🇨🇷 Why Costa Rica?
Pura Vida — pure life — isn't just a phrase in Costa Rica, it's a philosophy. This tiny country contains 5% of the world's biodiversity, has abolished its military, runs on nearly 100% renewable energy, and offers one of the most diverse travel experiences on earth. Cloud forests, active volcanoes, Pacific and Caribbean beaches, world-class surfing, zip lining through jungle canopies, and wildlife you won't find anywhere else — Costa Rica delivers.
🌿 Things to Do
Zip lining in Monteverde Cloud Forest is one of the most thrilling experiences in Central America — canopy tours through ancient cloud forest above the clouds. Arenal Volcano has hot springs at its base and is one of the most active volcanoes in the hemisphere — soak in natural hot springs while watching steam rise from the volcano. Manuel Antonio National Park has beaches inside the park surrounded by jungle with monkeys, sloths, and iguanas. Tortuguero National Park on the Caribbean coast is accessible only by boat and is one of the most important sea turtle nesting sites in the world.
- Book zip lining and hot springs in advance, especially December-April
- Manuel Antonio has some of the best beaches AND best wildlife viewing in one place
- Wildlife tip: look UP in trees for sloths — they're everywhere but well-camouflaged
- The best time to see sea turtles in Tortuguero is July-October
🍽️ Where to Eat
🏨 Where to Stay
📘 Getting There & Practical Tips
Fly into Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) in San José. Direct flights from Houston on United and American Airlines — about 3.5 hours. No visa required for US citizens for up to 90 days. Currency is the Costa Rican Colón (CRC) but USD is accepted widely. Renting a car is highly recommended — public transport between parks is limited.