Long known as a mecca for nature lovers, Costa Rica offers luxury hotels in a stunning natural setting. In the Gulf of Papagayo, the hotels have been carefully located on beautiful beaches along the Pacific coast. The hotel complexes in Bahía Culebra offer clients access to white sand beaches and gentle waves, which have the tropical forest as a backdrop. Visitors exploring the hinterland will discover the national parks and protected natural areas of the Guanacaste province, where the mountainous terrain is dotted with ancient volcanoes and teeming with exotic wildlife. Costa Rica made environmental preservation a priority in 1948, when the country disbanded the army in order to invest in ecology and education. The strategy is paying off in the spectacular northwest corner of the country, where luxury tourism development is balanced with respect for the environment.

Spectacular beaches abound in the region, and all-inclusive luxury hotels facing the sea are located in the best coves with white sand and turquoise blue water. Hotels in Papagayo offer secluded areas for sunbathing and swimming or surfing. The coasts are lined with tropical trees, which allows bathers to rest in the shade. Some of its resorts have an adults-only policy, with special services for honeymooners, couples looking for a romantic vacation, and groups of friends. With the sun shining year-round and temperatures ranging from 26°C to 32°C, the weather in Costa Rica is always good for hitting the beach. Its crystal clear waters are perfect for diving, snorkeling, canoeing or sailing. Great comfort is the hallmark of Papagayo, where paved roads make it easy to get from the airport to the hotels. These in turn have luxurious facilities such as swimming pools, spas and restaurants, always available. Everything is designed for a dream vacation.

Exploring the wonderful terrain of the Guanacaste mountains is made easier by adventure tours that operate in the region and offer round-trip hotel transportation. The main destinations are the Palo Verde National Park and the Guachipelín Canyon, among many other itineraries available. The friendly and highly experienced guides will be in charge of showing travelers the incredible wildlife in the area, especially monkeys and sloths, two species that nature lovers cannot miss. You can also find brightly colored frogs, parrots, lizards and swarms of butterflies fluttering through the leaves. Thrill seekers can go rafting down a wild river, zip line, horseback ride or mountain bike. Regardless of the mode of transportation chosen, which might as well be a comfortable air-conditioned van, wondrous views of volcanoes, waterfalls, and jungles spread out as tourists pass through the interior parks and protected areas of the Guanacaste province.