ONLY two-thirds the size of Scotland, Costa Rica is a compact country wedged between Nicaragua to the north and Panama to the south, its shores washed by the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific.
Costa Rica translates as the rich coast, a name first given to this tropical land when Christopher Columbus arrived in 1502 and saw the lavish gold ornamentation worn by the native people. The country’s impenetrable rainforest came between the colonists and their dreams of finding gold.
Today it is this same rainforest which is proving to be Costa Rica’s richest treasure.
Around 27% of the country is protected land, boasting a stunning biodiversity that draws tourists in ever-growing numbers. It is home to more than 850 species of bird and 200 mammal species – including howler monkeys, sloths, jaguars and armadillos.
Touching down in San Jose, the country’s lively capital, at first appears to be more North American than Latin American, with its fast-food bars, shopping malls and restaurants.
Indeed it isn’t long before the volcanic mountains that encircle the city start to beckon.
Heading out of San Jose to the northwest of Costa Rica is the volcano of Arenal. Surrounded by its own national park, the 1,633m conical volcano has been extremely active over the past 30 years.
A great spot to view Arenal is at the nearby Tabacon resort, where you can bathe in mineral waters heated by lava flows while watching for smoke and rumblings from the crater.
Costa Rica’s Caribbean coast has an amazing array of flora and fauna. One of the best places to experience this is the Tortuguero coastal park which can only be reached by aircraft or river. Take the river route and you will be rewarded with stunning views and a chance to see caiman (small crocodiles), white-faced monkeys and sloths. Tortuguero village nestles next to a shark-infested beach but it’s not what’s in the water that is so fascinating, it’s what comes out. Tortuguero is the main Caribbean nesting ground for the green sea turtle, which can be seen between July and October.
Surfers should head for the Pacific coast. The Nicoyan peninsula in the northwest boasts some of the best surfing as well as notable wildlife parks such as Guanacaste. Snorkelling and scuba facilities also abound.
Thrillseekers should also experience for the Reventazon and Pacuare rivers which offer superb white-water rafting conditions in a rainforest setting.
An altogether more relaxing option is to take the rainforest aerial tram in the central highlands. The tram whisks passengers through the tree canopies to view the splendour of the cloudforest from above.