Costa Rica The Central American country of Costa Rica is a rugged area of rain forest with coastlines on the Caribbean and Pacific

It is known for its beaches, volcanoes, and biodiversity, with 140 of its beaches enjoying Blue Flag status Some 25% its area is made up of protected jungle, teeming with wildlife including spider monkeys and quetzal birds. Costa Rico reached 98.58% of renewable electricity generation in the first six months of 2022 and it is one of the world's leading countries in clean energy production. 

Offsetting the carbon footprint 

Costa Rica also encourages travellers to offset their carbon footprint, with the Costa Rica Tourism Board partnering with the National Forestry Financing Fund (Fonafifo). Travellers to Costa Rica are able to log into an online tool to calculate the carbon emissions of their flight dependant on their flight distance and to the number of passengers travelling. A voluntary donation reflecting the carbon footprint can then be made to Fonafifo, who will invest it into different environmental projects throughout the country. These include planting forests, aiding local farmers and regenerating natural spaces.

The beaches 

The 140 beaches of Costa Rica enjoying Blue Flag status are recognised for featuring clean sands, excellent sea water quality, waste disposal programmes, accessibility to showers and toilets and availability of lifeguards and emergency staff throughout the year. Eleven Costa Rican beaches have also been given five stars including Punta del Madero and El Jobo (Guanacaste), Playa Playitas (Quepos) and Playa Blanca (Cahuita). 

Limón Carnival 

Limón Carnival is Costa Rica’s biggest street party and takes place in the Caribbean port city of Limón every October, coinciding with the Caribbean dry season. During the week-long carnival, the coastal town plays host to a variety of lively parades, colourful fireworks and music performances. Puerto Limón Carnival, celebrated since 1949, pays tribute to Christopher Columbus, who landed in Uvita (an island opposite Puerto Limón) in 1502 during his exploration of the new world. It also honours all of the immigrants who later came to Costa Rica from all over the world. 

Wildlife 

Costa Rica’s Monteverde Cloud Forest and Corcovado National Park have been named as two of the best spots to see wildlife in Central America, according to Lonely Planet. Monteverde Cloud Forest, in Puntarenas, has over 400 different bird species and a wide array of monkeys and sloths and other animals at altitudes of between 4,600 and 5,900 feet. Some species that can be spotted in Monteverde include the Resplendent Quetzal, Black and Yellow Silky Flycatcher, Chiriqui Quail Dove and the Three-Wattled BellBir. The Corcovado National Park has 6.5% of the known biodiversity in the world spread over 426 square kilometres on the Osa Peninsula and is a must-visit place for nature, wildlife and hiking enthusiasts.
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