Volcanoes
Costa Rica, straddling the tectonic plates of the Pacific and Caribbean, boasts 110 volcanoes, five of which are still active.
Costa Rica Travel Guide
Active volcanoes rise above cloud forests whilst sun-soaked beaches stretch along both Pacific and Caribbean shores.
Welcome to Costa Rica, where rainforests teem with biodiversity and sustainable tourism protects both wildlife and local communities.
This Costa Rica travel guide will help you explore the country’s natural wonders responsibly. From Manuel Antonio’s wildlife encounters to Monteverde’s canopy adventures, this is pura vida as the locals know it – wild, warm and full of life.
Whether you’re planning to zip-line through forests, spot sloths and quetzals or relax on volcanic sand beaches, you’ll find practical Costa Rica travel advice and insider tips throughout these pages.
Regions to explore
Central Valley
Plantations, fincas, primary rainforest and ravines of a truly beautiful wilderness area.
Wetlands
The wetlands of Costa Rica are some of the best areas to experience a variety of birds and wildlife.
South Pacific Coast
According to National Geographic, Corcovado National Park is 'the most biologically intense place on the planet'.
North and Central Pacific Coast
The Pacific Coast stretches from the Nicoya Peninsula in the north to the Osa Peninsula in the south. This coastal plain rises…
Cloud Forests
A great option for birding holidays in Costa Rica.
Puerto Viejo and Caribbean Coast
It has wonderful beaches with fine volcanic sand lapped by warm water.
Explore Costa Rica
-
Cloud Forests
-
San Jose
-
Nicoya Peninsula
-
Puerto Viejo and Caribbean Coast
-
Corcovado National Park
-
Arenal
-
Tortuguero
Why you'll like Costa Rica
You’ll love Costa Rica for its principles and commitment to the environment – the army was formally abolished in 1949 and the money saved was put into improving the infrastructure and protecting the environment. In a practical sense, Costa Rica is small and easy to travel around with a huge amount of variety and activities. It offers adventure with all the trappings of comfort and fine dining.
What to expect from Costa Rica
Lush green vegetation, birds of all sizes and colours, fabulous butterflies, active volcanoes and exciting wildlife. National parks cover around a quarter of Costa Rica and both the government and the people take their responsibility of protecting the environment very seriously.
Due to its compact nature, travelling around the country is easy and the money which was saved by abandoning the military has been used to develop the infrastructure of roads which are excellent. While the focus might be on activities and wildlife there is no need to sacrifice comfort and you will find hotels of every standard and size to suit any pocket.
Finally, don’t forget the jungle-fringed beaches which stretch for miles and offer superb opportunities for surfing and kiting.
Read More
From the blog
Thoughts. Opinions. Experiences
Travel
Built for Detours: Our Exclusive 4×4 Adventures
A group tour doesn't appeal to everyone. But there’s more than one way to travel together. Steppes 4x4 adventures are for…
Travel
Milestone Travel: Journeys for Life’s Most Meaningful Moments
Some trips begin with a destination. Others begin with a celebration. Big birthdays, anniversaries, career breaks, retirement, honeymoons and family reunions:…
Steppes Big 5
Borderlines and Storylines: 5 Multi-Country Holiday Ideas
Crossing borders is more than a change of scenery; it's a lesson in geography, history and culture. It sharpens your sense…
What's hot
Grab Your Keys for These 5 Self-Drive Adventures
There’s a freedom that only the open road can offer: no timetables, no tour buses, just you, a map and the…
Travel
Spotlight on Costa Rica
Costa Rica is one of our and your favourite destinations. It is a country that we have been travelling to for…
Travel
5 Multi-Country Holiday Ideas for the Intrepid Traveller
Borders are often just abstract lines separating cultures and people who have more in common than that which divides them. For…
featured
Where to Travel in 2020?
Looking for that next extraordinary adventure? Our experts have rounded up the top 10 destinations to visit in 2020. Turkey Blue…
Stories
Steppes Beyond | What Can A Costa Rica Holiday Offer?
Costa Rica has an extraordinary wealth of eco-systems. Home to cloud forests, tropical dry forests, rainforests, highlands, wetlands, plains and two…
Travel
Looking For an Active Holiday – Try Volcanic Central America
If, like most of the Latin America team at Steppes Travel, you’ve been mesmerised by Kate Humble and Iain Stewart (Volcano…
What can I expect travelling in Costa Rica?
What is the typical food and drink in Costa Rica?
When is the rainy season in Costa Rica?
What clothing should I take to Costa Rica?
Why Choose Steppes?
Our knowledge, curiosity and expertise set us apart, driving us to create remarkable holidays and Beautiful Adventures tailored perfectly to you, carefully curated to help protect and conserve our planet.
Are you ready to Discover Extraordinary?