Costa Rica

This small, peaceful Central American nation has become one of the hottest destinations in Latin America without sacrificing any of its low-key charm. Long a favorite with travelers seeking eco-adventure trips, Costa Rica has expanded its tourism offerings to appeal to families. Lush and verdant, the country’s extensive park system is famous for its flora and fauna (especially for its monkeys), powerful rivers, and hundreds of miles of hiking paths. Spanish is the official language, but English is widely spoken, particularly in the capital city of San José and in other areas that are popular with tourists.

What to do:

Because Costa Rica has two idyllic coastlines - the north one faces the Caribbean Sea and the south one faces the Pacific Ocean - it’s no surprise that watersports such as boating, windsurfing and kayaking are immensely popular here (the Playa Hermosa, on the Pacific side, is a family favorite for its calm, sheltered waters). Both hiking and cycling are major pastimes, too. La Paz Waterfall Gardens is a place to explore Costa Rica’s natural wonders such as hummingbirds, colorful butterflies, tropical vegetation, and - of course - dramatic waterfalls. Even more dramatic is Rincon de la Vieja National Park, which has an active volcano. Children will especially love Manuel Antonio National Park for its lively and always-entertaining monkeys, including the rare squirrel monkeys. The country’s most famous conservation area is the Monteverde Biological Cloud Forest Reserve, which is great for bird-watching, animal sightings, and canopy tours (you can swing from treetop to treetop by cable in some sections, for that Spiderman-like feeling).

Where to Stay:

The Allegro Papagayo (1-800-858-2258) is on Manzanillo Beach, a short drive from the airport, and it’s highly regarded for its Kids Club program and for its wide range of sporty activities (from water basketball to soccer); doubles start at $159. The Hotel Club Del Mar Resort (1-866-978-5669) offers condominium-like accommodations for families to spread out in, as well as play areas for children; doubles start at $165.

For More Information:

Visit www.visitcostarica.com.

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