Costa Rica Travel Agent Specialist

Costa Rica is bursting with so many natural wonders, unforgettable adventures and Pura Vida (Pure Life, as the locals lovingly say). It's a place to get lost in wonder and reconnect with nature. Settled between the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea, Costa Rica is a haven of world-class beaches, an abundance of wildlife, lush rainforests, and six active volcanoes. This Central American gem is a living, breathing, full-sensory experience unlike any other destination on Earth. Spending any amount of time in Costa Rica is never enough.

Two of the most heart-pounding adventure opportunities Costa Rica offers are ziplining and hiking one of over 60 volcanoes that shape the landscape; including an active volcano for those looking for the utmost adventure. The most famous volcano in Costa Rica is the Arenal Volcano, and Arenal Volcano National Park allows you to get up close and personal to the infamous volcano. The park also offers options to hike ancient lava flow fields, soak in nearby hot springs, and even explore gorgeous waterfalls. After your adventure through the park, you can sit and enjoy a meal or drink at the Lava '68 Café and take in all that you accomplished in the day. The panoramic views of the Arenal Volcano and the lake are breathtaking, and definitely worth the stop to breathe and appreciate Costa Rica a little more. The other iconic thrill of Costa Rica is seeing through the eyes of a toucan; by ziplining through the treetops! There are many locations that offer this adrenaline rush and you can even zip line at Arenal Volcano, but my favorite is superman style at Diamante Eco Adventure Park.  The mile long zip line over the rainforest, all while providing the absolute best views of the Pacific Ocean is just stunning. You get the best of both worlds; seeing the rainforest from above along with a view of the ocean, all while flying like superman. A definite bucket-list moment!

The untamed nature of Costa Rica is home to over 500,000 species of wildlife, and is why it is called the "wildlife capital of Central America". Nearly 25% of the country is protected parkland, making it a dream for any type of animal or nature lover alike. Not to mention the world-class sportfishing opportunities in both the Pacific Ocean and Caribbean Sea. The biodiversity of Costa Rica is unmatched. The lush rainforests are home to howler monkeys (the loudest mammal on Earth), spider and capuchin monkeys, toucans and macaws, and a favorite of all: the three-toed sloth. Not to mention some of the tiniest dwellers, the red-eyed tree frogs and poison dart frogs. There are also over 1,200 species of butterflies that call Costa Rica home, including my favorite, the brilliant blue morpho. The fishing opportunities abound year-round off the east and west coasts and whether you're a first-timer or a seasoned pro, the fish are biting. Sailfish, mahi-mahi, marlin, yellowfin tuna and roosterfish are the most sought after on the Pacific side. And tarpon and snook are most popular on the Caribbean side.

Costa Rica is special in that it offers two coasts, with over 800 miles of coastline to choose from. The beaches are as diverse as the country itself and range from white sand relaxation, to surf-ready waves pounding on to black sand beaches surrounded by the rainforest. There is a beach for every person and every occasion, whether you're looking for a surf town with golden sunsets, a remote yoga paradise on the sand, laid-back vibes with reefs available to snorkel just offshore, or protected turtle nesting grounds to watch the little hatchlings hatch. The beach options are nearly endless and are all beautiful to behold.

The warm hearts of the Costa Rican people show their love best (in my opinion) in the way they provide the freshest tropical food, and coffee. Coffee isn't just a drink in Costa Rica, it's a key part of the country's history and identity. The coffee beans grown in Costa Rica are known for their smooth, bright flavor, with notes of chocolate, citrus and tropical fruit. Grown in rich volcanic soil, at high altitudes, Costa Rican coffee is some of the most sought after single-origin coffee in the world. You can't go wrong with any cup of coffee here, it's the love of a country in a cup.

 Costa Rica isn't just a beautiful country full of adventure and relaxation, it is a way of life that reminds you to slow down, breathe deeply and enjoy the sounds and landscapes around you. Costa Rica is Pura Vida.