Costa Rica

Costa Rica is like a giant natural playground for families, with just the right mix of adventure and comfort. It’s wonderfully safe and welcoming, and the whole country runs on “pura vida” – that laid-back, happy-go-lucky attitude that makes you slow down and actually enjoy every moment. One day you’re waking up to howler monkeys calling in the trees, the next you’re watching the sun set over the Pacific with your feet in the sand. Kids tend to be doted on wherever you go, and there’s a real sense of being close to nature without sacrificing hot showers, good food and a comfy bed at the end of the day.

Holiday experiences in Costa Rica are all about rainforests, wildlife and wild-but-manageable adventures. You can glide through the treetops on zip-lines, walk across hanging bridges in the cloud forest, float down gentle rivers spotting sloths and toucans, or soak in volcanic hot springs while the kids splash around. On the coasts, there are surf schools that specialise in beginners, calm bays for paddling and snorkelling, and relaxed beach towns where everyone pads around in flip-flops. Many lodges and hotels are small and family-run, with pools, gardens full of hummingbirds and easy access to national parks. It’s the kind of destination where every day brings “did you see that?” moments, and where screens quickly lose out to monkeys, waterfalls and the promise of the next adventure.

Costa Rica is where nature takes centre stage – all misty cloud forests, smoking volcanoes and wild Pacific beaches where the jungle runs straight into the sea. It’s a place where you wake up to the sound of howler monkeys, spot sloths dozing in the trees and finish the day in a hot spring under the stars.

This section highlights the must-do experiences that really show off Costa Rica’s “pura vida” spirit – from zip-lining through the canopy to lazy days on the sand and everything in between.