Costa Rica Eco Tourism: What Makes It the World's Best

1. What Makes Costa Rica So Special?

The Biodiversity

Costa Rica represents nearly 6% of the world’s biodiversity despite covering only 0.03% of the planet’s surface. Travelers can move from cloud forests and volcanoes to tropical rainforests, mangroves, dry forests, and pristine coastlines within a single itinerary.

Wildlife encounters remain one of the country’s strongest assets:

• Sloths, monkeys, toucans, scarlet macaws
• Sea turtles and whales seasonally
• Exceptional birding throughout the country
• Rich marine biodiversity on both coasts

The diversity and accessibility of nature is remarkable.

The Landscapes

Costa Rica is far more than rainforest. The country offers:

• Volcanic landscapes in Arenal and Rincón de la Vieja
• Cloud forests in Monteverde and Dota
• Caribbean culture and beaches in Puerto Viejo
• The remote wilderness of the Osa Peninsula
• Pacific coastlines ranging from surf towns to barefoot luxury retreats

Every region offers a different atmosphere, ecosystem, and pace of travel.

The Sustainability Leadership

Costa Rica has become a global leader in sustainable tourism and conservation. More than 25% of the country is protected land, and sustainability here is not simply marketing — it is deeply integrated into tourism, conservation, renewable energy, and community development.

At Horizontes, sustainability goes beyond intention. Through our programmes, guides, supplier selection, and community partnerships, we aim to create positive impact for people, communities, and ecosystems. Our work through the Horizontes Foundation reflects this commitment directly.

The People

Costa Rica’s warmth and hospitality remain one of the destination’s greatest strengths. The country’s relaxed pace, democratic stability, and welcoming culture create an environment where travelers feel comfortable, safe, and connected.

2. When to Travel to Costa Rica

One of Costa Rica’s great advantages is that there is truly no bad time to visit. The destination changes significantly throughout the year, and each season offers different opportunities.

For a full month-by-month breakdown including the Veranillo dry spell and the Caribbean coast’s inverse dry season, read our complete guide to Costa Rica’s green season.

3. How to Experience Costa Rica Properly

Don’t Rush

One of the most common mistakes is trying to see too much in too little time. Costa Rica may appear small on a map, but travel times and ecosystem diversity mean that slower, better-curated journeys deliver significantly richer experiences. The best itineraries combine nature, culture, wellness, wildlife, and time to truly connect with each region. Our Costa Rica Complete Itinerary Guide covers optimal route lengths from 7 to 14 days.

Focus on Diversity

Costa Rica works best when travelers experience contrasting regions. For example:

• Volcanoes + beach
• Cloud forest + rainforest
• Caribbean + Pacific
• Wildlife + wellness

Each transition creates a completely different perspective on the country. See our destinations overview for the full regional picture.

The Importance of Guiding

The difference between seeing Costa Rica and understanding Costa Rica often comes down to guiding. At Horizontes, our naturalist guides are at the heart of every journey. Their interpretation, destination knowledge, and ability to connect travelers with nature and culture transforms the experience completely.

Barefoot Luxury

Our approach is rooted in barefoot luxury. Not excessive luxury, but meaningful comfort integrated naturally into the destination:

• Beautiful boutique hotels
• Exceptional locations
• Authentic experiences
• Seamless logistics
• Personalised service
• Strong sustainability values

Combined with our 24/7 concierge support, this creates journeys that feel effortless while remaining deeply connected to the destination.

4. Experiences That Define Costa Rica

These are the regions and experiences that appear in virtually every itinerary Horizontes designs — each one a different entry point into the country.

Arenal Volcano

Costa Rica’s most iconic volcanic region. Ideal for volcano hikes, hanging bridges, hot springs at Tabacón — the only resort in the region with a naturally flowing thermal river — wellness experiences, and soft adventure. See the 10-day itinerary for the classic Arenal programme.

Monteverde Cloud Forest

One of the world’s most important cloud forest ecosystems. Excellent for birding, nature interpretation, night walks, and forest immersion. Monteverde is the most reliable location in Costa Rica for the Resplendent Quetzal. Featured in both the 10-day and 12-day itineraries.

Tortuguero

A remote network of canals and rainforest accessible mainly by boat. Known for exceptional wildlife viewing, sea turtle nesting, and authentic rainforest immersion. One of the experiences most consistently praised by Horizontes guests after the trip.

The Osa Peninsula

Perhaps the most biodiverse region in the country. A true wilderness destination ideal for wildlife-focused travelers, nature photographers, and serious naturalists. Features in the 14-day itinerary.

The South Caribbean

A unique blend of Afro-Caribbean culture, beaches, gastronomy, and rainforest. A completely different atmosphere from the Pacific side of the country — and one that makes it an exceptional extension or alternative for repeat visitors.

Guanacaste

The country’s sunniest region. Perfect for beach extensions, luxury retreats, wellness programmes, family travel, and surf and lifestyle experiences.

5. Costa Rica Beyond Borders

Costa Rica also combines beautifully with neighbouring destinations such as Panama and Nicaragua. These extensions allow travelers to explore:

• Indigenous cultures
• Additional cloud forest ecosystems
• Colonial heritage
• Caribbean archipelagos
• Remote wildlife corridors

Creating a broader Central American narrative while maintaining Costa Rica as the anchor destination.

6. Planning Your Itinerary

Every journey Horizontes designs is built around the traveller — their pace, travel style, interests, and the regions that resonate most. The itineraries below represent the most common starting points. All are customisable.

Costa Rica has become one of the world’s most successful nature destinations for good reason. But like all extraordinary destinations, the difference lies in how it is experienced. With the right pacing, regions, guiding, and properties, Costa Rica continues to deliver journeys that feel authentic, transformative, and deeply memorable.

At Horizontes, we would be delighted to help design those experiences together. If you would like to explore ideas, itineraries, small group departures, or specific travel profiles, we would love to continue the conversation.

Federico Solano, Marketing and Sales Director