Costa Rica

Costa Rica – The Garden of Eden

Travel Guide by Archipelago Choice

If the Garden of Eden was discovered today, we’d call it Costa Rica

Hummingbird

Why we love arranging holidays to Costa Rica

Costa Rica has a diverse range of landscapes, climates, experiences – and wherever you go, you are sure to be amongst the amazing biodiversity this meeting-point of North and South America, Atlantic and Pacific oceans provides. All of our holidays are always bespoke, so we can include all of the experiences that appeal to you.

When you first visit Costa Rica, you’ll be amazed by how much can be packed into one small Central American country.  Costa Rica is roughly the size of Switzerland and straddles the land link between North and South America. To the East are the warm tropical waters of the Caribbean and to the West you’ll find the cooler Pacific Ocean. These two masses of water have a profound effect on this small country and the diversity of wildlife to be found there.

Putting a stop to deforestation

When you visit today, it’s hard to believe that in the 1980’s deforestation was considered an acceptable outcome in the drive to building a modern country. By 1987 it was apparent that the scales had tipped too far, which led to government introducing initiatives that stopped and have now reversed this decline, making Costa Rica one of the ‘must go to places in the world to visit’.

28 National Parks  – Volcanoes, Coast, and Cloud Forest

Arenal Volcano, Costa Rica

Costa Rica now draws people from all over the world who want to visit the country’s 28 national parks, 3 of which are classified as UNESCO World Heritage sites. This is a land of volcanoes, thermal springs, amazing wildlife, jungles, stunning beaches, and friendly people.  First impressions of the capital San Jose can feel like an anti-climax but this feeling is always short lived. Within a few hours’ drive you’ll find yourselves immersed in dense jungles, straining your eyes for a first glimpse of the country’s diverse wildlife.

Toe-toed Sloth

Tortuguero National Park

On a recent visit we travelled East to Tortuguero in search of sloth, caiman, nesting turtles and colourful toucans. Tortuguero is one of the most popular sites to see Green Turtles nesting, with the most optimum time being July to September. From Tortuguero we headed to Rio Pacuare for three days of river rafting and jungle hikes.

Arenal and Monte Verde

With twenty-eight national parks to potentially visit, we decided to focus on the central regions of Arenal and Monte Verde.  We were excited to see the active Arenal volcano, which rises majestically from the surrounding forests.  Monte Verde is often shrouded in mist and cloud, which creates a cool, ethereal atmosphere, with a tropical feel.

Corcovado and the remote Osa Peninsula

Aerial View of Corcovado National Park

The whole country offers so many natural-world highlights.  You’re almost guaranteed to have a good Costa Rica holiday and we’re here to listen to what you like to get out of your trips, and guide you towards your perfect itinerary. We always suggest that if you have plenty of time to spare, plan for a three week trip, and travel slowly. Do consider spending three or four nights in Corcovado; nestled in on the remote Osa Peninsula, the Corcovado National Park is regarded as one of the most biologically diverse regions in the world.

 

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