Costa Rica has developed into one of the premier beach and eco-destinations for visitors from Canada, the USA, Europe and South America. Travelers are fascinated by the diversity and stunning natural beauty of this friendly little country.
Despite its modest size (19,305 square miles — approximately the same size as West Virginia), Costa Rica is home to a staggering 5% of the earth's plant and animal species. Over 25% of the country is preserved in natural parks, and Costa Rica's diverse geography results in 12 distinct climactic zones, each with its own flora and fauna. The variety is astounding. From world-class beaches to active volcanoes, from lush jungles to tropical dry forests, from vibrant villages to sophisticated suburbs, Costa Rica truly has it all.
If you don't mind traveling at a brisk pace, it's possible to see much of the country in 2 or 3 weeks. The Pacific Coast measures 298 miles from Panama to Nicaragua, while the Caribbean coast measures only 99.4 miles. Moreover, it's a mere 174 miles from the Caribbean to the Pacific Ocean, which makes a morning dive in the Caribbean and an afternoon surfing in the Pacific perfectly feasible.
Planning a Costa Rica Vacation
Many travelers seeking a more relaxed Costa Rica vacation focus on one area of the country and make day trips from that location. For instance, the North Pacific or “Gold Coast” of the Guanacaste Province has become one of the most popular destinations due to convenient international access via the Daniel Oduber Airport in Liberia. The North Pacific coast boasts over 266 days of sunshine annually, with an average daily temperature of 75-80 degrees. Besides offering the driest weather in the country, this area also has some of the most spectacular beaches and an impressive array of Costa Rica vacation activities, and is within a day's travels of canopy tours, natural hot springs, mud baths, volcanoes, and rain forest adventures.
Be sure to check out our page about active volcanoes in Costa Rica.
We are happy to offer you advice on the best way to travel in Costa Rica, for your destination and itinerary. We can also assist with tours and activities. Contact us now to start planning your Costa Rica or Tamarindo vacation rental, or browse through our exceptional Costa Rica Vacation Rental options. We look forward to seeing you here!