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Costa Rica
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Named “the rich coast” by Spanish conquistadors who first made landfall here in 1502, Costa Rica is one of the planet’s most naturally splendid and biologically diverse regions. Though largely undeveloped until the mid-20th century (due to its lack of traditional “riches”—gold, silver, spices), the country is today drawing new generations of explorers with more lasting treasures: smoldering volcanoes, misty cloud forests, rare wildlife and bird species, and a surfeit of beaches that are the gateway to world-class surfing, diving, and sportfishing.
Don't Miss
- Playa Grande on the Nicoya Peninsula—one of the few nesting sites in the world for endangered leatherback sea turtles.
- Remote, beautiful Drake Bay (Bahía Drake), where crystalline waters border primary rainforest (and several exclusive eco-lodge properties).
- Diving among dolphins, hammerheads, and giant rays, or exploring some 200 stunning waterfalls, many that drop right into the sea, at Isla del Coco, the inspiration for Jurassic Park’s Isla Nublar.
T+L Favorites
Where to Stay
Aguila de Osa Inn
Perched on a remote cliff-top and reachable only by boat or seaplane, Aguila de Osa has sweeping
... MoreWhere to Eat
What to Do
Biesanz Woodworks
Functional, beautiful objects made from rainforest woods are created on site at this small store
... MorePerched on a remote cliff-top and reachable only by boat or seaplane, A...
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Biesanz Woodworks
Functional, beautiful objects made from rainforest woods are created on site at this small store ...
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Tips See All COSTA RICA Tips
Tourist resources for Costa Rica
The Costa Rica Tourism Board, or ICT (011-506-258-8762; www.visitcostarica.com), is the country’s official... More
Taxis in Costa Rica
Taxis (usually painted red) are readily available throughout the country. Taking a four-wheel-drive taxi is always safer as roads are unpredictable; and hailing one on the street should be done onl... More
Flights within Costa Rica
Tobías Bolaños Airport (SYQ) in Pavas, about a 30-minute cab ride from SJO, is the main domestic airport; flights from here connect to most towns on the Pacific and northern Caribbean coasts. Few f... More
Car Rentals in Costa Rica
Think twice before renting a car in Costa Rica; road conditions are poor (four-wheel-drive vehicles are safest), local drivers can be reckless, and theft is a problem. But a car is handy if you’re ... More
Buses in Costa Rica
Numerous private and public buses run from San José to outlying destinations around the country. Of the privately operated companies, Grayline (011-506-220-2126;