"In Costa Rica , you can start your day in the Caribbean , bordering the Atlantic Ocean and see, in the same day, the sun set into the Pacific Ocean," boasts the Costa Rican President Carlos Alvarado. A good summary, from the point of view of travelers, of the uniqueness of this Central American country where a variety of landscapes is concentrated with incredible richness, despite an average area.
On the front line of the coronavirus pandemic, green democracy, endowed with a very good health system and access to universal care, has long been with Uruguay the good student of a ravaged Latin America, with a very low number of deaths on July 1 (25). The reopening of the air borders of the small country (5 million inhabitants) is still scheduled for August 1, without the details of the health protocol to be applied, and the list of nationalities authorized to enter the territory, being yet known. .
Costa Rica has nevertheless been confronted since July 9 with a "very worrying acceleration" of the epidemic, warned the Costa Rican Minister of Health, the authorities considering new measures to try to curb the spread of the virus. The low level of lethality of the virus in the country has however been maintained
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Recharge your batteries at the pace of Pura Vida
The luxurious Nayara Springs hotel in La Fortuna puts relaxation first. Press photo
For the third time since 2009, Costa Rica ranks first in the HPI (Happy Planet Index) ranking. It is no coincidence that its inhabitants are among the happiest in the world. Champion of environmental protection, the country is the ideal destination to reconnect with nature and recharge its batteries.
Between yoga retreats and spa getaways, the country of Central America has asserted itself in the landscape of stays focused on well-being. These experiences are particularly popular in the Nicoya Peninsula, recognized as one of the five blue zones of the planet, where the longevity of the inhabitants clearly exceeds the average. In Montezuma , Santa Teresa , Tamarindo or even Samara , many establishments, from the most economical to the most luxurious, offer retreats, with daily yoga classes, healthy gastronomy and very often activities linked to nature.
Some people in search of calm and harmony will prefer a holiday at the foot of volcanoes, to enjoy the joys of thermal waters and volcanic mud massages. In the surroundings of Arenal , the famous Tabacon spa hotel or the luxurious Nayara Springs put relaxation in the spotlight with their "all inclusive" formulas.
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Buller on postcard beaches
Playa Conchal (seashell beach) is considered one of the most beautiful beaches in Costa Rica. Adobe Stock / JoseDavid
Impossible to say which is the most beautiful beach in Costa Rica. Even if the hearts of travelers and locals often balance between Playa Conchal, San Juanillo or Carrillo. These expanses of white, golden, gray, black sand like postcards will give you a wide range of choices to bubble on the coast.
If you are fond of small coves with coral bottoms bordered by lush jungle, take your sights on the beaches of the south of Puerto Viejo, in the Caribbean, and in particular the sublime Punta Uva. In the far south of the Nicoya peninsula, you will be full of serenity on the uncrowded beaches of Montezuma and its surroundings ... A real favorite.
If you want to mix relaxation and activities, the sublime Sámara beach and its relaxed atmosphere is made for you: snorkeling at Isla Chora, kayaking in the bay, diving, surfing ... Everyone will find their account! Finally, Conchal and its bed of shells or Uvita and its whale tail shape are also worth putting your sarong on.
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Go to meet the wild life
The bald capuchin is one of the species of monkey that can be observed in Costa Rica. Adobe Stock / Javier Duran
Monkeys, parrots, sloths ... No need to go to the zoo to meet them. In Costa Rica, wild life is observed in its natural environment. To put the odds on your side, it is advisable to tread, with a guide, the paths of one of the 32 national parks which cover a quarter of the national territory.
The largest and richest in biodiversity being the Corcovado, in the extreme southwest of the country. You will surely come across the tapir, the largest mammal in the country. But Costa Rica is especially a paradise for bird watchers. With more than 900 species of birds listed, you just have to raise your head to see them, like monkeys for that matter, who like to wander under our noses from branch to branch.
Marine fauna is not to be outdone… Embark to meet humpback whales that migrate off the Pacific coast or dive to discover manta rays, sharks and other tropical fish in the waters of Isla Cano or Catalinas. But above all, take advantage of your trip to attend the fascinating spectacle of turtle laying, in Tortuguero on the Caribbean coast or on the protected beach of Ostional. In this small Pacific village, olive ridley sea turtles arrive in their hundreds of thousands to lay their eggs. This phenomenon, called "arribada", is observed particularly from August to November.
Surf world class waves
The Caribbean coast of Costa Rica. Adobe Stock /
Some would say that surfing is in Costa Rica what football is in Argentina: a religion. Whether you are a novice or initiated, it is THE essential destination to taste the sensations of skiing. Beyond the superb waves that break throughout the year on the Caribbean and Pacific coasts, you will certainly be seduced by the "surf culture" which infuses the Costa Rican way of life.
On practically 1000 km, the west coast unrolls numerous spots where the swell increases from April to October. To the north: Playa Grande, Avellana, Negra, not forgetting the legendary Roca Bruja, preferably accessible by boat. Further south of the peninsula, you will find a plethora of surf schools in Nosara, Sámara and Santa Teresa. On the South Pacific side, the Playa Hermosa and Dominical rolls will delight the most technical. And, at the border of Panama, chase the endless left of Pavones, among the longest waves in the world, which only appears when the swell from the southwest crosses the Dulce Gulf.
The energetic turquoise waves of the Caribbean are also worth a visit, preferably when the wind is dormant from December to March. Playa Cocles will offer you ideal conditions, not to mention, not far from there, the world famous hits of the reef break from Salsa Brava, as famous as perilous.
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Enjoy the beautiful green season
The Guanacaste region is full of heavenly beaches. Lea Morillon
In the Pacific and Central regions, the first showers at the end of April signaled the start of the green season, known as the “rainy season”. It will last until November. While in many temperate countries rain is not welcome, in Costa Rica it is welcomed like the messiah after five months of drought.
The first drops fill hearts with joy and breathe new life into the vegetation, which is adorned with its most lush green coat. If the days of sunshine are rare in June and October, the other months of the green season often offer beautiful days, punctuated by showers at the end of the afternoon. The weather is particularly mild in July and August, nicknamed by "Ticos" "el veranillo", the little summer.
The green season is also the time of year when you avoid the crowds and take advantage of the most affordable prices. Some hotels have great deals. In addition, you will not have to queue at the national park ticket office and will increase your chances of spotting animals that reveal themselves more when temperatures drop.
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