It reads like a fairytale – a magical place where a quarter of its biodiversity-rich land is protected. A peaceful pocket of Central America where money is spent on environmental initiatives rather than warfare, where hikes and horseback rides deliver you to deserted beaches with perfect, peeling waves, and where sloths hang from the trees.
Not only is Costa Rica the world’s happiest country, according to the most recent Happy Planet Index, but it’s one of the greenest with 99 per cent of its electricity coming from renewable sources with a plan to be a carbon-free country by 2021.
“There really aren’t many destinations that sum up the Latin American essence just as perfectly as Costa Rica does,” Chimu Adventures destination specialist Clare Russell says.
“One of the factors contributing to its growing appeal to Australians is Costa Rica’s ever increasing accessibility over recent years with numerous new air routes – including the launch of new flights to San Jose by British Airways last year – putting Costa Rica on the map for those travellers stopping over in Europe.”
WHY VISIT
The thing about Costa Rica that hits you – even before you fall for the warm and welcoming “Tico” locals or start using the catchy “pura vida” (pure life) for just about any occasion – is its beauty.
Blanketed in green and punctuated by 200 volcanic formations, including Arenal volcano at a cloud-enshrouded 1670m with hot springs surrounding its base, this tiny country is a nature lover’s nirvana and serves up eco and adventure in equal measure.
From ziplining to wildlife watching, waterfall chasing to trekking and surfing to abseiling, adrenalin is the perfect accompaniment to this natural playground.
Costa Rica is estimated to house nearly 6 per cent of the biodiversity of the entire planet, even though it only makes up 0.03 per cent of the landmass.
“If you want a more intimate encounter with nature, Curi Cancha Reserve would be our top pick,” Russell says.
“The reserve is located inside the frequently visited Monteverde Cloud Forest but is cheaper, attracts fewer crowds, and has much more intimate guided tours than the main Monteverde reserve.”
WHEN TO VISIT
“In Costa Rica, you’re usually almost guaranteed good weather with the exception of the ‘green’ rainy season from May to November,” Russell says.
“If you want to explore the beaches and cities, travel between December and April. To see the rainforest at its lushest, or to go white water rafting, travelling during the ‘green season’ can have its own unique charm.
“If you want to see turtles, green turtles are nesting from June to October along the North Caribbean, especially Tortuguero.”
WHEN TO BOOK
Costa Rica’s peak season is between December to February and Russell says if you’re looking to travel then, or during school holidays, it’s best to book at least six months in advance to ensure availability, especially if you want to stay in some of the smaller boutique lodges.
“Generally, you’re most likely to score a good deal between September and November or between January and March,” she says.