Costa Rica

Costa Rica has everything you need for an incredible family vacation!

If you haven’t been to this gorgeous Central American nation yet, now is the time! The natural beauty and rich culture provides the foundation for an unforgettable family adventure. From tropical rainforests to spectacular sunny beaches, and huge variety of plants and animals, your family will not be bored!

Here are 5 Reasons to plan a family vacation to Costa Rica soon!

Climate and Location

Costa Rica enjoys a year round tropical climate, with average temperatures in the 70s and 80s. Despite Costa Rica’s small size – approximately the size of West Virginia – it is made up of many different climate zones. The highlands and volcano area weather is often cool misty and foggy. And only a short distance away, the Pacific coast has hot, dry and perfect beach weather. The Caribbean coast has its own microclimate, with trade winds that keep it hot and moist with year round rain. The rainforests of the southern Pacific coast are warm and humid, with green jungles that roll down to the ocean. The north Pacific coast, the ‘Gold Coast’, has more sunny days and less rainfall than other parts of the country. The “green season” (rainy season) is from May to November. The “dry season” is December through April, and this is the perfect time for a family getaway to Costa Rica (its also best time to escape New England winter!). With direct flights from many US cities, Costa Rica is also an easy place to get to. Additionally, ‘jet lag’ will be minimal since at most, its only 2 hours time difference to anyplace in the US.

Landscape, Flora and Fauna

Costa Rica offers volcanoes, hot springs, rainforests, cloud forests, mountains, savannahs, palm beaches and coral reefs. And green, green, green! Costa Rica translated is “Rich Coast”, and although relatively sparsely populated (four million inhabitants), is rich with natural resources. Some of the world’s most biodiverse ecosystems can be found here, and with almost 1/3 of the country ‘protected’, you will see flora and fauna not found anywhere else. The diversity of landscape provides a great home to over 500,000 different plant and animal species. This makes Costa Rica one of the top 20 countries for the highest biodiversity in the world. Costa Rica also leads the world in environmental innovations and initiatives, and they are well on their way to achieving carbon-neutrality by 2021.

Outdoor Adventures

There’s always something to keep you busy in Costa Rica! Whether you are excited by the idea of Zip lines and whitewater rafting, surfing and beach lounging, or jungle trekking and birdwatching, you will find plenty of opportunity throughout the country. If your focus is more beach, head to the Pacific coast for opportunities to snorkel, dive, fish, surfing, boating or horseback riding along the beach! The central highland areas are great for hiking, rafting, exploring waterfalls, and hot springs relaxing! Opportunities to see wildlife and unique flora will surround you wherever you go in this beautiful country. What does your family like to do on vacation? You will undoubtedly find something for everyone in Costa Rica!

Beaches and Sunsets!

Costa Rica has 800 miles of coastline and 300 beaches. You can find black, pink, and stunning white sand beaches. And whether you like gentle swimming or huge surf breaks, you can find it here. If your idea of paradise is a palm fringed golden sand beach, with a nearby bohemian bar or fish shack, then Costa Rica is for you. You will find some of the ‘best’ beaches on the Pacific mid coast, Guanacaste and Nicoya areas. Strict building regulations disallow building within 200 meters of the beach. As a result, most beaches feel very natural and have unobstructed views. You will find plenty of accommodation choices – from small residences to larger, amenity loaded hotels. Have you experienced a Pacific sunset? Its spectacular! So vibrant, and colorful, there’s nothing like seeing the Sun drop into the ocean at the end of a beautiful vacation day.

“Ticos” (the People)

You will find the Costa Rican people, nicknamed “Ticos”, extremely friendly and fun loving. They are quick to share their favorite places and restaurants, and they always know where the best music (and dancing) can be found! The World Happiness Report has named Costa Rica the happiest country in Latin America, and the twelfth happiest in the world. Tico culture is laid back, polite and family oriented. Ticos are proud of their “Pura Vida” lifestyle. This way of living is about appreciating life’s simple things, slowing down, not taking things for granted and living life to the fullest. Are you ready for the “Pura Vida”?

If you are looking for gorgeous scenery, exciting outdoor activities and perfect climate, Costa Rica is for you!

Here’s a great online resource to get you inspired and planning: https://www.visitcostarica.com/en