Green is the word you will remember most after visiting Costa Rica. It stretches from the winding Pacific coastline to the warm northern plains, climbs the slopes of the Talamanca mountain range, and cloaks ancient volcanoes like Poás, Irazú and Turrialba. Costa Rica’s varied topography makes it ideal for adventure tourism — zip-lining through giant forest canopies, white-water rafting on jungle rivers, hiking active volcanoes, and surfing world-class waves on both the Pacific and Caribbean coasts.

Costa Rica’s Pacific and Caribbean coasts each offer a completely different experience. On the North Pacific, Papagayo, Tamarindo, Playa Hermosa and Sámara are ideal for families with calm waters and a wide range of activities. Near the Central Pacific, Manuel Antonio combines white sand beaches with one of the country’s most visited national parks — perfect for couples and honeymooners. Further south, Dominical, Uvita and Ballena are quieter ecotourism gems. On the Caribbean side, Cahuita, Puerto Viejo and Gandoca offer crystal-clear waters and a vibrant Afro-Caribbean culture.

Nearly a third of Costa Rica is protected natural area. From the cloud forests of Monteverde and Santa Elena to the vast rainforests of Braulio Carrillo and Corcovado, the country’s national parks and reserves are among the most important in the world. Manuel Antonio, Carara and Santa Rosa each offer a unique ecosystem — from transitional rainforest to dry tropical forest — all within a few hours of each other.

Costa Rica represents 5% of the world’s total biodiversity. Over 900 bird species — including scarlet macaws, toucans and hundreds of hummingbirds — share the territory with 208 mammal species such as sloths, monkeys and jaguars. Each year, thousands of sea turtles arrive on both coasts to nest: green, leatherback and hawksbill turtles at Tortuguero on the Caribbean, and Olive Ridley turtles at Ostional on the Pacific. Over 1,200 species of orchids grow throughout the country.