Costa Rica is often considered one of the most environmentally friendly countries, with more than 27% of its land protected by wildlife refuges, biological reserves, and national parks. Costa Rica is smaller than West Virginia, but offers a surprisingly diverse range of ecosystems and activities. Coral-lined beaches, active volcanoes, and cloud forests characterize this beautiful country which surfers, nature enthusiasts, and adventure addicts alike can enjoy on a Costa Rica vacation.

Green vegetation surrounds this picturesque stream in Monteverde

While this tiny nation draws over 1.5 million visitors every year, no efforts are spared to protect nature and its wonders. The number one destination offering eco-friendly travel opportunities, Monteverde, is located in the northern region of the Puntarenas province in the Cordillera de Tilarán. Monteverde, or “Green Mountain”, is home to the famous Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve.

Monteverde’s settlement dates back to the 1930s when a few “Tico” – Costa Ricans’ nickname – families left the gold-mining settlement of Juntas, and headed up the mountain to try their hand at logging and farming. In 1949, four Quakers were jailed in Alabama for their refusal to be drafted into the Korean War. They were eventually released from prison, but in response 44 Quakers from 11 families left the United States for greener grass – namely Monteverde. The Quakers adopted a simple life of dairy farming and cheese production in the cool mountain climate. Monteverde remains a Quaker dairy farming community which produces some of the finest cheeses in Costa Rica. Don’t leave without sampling some of their tasty treats!  In appreciation of watershed above the 1500-hectacre plot in Monteverde, the Quaker community agreed to preserve the mountaintop rainforests.

When ecologists investigated the preserve, they discovered that the cloud forests were actually two different ecosystems that straddled both sides of the Continental Divide. As a result of the temperature differential between the Santa Elena and Monteverde Reserves, each of the ecosystems boasts several distinct species.  In 1983, National Geographic featured an article stating the area as the best place to view Central America’s famous quetzal bird. Quakers were shocked when hordes of tourists arrived, and in response, lobbied to stop developers from paving the roads. As of today only dirt roads lead to Monteverde, while the local community continues to fight against the threat of overdevelopment.

Monteverde is a 4-hour journey from Costa Rica’s capital, San Jose. The best time to go depends on your personal interests. Consider visiting this lush area during Monteverde Music Festival, between January and February. The best time for bird watching is February through May when flocks of birds migrate and nest in the area. Prices may be lower during May to November, as it is rainy season and hiking opportunities are lessened.

Cleverly placed bird feeders on our Hummingbird Tour give you a chance to observe them in action

Many travelers come to the reserve to see big mammals living in the wild, such as jaguars, ocelots, and tapirs. These sights are fairly rare; however you are bound to see other captivating plants and animals. Monkeys, sloths, and birds will whisk by overhead, while you may have to look more carefully for miniature orchids which are no more than a millimeter or two across and can be found along hiking trails in the reserve. Another way to experience the local flora and fauna is on a skywalk or rappelling canopy tour.

From organic farming to alternative energy sources, Monteverde works hard to balance environmentally conscious thinking with tourism. You don’t have to be a Quaker or an environmental biologist to appreciate one of the few places left on the planet where the human footprint is kept to a minimum.

To plan an eco-friendly vacation in beautiful Costa Rica contact one of our expert travel advisors who can help customize your travel plans.

The striking Rio Celeste Waterfall. Photo courtesy of Hortense Soulier.

If you want to get away from the crowds, you should make a small detour to the Tenorio Volcano National Park, located in the northwestern part of the country not far from La Fortuna. This often-forgotten park is a true oasis of nature, and holds astonishing sights that will leave you speechless.

Perhaps the most spectacular of these natural wonders is Rio Celeste, a river situated in the heart of the Tenorio National Park, and one of Costa Rica’s prime secret spots. In the past, travelers tended to bypass the park because of its remote location and the previous lack of adequate public transportation. More often than not travel guides didn’t even mention the location which also contributed to its lack of popularity.

