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Located in Central America between the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean. Costa Rica encapsulates dense jungles, rugged beaches, active volcanoes and eerie cloudforests. It is home to 5% of the world’s total biodiversity and more than 800 species of bird. Ideal for self-drive trips, activities and family holidays.
Small and breathtakingly beautiful, Costa Rica has much to offer its visitors, with its dramatic scenery and unsurpassed opportunities to see a wide variety of wildlife in their natural habitat. Costa Ricans (‘Ticos’) enjoy the opportunity to show visitors their wonderful country and wherever you go you will find a warm welcome.
Located in the tropics of Central America, Costa Rica is a small country, (two-thirds of the size of Scotland), with a population of 4.5 million Spanish speaking people. Discovered by Christopher Columbus and named Costa Rica (rich coast) in 1502, it is lush and fertile. Today much of its economy is based around the export of fruit (mainly bananas & pineapple), sugar cane and coffee. Coffee is known locally as the ‘grano de oro’ (grain of gold) as it was this that originally brought wealth to the country.
Called the ‘Switzerland of Central America’ due to its neutrality and the abolition of its army in 1948, Costa Rica is an independent republic and one of the oldest democracies in America. It has enjoyed political stability for many years. 93% of the population can read and write, and it has an excellent National Health Service.
With hundreds of miles of beaches, and imposing mountains and volcanoes, Costa Rica has 3 climate zones: the central highlands, the Pacific coast, and the Caribbean coast. These variations within such a small area encourage a great diversity of wildlife and Costa Rica is home to 5% of the world’s total biodiversity. There are more than 800 species of birds (more than the whole of North America), 1,200 species of orchids, 10% of the world’s butterfly species, 8,000 species of higher plants and over 150 species of edible fruits. In recognition of this approximately 25% of Costa Rica is now protected, given over to national parks and reserves.
A Costa Rica holiday at a glance
There are direct flights with British Airways from London Gatwick to San Jose. Iberia operate from London Heathrow to San Jose via Madrid. Other options from London Heathrow include Air France to San Jose via Paris and Avianca via Bogota. Also there are flights from London Heathrow to San Jose via the United States (Houston, New York/Newark and Miami) with United or American Airlines. Any flights via the US require an ESTA application. Regional departures include Edinburgh, Manchester and Birmingham.
Combine the wildlife of Costa Rica with the fascinating indigenous communities of Panama or the rich and colourful cultures and archaeological sites of Guatemala and Mexico,
Find out more about Costa Rica's Raccoons
A Wildlife Spotlight On Raccoons
GMT - 6hrs
Costa Rican Colon or US dollar
Spanish
11 hours. BA direct flight from London Gatwick.
Average rainfall
Departing between Jul 21st 2018 & Nov 12th 2019
2 Adults
Full Board
London Gatwick Airport
Departing between Jul 21st 2018 & Jan 10th 2019
2 Adults
Bed & Breakfast
London Gatwick Airport
Departing between Jul 21st 2018 & Nov 14th 2019
2 Adults
Bed & Breakfast
London Gatwick Airport
Departing between Jul 21st 2018 & Nov 21st 2019
2 Adults
Bed & Breakfast
London Heathrow Airport
Departing between Jul 21st 2018 & Nov 16th 2019
2 Adults
Full Board
London Heathrow Airport
Departing between Jul 21st 2018 & Nov 14th 2019
2 Adults
Full Board
London Gatwick Airport
Costa Rica
White-throated Capuchin monkey, Costa Rica
Arenal volcano, Costa Rica
Bajos del Toro, Costa Rica
Cano Negro, Costa Rica
Green turtle, Tortuguero
Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica
Monteverde, Costa Rica
Nicoya Peninsula, Costa Rica
Eye lash viper, Costa Rica
Osa Peninsula
Piedras Blancas National Park
San Gerardo de Dota
San Jose and Central Valley, Costa Rica
Sarapiqui, Costa Rica
Southern Region, Costa Rica
Tortuguero, Costa Rica
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