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Costa Rica, a year-round destination

When we think of the nation that espouses pura vida, or the simple life, its endless beaches of golden sand and idyllic coastlines inevitably spring to mind. But the reality is that Costa Rica has much more to offer all year round.

Join us on this tour of some magical places to explore in the near future.

Santa Rosa National Park.

What is the best time of year to travel to Costa Rica?

Costa Rica has two very distinct seasons: the dry season, which begins in December and ends in April; and the green season, in which we currently find ourselves, which runs from May to November.

The green season gets its name from the typical rains. It is the time of the year when the lush nature blossoms into its peak of splendour, green being the common denominator of many of the exotic landscapes that you will encounter. Flowers also add splashes of colour to a breathtaking landscape.

Don’t worry though: the rains occur at very specific times of the day; these are usually brief but intense periods, mainly in the afternoons. You will be able to enjoy all the plans we are suggesting without any issues!

Miravalles Volcano.

What to see in Costa Rica?

We already know where and when we will go, but it’s more difficult to choose what we will do from the wide range of options that Costa Rica has on offer. At this time of year, we recommend taking the opportunity to tour its natural landscapes, go on a guided ecological visit, or hike.

We have selected a few ideas to inspire you:

1.Miravalles Volcano: This dormant stratovolcano has registered just one eruption, in 1946, and is located in the Guanacaste mountain range. Without a doubt, a place that will impress you.

2.Enjoy its national parks: Costa Rica has privileged natural sites, including the Santa Rosa National Park, declared a World Heritage Site and which preserves the only patch of dry tropical forest in Mesoamerica, and the Arenal Volcano National Park, an active volcano where you can find everything from hot springs to lava flows and the characteristic plants known as heliconias.

3.Monteverde: This is a large natural conservation area located on the borders of the provinces of Guanacaste, Puntarenas and Alajuela. It comprises several private protected reserves where you can enjoy the cloud forest, visit butterfly gardens or see reptile and amphibian exhibits. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can get your adrenaline pumping in a park with zip lines and suspension bridges.

4.Guaitil: If you are looking for an authentic Costa Rican experience, the village of Guaitil is a must. Here you will find the most characteristic ceramic pots of the Chorotega indigenous culture, and you can also taste typical local dishes like “tamal de elote” and “tortillas revueltas”.

5.Nicoya: This was Costa Rica’s first colonial city and has the oldest surviving buildings in the country. It is a place that oozes history and culture on all four sides.

6.Turtle nesting: A large number of turtles visit Costa Rica to give birth, as the weather conditions are ideal. On the North Pacific Coast, in the Guanacaste region, the Olive Ridley turtle is the most common, arriving in groups of thousands. There are several beaches where you can see this wonderful spectacle, but the Ostional Wildlife Refuge is particularly well known for protecting the millions of turtles that choose to nest there each year.

This is just a short list of places we think you’ll love, but you’re sure to discover many more gems in Costa Rica.

Where can you stay in Costa Rica?

If you still don’t know where to stay, don’t worry, RIU Hotels & Resorts has the solution. In this country you can enjoy two five-star hotels: the Riu Palace Costa Rica and the Riu Guanacaste.

Both establishments, with 538 and 701 rooms respectively, are located on the edge of Matapalo beach, so you can relax to the fullest and enjoy all the water sports available to you. Both are 24-hour All Inclusive, and you will have access to the Splash Water World and the Riu Party, which takes place every Friday at the Riu Guanacaste, alternating between the White and Neon theme parties.

Don’t wait any longer, come and enjoy a different kind of holiday with RIU in a country that will mesmerise you.

Riu Palace Costa Rica hotel.