Pura Vida or ‘pure life’ is the easiest way to sum up all that a Costa Rica vacation has to offer. Abound with stunning natural beauty, thrill seeking adventures, picture perfect hotel room views, friendly locals and a laidback lifestyle; this tiny Central American country embodies the perfect appreciation of life’s simple delights. It is no doubt that Costa Rica was named "the happiest place" on Earth for its most content people, best ecological footprint and the average life expectancy according to the Happy Planet Index (HPI). So, whether you’re a beach bum, surf nut, nature enthusiast or just someone looking to chill out and escape the world, come to Costa Rica and experience a vacation like no other!

Covering just 0.1% of the planet’s land mass, yet home to around 5% of the world’s biodiversity, Costa Rica is the ultimate nature paradise. With most of its precious treasures found within the twenty-six national parks and protected zones spread across the country, Costa Rica has a staggering wealth of flora and fauna. Vibrant and diverse, each part of the country also has its own unique microclimate, making it a place in itself to enjoy. Soak in the beauty of Costa Rica amid luxurious hotels, lodges and resorts or simply camp out under the stars to experience Mother Nature at her very best. Having blessed this small country with pristine jungles, rich foliage and marvelous wildlife, here you can:

• Witness active volcanoes like the Volcan Arenal, Irazú or Poás erupt daily.

• Sunbathe on the beautiful beaches of Cahuita, Drake Bay and Pavones.

• Go surfing, swimming, snorkeling and sport fishing in Tamarindo, Playa Grande, Playa Ocotal, and Playa Negra.

• White water raft on the Rios Pacuare, Revenatzon or Parrita.

• Tour the amazing Manuel Antonio National Park.

• Visit the wet yet stunning Monteverde Cloud Forest.

• Explore the remote Southern Pacific Coast of the Osa Peninsula & the Piedras Blancas National Park.

• Tour the Guanacaste Region with the fiery Volcan Rincon de la Vieja.

• Party on the exotic Southern Caribbean Coast in places like Puerto Viejo and Cahuita.

The rainforests, cloud forests and tropical dry forests here are home to a spectacular assortment of not only birds, but monkeys, lizards, snakes, sloths, butterflies and frogs as well. Travel here to see some of the rarest wildlife on the planet including Scarlet Macaws, Morpho butterflies, Leatherback turtles and the tiny Central American squirrel monkey. Or take a canopy tour and zip across the rainforest to enjoy incredible views of the jungle below. 

For those who prefer open spaces, travel along Costa Rica’s gorgeous coastline bordering the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans on either side. Being a habitat of a plethora of exotic and amazing marine life and coral reefs, Costa Rica’s coast offers many fantastic opportunities to catch a glimpse of migrating whales, various dolphin species, sea turtles and the endangered West Indian manatee as they swim by. 

With its own unique take on ecotourism, Costa Rica today has emerged as one of the premier ecological vacation hotspots of the world. Moulding its image as an eco-wonderland, this country promises you unforgettable vacations! 

-Courtesy of GoVisitCostaRica.com