet, respectively, above sea level. 

Monteverde Cloud Forest
The town of Monteverde was founded in the 1950’s by a group of Quakers from the United States. They were impressed by the country’s disarmament and established their colony to produce milk and fine cheeses. Monteverde has also gained international renown as one of the most outstanding wildlife sanctuaries in the tropics. The reserve spreads out over 10,500 hectares and the climate and terrain of the preserve produce an incredible bio-diversity. There are at least 400 bird species in this high elevation rain forest, including the radiant Quetzal, ancient holy bird of the Mayans. There are over 100 species of mammals, 120 species of amphibians and reptiles, an estimated 2,500 species of plants, and finally 490 species of butterflies, making Monteverde a true "nature lover’s paradise". The preserve has a definite wet and dry season, though the upper levels have fog and rain much of the year.

Among the many activities in the area is the "Skywalk", a tour of hanging bridges, some suspending over 130 feet making for truly spectacular views of the forest canopy. There are also numerous possibilities for eating and lodging in the area.

Central Pacific Region
Because this area is considered a transitional zone, there are many ecosystems within the region. The Central Pacific has many important national and private protected areas. The lush forests of Carara National Park and Manuel Antonio National Park are home for many endangered species. Within Manuel Antonio are several trails through dense jungle to hidden sandy coves and magnificent lookouts over the ocean and beaches. With a chance to spot colorful and majestic birds, white-faced monkeys, two and three-toed sloth, coatis, pacas, brilliantly colored land crabs, a variety of multihued butterflies, and interesting insects, the area is truly a nature lover’s delight. The endangered squirrel monkey and a subspecies of the squirrel monkey endemic to Costa Rica are also frequently seen. In all, over 100 species of animals and nearly 200 species of birds have been identified in this park.Also in the area is Jardin Gaia. Named three years ago as Costa Rica’s first official Wildlife Rescue Center, it receives injured and confiscated animals and attempts to rehabilitate them for return to the wild.

Activities in and around the rainforest include horseback riding, animal and bird watching as well as waterfall tours. Along the beach people can be seen fishing, snorkeling, wind surfing, water skiing, or just riding around in boats exploring the extravagant scenery. While some areas are quite and quaint, with plenty of privacy, others, such as Jaco Beach where many local "Ticos" hang out, have a bit more activity. There is plenty of shopping, nightlife and accommodations to create an exciting vacation with a variety of activities.

The Southern Zone - Osa Peninsula, Corcovado and Mt. Chirripo
The Southern Zone has the highest percentage of land devoted to National Parks and Forest Reserves, with the greatest biodiversity of any region in the country. National Geographic calls this region "the most biologically intense places on earth," and we have found no proof otherwise. The region is further broken up into zones: the South Pacific, a remote area with pristine forest and wonderful ecotourism opportunities, offers great deep-sea fishing and diving; the Osa Peninsula will not disappoint with its array of brightly colored exotic birds, crystal blue waters, and emerald canopies that stretch for miles; and the highest point of the country, Mt Chirripo along the Continental Divide promises great views.

Corcovado National Park is an undeniably beautiful place, considered to be one of the most important natural preserves in the Americas, this virgin rain forest houses 500 species of trees, 140 different mammals and 367 types of birds. Jaguars, giant anteaters, hundreds of white-lipped peccaries, tapers, and a host of rare rain forest animals inhabit the land surrounding the crocodile-filled lagoon. The captivating visual beauty of both the forest and coastline, with miles of secluded beaches and roaring cascades, draws visitors from all around the world.

The Caribbean Coast
Costa Rica’s Caribbean Coast offers tropical rain forests, abundant wildlife, world-class fishing, and miles of breathtaking beaches, where endangered sea turtles come ashore to lay their eggs from July to December. There is much rainfall in the region, and high temperatures, which lead to high evaporation and humidity.

One of the most captivating cultures within Costa Rica is that of the Afro-Caribbean. The dialects are based on English, but have much influence from Jamaican, Italian, and Chinese immigrants. These dialects have survived due to the natural barriers between the Central Valley and the Caribbean Coast.

The northern Caribbean coast of Costa Rica called Barra Del Colorado boasts superb tarpon fishing that draws fishermen from around the world. Other fish caught in the area include snook and calba, which run upstream from December and January.