Costa Rica Regional Overview

Costa Rica is a diverse and exotic land rich in history and culture. The multiple eco systems form eight distinct regions, each with their own unique and exciting characteristics.  In the center of it all is San Jose in the Central Valley where you can experience exciting nightlife, museums, unlimited choices in cuisine and first class shopping. Venturing out from San Jose to the outer regions allows you to view amazing wildlife, pristine beaches, awe inspiring waterfalls and gorgeous flora that Costa Rica has in abundance. 

Directly north and west of San Jose, Costa Rica displays a different facet of diversity. The Northern Plains, North Pacific and Cloud Forest  regions offer up  volcanos, lakes, rare tropical dry forest, a savanna, and some of Costa Rica's most popular beaches.  Lake Arenal, the largest lake in the country, is considered by many to offer the world's best wind surfing location. The steady, sustained winds from November through April cannot help but draw windsurfers to its western shore which has made it a favorite among the enthusiasts.  Within sight of the lake lies Arenal Volcano,  Costa Rica's most active volcano and a sight you will not want to miss.  The Monteverde Cloud Forest Preserve will quietly steal your breath away as you gaze through the majestic trees swathed in the creators life sustaining mist.  Exotic wildlife, thousands of plant species, hundreds of bird species, reptiles, amphibians and kingdoms of insect life grace this magnifcent region of Costa Rica not to mention the species of flora you will enjoy.  The Northern Plains offer rolling hills, cattle farms and outstanding river tours. Typically referred to as cowboy country

Travel due west from the Central Valley and find the Central Pacific and Nicoya Peninsula Region with some of the best vacation areas in Costa Rica.  Beaches of white sand and clear blue ocean are framed by vibrant green jungle.  Offering fantastic amenities throughout the region, the area is famous for its surfing and an exhilarating night life. Watch monkeys playing through the jungle moments before swimming next to dolphins in the sea. At the end of the day the exciting local population will show you how to enjoy the evening in towns like Samara, Nosara, Jaco or Manuel Antonio. These regions tend to cater to the energetic visitor, ready for a taste of variety.

Making your way south towards the Osa Penninsula and the South Pacific Region, take in a region specially known for its biological diversity in a land that exemplifies the term.  According to National Geographic magazine it is "the most biologically intense place on earth."   Characterized by it's soaring mountains which look upon verdant rain forests lined by pristine beaches, one can find eight unique habitats in this masterpiece of nature. Surrounded on three sides by water, the Osa Peninsula is a paradise within a region already famous for it's beauty.  Over 300,000 acres spread across nine national parks and half of  Costa Rica's nature reserves host rare, endangered animals and plants including jaguars, four species of monkeys, and Scarlet Macaws.  Discover the wonders of this region from horseback before taking advantage of the perfect waves rolling towards the untouched beaches, and the warm sun upon your face.