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Palm-fringed bays and volcanoes encircled by jungle, sloths snooze in cecropia trees overhead, the ‘Pura Vida’ lifestyle of Ticos.

costa_rica_sloth_unsplash_zsquoj Meet Costa Rica's colourful wildlife

Jungle spilling out onto the ocean’s edge, and overhead troops of capuchins swing. Laid-back surfer communities line the Pacific and Caribbean Oceans, and the tranquillity of wildlife is only interrupted by the ruckus caused by scarlet macaws and distant grunts of howler monkeys.  Costa Rica is the ‘Rich Coast’ between Nicaragua and Panama. Framing this dramatic tropical paradise, the northeastern borders are met by the Caribbean Ocean, and in the west lies the vast Pacific. Running down the country’s centre, two cordilleras of mountains and volcanoes journey the entire country. A pocket-sized country, Costa Rica is only 19,700 square miles, and it is nearly 5 times smaller than the UK. Yet it is one of the most biodiverse places on our planet, and it is home to 12 different ecosystems. From the animated hummingbirds flitting the cool northern cloud forest to the elusive jaguars who roam the wild south.Proud of their impressive efforts towards conservation, the Tico culture is defined by positivity and protection of their incredibly rich land. Costa Rica’s positive rhythm reverberates through towns and communities, and Tico’s wear their heritage with pride, often using the phrase ‘Pura Vida’ as a passing greeting. Costa Rica is an emblem of ‘pure life’, and in their ongoing effort to protect this wildlife haven, a quarter of the country is preserved in 28 National Parks and numerous Wildlife Reserves. Animal populations continue to thrive in the famously lush landscape.  A flight into San Jose jets visitors straight into the Central Valley, where the largest city and cultural capital dwells. From here, many flock straight to the palm-fringed coastline or north of the valley towards volcanic territories. Arenal, a hotspot for adventure sports and trekking, is centred around Costa Rica’s youngest stratovolcano. A perfectly conical structure juts miles into the clouds with grooves and furrows embellishing its slopes; these are the battle wounds from the lava flow and past eruptions in the not-so-distant past. Today, visitors bathe in thermal pools heated by magma, take refreshing dips in glowing waterfalls and zipline through the treetops. A journey to the west Pacific coast, and Manuel Antonio awaits those who want to experience the most iconic wildlife without having to delve too deep into the wild. The smallest of Costa Rica’s National Parks, this beach-fronted paradise is not limited by its size. Working further down the coastline, Uvita’s whale-tail-shaped sands and converging currents are a hotspot for humpbacks, and as the forest becomes increasingly untamed, the Osa Peninsula and Corcovado National Park are where pumas roam the lodge’s grounds by night. Paddle or jet into pristine habitats. Tortugero National Park over on the opposite Caribbean Coastline, in the Limon Province, is only accessible by plane or boat. It is a turtle heaven that attracts nature enthusiasts from around the globe. 11 different habitats rest peacefully within its boundaries.One of the world’s most renowned destinations for its epic wildlife and spectacular beaches, Costa Rica is a nature lover, and conservationist’s dream come true. A Central American perfect paradise. 

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When to go to Costa Rica

The best time to visit Costa Rica is between December and April, following the annual rains on the Pacific Coast, the landscape is painted in vibrant green. This is also the best time of year for wildlife, as tropical resident species of sloth and monkeys are joined by migrant bird species from the north. December is an excellent time for marine life, as humpback whales give birth in warm waters and sea turtles mate at the surface. It is worth noting that December to January can get incredibly busy, so it’s worth planning and booking ahead around New Years. More preferable perhaps, February and March bring with them all the perks of the newly dry climate without the business of peak season.Because Costa Rica has multiple micro-climates, the seasons differ depending on each region. Tropical forests and beaches in the north Pacific, in Guanacaste, tend to be far drier than the dense head of the humid south. For those wishing to visit Limon and the Caribbean Coast, it may be best to tailor your journey around turtle nesting season in Tortuguero from March to October.

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Kat Macleod
Kat Macleod

Luxury Travel Specialist

01173133300 Enquire Online
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Where to go in Costa Rica

Costa Rica is a country filled with diverse landscapes, fascinating wildlife, and breathtaking vistas. The Osa Peninsula is a must-visit for wildlife enthusiasts as this miniature outpost packs 2.5% of the world’s biodiversity, along with pristine rainforests and Costa Rica’s largest mangrove swamp. Just 165 km from San José, Manuel Antonio National Park is another haven for diverse ecosystems, and photographers will adore the park’s centrepiece, “Punta Catedral, a tombolo encircled by a rocky peninsula.

Tortuguero National Park is the place to go to see turtles, while mountainous Monteverde is a hotspot for ecotourism and adventure travellers should try the area's many intrepid treks, Tarzan-like swings, high ropes, and Costa Rica’s longest high-octane zipline course! For those looking for a picture-perfect town, Nuevo Arenal is for you, and while you’re there, explore Arenal Volcano and Arenal Botanical Gardens.

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Your Luxury Accommodation Options in Costa Rica

View Wayfairer's favourite selection of accommodations in Costa Rica.

