Eyewitness - DK Eyewitness Travel Guide Costa Rica

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t The crescent-shaped coves of Parque Nacional Manual Antonio

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t The sun setting over the Pacific at Manuel Antonio.

Diminutive Costa Rica packs an enormous punch, with a culture as rich and vibrant as its incredible biodiversity. Add wildlife galore, an idyllic climate, and friendly Ticos, and youve got the ideal destination. Whatever your dream trip to Costa Rica includes, this DK Eyewitness Travel Guide is the perfect companion.

Straddling the Mesoamerican isthmus between North and South America, this little nations magnificent biodiversity is justifiably the countrys main attraction, and unsurprisingly Costa Ricas forte is ecotourism. Theres an endless choice of nature activities and lodges, and visitors have so many ways to answer the call of the wild. Join a guided night tour of the jungle to spy the elusive jaguar. Volunteer to help sea turtle hatchlings make it to the waves or release treacle-slow sloths back into the canopy.

Its cities and villages are equally enticing. San Jos, the capital, is carving out its place as one of Central Americas hippest cities, with buzzing craft breweries, world-class museums, and a lively foodie scene. Westward, Liberia is a laid-back gateway to Costa Ricas sabanero (cowboy) culture. Embracing the Tico (Costa Rican) gospel of pura vida (pure life), beachy yoga retreats along the Nicoya Peninsula are all zen, while fun-loving Pavones, to the south, is a surfers paradise. Over the coffee-estate-strewn central highlands is the alluring blend of white sands and turquoise waters, indigenous culture and Jamaican cuisine of the rustic Caribbean coast.

With so many different things to discover, its hard to know where to start. Weve broken the country down into easily navigable chapters, with detailed itineraries, expert local knowledge, and colorful, comprehensive maps to help you plan the perfect visit. However long your stay, this Eyewitness guide will ensure that you see the very best of Costa Rica. Enjoy the book, and enjoy Costa Rica. Pura vida!

A boldly colored toucan perching on a branch.

Wooden stairs leading down to the base of a waterfall in the rainforest.

A team running the rapids on the Ro Sarapqui.

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Its scenery is spectacular. Theres wildlife galore. Its peaceful and easy to get around. Ask any Costa Rican and youll hear a different reason why they love their country. Here, we pick some of our favourites.

t Pura vida (literally pure life) is more than a Costa Rican phrase its a relaxed, no-stress philosophy of life, and a key reason Ticos (Costa Ricans) have been named among the worlds happiest people.

Discover Reasons to Love Costa Rica

t Costa Ricas palm-fringed beaches, running the length of both coastlines, are perfect for recharging. Some of the most pristine are in the wild coves that surround .

Discover Reasons to Love Costa Rica

t The sight of an arribada (mass arrival) of sea turtles crawling up Costa Ricas beaches is pure magic. Go to to patrol nesting sites and help tiny hatchlings back to sea.

Discover Reasons to Love Costa Rica

t Slow-moving sloths, raucous green macaws, leaping humpback whales, incurious iguanas bring your binoculars to get face-to-face with legendary wildlife.

Discover Reasons to Love Costa Rica