Even today there is only one way to reach Rio Celeste and that is from the Rio Celeste Lodge. This small, unattractive construction lost in the rainforest, with its rustic rooms, can hardly be called a lodge. However, if you are ready to leave comfort aside for one night, you will not regret it. With better access and more travelers visiting, the lodge is progressively improving its infrastructure. The lodge’s charming owner will invite you to join his family for a typical local dinner before you head out on your hike to Rio Celeste the next morning.

Rio Celeste is known for its magnificent turquoise color, almost artificial looking, which comes from a natural blend of water and various minerals from the ground (for the chemists out there, the mix comes from sulfur from the volcanic activity and calcium carbonate). This otherwise ordinary river suddenly turns into a magical light blue stream before precipitating into a striking waterfall.

A trek to Rio Celeste involves a pleasant, yet somewhat challenging hike through the cool rainforest of the Tenorio Volcano National Park. The four-hour hike to and from the Rio Celeste Waterfall is sprinkled with astonishing views. Admire the blue lagoon, a natural pool filled with turquoise water, and los Tenideros, where the water suddenly takes on a striking sky-blue color, and any number of natural hot springs located along the banks of the rivers.

The beautiful Laguna Azul. Photo courtesy of Hortense Soulier.

The trail then stumbles onto the great Rio Celeste Waterfall, one of the most beautiful sights in all of Costa Rica. Descend the steep stairs that take you to the bottom of the waterfall, and just take in the enchanting beauty of the scene for a while before getting back onto the trail.

Legend has it that when the world’s creator painted the skies, he dipped his paint brush into the river, giving it its striking light blue hue. Biologists still haven’t been able to determine the effects of the combination of minerals, so it is recommended not to swim in these waters, although some do at their own risk. You can take a swim a little further away where the water regains its clarity, and enjoy a relaxing dip in the hot springs.

The amazing sceneries of Rio Celeste are definitely a must-see for travelers to Costa Rica, and are certainly worth the little extra effort. This is truly one of the most magical places in the country, if not in the world. Don’t miss out on one of nature’s amazing wonders while it is still a relatively unknown tourist attraction.

For more Costa Rica travel opportunities and information, contact a Costa Rica For Less travel advisor.

The best time to hit the water is during the rainy season, from late August to November. At this time of year, the rivers are swollen and fast flowing, offering a bigger variety of options for all levels.

White water rafting on the Pacuare River, Costa Rica

One of Costa Rica’s most popular rafting spots is the Pacuare River, widely recognized as one of the top rafting rivers in the world thanks to a perfect combination of jaw-droppingly beautiful natural scenery and fast-flowing waters.

The waters are warm, the cascades are stunning and the river meanders through the dense tropical Costa Rican rainforest, surrounded by a huge diversity of wildlife. The river is generally Class III to IV, which means unpredictable waves, narrow waterways and long patches of white water, getting wet out here is a certainty!

Exploring the Pacuare River is all the more enjoyable on rafting trips departing from the Rio Tropicales Lodge, who has partnered with Costa Rica For Less to offer an adventurer’s dream trip; rafting down whitewater rapids, zip lining through the tree tops, and exploring deep into the jungle to get up close and personal with the rainforest’s countless inhabitants.

The lodge, built from ecologically sourced local materials, is set amid a large reserve of tropical gardens and untouched jungle, complete with swaying hammocks and viewing platforms from which the local colony of toucans can be spotted. A vast network of trails are perfect for exploring, while a series of freshwater pools stemming from the Pacuare River itself allow blissful and relaxing bathing.

Costa Rica For Less’ exclusive Rafting Odyssey travel deal allows visitors to arrive at this splendid lodge by raft, spend two full days exploring the rainforest reserve before leaving for another full day on the water. Visit the Costa Rica For Less site for more information.

Celebrated on 15 September, Independence Day is a major national event with parades and fiestas that can provide lifelong memories of any Costa Rica vacations that happen to coincide with this important day.

Old traditions on show, Costa Rica

Costa Rica achieved its independence along with the rest of Central America, as part of the Federal Republic of Central America, governed by Guatemala. The new republic proved to be fragile, ungovernable and short-lived and Costa Rica soon decided to go it alone.

For holiday makers planning a trip to Costa Rica, timing your vacation to match up with Independence Day is sure to give a fascinating perspective on this fun-loving nation in their most jubilant hour.

