With British Airways beginning flights to San José in April, here are five experiences to help you get to grips with the wild and natural appeal of Costa Rica

Wake up to wildlife
For a relatively small country Costa Rica has more than its fair share of jaw-dropping scenery. The country shelters five per cent of the existing biodiversity in the entire world, and its sprawling rainforests are teeming with wildlife. Traverse the tree top canopies of Monteverde Cloud Forest to catch a glimpse of white-headed capuchins and spider monkeys, or head to the beaches of Tortuguero and see newly hatched turtles as they make their first journey to the ocean. 

Life’s a beach
When you’re done roaming through the dense national parks, head to the coast to relax on the many secluded beaches that Costa Rica has to offer. You have two coastlines to choose from and it’s easy to experience both in the same trip. Enjoy the laid back Caribbean vibes of Puerto Viejo on the Atlantic side, or head to Tamarindo for a livelier scene on the Pacific coast. Whatever the destination, year-round sun means you’ll always find somewhere to relax.

Set sail
Leave the land behind and head out on to the high seas to catch sight of the humpback whales residing just offshore. The sandy bridge that connects the mainland with a rocky islet, near Dominical Beach, is one of the best spots to watch the humpbacks as they pass between North and South America. There are also plenty of dive spots with an abundance of marine life, especially on the Pacific coast. More intrepid divers can opt to take a boat out to the uninhabited Cocos Island where they may come face-to-face with a hammerhead shark.

Surf’s up
Known as one of the best surf destinations in the world, Costa Rica sees heaps of travellers flocking to its shores every year with hopes of catching the perfect wave. Conditions are consistent all year round and the two coastlines offer a wide variety of spots for all skill levels. If surfing isn’t your thing you can rent a kayak and paddle through the waves, or head up into the mountains and enjoy some white water rafting in some of Costa Rica’s roaring hill top rivers.

Feel the heat
Hike up the active Arenal volcano in La Fortuna and explore the surrounding 29,960 acre national park. You’ll discover a rich wildlife, with sloths hanging from trees and many species of birds nesting throughout the forest. Although the volcano hasn’t erupted since 2010, there is a collection of natural hot springs dotted around the perimeter that offer the perfect end to a day of hiking through the tropical forest. 

To see what else Costa Rica has to offer head to visitcostarica.com

Have an opinion on The Club that you’d like to share? Let us know

This article has been tagged Adventure, Destination