It’s like the dramatic terrain of this region was custom-built for adventure. Volcanoes, mountains, thunderous waterfalls, natural hot springs and raging rivers that stretch all the way north to the Nicaraguan border.
Famous Arenal Volcano National Park takes centre stage, but the vast wetlands of the Cano Negro Wildlife Refuge and Maquenque Wildlife Refuge, spectacular Tenorio Volcano National Park and Rio Celeste join the lengthy list of highlights.
If you like your nature wild and experiences thrilling, Costa Rica’s outdoor playground is a must visit region.
Be the lesser spotted human! Take a relaxed wander through the Osa Peninsula National Park and spot tapirs taking a stroll just a stones throw away and a humpback whale breaching in the distance.
Region holiday ideas
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Essential Costa Rica
Costa Rica Independent Self DriveFrom the bustling streets of a vibrant capital city to the lofty cloud forests of the Highlands, this budget-friendly self-drive trip packs in all the star highlights.
From £1480 Excluding Flights
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Costa Rica Discovery
Costa Rica Independent Self DriveDiscover Costa Rica’s best bits, from the flooded canals of Tortuguero to the Osa Peninsula, one of the most biodiverse spots on the planet.
From £3195 Excluding Flights
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Authentic Costa Rica
Costa Rica Self DriveTake an immersive journey through Costa Rica’s culture, flavours and traditions.
From £3128 Excluding Flights
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Classic Costa Rica
Costa Rica EscortedExplore the emerald landscapes of Costa Rica on this 15-day escorted tour and see for yourself why it’s called the ‘rich coast’!
From £1895 Excluding Flights
Region experiences
Other Costa Rica regions
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Central Pacific Coast and Central Highlands
Pristine beaches, coral reef, rainforest and sunsets - Costa Rica’s Pacific Coast is ideal for any outdoor enthusiast, with wildlife and birdlife galore. The undoubted jewel of the region is Manuel Antonio National Park but don’t skip the prolific birdlife of Carara National Park.
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Guanacaste and the Nicoya Peninsula
Picture palm-fringed beaches lapped by the azure waters of the Pacific Ocean, stunning wetlands, one of the world's last tropical dry forests, and spectacular volcanic backdrops... Costa Rica’s northwest really is the quintessential tropical paradise.
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Monteverde Cloud Forest
Perched upon the continental divide amid the peaks of the Tilaran Cordillera, towering trees reach high into the mist. Draped in moss, ferns and epiphytes, the atmosphere feels almost prehistoric.
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Osa Peninsula and South Pacific Coast
Breathtakingly beautiful and brimming with wildlife of all shapes and sizes, the Osa Peninsula forms one of Costa Rica’s most important ecosystems.
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San Jose and Central Valley
In the heart of Costa Rica, bustling capital city, San Jose, is surrounded by the pretty hillsides of the Central Valley. Scattered with lively towns, characterful villages, coffee plantations and fincas, almost 70% of the country’s population live here.
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Tortuguero and Caribbean Coast
Costa Rica’s east coast is a spectacular blend of golden beaches, swaying palm trees and the warm waters of the Caribbean from Tortuguero to Puerto Viejo.