Celebrations occur up and down the entire country and can last for an entire week. The highlight is the arrival of the Freedom Torch which is delivered on relay from Nicaragua on its route right across Central America.

The night before Independence Day is marked with a series of lantern parades, marking the moment that news of independence arrived in the country.

On the big day itself, every town and village hosts its own parade, with participants in traditional dress and marching bands playing national songs which culminate in the national anthem.

Traditional food – especially the national dish of gallo pinto, a colorful concoction of rice and beans – takes pride of place, along with other national symbols such as the colorfully decorated oxcarts that epitomize the country’s agricultural heritage.

In typical Tico spirit, parades are peaceful and family-orientated events that involve elderly and young Costa Ricans as much as the adult party-goers.

Downtown San Jose is host to the country’s biggest parade, while other popular Costa Rica travel destinations all host their own local parties, including the small town of Santa Elena near the Monteverde cloud forest and the old capital city of Cartago.

How To Celebrate Independence Day During A Costa Rica Vacation

Independence Day is a great time to visit Costa Rica, when you’ll be sure to catch one of the best fiestas in the annual calendar. To have the best fun visitors should bear the following points in mind:

- Independence Day is a national holiday and most services will be closed for the day. This includes banks, money changers and certain stores, although restaurants should remain open. Don’t be caught out without any cash, and make sure you’ve changed enough money the previous day.

- Most Costa Rica hotels will become booked up well in advance of the holiday, so plan ahead and make your reservations early.

- Local parades are held on and around the central plaza of any town, but in San Jose head for Avenida Central, where most of the action occurs.

- Parades and fiestas are invariably peaceful and safe, but as with a large crowd in any country, beware of pickpockets and keep your valuables concealed.

One of several hundred species of birds that thrive in Costa Rica's national parks

And thankfully, given the country’s diminutive size, this natural richness is easily accessible to visitors while enjoying their Costa Rica vacations.

But with almost 30% of the country designated as environmentally protected land, the only dilemma is in trying to figure out which of the 35 national parks you should squeeze in to one Costa Rica vacation.

Choosing between Costa Rica’s numerous national parks is no easy task but the following profiles, based on first-hand Costa Rica travel experience, should help.

Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve

This dense blanket of mountain-side cloud forest is over 10,000 hectares in size and is among the most popular of Costa Rica’s protected areas thanks to its ethereal, mysterious atmosphere, stunning mountaintop views, and a vast collection of exotic, but often elusive, wildlife.

Sunset over the stunning Monteverde cloud forest, Costa Rica

The Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve is owned and maintained by a private, non-profit organization, the Tropical Research Center. There are over 10km of trails through the reserve with marked routes of varying lengths. The trails are well maintained and access is easy for all visitors, but paths can get muddy year round so bring sturdy boots.

A popular bird-watching destination, the reserve is home to hundreds of bird species. Monteverde cloud forest is particularly well known for its most glamorous inhabitant, the resplendent quetzal, although sightings of this shy bird are fairly uncommon. Other mammalian locals include sloths, howler monkeys and the guinea-pig like agouti.

The nearby town of Santa Elena is a quaint settlement with enough hotels and restaurants to cater for the area’s popularity, but as with all Costa Rica hotels, consider booking ahead to ensure availability.

Hiring a guide is highly recommended, to help spot some of the wildlife hiding above your head in the trees. Monteverde tours are available and can be booked in advance through a provider of Costa Rica vacation packages.

Entrance fee: $16. Information office opening hours: 7am-4pm.

Insider’s Tip:

Monteverde cloud forest is a justifiably popular stop on a Costa Rica vacation, the only drawback being the number of visitors the reserve attracts on a daily basis. For a much quieter experience with a higher chance of spotting some of the area’s timid wildlife, try the neighboring Santa Elena reserve too.

Corcovado National Park

For visitors looking for a much more secluded spot during their Costa Rica travels, the Corcovado National Park, at the country’s far-southern tip on the remote Osa Peninsula, is the idea destination.

This is the most isolated of Costa Rica’s national parks; arriving here usually requires an internal flight followed by a boat transfer. But your perseverance will be handsomely rewarded: Corcovado is home to over 40,000 hectares of protected land which include no less than thirteen separate ecosystems.

