Costa Rica
Volcanoes, cloud forest and two coastlines
Photo: Arenal volcano (70785p) (cropped).jpg by Rhododendrites, CC BY-SA 4.0. All photo credits
A quarter of the country sits inside national parks and reserves, and both the Pacific and Caribbean coasts are a few hours' drive from the capital — which is why it works so well as a first trip to the region.
What it's known for
- Arenal The country's best-known volcano, with hot springs and hanging bridges around its base
- Monteverde Cloud forest reserve, canopy walkways and one of the best places anywhere for birdlife
- Manuel Antonio and the Pacific coast Rainforest running down to the beach, with sloths and monkeys in the trees
- Tortuguero Caribbean-side canals reached by boat, and a nesting beach for green turtles
When to go
Dry season on the Pacific side runs December to April. The Caribbean coast keeps its own pattern and is often driest in September and October.
Getting there
Flights into San José (SJO) or Liberia (LIR) in the northwest, which is closer to the Guanacaste beaches.
This page is a starting point, not a packaged trip. Larry builds each itinerary around what you want and quotes it once he has confirmed availability and current pricing.