Destinations

Central America

Nature’s paradise between the continents.

Central America is a captivating region where dense rainforests, dramatic coastlines, and active volcanoes come together to create a paradise for wildlife enthusiasts. From the cloud forests of Costa Rica to the jungles of Panama, Central America offers unique opportunities for exploration and adventure.

Costa Rica, often hailed as the jewel of Central America, is known for its extraordinary biodiversity. A sanctuary for eco-tourism, the country boasts an impressive variety of wildlife, including sloths, toucans, and howler monkeys. The Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve offers mist-covered landscapes and a chance to spot the elusive quetzal, while Manuel Antonio National Park provides stunning coastal wildlife encounters.

Further south, Panama offers an entirely different experience. The dense rainforests of the Darien Gap, one of the world’s most biodiverse regions, are home to rare species like the jaguar, tapir, and harpy eagle. The Bocas del Toro Archipelago, with its Caribbean beaches and vibrant coral reefs, invites travelers to discover marine life including sea turtles and dolphins.

Belize is a paradise of natural wonders, featuring lush rainforests, expansive coral reefs, and pristine beaches. The Belize Barrier Reef, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is teeming with vibrant marine life, including colorful fish, sea turtles, and rays. Inland, the dense jungles are home to jaguars, howler monkeys, tapirs, and hundreds of bird species. Belize’s diverse ecosystems make it a haven for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts alike.

highlights

Costa Rica, a country slightly smaller than the state of West Virginia, boasts an extraordinary range of habitats and wildlife. This tiny nation—just 0.1% of the world’s landmass—holds 5% of the Earth’s biodiversity. With over 25% of its land protected in national parks and reserves, Costa Rica leads the world in conservation efforts.

Costa Rica’s natural beauty ranges from lush Caribbean coastlines, where green sea turtles nest, to the misty cloud forests of the central highlands, home to the rare resplendent quetzal. The Arenal Volcano, with its surrounding rainforests, offers a stunning contrast to the dry tropical forests of Guanacaste. The Pacific coast, with its Osa Peninsula, is a haven for wildlife, including humpback whales and dolphins.

The local “Ticos” (Costa Ricans) have lived in harmony with nature for generations, and their stable democracy and “¡Pura Vida!” lifestyle embody a deep connection to the land. The phrase, which translates to “pure life,” expresses a way of living that celebrates simplicity and happiness—a spirit that can be felt throughout the country.

Best Times to Visit

December to April: for dry weather, and for whale watching.

October to February: for turtle nesting.

travel tips

What to Pack: Pack light clothing, sturdy shoes for exploring, and a rain jacket, especially if traveling to cloud forests or volcano regions.

What to Experience: The Fiesta de la Virgen de los Angeles (August), celebrating Costa Rica’s patron saint, and the Envision Festival (February), a celebration of art, culture, and sustainability.

luxury experiences

Private boat tours for whale watching in the Osa Peninsula.

Guided hike through Monteverde’s cloud forest.

Must-Have Local Food

Gallo pinto, a flavorful dish made with rice, beans, and spices, often served for breakfast.

How to Say "Hello"

Spanish: “¡Hola!” or “Pura vida!” (a greeting or expression of joy).

come back to life

Viva La Pura Vida.

The Verdant Jungle

Costa Rica
10° 14′ 11″ S / 84° 06′ 35″ W

– H. B.

“I have wandered all my life, and I have also traveled; the difference between the two being this, that we wander for distraction, but we travel for fulfillment.”

Travel

40 yrs

Stories

Wildlife adventure at a slightly slower pace.

The three-toed sloth is one of nature’s most curious creatures, perfectly adapted to its slow and deliberate way of life. Spending nearly their entire lives hanging upside down in trees, they move so sluggishly that algae grow on their fur, providing natural camouflage in the dense rainforest. Their slow pace isn’t laziness but an ingenious survival strategy, conserving energy and avoiding detection by predators like jaguars and harpy eagles. Despite their unhurried demeanor, sloths are surprisingly agile swimmers, propelling themselves gracefully through jungle rivers when needed. These gentle, enigmatic animals embody the art of living in harmony with their environment.

Join our life-changing luxury adventures. And return rewilded.

Learn more about our mission, our partners, and the benefits of rewilding and responsible travel.

Trusted Since

1983

On a private safari, adventure comes by the barrel.

See No Evil

Manuel Antonio National Park
09° 23′ 33″ S / 84° 08′ 13″ W