With two tropical oceans (Caribbean and Atlantic), Costa Rica can certainly be a beach-fun sort of place, for families. However, it's better known for eco-tourism holidays.
Small wonder: with visit-able active volcanoes, mangrove swamps, lowland jungle, rainforests, cloud forests... All with the most stable political climate in Latin America.
Total territory is less than 20,000 square miles-- over a quarter of which is protected. National parks cover almost 12% of the land; biological reserves and wildlife refuges can be visited too. The country has more than 850 species of birds, 600 species of butterflies, and such exotic mammals as three-toed sloths, tapirs, coatis, giant anteaters, peccaries, and jungle cats.
Costa Rica Attractions
The highlights of Costa Rica fall into four regions:
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Near San Jose:
Tapanti National Wildlife Refuge
-Poas Volcano (active and visitable)
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Highlands:
-Monteverde Cloud Forest
- Arenal Volcano National Park
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The Pacific Coast: -Carara Biological Reserve (rainforest)
- Corcovad o National Park
- Las Baulas Marine National Park
- Santa Rosa National Park
- Palo Verde National Park -
Caribbean Coast & Northern Lowlands: Cano Negro National Wildlife Refuge
- Rara Avis
- Tortuguero National Park (visited by waterways, not roads)
Tour packages typically include a sample of these attractions, and possibly rafting or river floats as well. An interesting option is jungle canopy tours: the best place to view wildlife in the jungle is high up!
Many companies that offer family adventures include an itinerary in Costa Rica, including Adventures by Disney.
Costa Rica: cautions and precautions
As splendid as Costa Rica is, don't forget you're still visiting a third-world country. For health concerns, head to the excellent Center for Disease Control: Travel Information. Also be prepared for bad road conditions. Even 4-wheel-drive vehicles take a beating, so expect rental fees to be higher than in North America.
- Read more about visiting Costa Rica; note that summer is Costa Rica’s wet season; while November and December are the driest months, but prices jump.
