“Pura vida” — pure life. It’s Costa Rica’s national motto, its greeting, its farewell, and its entire philosophy in two words. And once you’ve spent time there, you understand why they say it with such conviction. This small Central American country has managed to preserve roughly 25% of its territory as protected national parks and reserves, which means that when you step outside almost anywhere in Costa Rica, you’re walking through something genuinely wild and alive.

We recommend Costa Rica all the time, and not just to the adventure-seekers. Yes, it’s a phenomenal destination for zip-lining, white-water rafting, hiking active volcanoes, and spotting three-toed sloths hanging upside down from cecropia trees. But it’s also home to some spectacularly designed eco-lodges that balance sustainability with genuine luxury — the kind of places where the infinity pool overlooks the rainforest canopy and howler monkeys are your wake-up call.

The Regions of Costa Rica

Costa Rica is small by map standards but diverse in a way that surprises people. The Pacific coast, the Caribbean coast, and the central highlands each have their own climate, character, and offerings. Most itineraries combine two or three regions, and getting that combination right is an art form.

Arenal Volcano Region

Arenal is often the anchor of a Costa Rica itinerary, and for good reason. The perfectly conical volcano dominates the skyline like something out of a fairy tale, and the natural hot springs fed by geothermal activity are one of those experiences that sounds a little touristy until you’re soaking in a jungle-heated pool at night with the volcano silhouetted against the stars. The white-water rafting on the Río Toro and activities like hanging bridge walks and canyoneering round out what’s available in this region.

Monteverde Cloud Forest

Monteverde sits in the mountains at around 4,600 feet and is permanently wrapped in mist — which is exactly what makes the cloud forest so extraordinary. The biodiversity here is staggering: more than 400 bird species, including the resplendent quetzal that serious birders travel from around the world to spot. The zip-lining through the cloud forest canopy is some of the most thrilling in the country.

Manuel Antonio

Manuel Antonio is Costa Rica’s most visited national park, and its combination of beach and jungle is genuinely hard to match anywhere. You can hike trails through primary forest in the morning, watch capuchin monkeys steal snacks from inattentive tourists at noon, and be on a white sand beach by early afternoon. The hotels here range from boutique hillside retreats to comfortable beach resorts.

Osa Peninsula

If you want Costa Rica at its most raw and remote, the Osa Peninsula is where it lives. National Geographic has called it one of the most biologically intense places on earth. Getting there requires a short domestic flight or a long drive and boat transfer — and it’s completely worth it for travelers who want to feel genuinely off the grid.

Ready for Pura Vida?

A Costa Rica trip done right is one of the most memorable travel experiences out there. Let our agents put together an itinerary that actually fits your pace — adventure, comfort, or the perfect mix of both.