5 reasons to choose Costa Rica holidays

Latin Routes' own Julia Ross explains her top five reasons to choose Costa Rica Holidays for your next adventure, and why it's such a popular destination.

Five reasons why you should choose Costa Rica for your next holiday

By Julia Ross, Business Development Executive at Latin Routes

Whenever I'm out on the road visiting travel agencies, I always start with the same question: 'What do you know about Latin America?'  

I'm usually greeted with a slightly panicked look... followed quickly by, 'Oh! I know about Costa Rica!'

And it's easy to see why.

As Business Development Executive at Latin Routes, I spend a lot of time talking to agents about what inspires their clients, and Costa Rica holidays are almost always one of the first destinations that comes up. Costa Rica has long been one of Latin America's standout destinations and, after visiting the country myself, it's easy to understand why. With extraordinary biodiversity, straightforward travel, incredible scenery and experiences that suit everyone from families to honeymooners, Costa Rica holidays continue to be one of the easiest recommendations to make.

Here are the five reasons I think this small but spectacular country continues to win people over.

1. Wildlife you can't find anywhere else

Costa Rica is one of the most biodiverse places on the planet, and travellers are almost guaranteed memorable wildlife encounters.

One of the things that struck me most was just how easy it is to experience nature here. You don't need to spend hours searching for wildlife or head deep into remote rainforest. Whether you're exploring a national park, relaxing at your lodge or simply travelling between destinations, nature is never far away.

From sloths and scarlet macaws to sea turtles and howler monkeys, every region has its own highlights. The Pacific Coast is fantastic during the dry season, while the Caribbean Coast comes into its own during September and October, when Tortuguero becomes one of the best places to witness turtle nesting.

For me, that's one of the biggest reasons Costa Rica holidays are so special. Wildlife isn't just something you plan an excursion around – it's woven into the whole experience.

At Latin Routes, we often recommend combining regions such as Tortuguero, Arenal and the Osa Peninsula for clients whose priority is wildlife, as each destination offers something completely different while showcasing the country's incredible biodiversity.

Take a look at our Wildlife in Costa Rica holiday for more ideas.

Julia's tip for agents: If clients say wildlife is top of their wish list, encourage them to spend at least two or three nights in each region. Slowing the pace often leads to the most rewarding encounters.

2. Adventure for every traveller

I'd struggle to name another destination that offers quite so much adventure in such an accessible way.

Whether it's zip lining through cloud forest canopies, crossing hanging bridges high above the rainforest, surfing world-class waves, white-water rafting on the Pacuare River or hiking around the iconic Arenal Volcano, Costa Rica is built for active travellers.

What makes it so appealing is that these experiences aren't just for thrill seekers.

Activities are professionally run, safety standards are excellent and there's something to suit every age and ability. That's why Costa Rica holidays work so well for families, couples, honeymooners and even multi-generational groups where everyone is looking for something a little different.

One thing I loved was how naturally adventure fits into the itinerary. One day you're walking through misty cloud forest, the next you're soaking in hot springs beneath a volcano before finishing the holiday on one of the country's beautiful Pacific beaches.

If you're looking for an itinerary that combines many of these highlights, our Ultimate Costa Rica Adventure holiday is a brilliant introduction and one of our most popular recommendations.

3. A country designed for easy travel

One of Costa Rica's biggest strengths is just how straightforward it is to travel around.

For clients visiting Latin America for the first time, that reassurance makes a huge difference.

Distances are manageable, the tourism infrastructure is excellent and English is widely spoken throughout many visitor areas. Regions such as Monteverde, Arenal and the Pacific Coast connect seamlessly by road, making it easy to create varied itineraries without long travel days or multiple domestic flights.

Take it from me, this was my first destination in Latin America.

Before I travelled, I wasn't quite sure what to expect, but Costa Rica immediately felt welcoming, well organised and incredibly easy to explore. I completely understand why so many people choose it as their introduction to the region.

For agents, that's a real selling point. Costa Rica holidays give clients the opportunity to experience everything they imagine Latin America to be, while travelling at a comfortable pace and with excellent infrastructure throughout.

4. Year-round appeal across multiple regions

One of the things I enjoy most about recommending Costa Rica is that there really is no single 'best' time to visit.

Thanks to the country's varied landscapes and microclimates, there's always somewhere enjoying fantastic conditions.

Between December and April, the Pacific Coast enjoys warm, sunny weather, making it perfect for combining beach time with visits to Arenal and Monteverde.

From May through to November, the landscapes become even greener, waterfalls are at their most spectacular and national parks are often quieter, giving clients a different perspective on the country.

One of my favourite facts to share is that while much of Costa Rica experiences its greener season, the Caribbean Coast enjoys some of its driest weather during September and October. It's also the ideal time to visit Tortuguero for turtle nesting, making it one of the country's most memorable wildlife experiences.

That flexibility is one of the reasons Costa Rica holidays work so well for school holidays, honeymoons, winter sun escapes and tailor-made itineraries throughout the year.

5. Sustainability that's more than a buzzword

Anyone who's visited Costa Rica will tell you that sustainability isn't simply something the country talks about – it's part of everyday life.

Costa Rica has become a global leader in ecotourism, protecting around a quarter of its land through national parks and reserves while championing renewable energy and community-based tourism.

What stood out to me most was how proud local people are of protecting their natural environment. Whether I was chatting to guides, hotel teams or local communities, there was a genuine passion for conservation and for sharing that with visitors.

Travellers increasingly want holidays that align with their values, and Costa Rica holidays make that conversation easy. Clients can enjoy beautiful rainforest lodges, unforgettable wildlife encounters and authentic experiences, knowing they're supporting a destination that genuinely prioritises protecting its landscapes and wildlife.

At Latin Routes, this is something we're equally passionate about through our Conscious Routes Collection, highlighting experiences that benefit local communities while helping to preserve the remarkable places our clients travel to enjoy.

Final thoughts from Julia

Every time I leave an agency visit, I'm reminded why Costa Rica is so often the first destination people mention when they think about Latin America.

It offers extraordinary wildlife, exciting adventures, straightforward travel, genuine sustainability and the flexibility to visit throughout the year. More importantly, it delivers those experiences in a way that feels welcoming and accessible, whether clients are planning their very first trip to Latin America or returning to discover another side of the country.

For me, that's exactly why Costa Rica holidays continue to be one of Latin Routes' most popular recommendations. They offer something for almost every type of traveller, and they're a destination I always feel confident talking about because I know they'll leave clients with memories that last long after they've returned home.

Learn more about Costa Rica Holidays