Costa Rica is a tropical paradise with lush rainforest, endless beaches, cascading waterfalls, diverse wildlife, and plenty of adventures for intrepid travelers. With increased accessibility, a growing expat community, and a biodiversity like nowhere else on earth, Costa Rica is the perfect getaway filled with nature and adventure.
But despite its promise of unspoiled natural beauty, it is easy to fall into tourist traps. From high skyscrapers resembling Florida’s Panama City to food catered only to Americans, an authentic and immersive experience is not always guaranteed.
When and where
While most people choose to visit Costa Rica in the dry season of December through March, there are many reasons why those seeking a more authentic travel experience should visit during the green season. From April to November, the lush jungle transforms into a beautiful watercolor painting with all shades of green, the temperatures are much more comfortable, and the chance for unique wildlife encounters increases significantly.
There are countless magical places in Costa Rica, but if we were to pick one, we would choose the South Pacific Coast. From Manuel Antonio’s National Park all the way down to the Osa Peninsula, this area of the country is home to 2.5% of the biodiversity of the entire world! The National Park Marino Ballena, in the small beach town of Uvita, is miraculously shaped like a whale’s tail in low tide (the world’s second largest sandbar), and it is one of the only places in the world where you can see both the southern and northern whale migrations. And of course, there are plenty of adventures for the intrepid ones.
Snorkeling and diving in the marine preserve at Caño Island, ziplining through the forest canopy, hiking or horseback riding to Nauyaca waterfall, there is an activity for every taste.
