It’s a beautiful #TravelTuesday here at Secrets® Resorts & Spas, and this week we’re going to take you on a journey through Costa Rica! Costa Rica’s motto, pura vida, is a way of life that has the country ranked as one of the happiest and the greenest countries in the world. Tucked between Nicaragua and Panama, and the Caribbean and Pacific Oceans, Costa Rica is a land of incredible beauty and biodiversity.

Read on to discover why Costa Rica—the home of Secrets Papagayo Costa Rica and the adventure and eco-tourism capital of Central America—should be next on your vacation wish list!

NATIONAL PARKS

With over 20% of the country’s land designated as national parks, there are plenty of options in Costa Rica. A great choice to spot exotic wildlife is Palo Verde National Park. In a region of tropical dry forests, this park is a marshy home to wetland bird species as well as scarlet macaws, sloths and monkeys.

Tip: If you’re here for the monkeys, they like to hang out daily at Secrets Papagayo Costa Rica.

 THE RING OF FIRE

Set along the Pacific Ring of Fire, Costa Rica’s volcanoes are a key part of the country’s landscape. In addition to their natural beauty, the bases of the volcanoes are rich in minerals and great for adventurous exploration.

GEOTHERMAL WONDERS

Surrounding the base of the Rincon de la Vieja volcano is a national park with an array of natural, geothermal wonders. Bring your bathing suit for a day of natural rejuvenation – healing hot springs, mud baths and waterfalls are abundant.

A RAINFOREST IMMERSION

A full Costa Rican rainforest immersion includes discovering it from the deep canyons to the treetops. Hike the forest on foot and take a dip in bright blue swimming holes with misty waterfalls. Then, see it all from the top in the rainforest canopy—the richest habitat for plant and animal life.

BEACHES

With coastlines on the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea, Costa Rica has a diverse array of beaches. From sugar sand, black sand, surfing, untouched hideaways to luxury resort beaches, there’s a beach for every type of traveler in Costa Rica. The beach at Junquillal Bay National Wildlife Refuge is virtually untouched and it would be easy to spend a whole day here. The crystal clear waters are ideal for swimming, snorkeling, diving, fishing and boating. Sea turtles also find it ideal for nesting.

ADVENTURE TOURS

With volcanoes, rainforests, and miles of coastline, Costa Rica is an adventure traveler’s dream with tons of outdoor activities. With this pure adrenaline tour, you can go horseback riding, white water rafting, zip lining and cliff rappelling all in one day!

GOLF

Costa Rica is quickly becoming a destination for championship golf courses with several along the Pacific Coast and in the capital of San José. The Arnold Palmer Golf Course is ranked among the “Top 100 Courses Outside the United States” by Golf Digest. Located at the Four Seasons Golf Club, 14 of its 18 holes offer ocean views.

NICARAGUA

A day trip to neighboring Nicaragua can easily be done from Costa Rica, adding a second country to your trip and another stamp in your passport. Granada, the country’s capital, is a picturesque colonial city along Lake Nicaragua. It’s the oldest European settlement in the Americas so it’s cathedrals and cobblestone streets are full of history.

EVENTS IN COSTA RICA

Costa Rica is rich in culture and celebrations! Check out the exciting upcoming events.

Fiesta Santa Cruz (January)

During the second week of January in Santa Cruz in Guanacaste, there’s a celebration with folkloric dancing and costumes, a horse parade and Costa Rican bullfights, where no bulls are harmed. The days of celebration end with food, concerts and fireworks.

Turtle Release (March-September)

Three types of turtles nest on El Jobo beach in Guanacaste. When the baby turtles hatch, guests of Secrets Papagayo can help the turtles reach the ocean and start their life at sea.

Guanacaste Day (July 25)

Guanacaste Day commemorates the 1824 annexation of Guanacaste to Costa Rica from Nicaragua. Celebrations include parades, folk dances, music, cattle shows and more.

National Parks Day (August 24)

Celebration of the Costa Rica’s natural splendors and sustainability. Children take the day off school to learn more about protecting Costa Rica’s natural resources.

Costa Rica’s Independence Day (September 15)

September is a celebration of Costa Rica’s independence from Spain with festivities including food, dancing, music, parades and more.

Secrets Papagayo Costa Rica is located on the stunning Papagayo Peninsula in Guanacaste, Costa Rica. A short 20 minute drive from the Liberia International Airport, this adults-only resort will seem a million miles away. Perfectly situated on a serene beachfront and surrounded by lush tropical gardens, this hideaway will offer an Unlimited-Luxury^® experience in one of the most romantic and intimate settings imaginable.

We hope today’s post has inspired you to start planning your next adventure! Ready to get going? Book now with our Hot Hot Hot promo and save up to 40%, or check out our special offers page for even more great deals.