Costa Rica | Pacific Ocean

Sandwiched between the balmy waters of the Caribbean sea and the vast Pacific Ocean, the Republic of Costa Rica is a country bordered to the north by Nicaragua and Panama to the south-east, occupying 52,000 sq kms of land in Central America. With a series of volcanic mountain chains running between its two neighbouring countries, Costa Rica is effectively divided in two where high-altitude central plains descend to coastal lowlands on either side. The Caribbean coast is comprised largely of tropical mangrove swamps and sandy beaches whereas the Pacific coast is a combination of rugged, rocky gulfs and headlands created by waves that would test the most experienced surfer. Much of the population of Costa Rica inhabits the elevated central plain where the fertile volcanic soil and sub-tropical climate has created a rich variety of flora and fauna and many unique natural environments that are now protected and preserved, and with a conservation program that is amongst the best in Central America, around 12% of the entire land mass of Costa Rica falls within the confines of one of 25 National Parks countrywide.

Costa Rica has two seasons: wet and dry. The rainy season lasting from May to November giving way to a dry heat at a time when much of the western world is cold and damp. With temperatures that vary little throughout the year, both the Caribbean and Pacific coasts are hotter than anywhere else in the country. Even the rainy season is a good time to visit, most mornings are clear and sunny with some scattered rain showers in the afternoons.