This national park is a true natural gem, the only major lowland tropical forest left in the world, it is home to a bewildering number of species including jaguars, pumas, tapirs, crocodiles, giant anteaters, sloths and numerous species of monkey.

In total, Corcovado is a refuge for around 500 species of tree, 400 types of bird, 140 separate species of mammal, and over 100 types of reptiles and amphibians. Furthermore, thanks to the region’s under visited tranquility, the chance of actually seeing some of these creatures is much higher than elsewhere.

Getting to the peninsula, arranging accommodation in the national park and finding a reliable and professional guide can be a tricky business, so it is recommended to book one of the Corcovado tours on offer from reputable Costa Rica tours operators.

Insider’s Tip:

Having made the journey to this distant corner of Costa Rica, it makes sense to stay for at least four days and see as much of the Osa Peninsula as you can. Another nearby gem is the Caño Island Biological Reserve, a short boat journey across Drake’s Bay. This beautiful island is popular for snorkeling and scuba trips and can be visited as a day excursion from the mainland.

Tortuguero National Park

From one extreme to another, Tortuguero National Park is almost as isolated as Corcovado, but lies several hundred kilometers away on the far northern side of Costa Rica’s Caribbean coast.

One of many inhabitants in Tortuguero National Park, Costa Rica

This 32,000 hectare park is home to some unusual geography, not quite ocean and not quite dry land, the semi-marine environment is made up of interconnected lagoons, rivers and manmade canals, plus thick mangrove swamps, marshes and sandy beaches, all of which provide an ideal home to a huge concentration of exotic wildlife.

Perhaps the area’s most famous inhabitants are the female green sea turtles who return to the sands on which they were born to lay their eggs before heading back out to the ocean. This event is a major attraction and it is possible to visit the beaches and witness the culmination of the turtles’ epic annual voyage.

Aside from turtle watching, Tortuguero’s waterways are ideal for guided boat trips to spot some of the region’s other wildlife, including spider monkeys, capuchins, sloths and manatees, plus huge numbers of bird species.

Most visitors choose to stay within the national park itself in a jungle-style lodge, although it is possible to stay in a hotel in the nearby Tortuguero village, from where you can take excursions into the park.

As with Corcovado, Tortuguero National Park is remote and fairly inaccessible. Although it is possible to get here on your own steam, Tortuguero tour packages are a convenient way to visit the area and will also guarantee the quality of your lodge and guide.

Insider’s Tip:

If you want to make your own way to Tortuguero, give yourself plenty of time to get there and back as the journey involves a road journey from San Jose to Caño Blanco via Siquirres, followed by a boat ride to Tortuguero village, which can take up the best part of a day.

Cahuita National Park

Heading further south down Costa Rica’s Caribbean coast eventually brings you to a much more accessible stretch of the country, a place where the Caribbean influence remains strong, especially in the vibrant town of Puerto Viejo.

The nearby village of Cahuita, although much sleepier than its vivacious neighbor, is home to a small but attractive reserve, Cahuita National Park.

The long, narrow park runs along the coast south of Cahuita and is characterized by its thick, tropical vegetation, with coconut palms swinging directly out over the white sands and blue waters of the Caribbean coast.

Scores of crabs scuttle across the narrow stretch of sand and further inland the trees are home to sloths and howler monkeys alongside ibises and herons. Particular favorites are the bold capuchins who happily approach their visitors, pose for photos and try to make off with the occasional snack from unguarded picnics. Remember, feeding the animals is strictly forbidden as it can upset the delicate balance of this fragile ecosystem.

Insider’s Tip:

This is one of the most accessible national parks in Costa Rica and makes for a pleasant day’s hike from the town of Cahuita. The secluded beaches are inviting and the waters are warm, but beware of the dangerous riptides and only swim in marked areas. Snorkeling the reef is a popular activity but access is only allowed with an official guide.

Manuel Antonio National Park

Finally, another of Costa Rica’s smaller and more accessible protected areas, Manuel Antonio National Park is handily situated a few hours from San Jose on Costa Rica’s Pacific Coast near the town of Quepos.

