Destinations Central and South America
Amanda Morgan
If sipping from fresh coconuts on the beach and exploring rainforests full of fascinating flora and fauna sounds like your kind of trip, then a tiny country in Central America is calling your name. Travelers looking for a mix of relaxation, natural beauty, and adventure will find the perfect combination on a trip to Costa Rica.
Costa Rica is one of the world’s premier destinations for ecotourism, and each year, millions of people make the trip. It is considered the safest country in Central America, and tourism plays a significant role in the national economy, making it easily accessible for both travel newbies and experienced globetrotters.
Whether you’re looking to kick back on the beach or adventure through the rugged and wild rainforests, you’ll find no shortage of laid-back activities during your trip to this small but exceptional country. Nestled between Nicaragua to the North and Panama to the South, Costa Rica has 12 unique ecosystems, from epic mountains and cloud forests to mangroves, beaches, and tropical jungles, all packed into a country no bigger than West Virginia.
The unofficial national motto in Costa Rica, “Pura Vida”, which translates to “pure life” perfectly encapsulates the nation’s immaculate energy of living simply, in harmony with nature. It is a place where you can truly unplug and unwind for the ultimate relaxing getaway. With friendly locals, well-preserved natural beauty, and exciting cultural experiences, Costa Rica is the ideal laid-back vacation destination where you can escape to an unforgettable tropical paradise.
Immerse yourself in one of the most biodiverse places on the planet
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When planning your trip to Costa Rica, you’ll have countless experiences to choose from. No trip is complete without a visit to at least one of the country’s incredible national parks, where you can get up close and personal with more than 500,000 species of plants and animals – nearly 6% of the world’s biodiversity exists within the various ecosystems found there.
Due to its tropical and subtropical climate, and the government’s dedication to preserving the environment, Costa Rica has remained one of the most ecologically important places on the planet. During your trip, you can choose between 186 National Conservation Areas, including 32 national parks. There is nothing quite as rejuvenating as being surrounded by the lush greenery and listening to the sounds of nature as you meander through the country’s breathtaking natural preserves.
If you want an off-the-beaten-path experience, head to Corcovado National Park on Costa Rica’s remote Osa Peninsula. The park contains epic old-growth rainforests and rare species of animals like monkeys, sloths, tapirs, and jaguars. The best time to visit Corcovado is during the dry season, which runs from August through November, as the rainy season can be pretty extreme. For the most relaxed experience, stay at one of the many boutique eco-lodges in the towns of Drake Bay or Puerto Jimenez, where you can fall asleep to the sounds of the rainforest, and take guided day trips into the park.
Soak up the sun on tropical beaches
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Costa Rica is sandwiched between the Pacific Ocean on the west coast and the Caribbean Sea on the east coast, which means there are hundreds of miles of beautiful beaches for you to choose from. Scattered along the coastline, you’ll find everything from remote deserted beaches where you can wander for hours without seeing another soul; to luxury all-inclusive resorts, where you can kick back, soak up the sun, and enjoy the sound of waves crashing on the beach.
Santa Teresa is the definition of a laid-back beach town located on the Nicoya Peninsula on the Pacific side of Costa Rica. The town, which is extremely popular among surfers, is spread out along a dirt road parallel to the beach. Lodging options range from affordable hostel dorms to opulent vacation rentals with private pools. After a day of surfing and sun, you can visit various mouthwatering restaurants serving local and international cuisine. Sunsets in Santa Teresa are truly a spectacle, and each evening, you’ll find almost everyone in the town relaxing on the beach to watch the awe-inspiring colors.
On the Caribbean side, check out Puerto Viejo, which features beautiful beaches like Playa Negra — a unique black sand beach with an incredible surf break. Nearby, you can visit a more traditional Caribbean beach, Playa Blanca, where you can swim for hours in the crystal clear waters allowing your cares to fade away.
