Vacations can sometimes seem like a tug-of-war between those who want to get out and explore, and those who just want to chill out. In Costa Rica, there’s no need for competition, because everyone wins.
“Wherever you are in Costa Rica you can have a different experience,” said Jodi Abata, a AAA travel advisor based in Wayne, N.J. “It’s not just a beach destination. There are rainforests, an active volcano and exotic plants and animals. It’s an amazing place for families with ziplines, horseback riding, thermal baths and more.”
Costa Rica’s location explains its best-of-all-worlds reputation: This Central American nation has Pacific and Caribbean coastlines separated by a mountainous interior. The latter is covered in dense jungle and rainforests alive with four species of monkeys, tree sloths, toucans and more.
The phrase “pura vida” can be seen and heard throughout Costa Rica. Though it directly translates to “pure life,” its meaning goes much deeper. Used as both a greeting and a farewell, it encompasses the positive spirit of Costa Rican culture. It represents enjoying the simply things, connecting with and respecting nature and being grateful for every day. Come experience it!
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Where to Stay in Costa Rica
Both coasts of Costa Rica have beautiful beaches but offer distinctive experiences.
While all-inclusive resorts are strongly associated with the Caribbean, in Costa Rica, the big resorts are located on the Pacific Coast in Guanacaste and Puntarenas provinces.
Costa Rica’s shorter Caribbean shoreline, entirely contained within Limon province, is far less developed and home mostly to villas and boutique hotels.
In Guanacaste, for example, you can vacation at the family-friendly, AAA Four Diamond designated Planet Hollywood Costa Rica, an all-inclusive Marriott Autograph Collection property. Or splurge on a couples escape to the Four Seasons Resort Papagayo, the adults-only, all-inclusive Secrets Papagayo or the Andaz Costa Rica Resort at Peninsula Papagayo.
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Book NowThings to Do in Costa Rica
Costa Rica’s excellent road system allows visitors to move freely around the country, and many travelers choose to mix a relaxing beach stay with adventurous explorations in the country’s interior, said Abata.
Arenal Volcano National Park and the spectacular La Fortuna Waterfall, two of Costa Rica’s most popular backcountry destinations, are under three hours’ drive from Limon and under four hours by road from Guanacaste.
The park and surrounding Arenal Conservation Area are home to their namesake active stratovolcano – lava has been flowing here regularly since the 1960s! Hiking trails trace the path of the major eruption of Arenal volcano in 1968 as well as crossing a series of hanging bridges suspended in the rainforest canopy. Here, the dormant Chato volcano is also protected, with its crater lagoon, Lake Arenal.
Nearby lodging like the Springs Resort and Spa and Nayara Springs let you immerse in volcano-heated hot springs after a day of hiking and exploring.
More Costa Rica Activities and National Parks
While Costa Rica’s Caribbean coast is best known for low-key relaxation, there’s no shortage of activities when you want to get off the beach. Tortuguero National Park, named for the leatherback sea turtles that nest there, is full of rivers, canals and lagoons; it’s about two hours north of Limon by road.
Cahuita National Park is about half the distance away from Limon and preserves many of Costa Rica’s diverse charms in one place: Pristine beaches, coral reefs teeming with fish and rainforests where hikers may encounter tree sloths and raccoon-like coatis. To immerse yourself in local culture, head to the town of Puerto Limon, known for its rich Afro-Caribbean heritage.
Corcovado National Park, one of the most biodiverse places on the planet, is located on the isolated Osa Peninsula on Costa Rica’s southwest Pacific coast. Six native wild cats including oncillas, margays, pumas, jaguars, jaguarundis and ocelots mostly inhabit this remote area. It’s a long drive from anywhere, but a flight from the capital of San Jose to Drake Bay, about an hour from the park, takes 40-50 minutes.
Hiking is required to see some of Costa Rica’s most singular sites, but it’s not all hard work. The country abounds in ziplines and canopy tours. Zoom over tropical dry forests toward the Guanacaste coast on Diamante Eco Park’s Superman Canopy Zipline or hang like a spider monkey over a Pacific coast jungle with the Rainforest Adventures Aerial Tram in Jaco. The Arenal reserve offers thrilling ziplines and easygoing canopy tours, as well.
Exploring on horseback is another less strenuous way to enjoy Costa Rica’s natural beauty, with guided rides available along the beaches and into the rainforest.
Environmentally conscious and unspoiled, Costa Rica is a welcoming destination for Americans where English is widely spoken and the U.S. dollar is always accepted.
“It’s a beautiful country, with very nice people and a very safe place,” Abata said. “Costa Rica is its own little world.”
Did you know your AAA membership grants you access to your own travel team? Plan your Costa Rica vacation with the help of a trusted AAA travel advisor and customize your trip from start to finish. Call 866-423-5585 to speak with an advisor today!
Have you been to Costa Rica? Tell us what you love about it in the comments below.
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