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Guide to Costa Rica national parks and wildlife

All you need to know about Costa Rica’s national parks and wildlife, including rainforests and beaches and sloths, monkeys, whales, dolphins, birdwatching and

Team Wanderlust
20 August 2019
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Explore the very best of Costa Rica

Breathe, relax and unwind…

Sleepy sloths cling to high branches. Dazzling birdlife flits through the canopy. A tangle of pristine jungle covers a quarter of the country. Volcanoes steam, waterfalls cascade, hot springs bubble and waves lap at powdery white sands. Turtles, dolphins and humpback whales fill the oceans, while crocodiles and wading birds lurk in the rivers. And all of this barely scratches the surface of what costa Rica has to offer.

Read on to discover all of this and more…

Costa Rica is all about the pura vida — the pure life. In Costa Rica, this is more than just a saying: it’s a way of life. In Costa Rica, pura vida means hello, goodbye and thank you. It means no stress, no worries and taking time to enjoy the simple pleasures in life.

So whether you’re walking around a vast yet quiet national park or lying in a hammock listening to the birds tweeting above your head, take time to discover your pura vida when you visit Costa Rica.

What is Costa Rica’s ‘Pura Vida Pledge’ and how can it make you a more eco-friendly traveller?

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Read more

Mind, body and soul: How to experience ‘Pura Vida’ in Costa Rica

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Wildlife in Costa Rica: 10 animals you’re almost guaranteed to see

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Away from the crowds: 7 little-visited national parks in Costa Rica

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Did you know?

Costa Rica is targeting to eliminate all single use plastic by 2021 and to achieve zero carbon emissions by 2050. You won’t be surprised when you find out about its vast national parks here…

There are a total of 900 different species of bird in Costa Rica and their colourful feathers brighten the sky all through the year. Find out what other wildlife you’ll see in Costa Rica here…

Costa Rica is one of the happiest countries in the whole world. With ample open spaces, stunning scenery and a laid-back vibe, find something to bring a smile to your face here…

Feeling inspired?


Discover more about Costa Rica

You’ll find ample information on where to go in Costa Rica, its contrasting landscapes, its two coasts, the culinary delights, wildlife sights and the culture of this beautiful and intriguing part of the world.

Start planning your trip now

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