Costa Rica has long been known as one of the top ecotourism destinations in the world. Now, the destination wants to go one step further and reach other markets such as golf, meetings and incentives, health and spa, culture and gastronomy.

Although there were a few minor wars in the early stages of Costa Rica’s development, the country’s settlers set the guidelines for the present democratic government, which many decades ago eliminated its national army. In general, the Costa Ricans are friendly people that feel pride in their country’s achievements and treat visitors with extreme courtesy.

San Jose and the Central Valley

There’s much to see in Costa Rica, so named for the richness of marine life found along its coasts. Furthermore, over one-twentieth of all the plant and animal species on earth thrive within Costa Rica, enough to keep the most discerning nature lovers exploring for a long while.

The capital city of San Jose, set in the cool mountains of the Central Valley, generally serves as the starting point to tour the country’s natural wonders. The city is home to about a third of the country’s population—including a sizeable American expatriate community—and five-star hotels, convention centers, gourmet restaurants and upscale boutiques. City tours should include stops at the National Museum and the Costa Rica Art Museum for a glimpse into the country’s cultural heritage. Other treasures can be viewed at the Jade Museum—with one of the world’s largest exhibitions of this mineral—which also exhibits historically significant clay pots, stone statues, gold ornaments, ceremonial altars and ancient pieces made of bone and shells. The Gold Museum at the Plaza de la Cultura showcases pre-Columbian jewelry, armored plates and religious artifacts.

In Bio Parque, operated by the National Biodiversity Institute, offers interactive exhibits, trail tours and multimedia presentations, all only 15 minutes from downtown San Jose. At the Poas Volcano National Park—located about 30 miles from the capital—the dramatic views of the captivating Botos Lake in the volcano’s crater draw more visitors than any other park in the country. The 11,000-ft. Irazu Volcano is another popular eco-attraction for its five distinct craters. Amateur biologists will be amazed by hundreds of orchid species in the Lankaster Gardens, and high altitudes also provide for white-water rafting excitement on the Pacuare and Reventazon rivers.

About an hour from the capital, on the road towards the Caribbean coast, the Rain Forest Aerial Tram-Caribbean offers a scenic ride over the tree tops. This popular attraction, which celebrates its 10th anniversary in October, protects 1,175 acres of land, creating a buffer zone for the Braulio Carrillo National Park. A second Rain Forest Aerial Tram opened in the Pacific last year. The attractions offer a unique view of life up in the jungle canopy. In addition, the park is home to the Caribbean Rain Forest Lodge, which provides food and accommodations.

To the north of San Jose, towering Arenal Volcano is still active, providing nightly natural fireworks visible (weather permitting) from the Tabacon Hot Springs Resort, whose thermal waters fall in cascades amid lovely gardens. Farther to the north, the impressive Cano Negro National Wildlife Reserve is a testament to the success of the country’s national park system. Within its borders are vast numbers of migratory birds, sea turtles, caimans, crocodiles and fish, as well as endangered species such as jaguars, ocelots, tapirs and cougars.

The Pacific Coast

The winding Pacific Coast is the setting for most of Costa Rica’s luxurious resorts, making it a great region for birdwatching, romantic getaways and active vacations. The northern Pacific region of Guanacaste—which has direct air access through the airport in the region’s capital, Liberia—is characterized by highland plateaus, dry tropical forests, and grasslands. Guanacaste National Park is a haven for some 260 species of birds and other wildlife, and the active volcano in Rincon de la Vieja National Park, composed of nine separate craters, also serves as a wildlife refuge. Visitors can hike or go by horseback along well-maintained trails to see many native species, as well as waterfalls, rivers, gigantic trees and natural springs.

The city of Quepos (which is adjacent to the popular Manuel Antonio National Park) and nearby Jaco Beach in the mid-Pacific region, are favorites with San Jose locals for weekend getaways and with North American surfers. Also worth noting are the cities of Puntarenas and Caldera, which are favorite ports of call for cruise ships, and parks such as the Carara Biological Reserve and Manuel Antonio National Park, which are known for the quality of their wildlife, beaches, and camping.

Nine parks and protected areas and half of the nature reserves in the entire country are found on the southern Pacific coast, including one of the last remaining Pacific lowland rainforests in Central America, the 135,000-acre Corcovado National Park.

The Sarapiqui Region

Closer to the Caribbean, near Puerto Viejo, the Sarapiqui River flows with varying intensity, from strong rapids to placid currents that carry rafters from an exciting white-water rafting experience to a slow float through the jungle to leisurely admire the lush forest and its rich wildlife. Rafting adventures, as well as canopy tours and horseback riding, depart from Hacienda Pozo Azul, a working cattle farm and adventure center located in the vicinity of the Tirimbina Wildlife Refuge noted for its impressive hanging bridges. Near Tirimbina, the Sarapiquis Neotropic Center offers a unique insight into Costa Rica’s indigenous cultures. Here, the Sarapiquis Ecolodge features circular buildings much like those found in a typical indigenous village. It also maintains an anthropological museum with an interesting pre-Columbian archaeological park that includes a burial site. Besides the Neotropic Center, the Sarapiqui region offers an array of comfortable to trendy accommodations. This region is also home to a large number of pineapple and banana plantations, La Selva Biological Station and the 479,000-acre La Amistad International Park, Costa Rica’s largest of its kind.

The Caribbean Coast

Puerto Limon, a popular cruise port, is the stronghold for the country’s Afro-Caribbean traditions. To the south, the towns of Puerto Viejo and Manzanillo have become surfing and artistic centers, thanks to their welcoming spirit and long stretches of deserted beaches. Along the northern Caribbean coast lays the intricate system of natural canals that make up Tortuguero National Park. Some of the most important sea turtle nesting sites in the Western hemisphere are found in the hundreds of miles of waterways that irrigate the park, which also harbors a rich wildlife.

Fast Facts
Capital city: San Jose
Population: 3.7 million
Cities of interest: Puntarenas, Quepos, Golfito, Liberia, Puerto Limon, San Jose
Currency: Colon
Entry requirements: U.S. tourists need a valid passport and may stay up to 90 days
Taxes: $26 departure tax
International airports: Juan Santamaria (San Jose), Liberia International Airport (Guanacaste)
Domestic airlines: Travelair, Sansa
Country telephone code: 506
Tourism information: Costa Rica Tourism Board (ICT), (866) COSTARICA; www.visitcostarica.com