In the 2009 Happy Planet Index, a ranking of countries according to how wisely they use the environment, Costa Rica came out number one. It bears out the country’s reputation, developed since the 1990's, for far-sighted conservation and sustainability policies. There is certainly a lot here to protect: unique cloud and rain forests, volcanic hot springs, and gorgeous beaches and coast on the Pacific Ocean and Caribbean Sea. There are also great places to stay, as the government’s emphasis on being green has led to the development of eco-minded luxury hotels near the country’s major natural wonders. Now is the time to consider going, thanks to a slew of Business Class fares from $500 to $900 from cities all around the U.S., and the fact that Costa Rica is just coming into the dry season (December through April).
The Deals
The best ones are the special 7-day advance fares (in table below), with fares starting as low as $490 from Miami. They carry no seasonal restriction, so choose based on schedule, stops, and opportunity to rack up miles. (flights land in San Jose, the capital.) Many non-stops get you to San Jose in time to set out for the first destination on your itinerary, whereas one-stops usually don’t arrive until late, necessitating a stay (the Marriott is the best hotel).
Business Class Fares from Major U.S. Cities to San Jose, Costa Rica for less than $1,000 R/T
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The Destination:
Here are five great spots that could easily make-up a 10-to-14-day trip.
Monteverde and Santa Elena Cloud Forests: The country’s premier destination, a unique eco-system straddling Costa Rica’s Continental Divide. Home of the resplendent quetzal. The canopy tours, which take you across the top of the forest, are a must, as are the zip lines. (Selvatura is the longest, traversing more than two miles of forest.) Hotel to book: El Silencio or Finca Rosa Blanca. Getting there: Hire a car in San Jose.
Osa Peninsula: In the south, this is Costa Rica’s most remote and biologically rich region. The jewel is Corcovado National Park, the largest remaining patch of virgin lowland tropical rainforest in Central America, home to jaguars, crocodiles, and scarlet macaws. Hotel to book: Lapa Rios or Aguila de Osa Inn. Getting there: Fly to Puerto Jiminez. (Costa Rica has two internal airlines, Sansa and Nature Air, both using 12-seaters.)
Arenal Volcano/Tabacón Hot Springs:
The volcano is active and under clear skies with lava flowing, it’s the big attraction. Hotel to book: Tabacón Grand Spa Thermal Resort, situated on natural hot springs. (You can watch the volcano while soaking in them.) Getting there: Fly to Arenal or three-hour drive from San Jose.
Manuel Antonio National Park:Near Manuel Antonio National Park: Near Quepos, on the central Pacific coast and renowned for beaches and monkeys. Hotel to book: Arenas del Mar or Gaia. Getting there: 20-minute flight on Sansa or four-hour drive from San Jose.
Papagayo Peninsula: Rugged coastal landscape, great beaches—the place to relax after you’ve seen the important eco-sites. Hotel to book: Four Seasons Resort Costa Rica. Getting there: Fly to Liberia and have the hotel pick you up.
Punta Islita: On the ocean in Guanacaste and another good place to chill at the end of a trip. Hotel to book: Punta Islita, which overlooks the Pacific. Getting there: Fly to Punta Islita.