Costa Rica has a little bit of everything: rich biodiversity, breathtaking landscapes, and a blend of cultures that provides a unique experience. Although the country is officially divided into seven provinces (San José, Alajuela, Heredia, Cartago, Guanacaste, Puntarenas, and Limón), geographically it's considered to have six major regions where you can find countless different adventures. This is important to understand, as the success of your visit will largely depend on visiting the right places. Here are the six geographical zones:

1.      Central Region: This is where the capital, San José, is located, as well as the country's main cities such as Alajuela, Heredia, and Cartago.  As the most populated area and the center of most governmental, social, and commercial activity, this region offers a wide variety of shopping centers and restaurants, as well as a great selection of cultural attractions and the best museums in the country.

2.      Central Pacific Region: This coastal area is characterized by its proximity to the capital, making it ideal for a short getaway.  The Central Pacific coast boasts numerous beautiful beaches, wildlife refuges, national parks, and biological reserves.  Also noteworthy is the scenic coastal highway that connects the port area of Puntarenas (Caldera) with the Quepos region, passing through the renowned Jacó beach, a landmark in the area's tourism history.

3.      Chorotega Region (Guanacaste): Although currently known for its beaches and thriving tourism, this region also holds a significant portion of Costa Rica's cultural and natural heritage.  The unparalleled beauty of its landscapes has made Guanacaste one of the most visited areas by tourists, and consequently, one of the areas with the most real estate investment.  Here you can find everything from five-star hotels to simple hostels, as well as significant economic activity in the city of Liberia, home to the country's second busiest airport.

4.      Huetar Norte Region (Northern Zone): With its diverse protected areas, lakes, lagoons, volcanoes, rivers, and waterfalls, the Northern Zone is experiencing a boom in the development of tourism services and adventure sites, allowing nature-loving visitors to enjoy the region's many treasures.  Thanks to frequent rainfall, the Northern Zone boasts lush, evergreen forests and fertile plains, natural environments that serve as sanctuaries for waterfowl, reptiles, and mammals, as well as important sites of interest for wildlife enthusiasts.  The region's rivers (Peñas Blancas, San Carlos, Toro, Puerto Viejo, and Sarapiquí) are important navigation routes, also offer opportunities for adventure activities and nature observation.

5.      Huetar Atlántica Region (Caribbean Zone): This region is perfect for those seeking a different kind of adventure.  To the north, you can experience the turtle nesting areas on the beaches of Tortuguero National Park and Barra del Colorado National Wildlife Refuge, and to the south, the Afro-Caribbean culture of Limón, especially in Cahuita, Puerto Viejo, and Gandoca-Manzanillo.  Life moves at a slower pace in this region, complemented by the local culture, cuisine, and music.  The area is also known for its coral reefs, multicolored sand beaches (black, yellow, and gray), coastal vegetation, and mid-elevation rainforests.

6.      Brunca Region (South Pacific Zone): Unlike Guanacaste and its North American-style development, the South Pacific is ideal for those seeking nature in its most pristine state.  Coastal ecotourism is the main attraction, especially in areas like the Sierpe-Térraba Wetland; The Golfo Dulce Forest Reserve, Marino Ballena National Park, Isla del Caño Biological Reserve, and Corcovado National Park.  And if the beach isn't your thing, perhaps you'd like to venture into the Talamanca Mountain Range, where San Gerardo de Rivas and San Vito de Coto Brus stand out as gateway towns to Cerro Chirripó and the Amistad Park, a World Heritage Site.

For more information visit https://www.visitcostarica.com/planning-your-trip