Costa Rica holidays

Ever wondered why San José Airport is called Juan Santamaría? On the 11th of April 1856, a drummer boy of that name became a national hero when he died, leading his homeland to victory against an invading American filibuster known as William Walker. Today, Juan Santamaría is remembered every year with huge celebrations on the anniversary of his final battle. Parades, concerts, and dances bring Costa Rica to life, particularly in the hero’s hometown of Alajuela on the outskirts of San José. Guests visiting Costa Rica on the día de Juan Santamaría are encouraged to observe and enjoy the festivities.

One of the world’s best destinations for wildlife spotting, animal encounters are among the most thrilling things to do in Costa Rica. Steady-going sloths are the reason visitors flock to Manuel Antonio, where they live among white-faced monkeys and capuchins, or the Osa Peninsula, where jungle cats like pumas, ocelots, and even elusive jaguars are also found. Humpback whales pass the island’s Pacific coast as they migrate both north and south, meaning they can be seen for more than nine months of the year.

Looking up, colourful macaws and toucans decorate parks across Costa Rica while busy hummingbirds love to hang around the orchids of Monteverde Cloud Forest. For turtle lovers, no visit is complete without passing through Tortuguero, where these adorable creatures shuffle across the beaches to nest.

Costa Rica is wild, but it’s also peaceful. Nature and luxury are beautifully complemented by wellness and calm, with opportunities to unwind wherever you stay. Submit to bliss on a yoga retreat led by an expert instructor where morning meditations flow into guided practice between forest hikes and horse riding on the beach.

For simpler pampering, visit the tranquil Titokú Hot Springs at the base of Arenal Volcano, or check into a Pacific Coast spa resort with hot spring waterfalls, infinity pools overlooking the ocean, and candle-lit treatment rooms. Looking to combine luxury and wellness in one beachside oasis? Parador Nature Resort and Spa beside Manuel Antonio is a great choice for any Costa Rica package.

With stunning coastlines touching the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea, there’s a perfect shore for everyone on Costa Rica beach holidays. West Coast waves create sensational surfing from the white sands of Nicoya Peninsula to the party-and-play spot of Tamarindo. In the east, the diving is sublime in sheltered bays around Gandoca-Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge or at the coral reefs of Cahuita.

No beach stay is complete without a bit of luxury, which is why visitors love resorts like the adults-only escape of Secrets Papagayo in Playa Panama and the family all-inclusive of Guanacaste’s Dreams Las Mareas. For a different vibe, head to Manuel Antonio, where the jungle meets the sand, and everything is sleepy, including the sloths snoozing in the trees and iguanas dozing on the rocks.

Balance is the key to an amazing Costa Rica experience. There’s an adrenaline-inducing activity or outdoor adventure for every moment of calming yoga, spa indulgence, or beach basking. Embrace the opportunities of the landscape by zip-lining through the rainforest, kayaking in the mangroves, or white water rafting on the river.

Go bull shark diving at Bat Islands, walk high in the jungle canopy on hanging bridges in Monteverde Cloud Forest, or ride an ATV off-road in Manuel Antonio. Learn to surf, windsurf, or kiteboard at the ocean’s edge or hike and horse ride around the volcanic slopes of Arenal. Exciting activities for adults and kids make Costa Rica ideal for family holidays with something for everyone.