A beach-side paradise at Manuel Antonio National Park, Costa Rica

A beautiful arrangement of tropical forests, secluded beaches and ocean views make this one of the most attractive parks in Costa Rica, although its beauty is also its curse, as the park draws a steady stream of visitors year round, making it one of the busiest national parks in the country.

But all these visitors are here for a reason: Manuel Antonio is a refuge for a huge volume of wildlife and provides a scenic environment for hiking, swimming and exploring along the well maintained trails.

A visit to Manuel Antonio guarantees sightings of the park’s monkey population, and if you’re lucky you’ll also catch a glimpse of the sloths, armadillos, iguanas and snakes, among many others, all of which make their home here.

Manuel Antonio tours operate from the town of Quepos and can be booked in advance or you can hire a private guide at the park.

Insider’s Tip:

Manuel Antonio National Park is perhaps the most visited of all Costa Rica’s national parks so those looking for some serious wildlife watching should probably head elsewhere, or aim to visit away from the peak season from January to March.

But now it seems that Costa Rica’s record has made it more than a natural sanctuary for threatened wildlife, but a world leader in global happiness too.

The happy 'Tico' Costa Rican spirit

A study by the New Economics Foundation (NEF) which links countries’ environmental protection to the happiness of their citizens has named Costa Rica as the greenest and happiest country in the world.

The study, called the Happy Planet Index, compares the natural resources that each country consumes with their happiness and quality of life. The report combined ecological impact with other factors including life expectancy and life satisfaction to calculate which country is the most “happy” overall.

According to the Happy Planet Index, Costa Ricans have the highest life satisfaction in the world, thanks to their long life expectancy which is slightly longer than the USA average, combined with their tiny environmental impact, which is 75% smaller than the United States’ per person equivalent.

Costa Rica has become well known throughout the world for its excellent level of environmental protection. Almost one third of the country has been protected by a system of national parks, conservation areas and natural reserves.

Some of the most popular protected areas include the World Heritage Site of Corcovado National Park which is famous for its mangrove swamps, tapirs and macaws, the beautiful beach-side Manuel Antonio National park, and Tortuguero National Park, a favorite nesting ground for endangered sea turtles.

Tree frog, Tortuguero National Park, Costa Rica

In a separate recent survey the country was voted the number one Latin America travel destination thanks to its astonishing range of national parks protected the world’s biggest concentration of exotic, and often endangered, animal species ranging from poison arrow frogs, green leatherback turtles, the resplendent quetzal and the jaguar.

Unique dining at Corteza Amarilla, San Jose, Costa Rica

In a country inundated by rice and beans the national cuisine is not usually the most memorable feature of a Costa Rica vacation, but thankfully international influences have become very well established in many Costa Rica hotels and restaurants.

A perfect example is Restaurant Corteza Amarilla which, much like the lodge and spa itself, is a breath of fresh air and a pleasant escape from the ordinary.

Nestled in San Jose’s upscale, hillside suburb of Escazu, the Corteza Amarilla is a charming and sophisticated refuge from the life of Costa Rica’s bustling capital city. Constructed entirely of wood recycled from San Jose’s colonial buildings, a mélange of Baroque, Art Deco & Victorian styles reflects the fusions to be found in the restaurant’s exquisite menu.

With a range of starters that include tuna tartar, ceviche and beef carpaccio and a selection of main courses such as skate wing, lobster and skirt steak with caramelized onion risotto, a meal in the Corteza Amarilla is a culinary treat that will define your entire Costa Rica travel experience.

International flavours at the Corteza Amarilla, San Jose, Costa Rica

My meal in the Corteza Amarilla was one of the best I’ve ever had. Everything was perfect, from the smoked salmon, spicy pear and warm goats cheese starter, to the sesame oil pan fried Yellow fin tuna steak, to the cozy ambiance of my quiet, candlelit table on the garden patio.

The service couldn’t have been better and the décor throughout the entire restaurant was unbelievable. In all my years of working and traveling throughout Costa Rica, this is easily the most innovative, delicious and outright unique restaurant that I’ve had the pleasure to enjoy.

