Travel to Where

The fact that more than one million tourists visit Costa Rica each year does not happen by chance. Our country, located in Central America, is an isthmus where life seems to have created its roots. Covering only 0.03% of the surface of our planet, Costa Rica has approximately 6% of the world's biodiversity. In addition, Costa Rica is characterized by an impressive scenic beauty, consolidated system of protected areas, social and political stability, high educational levels, and efficient infrastructure and services. All these characteristics you can find in a territory of only 51 thousand square kilometers, surrounded by both the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans, only three to four hours away from each other by land or 45 minutes by air. The country's strategic position, in the heart of the western hemisphere, the Government's positive attitude towards foreign investment, its infrastructure, access to international markets, and labor quality and cost, make Costa Rica an ideal place to establish commercial operations.

Explore by Regions

North Pacific - Comprising all of the Guanacaste province and the Nicoya Peninsula, the Northern Pacific region is a warm land where national and international tourists alike enjoy its traditions and folkloric demonstrations, including the persona of the sabanero (Guanacaste cowboy) patron saints' feasts, la monta a la tica (bull-riding) and a great variety of typical food and drink.

Central Pacific - The region's main attractions are its coast and protected wilderness areas. The coast is made up of numerous beautiful beaches, several of which are less than two hours from San Jos', allowing for quick access. With regard to wilderness areas, the region features wildlife refuges, national parks and biological preserves. Other important attractions are of cultural and recreational interest, including the various organized events - especially sporting events that distinguish the region. Also worthy of note is the scenic beauty along the coastal highway that connects the Caldera area with the Quepos and Manual Antonio region.

Southern Pacific - The Southern Pacific region comprises the entire coast from Dominical in the north to Punta Burica at the south end of the country. In addition, this region includes several natural attractions belonging mainly to the Cordillera de Talamanca mountain range. Known for its biodiversity, natural beauty and scenic wealth, the Southern Pacific contains several wilderness areas of great importance in terms of both nature and tourism. A variety of activities may be enjoyed in this region, including hiking Costa Rica's tallest mountains, horseback riding, rafting, sport-fishing, diving, bird-watching and observing the great biodiversity of plant and wildlife species, especially whales, macaws and families of titi monkeys endemic to the central and southern Pacific coast.

Central Valley - The main entryway to the country, the Central Valley offers a variety of tourist, cultural and natural attractions, including Costa Rica's best museums: the Gold, Jade, National, Costa Rican Art, La Salle Natural Science, University of Costa Rica Insect and Children's Contemporary Art and Design Museums. In addition, this region is home to the architectural jewel of Costa Rica: the National Theater. All of these are located in the country's capital. The national parks located in the Valley'Po's, Braulio Carrillo, Iraz' and Turrialba' protect the region's main volcanoes. All have road infrastructure so that visitors can enjoy their birds, natural landscapes, craters and forests.

Northern Zone - With its several protected areas, lakes, lagoons, volcanoes, rivers and waterfalls, the Northern Zone is undergoing a boom in tourism service and adventure site development, so that nature-loving visitors can enjoy the region's many riches. Thanks to frequent rains, the Northern Zone features wet and evergreen forests as well as fertile plains' natural environments that serve as sanctuaries for water birds, reptiles, mammals and the prehistoric Gaspar fish, and important sites of interest for wildlife-lovers. Adventure activities and nature-watching may be enjoyed on the region's rivers 'Pe'as Blancas, San Carlos, Toro, Puerto Viejo and Sarapiqu' some of which are important navigational routes.

Caribbean - The Costa Rican Caribbean is a region very distinct from the rest of the country. Just 212 kilometers long, its coastline offers a wide variety of attractions, and consists of two very different regions. The first stretches from north of Mo'n to the mouth of the R'o San Juan, with a regular and open coastline, extensive beaches, dark sand and strong surf. Extending southward from Mo'n to the mouth of the R'o Sixaola, the second region has a much more irregular coastline characterized by inlets and coral reefs in several areas. Along this stretch of coast are the region's most important beaches; consequently, greater tourism development may be seen here.

Monteverde - The Monteverde tourism zone is known around the world for its conservation efforts and lifestyle centered around respect for nature. Santa Elena is the area's main service center with various shops and tourism companies; other important towns are San Luis and San Gerardo. Though its main attraction is the Monteverde Biological Preserve, the region also features a variety of natural places, picturesque paths, flora- and fauna-watching opportunities, natural landscapes and more.

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