Senda Monteverde Hotel

Senda Monteverde Hotel

Senda Monteverde Hotel is a 15-minute walk from Monteverde town, yet completely immersed in nature.o...

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Tulemar Resort

Tulemar Resort

As you recline on your private patio, you will soon realise that nothing is better than waking up to...

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Pacuare Lodge

Pacuare Lodge

Accessing Pacuare Lodge is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure. Take to the Río Pacuare’s world-class rap...

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Nayara Tented Camp

Nayara Tented Camp

Whether it’s white-water rafting on the Sarapiqui River and trekking the Arenal Volcano or looking o...

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Tortuga Lodge

Tortuga Lodge

A stay at Tortuga Lodge in Costa Rica is a unique and unforgettable experience. The property is desi...

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Arenas Del Mar

Arenas Del Mar

Within Manuel Antonio’s only true beach-front resort, discover an ideal balance of tranquillity and ...

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Hotel Nantipa

Hotel Nantipa

Located in the heart of the surfing haven of Santa Teresa, on the Nicoya Peninsula, Hotel Nantipa fu...

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Read what our customers say about their trip with Wayfairer

“This is the second time Wayfairer has planned a trip, the first being a Safari and we will definitely have them plan another trip. Our journey to Antarctica exceeded our expectations".
"This was a dream trip I had thought about for years and somehow they managed to exceed what I had hoped for. Could not have asked for more."
"An outstanding experience with Wayfairer, Cat and Juan helped to organise, and manage, an amazing safari for a group of six. Their meticulous planning, endless enthusiasm and huge knowledge of the area meant that we had a truly unforgettable experience, we even had a fabulous birthday party in the middle of the Mara. The highest recommendation is that we plan to use Wayfairer again and again!"
"This was my second trip with Wayfairer - my first (to Africa) was so amazing, I was worried that I would be disappointed.....not a chance. Once again, the itinerary, the guides, the little touches, were superb. I am already thinking about what trip I will have Wayfairer plan next! For anyone trying to decide where to go - Peru was absolutely amazing! It may be one of the most under-rated countries. Machu Pichu was breathtaking, but there was also so much more to see and do....let Wayfairer take you on amazing journey!"
"Our trip was a dream come true. The arrangements made by Wayfairer exceeded our expectations. The accommodations were as good or better than the descriptions in our trip documents. The staff at each camp were wonderful and the guides were knowledgeable and friendly. We will highly recommend Wayfairer to any of our friends who are considering an adventure vacation."
"Wayfairer are absolutely superb - from our initial consultation, the advice on destination, the booking process, the concierge service, the recommendation of hotels, organisation of transport, advice on activities to the friendliness of stay it could not have been better. We will look to book all big holidays with Wayfairer from now on and will recommend them to everyone."
"Incredibly helpful service and access to the best facilities and great rates. Don't book anywhere else."
"Recently returned from an amazing safari trip inc Vic falls, Chobe, Okavango Delta and the Kalahari desert. Right from the first engagement with Wafairer and all the way through the trip has been so smooth. The recommendations and attention to detail on the itinerary were incredible. Thankyou on this once in a lifetime trip."
"Wayfairer and Juan assisted planning our trip to South Africa. They were very knowledgeable and professional. Juan was very responsive with answers when I had any questions at all. It was very nice working with Juan and will definetly use this company again. I have recommended them to friends and family. The vacation was perfect thanks to Juan and Wayfairer."
"Excellent service throughout. A wonderful trip and truly a holiday of a lifetime. Thank you."
"We just returned from a fabulous Kenya vacation for our family..ages 3 thru 70. Jess gave us great advice, offered wonderful accommodations, was really flexible, was willing to work with our budget. June helped us implement the trip. Thanks to both of them."
"Wayfairer organised our trip to Tanzania & Zanzibar. From initial contact Leonie and the team were very professional & informative. They listened to our requirements and put together an amazing itinerary within our budget. We were kept informed every step of the way. The holiday was amazing and all went smoothly. We felt confident that Wayfairer were only a call away should an issue arise. We wouldn't hesitate to use Wayfairer for our next holiday!"
We booked our honeymoon to Tanzania with Wayfairer. Tom gave us excellent suggestions for accommodation and itinerary and organised it all, including transfers. It all went very smoothly and the trip was fabulous. We stayed at Lake Manze in the Selous game reserve, an open safari camp with very knowledgeable and helpful guides and managers, followed by all-inclusive at the Sea Cliff Resort in Zanzibar. The Sea Cliff was wonderfully relaxing and welcoming. Thanks to Tom for an incredible honeymoon experience. We would definitely use Wayfairer again and have already recommended to friends.
I wanted to take my aging father on a safari in Kenya, but the task of organizing the trip seemed daunting. I wanted to make sure he was comfortable and that we chose the right tour to go on. Wayfairer stuck with me every step of the way, patiently asked all my questions and worked with me through several last minute changes. I recommend them highly.
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99% of reviewers recommend Wayfairer. (4.9* rating & 335 reviews on Reviews.IO)

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