Costa Rica holidays : introduction

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Costa Rica is noted for its exceptional wildlife and warm and welcoming people. Well-managed parks and reserves encompass tropical jungle, Caribbean and Pacific coastline, verdant hills and dense mangrove swamps. Highlights include howler monkeys, alligators, turtles coming ashore to lay their eggs, tapirs, sloths and tree frogs - and if you’re really lucky, a glimpse of a jaguar or quetzal.

San José, the capital, is set on a high plateau surrounded by mountainous cloud forest, thick with vines, ferns and orchids. Lush plantations are within easy driving distance (self-drive is a popular way to get around). Spectacular volcanoes are an impressive sight - particularly the gently rumbling Arenal whose lava flows glow and smoulder on clear nights. Costa Rica has superb birdwatching, from iridescent humming birds to flamboyant parrots and toucans.

The Pacific and Caribbean coasts have some wonderful beach resorts, with plenty of opportunities for water sports, snorkelling and scuba diving, relaxing on the coral sand, or absorbing the lively Afro-Asian culture. Costa Rica is very family-friendly, with a range of exciting activities, from white-water rafting to zip lines through the forest canopy.

Climate and when to go

The dry season is December to April. During the 'green' or rainy season (May to November, wettest September and October) days usually start warm and sunny with refreshing rain, mostly short lived, appearing in the afternoon. The most popular time to visit is between December and February but there are less visitors at other times.

“We had a fantastic time in Costa Rica and are wondering why we have never been before. The itinerary gave us the perfect combination of all the wonderful locations that the country has to offer. So, all in all, a great trip. Many thanks for all your help.” - GW & BB

“We had the most incredible time thank you and really enjoyed every stop in Costa Rica. They were all unique and different in their own special way. All in all it was an amazing honeymoon and thanks for all your help in organising it.” - FA

“Oh Wow! What a trip, we had a great time. Thank you for all the organisation. The itinerary worked very well, we had no major problems and the bird spotting was the highlight (we made a list of 104 species).” - CS

“Thanks for your excellent travel organisation. A wonderful holiday to Costa Rica which exceeded our expectations. Friendly people, excellent food and standard of hotels very good. We hope to return one day.” - B & MH