Costa Rica’s southern Caribbean coast was one of the last regions to become connected to the rest of the country. It was only in 1987 that the first paved road linked the regional capital of Limon to San Jose meaning that for most of the country’s history, the Afro-Caribbean east coast communities developed in almost complete isolation from the rest of Hispanic Costa Rica.

Sea bird near Cahuita National Park, Costa Rica. Photograph: Matthew Barker 2008

Talking with Mrs. Rose, the elderly owner of a small guesthouse in the sleepy coastal town of Cahuita, the Costa Rica of her childhood sounded a universe apart from the country I was traveling through.

This extended isolation has left an enduring legacy in Costa Rica’s east coast communities where Afro Caribbean identities have remained vibrant and strong. Most residents are direct descendents from Jamaican slaves and immigrants; a patois variation of English is still the local language; the scent of spicy Caribbean dishes and a constant hum of reggae beats fill the air.

Despite recent investments in roads and transport services, Costa Rica’s Caribbean coast still feels separate and distant, almost like having two countries rolled into one. And not just for the passing visitor: Mrs. Rose constantly referred to “the Spanish” as though they were people of a different continent, not her fellow Costa Ricans.

Following the road south from Cahuita to the town of Puerto Viejo, the Caribbean vibe only grows stronger.

Relaxing in the sun at Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica. Photograph: Matthew Barker 2008

Puerto Viejo is known for being Costa Rica’s party town and stepping off the bus I was immediately confronted by the town’s well-established attitude: music is everywhere, literally flowing from the bars, guesthouses and passing cars. Surfers stroll, their boards underarm, towards the reefs that produce Costa Rica’s most famous wave: the Salsa Brava.

The town congregates itself along a few streets that run parallel to the coastline and are fringed with restaurants, hotels and beach-side bars. Meandering down the main road, every step gives you a new insight into the unique cultural fusion that is taking place here: Afro-Caribbean meets Hispanic, plus Chinese settlers and a healthy dose of European and American expats and visitors; everyone enjoying this relaxed, hybrid community that has evolved under the warm Costa Rican sun.

The sun goes down over the beach at Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica. Photograph: Matthew Barker 2008

My first night in town and I sought out the locally renowned Miss Lidia’s for a taste of the local delicacy, the Costa Rican staple of rice and beans with a Caribbean twist: soaked in rich coconut sauce and packed with spice. Sated, I wandered into the first bar I found and expecting a room full of reggae, I was gently surprised to find a four piece blues group playing to an enraptured crowd, where one rum and coke quickly turned into another.

Further down the coast, relaxed bars and restaurants spilled out onto the sand itself, as the distinction between bar and beach became blurred by vacationers and locals mingling under by beachside bonfires under the night sky.

But there’s a lot more to Puerto Viejo than music, partying and surfing. The next morning I decided to work off my hangover and for a few dollars, hired a pushbike and headed further south down the freshly paved road towards the tiny settlement of Manzanillo, just a few kilometers from the Panama border.

The route takes you past some of Puerto Viejo’s most luxurious lodges, most of which boast their own pools, private beachfronts and first-rate fusion restaurants. I eventually left the town behind me and continued down an increasingly quiet, densely forested road where the silence was occasionally interrupted by the sound of roaring howler monkeys hidden within the trees.

A slight detour to Punto Uva brought me out onto an almost deserted beach where white sands met turquoise blue water: a beach scene that was almost too clichéd to believe.

A tranquil beach at Punto Uva, near Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica. Photograph: Matthew Barker 2008

Reaching Manzanillo you get a glimpse of what this region might have looked like before the paved roads brought it into modernity. The village is little more than a few homes, a hotel and of course, the mandatory, reggae-filled bar, all clustered around a small central square which doubles up as an undersized football pitch.

And curving around the settlement is an arc of white sand gently leading down to the warm waters of the Caribbean Sea, a perfect place to stop and cool off following my long cycle ride.

Further south from this point there is nothing but the thick forests of the Manzanillo Refuge, a few border settlements and then Panama and the beginnings of Hispanic South America; the next stage of my journey.

Before hopping back onto my bike and making the return journey to Puerto Viejo it seemed like an appropriate place to pause and say goodbye to this quiet, tiny Afro-Caribbean corner on a vast Latin continent.