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Costa Rica for its small size (think Belgium or W. Virginia) has an amazing and varied regional diversity. So unique is the topography that even within the various regions, there are "microclimates" very cool indeed. Below is a brief description of each area, for you to get a feel for what there is to explore. |
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Guanacaste Province and the Northern Pacific Beaches |
In the Northern Pacific Region you can find cattle ranches, volcanoes, lakes and one of the last tropical dry forests in Central America. Guanacaste also has some of the Costa Rica’s most popular beaches including Papagayo Gulf, Flamingo, Brasilito, Conchal, and Tamarindo. more |
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Northern Zone and Arenal |
The Northern Region of Costa Rica is highlighted by four magnificent attractions: the Monteverde Cloud Forest Preserve, Arenal Volcano, Lake Arenal and Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge. In these attractions is easy to find a large range of adventures and activities like canopy tours, hiking, biking, waterfalls, horseback riding, wind surfing, hot springs, and more. |
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Atlantic / Caribbean Coast / Limon Province |
Life in the Caribbean Region is a mixture of influences where the Indigenous heritage combines with African, Oriental and Spanish culture offering a combination reflected in the spicy foods, language and dance. It also has some of the Costa Rica´s most exotic beaches like Cahuita, Puerto Viejo, Gandoca Manzanillo; and offers a wide range of activities as fishing, bird watching, horseback riding and all types of water activities including white-water rafting, ocean and river kayaking, surfing, diving and snorkeling. |
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Central Valley / San Jose / Heredia / Cartago & Alajuela |
The Central Valley comprised of the provinces of San José, Heredia, Cartago and Alajuela is the smallest region in Costa Rica though the one with the highest population. Here you can find several museums; the National Theater, a centennial architectural jewel depicting the cultural level of this society, churches, parks, and an active nightlife. |
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Central Pacific / Quepos & Manuel Antonio |
South of Puntarenas down to Quepos / Manuel Antonio National Park, the Central Pacific Region stretches along the Pacific coast line. Quepos is a quaint village that offers adventure and good amenities. It has a natural, relaxed village lifestyle and is surrounded by the beauty of Manuel Antonio National Park. One hour drive from Quepos is Jaco and Herradura bay. Jaco is famous for its beaches, surfing and nightlife. |
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Southern Pacific Zone and the Osa Peninsula |
The South Pacific region of Costa Rica is known for its extreme biological diversity, natural beauty and complex ecosystems. National Geographic magazine called the area "the most biologically intense place on earth". The region has rain forests, abundant wildlife, unspoiled beaches and Costa Rica’s highest mountains. Its main attractions are: "Peninsula de Osa" (bordered on all sides by water), and Corcovado National Park (over 100,000 acres are home to jaguars, Scarlet Macaws, and 4 kinds of monkeys).
Nine of the national parks and protected areas, and half of the nature reserves in Costa Rica are located here. The coast is lined with beaches. Surfing, tanning, horseback riding and many other options are available. |
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Regional Areas |
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Testimonials |
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Read stories and commentaries or take a look at the pictures and videos from people who have been part of the Terra Costa Rica Experience.
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Start with your planning and get those bearings straight ahead of time! Print your own map of San Jose, and Costa Rica.
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