Since abolishing its armed forces in 1949, Costa Rica has become one of the most peaceful and prosperous countries in Central America, redirecting funds from the military to infrastructure, education, healthcare and preservation of the country’s astounding natural heritage. The lush tropical forests, verdant cloud forests, active volcanoes and pristine beaches of this diminutive country are home to a wider array of biodiversity than North America and Europe combined, from sloths and howler monkeys to the dazzling colours of bird and insect life. It is no surprise that it is the continent’s eco- and adventure tourism capital, with white water rafting, canopy zip-line tours, and plenty more outdoor activities to take part in. More endearing, though, is the laid-back and love-filled approach to life of the Costa Rican people, or ‘Ticos’, summarized in their common greeting and life philosophy: ‘pura vida’.
Liberia may fly under the radar, but it’s the heart of Guanacaste—both a gateway to Costa Rica’s wild northwest and a place with a rhythm of its own. With sun-drenched streets, colonial buildings, and easy access to beaches, volcanoes, and national parks, it draws travellers looking for more than just a pretty view. This is where the adventure often begins—and where everyday Costa Rican life quietly unfolds.
Just ten degrees north of the equator, Quepos offers a rich mix of rainforests, waterfalls, and the Pacific coast. Named after the Quepoa people who once lived here, the town serves as the gateway to Manuel Antonio National Park, with its mangroves, lagoons, and beach-lined forests. Quepos is a place where nature’s variety and beauty invite outdoor lovers to explore and soak in its wild charm.
Costa Rica is a unique Central American country nestled between the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea. San José, the capital, holds diverse activities for visitors and has an exciting urban life with art galleries, parks, and a vibrant nightlife scene. The country is a worldwide-renowned travel destination praised for its abundance of wildlife, rainforests, volcanoes, beaches, and national parks.
