Land of the “pura vida,” natural Costa Rica is a consistently top destination for Goway, with the popular Central American country favoured by clients alongside Peru in Latin America, as well as ranking in the tour company’s top 10 globally.
“Cost Rica is really unique in that it truly is an all-ages destination,” explains Goway’s Latin American product manger Robert Miller. “Whether you’re a family looking to get in touch with nature in a very controlled way (or) if you’re a young person looking for a wild time and active adventure, it’s perfect for you; and if you’re a person with a deep appreciation for nature who’s looking for a relaxed pace tour by exploring reserves, along side a private guide or as part of a shared tour, it’s also going to be good for them. It’s a really unique location (and) incredibly popular.”
Nestled between Nicaragua and Panama, Costa Rica offers visitors an abundance of unique landscapes, and 12 distinct microclimates, from rain- and cloud forests to volcanic peaks and the pristine beaches of the Pacific Coast – not to mention sheltering approximately 5% of the known biodiversity in the world.
Miller also notes that Costa Rica is a “shining star” of safety and security in a neighbourhood that is sometimes seen as unstable. “We’ve never had an incident of violence; I’ve never even heard of a petty theft,” he says.
And he adds, “I cannot have a conversation with people from Costa Rica where they don’t say ‘pura vida’ constantly. That means clean life, healthy life, good life. And they really embrace that – and it comes through in the reviews we receive from the guests that have been there.”
Noting that Costa Rica has two airports – one in the capital, San Jose, and the other in Liberia on the Pacific Coast – Miller points out that travellers can take advantage of flying into one and out of the other, easily taking in both jungle and beaches and maximizing there time in both.
He’s quick to note, however, that Costa Rica is not a “fly and flop” destination, and the country’s natural environment, and the activities that go along with it, from ziplining to river rafting, or simply staying in an eco lodge to discover the flora and fauna firsthand, are the destination’s key draw.
Birding is big
Additionally, he says, “birding is big.” So much so that Goway is set to introduce a new birding tour, “Birdwatching in Costa Rica,” which will take guests to Boca Tapada, Sarapiqui, Turrialba and San Gerardo de Dota, four oft-missed and off-the-beaten path locations that are also home to some of the country’s most impressive reserves for birding. Though sightings can’t be guaranteed, the program is designed to maximize opportunities to witness Lesson’s Motmots, Chestnut-headed Oropendolas, Grey-headed Chachalacas and the elusive Resplendent Quetzal in the wild.
Seeing hatching sea turtles (seasonal) in Tortuguero National Park is another once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
Of course, there are plenty of options to cover Costa Rica in a more “mainstream” fashion, with Miller pointing to Goway’s three best-selling tours, which include must-see Arenal volcano and the Monteverde cloud forest:
- “Costa Rica Wonders”: This eight-day moderate tour features the volcano, cloud forest, and the Pacific coast, with activities in between including rafting, biking, zip canopy tour, and wildlife excursions.
- “Costa Rica Jungle & Coast”: An eight-day first-class that also visits requisite Arenal Volcano National Park, including a gondola ride and ziplining there; and Manuel Antonio National Park on the Pacific coast, home to 184 bird species, along with monkeys, sloths, reptiles, orchids and butterflies.
- “Costa Rica Signature”: Also eight days, this deluxe tour starts in San Jose and travels onward to Arenal, Monteverde, and Manuel Antonio park. Highlights include La Paz Waterfall, a 3-km nature hike at the volcano, and a float-safari on the Penas Blancas River.
And notable is “Luxury in the Jungle: Monteverde, Arenal, and Islita,” a new program that combines three exceptional eco-lodges found in popular regions of the country.
Another new tour in the offing is “Unique Costa Rica,” which will introduce guests to off-the-beaten-track areas that very few have visited, with stays at several high-end luxury properties, including Hacienda AltaGracia, Playa Cativo Lodge and Kura Boutique Hotel.
Miller says an asset for all the tours – and everything Goway does in Costa Rica – is its local partner, Travel Excellence.
“We’ve only ever had five-star reviews,” he says. “They’re just an incredible local group down there. I just think they’re such an outstanding organization and I’m so, so happy to be sending them our guests. They’re in good hands down there.”
Miller concludes, “While, Costa Rica is an all ages, year-round destination, it is not a last-minute destination… Guests hoping to stay at top properties and to avoid difficulties with flight availability and touring activities should plan well in advance, ideally at least 4-6 months in advance.”