Ecotourism's origins may be hard to pinpoint, but there's little disputing that Costa
Rica - a diverse land teeming with natural wonders - has become one of the world's
most sought-after green destinations.
How serious are Costa Rican authorities about doing right by the environment?
Almost one-fourth of Costa Rica is protected, and much of the protected areas serve
as national park land where visitors can explore the rainforests, volcanoes, rivers
and beaches firsthand. Costa Rica also plans to become the first country to go carbon
neutral, a goal expected to be accomplished as early as 2021.
But whether your idea of "going green" includes recycling your daily paper,
riding a bike to work, or wearing your favorite St. Patrick's Day shirt, you'll find
plenty to see and do here. Adventurers may choose to grab a paddle and raft Class
IV river rapids; surf, scuba or fish in the Pacific; explore a rumbling, lava spewing
volcano; interact with some amazing wildlife (sea turtles, capuchin monkeys, basilisk
lizards, butterflies); or zip-line through a rainforest canopy.
Others may find peace in more tranquil pursuits, such as sunning on a secluded
beach; touring a coffee plantation; taking a nature walk; shopping for a bargain in
the city; or visiting a one-of-a-kind mosaic church.
In Costa Rica, there are countless ways to live out your vacation fantasies
- without worrying how big of a carbon footprint you've left behind.
TaraNova’s Villas Palmas is a small 13 unit complex centrally located in San Jose,
Costa Rica only a few blocks from a Casino, shopping plaza and restaurants. Most
of our guests find that Villas Palm ... Read More >>
ECOPLAYA BEACH RESORT
GUANACASTE, COSTA RICA
When you stay at the Ecoplaya Beach Resort, you will enjoy access to a private beach,
where you can soak up the rays and splash around in the clear waters of Salinas Bay.
You will feel the rainforest’ ... Read More >>
RESERVA CONCHAL VACATION CLUB
GUANACASTE, COSTA RICA, COSTA RICA
This charming beach resort offers incredible stretches of sand overlooking the Catalina
Islands, five-star hotel, an exclusive beach club with gourmet restaurants and a luxury
spa. At the Reserva Conc ... Read More >>
JACO BAY COND. HTL. – 5 NTS
PROVINCIA PUNTA ARENAS, CR, COSTA RICA
Every tower of this resort boasts stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and surrounding
mountains. Soothe yourself with relaxing strolls through spacious and relaxing gardens,
soak in the Jacuzzi or mak ... Read More >>
MORPHO @ LAS PALMAS
GUANACASTE, COSTA RICA
Located in the Pacific, in the northern region of Guanacaste, Coco is a cozy village
with lovely beachfront shops and a quaint and fun nightlife. The Resort offers different
types of units and all hav ... Read More >>
JACO BAY COND. HTL. – 4 NTS
PROVINCIA PUNTA ARENAS, CR, COSTA RICA
Every tower of this resort boasts stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and surrounding
mountains. Soothe yourself with relaxing strolls through spacious and relaxing gardens,
soak in the Jacuzzi or mak ... Read More >>
GREEN TURTLE @ LAS PALMAS
GUANACASTE, COSTA RICA, COSTA RICA
Located in the Pacific, in the northern region of Guanacaste, Coco is a cozy village
with lovely beachfront shops and a quaint and fun nightlife. The Resort offers different
types of units and all hav ... Read More >>
JADE @ LAS PALMAS
GUANACASTE, COSTA RICA
Situated on the Pacific in the northern Guanacaste region, El Coco is an inviting
village with lovely beachfront, quaint shopping and playful nightlife. Resort has
central reception for the different ... Read More >>
Hit up a 'soda.' The Costa Rican equivalent to an American diner, the soda is a great
place to fill up on Tico food (lots of rice and beans) while hardly putting a dent
in your wallet.
Get a fruit snack. San Jose's fruit vendors are easy to spot: just head to the corner
of the nearest downtown street. Then stock up on mangoes, palm nuts and more.
Cafeteria 1830. This 24-hour patio café, located at the Gran Hotel in Costa Rica,
is a great place to enjoy a beer or a late-night snack and watch the world go by.
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'Zip' through the forest. Zip line tours through the rainforest canopy are exhilarating.
The only downside: you'll be moving so fast, you won't have time to take in all the
wonderful views.
Ride the white water. Take a two- or three-day trip down the Pacuare River, where,
with the help of professional guides, you can tackle Class III and Class IV rapids.
Explore...
Manuel Antonio National Park. Stunning panoramic views fill visitors' cameras regularly
at this beautiful park near Quepos. But the monkeys, including the endangered squirrel
monkey, steal the show.
Arenal hanging bridge. Suspended bridges such as this one put you in the line of sight
of the majority of the rainforests birds, reptiles and animals: in the canopy.
Arenal volcano. Don't miss out on the opportunity to witness an active volcano as
it rumbles and spews lava daily. Nighttime views to see the glowing lava are most
popular, although daytime visits have their own rewards.
Follow the turtles. Sea turtles nest on both coasts at various times of the year,
and many of the nesting beaches have been protected as national parks. Places where
you could see a leatherback, Pacific green or other type of sea turtle include: Santa
Rosa National Park, Las Baulas National Marine Park, Tortuguero National Park or the
Ostional National Wildlife Refuge.
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One word: Coffee. Tourism pumps more money into the Costa Rican economy than anything
else, but the coffee bean is the rich, aromatic runner-up. You can purchase a one-pound
bag for less than $5 at any supermarket.
Boutique Annemarie. This two-floor shop at the Hotel Don Carlos offers a large selection
of leather goods, paintings, jewelry and other products you'd have to visit several
stores to see.
Avenida Central. This street mall, located west of the Plaza de la Cultura, offers
several stores that sell clothing for the entire family.
This is provided for informational purposes only. Endless Vacation Rentals does not endorse any of the resort activities, guides, vendors or service providers described. It is the individual’s responsibility to investigate the safety and suitability of any activity, and the credentials and fitness of any guide, vendor or service provider. Endless Vacation Rentals expressly denies any liability for engaging in any activity, and for using any guide, vendor or services provider, that may be mentioned or described in any Endless Vacation Rentals advertisement or publication. Additional fees and restrictions may apply to any activity or service.
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