Photo credit: DSC_0243 via photopin (license)
Often referred to as the birthplace of eco-tourism, Costa Rica offers an amazing variety of attractions for visitors and a superb climate to boot. With so much on offer the best way to ensure you get the most for your money is to use a specialist tour operator who knows the country inside and out. In our opinion you can’t beat Travel Excellence vacations – whether your primary motivation is to relax and do as little as possible or experience the adrenaline rush of rafting or canopy tours, you can rest assured that you are in expert hands.
You’ll need to decide on your budget and the purpose for your trip – are you after a luxurious break or a budget vacation, is time on the beach your main priority or would you prefer to spend your days hiking in the wilds? Or perhaps you want to do both? You can have your holiday tailor-made to your exact preferences or choose from a wide range of packages to suit your interests.
How about a little of everything – for the perfect introduction to Costa Rica this package is hard to beat.
Photo credit: Northern Jacana (Jacana spinosa) via photopin (license)
On the first day you’ll realise just how well-preserved the natural environment is as you travel through Braulio Carrillo National Park. Visit a banana processing plant to find out more about one of the country’s most important products before a boat trip on the Tortuguero canals. Just a few minutes away from the national park entrance is the Pachira Lodge – a beautifully-appointed place to stay in this remote area. You’ll have time to explore the wilds of Tortugeuro or just chill out at the lodge during your days here.
The next stop on your itinerary is Arenal Springs Resort & Spa near the eponymous lake. The property includes hot springs pools and you can take advantage of soothing treatments in the Natria Spa. The following day you can join a tour to Arenal Volcano & Tabacón Hot Springs with dinner in the evening.
Day Six sees guests transfer to the Parador Hotel, ideally located to explore the renowned Manuel Antonio National Park. Here you will find not only unspoiled nature and a wealth of wildlife, but also pristine white sand beaches and beautiful rivers. The waters are warm all year round and sunshine is guaranteed between December and April.
Animals to watch out for in the Manuel Antonio National Park include the Mantled Howler, White Faced and Red backed Squirrel monkeys as well as Two and Three Toad sloths. Chances are high that you’ll meet other mammals too and the birdlife is incredible.
You won’t want to miss Puerto Escondido (hidden port) or Punta Catedral (cathedral point) either – if you can tear yourself away from the beautiful beaches…
This is just a small sample of what Costa Rica has to offer but serves as a good introduction to this amazing country – so what’s stopping you?
