Costa Rica is a small, democratic and peacefull country with a social development level, which always impresses the ones that visit it for the first time. Here, an interesting and important cultural fusion has taken place, that has grown into an immense cultural and gastronomic variety and, of course, has influenced on the social characteristics of the population: the "ticos" by which we are affectionately called.

Located 10º north of the Ecuador and with a small area of only 51,100 sq.km. or 19,730 sq.mi., Costa Rica encloses 5% of the total biodiversity of the world. This represents hundreds of fauna and flora species that delight the "ticos" and are subject of admiration for hundreds of visitors who come searching for adventure, learning and contact with nature. From all of its natural attractions, we should highlight the volcanoes...

 ...In Costa Rica, the Arenal Volcano is so fascinating that it attracts hundreds of thousands of tourists every year, with its constant eruptions and the thermal waters surrounding its slopes. One should not forget the Poás Volcano, which has one of the widest craters on Earth and the incredible Irazú Volcano from where, on a sunny day one can see both the Pacific and the Caribbean coasts… Also, of utmost importance is the northwestern part of the country. Guanacaste, with its incredible wild beaches and its hot and dry climate, is one of the most visited areas of the country. The fact that this region has an international airport has improved the access for national and international visitors and has positioned it as an important tourist destination.

In Guanacaste, apart from being where our traditions first appeared, you can find the most famous beaches of Costa Rica. Papagayo, Hermosa, Coco, Tamarindo, Grande, Flamingo, Samara, Carrillo and Islita, among others, which are famous for their natural beauty and tourist offer. In Playa Grande you can find the Las Baulas Marine Park, an important nesting site where each year, the incredible Leatherback turtles come to lay their eggs. This is a unique experience, which can only be seen in very few places on Earth.

During the last years, Central Pacific has become a mandatory destination for surfers and nightlife lovers. Extremely wide beaches and an ample variety of tourist offer characterize this area, and places like Jacó and Herradura have turned into major landmarks of the country’s tourism development. Here the visitor will find all sorts of activities: surf, fishing, nature watching, recreation, entertaining, adventure, etc. We should also mention areas like Quepos which shelter unique places like the Manuel Antonio National Park, famous for its white sand beaches and its fauna and flora diversity.

Of extreme importance too is the Caribbean region, with its impressive natural beauties, in which the coral reefs of Cahuita National Park and Puerto Vargas stand out. We should not forget Puerto Viejo, one of our visitor’s favorite destinations and the nesting beaches of the marine turtles, like the Tortuguero National Park. In this region one also finds the best rivers for rafting and other water activities.

And, if you still want more adventure, you can also observe our Rain Forests, protected in large extensions in different regions of Costa Rica, from both coastline slopes to the top of the highest mountains. Special reference of this ecosystem is the Braulio Carrillo National Park of unequalled beauty and only 30 minutes from San José. Here you can enjoy an Aerial Tram tour through the Forest canopy and be amazed at the breathtaking views.

The Central Valley is the most developed part of the country, with vast residential areas as well as industrial zones, being the capital San José, the largest and more cosmopolitan city. Here, we can find unique jewels of our culture.

Who resists a visit to the National Theatre? Or, to the Banco Central Museums to observe the third largest pre-Columbian gold collection in the world? It is so easy to decide. Whichever your interests are, Costa Rica offers you plenty of reasons to come and enjoy our hospitality, simply say "Pura Vida"