Costa Rica is sandwiched between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans and has a one-of-a-kind combination of beaches, mountains, tropical forests and animal life. It's also a land of volcanoes, rivers and surf, perfect if you're looking for the thrills of an adventure holiday.
Costa Rica is one of the most bio-diverse areas of the world and much of the country has been protected as national parks. Do a rainforest canopy tour, raft or kayak through whitewater, go bird watching, relax in one of the natural hot springs or look for monkeys as you hike along mountain paths.
San Jose, the capital, is the best gateway to the older Puntarenas and Jaco resort areas. However, most visitors fly into Liberia because it's much closer to the newer resorts in Guanacaste on the north Pacific coast. You can even split your vacation between a relaxing beachfront resort and the hustle of historic San Jose.
Most of the newer resorts are all-inclusive. But there are also plenty of standard hotels, condos and villas, particularly on the coast around Jaco.