Costa Rica: nature & Guanacaste beach relaxation

There’s natural beauty and then there’s Monteverde. Sat high up in Costa Rica’s Tilaran mountain range, this picturesque village is a world away from the country´s beaches and tourist resorts. Its major showpiece is, undoubtedly, the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve. Home to lush vegetation and exotic wildlife – including the resplendent quetzal, the world's most striking bird – this place is considered one of Central America’s most important wildlife sanctuaries. And it’s offering of outdoor activities is second-to-none, with a variety of activities for adventure seekers looking to unleash their wild side.

Tucked into the base of the Arenal Volcano, La Fortuna is a hub for adventure. White water rafting, rapelling, ziplining, hiking through lava fields – its lineup of outdoor activities is endless. What’s more, the town is surrounded by lush green rainforest and is the gateway to some of Costa Rica’s natural wonders – like Arenal Volcano National Park with a double serving of volcanoes. And no trip to La Fortuna would be complete without visiting one of its natural hot springs. With all that dazzling scenery, there’s no wonder the town is named ‘The Fortune’.

Mysterious and ancient are what best describe Rincon de la Vieja Volcano. Walking through this Park can only be described as a scene out of Jurassic Park. Exploring this remote volcano, covered in tropical jungles is ideal for nature aficionados. Adventurers and hikers come here for the area's geothermal activity but stay for eye-catching exotic scenery. You can explore bubbling hot springs or follow trails that lead you deep into the rainforest canopy, accompanied by the echoes of howler monkeys and a variety of birds.

Surfers and beachgoers alike spend their days relaxing on sun-kissed shores, enjoying the ocean-view vibes. With great beaches up its sleeve such as Playa Grande and Playa Langosta, Tamarindo gives you romantic sunsets and fun-party sessions throughout the year. Bohemian, laidback and tropical, this feel-good town is a stone's throw away from Papagayo Gulf. Surf shacks, boutique stores, small restaurants and cosy cafes - where you can spend your mornings sipping local coffee – fill up the town’s main street, giving it a vibrant atmosphere. Embracing Costa Rica’s 'pura vida' at Tamarindo is second nature.

Small and sleepy Samara is a piece of beachy paradise with tonnes to see and do. Unique in the fact that it’s achieved the ideal balance between tourism and local vibes, this coastal village is a must-visit during your Costa Rican holiday. The main attraction is, without question, the pristine Playa de Samara. With a long stretch of soft sand and gentle waters – some of Costa Rica’s safest – this family-friendly beach is perfect for swimming. A short drive out of town will have you exploring waterfalls and mountains, while sailing out to sea gives you the chance to discover a thriving underwater world. Samara also makes a great base for visiting nearby national parks, volcanoes and reserves.

With all the ingredients for a perfect city break, Costa Rica’s capital – San Jose – should be on everyone’s travel wish list. World-class museums, theatres, markets and historic buildings – it’s got everything. And by night, the city lights up with a host of hip restaurants, stylish bars and a buzzing party scene. What’s more, its downtown is relatively compact, meaning most sights are within walking distance from each another.