Costa Rica is the country of the pure life; a paradise between two oceans, an ecotourism destination where you can discover the most exuberant fauna and flora on the planet. The number of natural treasures it has makes a list of recommendations necessary. And since you’re going to see this delicious destination, why not pay a visit to its neighbours Panama and Nicaragua? A universe of sensations awaits you. Follow this guide!

Hot springs and relaxing dusks

1. Enjoy a dream dip

Note this: Termas de Tabacón, an earthly Eden whose waters come from the Arenal Volcano (1,670 metres). Envelop yourself in steam while your eyes marvel at the bright green of the forest and your ears hear the birds twitter. This area could not have a more appropriate name: La Fortuna. This way you will feel: lucky. Take the opportunity to see its waterfalls! 

2. It’ll strike you dumb with the active volcanoes

Al Arenal adds four other mouths of fire. Be amazed with the Poás (2,700 metres). It is located one hour from Juan Santamaría Airport. It could mean your camera making its debut on this unforgettable trip… Notice the highest, the Irazú (3,400 metres), with its beautiful green lake.

Carthage is also the location of the Turrialba (3,340 metres). Move to Guanacaste to admire the Rincon de la Vieja (1,895 metres). Don’t leave out La Cangreja waterfall.

3. Relax with the most beautiful sunsets

Stay in Guanacaste to see one of the most beautiful sunsets, the one at Tamarind beach, with an immense yellow, orange, pinkish and blue sky. More places to be left speechless? The Orosi Valley, Coronado and the vicinity of Moravia or the Santa Ana Winds.

Surfing, diving, chocolate plantations and horse riding

4. Let nobody take your beach day

Without leaving Guanacaste, follow the route through Avellana. Enjoy its crystal clear waters and discover the legend of Lola, a little pig that went for walks with the surfers and bathers. Another afternoon, unfold your towel at Naranjo beach, the pearl of the Gulf of Papagayo, and take the opportunity to pay a visit to the Santa Rosa National Park.

5. Much more than sunbathing

Do you want to see iguanas and monkeys in danger of extinction from the beach? Manuel Antonio (Puntarenas) is your place. To fall in love with the beauty of the sea floor, dive on the beaches of Santa Catalina Island. For surfing, go to Puerto Viejo. You will see six-metre waves. Reserve a few hours to visit a chocolate plantation and go horse riding.

6. Get your adrenaline flowing with the zip lines

At least go to those at Monteverde, which are especially well-known to tourists. You will see the most picturesque landscapes, after a trip by gondola. Had you heard of a more succulent plan? You will bring out Tarzan inside you.

7. Have a gallo pinto breakfast and try some patacons

The Costa Ricans wake up full of energy. Rice with beans! Add spices and secret ingredients and you have your gallo pinto! Accompany it with custard. At other times of the day, savour the fried banana (patacon), the chifrijo, the patí or the chorreadas. Costa Rica is jungle, but also gastronomy.

Panama and Nicaragua as a gift

8. Three trips for one

While you’re about it, it would be a crime not to see the Panama Canal, the skyscrapers of the capital, the Barú volcano, the San Blas islands, Bocas del Toro or Santa Catalina. Not to mention the essential spots in the other country that borders Costa Rica: Nicaragua.

Do not miss its colonial cities and its peculiar white villages. The sunset on Ometepe, Lake Cocibolca (the king of Central America) or its volcanic route are part of this unforgettable little Caribbean.

You already know what you should not miss in Costa Rica. Discover other destinations on our website to visit several countries in one trip. Dare to do it!