Costa Rica is arguably the world’s number one ecotourism destination, with an estimated 6% of the world’s plant and animal species.  28% of the country’s landmass is devoted to national parks and reserves and much of the tourist industry has a sustainable ethos– from stunning eco-lodges, environment-friendly tours and schemes that help you off-set the carbon you used to get there.

Even though the country is the size of West Virginia (19.730 sq miles), distances can be troubling, so planning ahead is highly recommended, depending of course of your priorities.  If you don’t know where to go or what to do on your next trip to this amazing country, here’s 5 short ideas to jumpstart your decision:

1. Discover the fountain of youth on the Nicoya Peninsula

The Nicoya Peninsula has the world’s lowest rates of middle-age mortality. Corn and beans are the staples of a diet inherited from the indigenous Chorotega tribe, and nicoyan elders live in a close-knit inter-generational society. Head to the Pacific coast resorts of Manzanillo and Malpais and ask them their secrets.  Since the 1990’s, there has been an influx of 20-something beach bums and surfers, bringing with them shack-style accommodation and hipster bars.

There are plenty of opportunities for snorkeling and scuba diving and the gorgeous beaches at the tip of the peninsula, are backed by Cabo Blanco, the oldest protected area of Costa Rica, with a 4.5 km trail leads through old-growth tropical forest to a white-sand beach.

2. Journey along the Tortuguero Canals

Tortuguero, on the north east coast of Costa Rica, is impossible to reach by car, you can only travel there by boat.  The lack of modern infrastructure means that the region feels wonderfully peaceful and is a haven for an abundance of wildlife.  As you float down the river you can spot manatees, caimans and crocodiles, as well as sloths and a variety of monkeys hiding out in the trees above you.  Tortuguero is also one of the best places in the world to view sea turtles.  The nearby beaches are key nesting sites.

3. Celebrate slothfulness

It’s true that jaguars are slinky and elusive, and the Red Eyed Tree Frog leaves quite an impression.  But the real wildlife superstar of Costa Rica is the sloth.  The country is home to two species: the two-fingered and the three-fingered sloth. Strictly vegetarian, the three-fingered sloth is actually very selective about what it eats.  Research suggests that they eat 96 species of plants but each individual will have five or six of its own personal favorite plants to eat.

The two-fingered sloth is more active than its cousin and generally larger in size.  Contrary to popular belief, they can move quickly when needed and they are incredibly strong swimmers – a good skill to have as it’s not uncommon for sloths to sometimes lose their grip and fall from the rainforest canopy into the rivers below.

4. Get your head out of the clouds in Monteverde

The Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve consists of six ecological zones, 90% of which are virgin forest.  If you are the tree-hugger type, you could combine Monteverde’s rich biodiversity with its high concentration of local biologists and ecologists and you get a heady mix ripe for educational tourism.  Monteverde offers a wide variety of study abroad programs which seek to connect student visitors with local environmental, social and economic challenges as well as the pioneering initiatives seeking to address them.

Looking to brush up your Spanish?  Head to the nearby village of San Luis where the local Spanish language school, CPI, offers fully immersive courses that include staying with local families.

5. Go snorkeling in two different oceans

Caño Island Biological Reserve is one of the best places in Latin America for snorkeling and scuba diving.  In the clear warm waters of the Pacific Coast you can explore this marine reserve, with five platforms of low coral reefs featuring 15 different species of stony coral.  Spot a wide variety of fish and marine mammals, including manta rays, turtles and small white-tipped sharks.  On the boat ride from the mainland, you might even encounter humpback whales and dolphins.

Ultimately, and depending on the length of your trip, Costa Rica offers endless possibilities to make your trip a complete success; now it's just a matter of deciding what to prioritize!

For more information, visit https://www.wanderlustmagazine.com/destination/costa-rica/