Costa Rica

You haven’t done Costa Rica until you’ve ticked off this absolutely beautiful national park.

Manuel Antonio National Park boasts endless vistas of gorgeous lush rainforest, pristine white sands, and tropical flowers so vivid you’d think they weren’t real. This stunning destination is home to tiny monkeys who love swimming through the treetops, iguanas who spend their days soaking up the sun and sloths who will lazily look as you trudge deeper in the forests.

It’s been a long while since Arenal has seen any volcanic activity, but it still smokes occasionally which means tourists cannot hike to the crater but can definitely enjoy the national park below.

The National Park is home to gorgeous emerald-hued forests, brightly coloured flowers and abundant birdlife. If you’re still desperate to get as close as possible to the peak of the volcano, you can visit the hanging bridges that soar high above the park. After an afternoon of fun, head to the hot springs to let you muscles unwind while you enjoy a relaxing foot bath.

Costa Rica is an incredible destination for snorkelling, with Cano Island Biological Reserve being cited as one of the best places in Latin America for diving.

These warm and clear coastal waters are teeming with kaleidoscopic coral beds and all kinds of tropical fishes, what’s not to love? If you seek a little bit of adventure beyond the reef, hop in a boat and head out for a scuba diving adventure that’ll reveal humpback whales, dolphins, white-tipped sharks and manta rays.

The Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve is Costa Rica’s answer to eco-tourism and ensuring the country’s natural beauty is retained.

Spanning six ecological zones - of which 90% is considered virgin forest - Monteverde’s rich biodiversity and high concentration of local biologists and ecologists have ensured travellers can learn about all manner of Costa Rica’s wildlife. The reserve also offers programs to those wishing learn about their work, as well as language courses for those wanting to brush up on their Spanish.

Coffee lovers unite! Costa Rica is home to some truly special coffee beans, so why not see how it’s made and have a cup straight from the source?

The country’s busy capital is flanked by gorgeously green hills that are perfect for coffee plantations and idyllic towns. Opt for a plantation tour to learn all about how your favourite coffee is made and why fair trade is so important to nations like Costa Rica. After all of that learning, savour the freshest cup of coffee you’ll ever enjoy.