700 miles of coastline, rare cloud forests, a smoking volcano and a friendly citizenry ensure that Costa Rica is always a much loved travel destination. More so because right at the heart of its tourism initiatives, is its philosophy ‘Pura Vida’ (pure life).

Not to be missed

• Mt. Arenal
• At 5,437 feet Volcán Arenal, as the Spaniards proudly call it, looms large and ominous over the pastured green hillsides that surround it.
• 80 miles to the north of San Jose, the Arenal region is indubitably the adventure capital of the country. What else can it be, when you have a semi-active volcano surrounded by rainforests teeming with wildlife? Head out to La Fortuna and if the sun favours you, see the perfectly conical Mount Arenal. Quite the fire breather till 2010, the volcano is currently inactive, except for letting off steam now and then.
• But the trek, including trails across lava flows are worth it. The hanging bridges tour not only takes you into the forest but offers some of the best views of the volcano. For the Alpha adventurous types, the menu here includes zipling over the canopy, bungee jumping, ATV riding, white water rafting and floating down the Penas Blancas River to sight crocs, iguanas, sloths and a multitude of other birdies & beasties!
• Return to La Fortuna and enjoy the perks of having a volcano in the neighbourhood. Naturally heated springs abound here with matching resorts offering all types of day and stay packages.
• Soak up views of emerald carpeted mountains dotted with plantations & farms that capture the Tico way of life. Do tuck into Tico cuisine with its rustic flavours, while sipping on local beers.

Must Dos

• Plan to spend time in National Parks. Being home to 10,000 species of plants and trees, 870 species of (migrant and indigenous) birds and 205 species of mammals, more than 25% of the country is reserved as national parks.
• Head to the remote Corcovado Reserve on the Osa peninsula and the cloud forests of the interior for incomparable wildlife sighting.
• Learn the craft of organic coil built pottery invented by the Chorotega Indians nearly 2,500 years ago, at San Vincente de Nicoya or Guaitil.
• Be a beach bum at Playa Samara, Rajada and Tamarindo beaches.
• Try kayaking, hiking or sun worshipping on the beautiful Espadilla, Sur and Puerto Escondido beaches.
• Island hop across Tortuga, Cocos and Isla del Caño for beauty and culture.
• Challenge yourself at La Fortuna, the adventure capital of the country.
• Indulge. Costa Rica has amazing eco lodges, luxury hotels and boutique properties.
• Chug the beer. Costa Rica has endless choices of hand crafted and regular beers.