Boys at the rodeo

Gingers and heliconias

Detailed map of Costa Rica>

Welcome to Costa Rica

Costa Rica is a great place to visit. With plentiful wildlife, impressive scenery, dramatic volcanoes and lovely beaches, Costa Rica's attractions are well recognised.

Incredibly rich in biodiversity, Costa Rica has over 5% of all the species on Earth in an area a fifth the size of the UK. It boasts 1,200 species of orchids, 850 species of birds, and more species of butterfly than the whole of Africa. Costa Rica's most precious natural resources are protected in wildlife reserves and national parks which cover 25% of the country.

Getting to see Costa Rica's wildlife has been made easy with numerous park trails, elevated walkways in the forest canopy, river boat trips, plus scores of butterfly farms, frog farms and serpentariums. There are special opportunities for birdwatching.

For great beaches travel either to Costa Rica's Pacific coast, where the choice of hotel ranges from the ultra-simple to the ultra-stylish, or to the African influenced Caribbean coast in the south east.

Adrenalin is also available in plenty, with zip-lines high through the forest, surfing on Pacific rollers, white-water rafting, trekking, and horse riding all easy to find.

Costa Rica is peaceful and well organised (it is often called the Switzerland of Latin America). It has no army, educational and health standards are relatively high, and English is widely spoken.  Distances are short, there are many well-kept small hotels and guesthouses, and there is a warm welcome everywhere.

• travel guide Our introduction to Costa Rica, with travel information and advice.

• small group holidays Travel with a small group and an experienced guide.

• independent travels Holidays designed specially for you, to suit your own dates, tastes and budget.

• birdwatching Up-to-date knowledge of birding conditions, excellent logistics and a strong team of expert guides are the basis for some memorable birding: in a group, on your own, or as part of a more general holiday.

• request a brochure Order a copy of our in-depth Costa Rica and Nicaragua brochure

• flights to Costa Rica Our flight specialists can usually find cheaper flights with better routings than you can find on the internet (but we only sell flights with our tours)

• contact us to find out more

Discover this ...

Costa Rica selfdrive

Experience Costa Rica your own way with 4x4 hire car, and your choice of up to 147 hotels all over the country that you book as you travel. From just £610 per person for 2 weeks. Costa Rica selfdrive>

Costa Rica's wildlife

Costa Rica is one of the world's top destinations for wildlife. We show you where to go to see Costa Rica's wildlife at its best.

Costa Rica's wildlife>

Small group tour

Our regular escorted small group holiday 'Costa Rican Odyssey' is a sociable way to see the best of Costa Rica.

Costa Rican Odyssey>

Family holidays

Costa Rica is a great place for a family holiday, especially if your kids are keen on wildlife and new experiences.

Costa Rica's beaches

Our selection of the best of Costa Rica's beaches - with a choice of stylish boutique hotels and family-run guest houses. Costa Rica's beaches>

Volcanoes

Sitting on the Ring of Fire, Costa Rica has 200 volcanoes. The handful that are active are among the most accessible and dramatic volcanoes in the Americas. Volcanoes>

Single traveller?

Why limit your horizons? We design itineraries that suit people travelling solo. Or find the right travelling companion using a respectable matching service. Single travellers>

Round 'em up, cowboy

Ever dream of being a cowboy? You can try your hand at rounding up cattle at a ranch in Costa Rica's Guanacaste region. This is no faked-up dude thing, you're riding with the genuine article. Guanacaste>

Tailor-made travel

Whether you are searching for new ideas, or know exactly what you want, our Costa Rica specialists can design your perfect holiday to suit your tastes and budget.  Tailor-made travel in Costa Rica>

Small group holidays

Discover Costa Rica on one of our small group holidays, designed to bring the best of the country.  Experienced local guides and convivial new friends make for a truly memorable time. Small group holidays>

Honeymoons

Dreams do come true, even unconventional ones. Make yours a honeymoon with a special difference. We know romantic hideaways and boutique hotels in places the vicar has never heard of. And if marriage is an adventure, shouldn't your honeymoon have some adventure in it too? Honeymoons in Costa Rica>

Birdwatching

An expert service for the dedicated birdwatcher or the enthusiastic newcomer to neotropical birding. Small groups and a knowledgeable tailor-made service for individuals, backed by top local ornithologist guides. Birdwatching in Costa Rica>

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