Costa Rica is small, not quite as big as West Virginia. It’s not a rich country; the per-capital GDP is just $11,500, less than a third of America’s $37,500. But it bills itself as “the happiest country of the world” and not without reason. For two years running, Costa Rica has placed first out of 151 countries in the Happy Planet Index published by Britain’s New Economics Foundation, an organization devoted to global well-being and sustainable living. (At 105th, the U.S. ranked in the bottom third.)
The people’s overriding sense of well-being, high life expectancy, and the country’s devotion to protecting its diverse and unique environment propelled Costa Rica to the top of the happiest country list and have made Costa Rica a popular fall and winter vacation destination with tourists. A Costa Rica vacation offers everything from adrenaline-charged adventure sports to wildlife-viewing treks to romantic getaways.
Sandwiched between two oceans, Costa Rica boasts 12 distinct biodiversity zones that are carefully protected in national parks and wildlife sanctuaries that cover nearly a third of the country. Surfing and zip lines through the rain forest are popular on Costa Rica’s Caribbean coast where daily rains make a refreshing break from the humidity and 80-degree year-round temperatures. Rains are lighter in September and October and February and March, especially along the southern reaches of the country’s Caribbean coast.
The more popular Pacific coast is where you’ll find the best beaches and beautiful Costa Rica vacation rentals. (Check iTrip.net for great values.) The best time to visit is during the dry season from December through April, the perfect time for a winter getaway!