Five reasons to explore lush Costa Rica

“In

the Costa Rican guides boast.

A good summary, from the point of view of travelers, of the singularity of this Central American country of 5 million inhabitants, where a variety of landscapes of incredible richness are concentrated, despite an average surface area.

To discover

• Trips to Costa Rica: tailor-made tours, hotels and stays from our partners

Recharge your batteries to the rhythm of Pura Vida

The luxurious Nayara Springs hotel in La Fortuna puts relaxation first.

Press picture

For the third time since 2009, Costa Rica occupies first place in the HPI ranking (Happy Planet Index).

It is no coincidence that its inhabitants are among the happiest in the world.

A champion of environmental protection, the country is the ideal destination to reconnect with nature and recharge your batteries.

Between yoga retreats and spa getaways, the Central American country has asserted itself in the landscape of stays focused on well-being.

These experiences are particularly popular in

recognized as one of the five blue zones on the planet, where the longevity of the inhabitants is well above average.

In

,

,

or even

, many establishments, from the most economical to the most luxurious, offer retreats, with daily yoga classes, healthy gastronomy and very often activities related to nature.

Some people in search of peace and harmony will prefer holidays at the foot of volcanoes, to enjoy the joys of thermal waters and volcanic mud massages.

Around

, the famous Tabacon spa hotel or the luxurious Nayara Springs put relaxation in the spotlight with their “all-inclusive” formulas.

Read alsoTravel to Costa Rica, curious by nature

Bubble on postcard beaches

Playa Conchal (shell 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 swing between

,

or

.

These postcard-like stretches of white, golden, gray and black sand will give you a wide range of choices for lazing about on the coast.

If you are fond of small coves with coral beds bordered by lush jungle, set your sights on the beaches south of

, in the Caribbean, and in particular the sublime Punta Uva.

At the extreme south of the

, you will be filled with serenity on the uncrowded beaches of Montezuma and its surroundings... A real favorite.

If you want to mix idleness and activities, the sublime beach of

and its relaxed atmosphere is made for you: snorkeling at

, kayaking in the bay, diving, surfing... There's something for everyone!

Finally, Conchal and its bed of shells or Uvita and its whale tail shape are also worth putting your sarong there.

Read also12 rare and distant trips to anticipate

Go in search of wild life

The white-headed capuchin is one of the monkey species that can be seen in Costa Rica.

Adobe Stock / Javier Duran

Monkeys, parrots, sloths… No need to go to the zoo to meet them.

In Costa Rica, wildlife can be 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 27 national parks which cover a quarter of the national territory.

The largest and richest in biodiversity being 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 above all a paradise for ornithologists.

With more than 900 species of birds recorded, all you have to do is raise your head to see them, like the monkeys for that matter, who like to wander under our noses from branch to branch.

The marine fauna is not to be outdone... Set sail to meet humpback whales migrating off the Pacific coast or dive to discover manta rays, sharks and other tropical fish in the waters of Isla Cano or the Catalinas.

But above all, take advantage of your trip to witness the fascinating spectacle of turtles laying eggs, in

on the Caribbean coast or on the protected beach of

.

In this small Pacific village, olive ridley sea turtles arrive in their hundreds of thousands to lay their eggs.

This phenomenon, called "arribada", is particularly observed from August to November.

Read alsoBetween beaches and volcanoes, how to organize your trip to Costa Rica

Surfing world-class waves

The Caribbean coast of Costa Rica.

Adobe Stock /

Some would say that surfing is to Costa Rica what football is to Argentina: a religion.

Whether you are a novice or an insider, it is therefore 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 are sure to be seduced by the "surf culture" that infuses the Costa Rican way of life.

Over almost 1000 km, the west coast has many spots where the swell increases from April to October.

To the north:

,

,

, without forgetting the legendary

, preferably accessible by boat.

Further south of the peninsula, you will find a plethora of surf schools in

,

or even Santa Teresa.

On the South Pacific side, the rolls of

and Dominical will delight the most technical.

And, at the Panama border, chase the endless left of

, among the longest waves in the world, which only emerges when the southwest swell crosses the Dulce Gulf.

The energetic turquoise waves of the Caribbean are also worth the trip, preferably when the wind slumbers from December to March.

Playa Cocles will offer you ideal conditions, not to mention, not far from there, the world famous tubes of the reef break of Salsa Brava, as famous as they are perilous.

Take advantage of 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 signal the start of the green season, known as the “rainy season”.

It will last until November.

While in many countries with a temperate climate, the 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 restore vigor to the vegetation, which takes on its most luxuriant green mantle.

If 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 the "Ticos" "el veranillo", the little summer.

Green season is also the time of year when you'll avoid the crowds and benefit from the most affordable prices.

Some hotels offer very good offers.

Plus, you won't have to wait in line at the national park ticket office and will increase your chances of spotting animals that reveal themselves more as temperatures drop.

Read alsoOur good addresses to visit Costa Rica differently