Thornton Cohen
By Eliot Greenspan
Costa Rica is a world famous ecotourism destination and one of the top all-around vacation spots in Latin America. Still, there's a whole lot more to Costa Rica than a few well-known ecolodges and large beach resorts. From myriad adventure sports activities to a string of active volcanoes, Costa Rica is country with more than its fair share of thrills and unique experiences. The country even hosts a world-class alternative music and healing arts festival on the edge of a gorgeous national park.
Photo caption: Pavones surf break.
Sure, bird watchers and biologists put Costa Rica on the international tourism map, but today visitors come for a whole host of other reasons. Some come simply to escape the northern hemisphere winters and soak in some sunshine, while others come to practice any number of adventure sports, including surfing, kite boarding, white water rafting and mountain biking. So-called medical tourists are flocking to Costa Rica for plastic surgery or complex dental treatments that would cost far more in their home country. And Costa Rica has become a major wedding destination, offering up an abundance of perfect spots for the ceremony, reception and honeymoon.
Photo caption: Playa Hermosa, near Jacó, frequently hosts international surfing competitions.
Look out Coachella, Glastonbury, and Burning Man, Costa Rica is aiming to provide alt-fest-goers a lush, tropical alternative. Envision Festival (www.envisionfestival.com) is a 5-day multi-faceted event featuring live music, world-renowned DJs, cutting edge theater performances, yoga workshops, healing tents and a wide range of vendors and food options, all set on a beautiful patch of farmland mere steps from the beach and Ballena National Park. Entering its fourth year and growing steadily, the Envision Festival is held in late February or early March annually.
Photo caption: The Lucent Dossier Experience at the 2012 Envision Festival in Costa Rica.
Don't let Arenal volcano's dormancy keep you from experiencing the awesome power of an active volcano. Rincon de la Vieja is a massive and regularly active volcano in the northern province of Guanacaste. It doesn't get nearly as many visitors as Arenal, but offers just as much opportunity for adventure. Hot springs, bubbling fumeroles, a challenging hike to the rim of an active crater, and freshly harvested volcanic mud are just some of the attractions you'll find here. I recommend Hacienda Guachipelin (www.guachipelin.com) as a perfect base for exploring this area.
Photo caption: There is no shortage of geothermal activity to check out at Rincon de la Vieja National Park.
Across Costa Rica, fully-equipped luxury villas are giving hotels a run for their money, and offering up an enticing option for families and small groups. Whether perched on a hillside surrounded by rain forest, or set beachfront just steps from the sand, there are a seemingly endless array of private homes, condos and villas available for both short- and long-term rental. Most have private pools, and offer the option of daily maid service and private chef catering. Some of my favorite options for renting a family villa include the Los Sueños development, the lush hills south of Dominical and Manuel Antonio. Check out Escape Villas (www.villascostarica.com) for a look at some of the options.
Photo caption: Los Sueños Resort in Herradura, Costa Rica.
It's often a 4 hour drive, give or take an hour, from any one major destination to another in Costa Rica. Getting there can be more than half the fun. Several savvy adventure tour companies have begun combining a day of river rafting or some other adventure activity as a way to break up the monotony of getting you from point A to point B. Desafio Adventures (www.desafiocostarica.com) and Exploradores Costa Rica (www.exploradoresoutdoors.com) both can get you from any number of major tourist destinations in the country, while filling the day a fair share of fun and adventure.
Photo caption: White water rafting on the Pacuare river, Turrialba.
Costa Rica is a world famous ecotourism destination and one of the top all-around vacation spots in Latin America. Still, there's a whole lot more to Costa Rica than a few well-known ecolodges and large beach resorts. From myriad adventure sports activities to a string of active volcanoes, Costa Rica is country with more than its fair share of thrills and unique experiences. The country even hosts a world-class alternative music and healing arts festival on the edge of a gorgeous national park.
Photo caption: Pavones surf break.
Photo caption: Playa Hermosa, near Jacó, frequently hosts international surfing competitions.
Photo caption: The Lucent Dossier Experience at the 2012 Envision Festival in Costa Rica.
Photo caption: There is no shortage of geothermal activity to check out at Rincon de la Vieja National Park.
Photo caption: Los Sueños Resort in Herradura, Costa Rica.
Photo caption: White water rafting on the Pacuare river, Turrialba.