Signature Aviation Spring 2025

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TROPICAL ADVENTURES

HOT SPRINGS Costa Rica naturally o ff ers relaxation and rejuvenation through its volcanic-heated hot springs, brimming with mineral-rich thermal waters and surrounded by lush tropical landscapes. These springs, long prized for their therapeutic properties, can be found throughout the country. Many high-end resorts, such as Tabacón Thermal Resort and Spa , are built around them, o ff ering luxurious ways to experience the healing bene fi ts. For a more rustic dip, head to Río Negro Hot Springs near Rincón de la Vieja Volcano (accessible through Hacienda Guachipelín for a small fee), or visit the free, local-favorite stretch of the Tabacón River .

SURFING In the late 1960s and throughout the 1970s, sur fi nggained popularity in Costa Rica among American and European travelers drawn to the country’s Paci fi c coast for its consistent waves and beautiful beaches. Today, Costa Rica is renowned for its surf breaks and reliable year-round swells, making it a top choice for surfers of all levels and one of the safer places to learn. Tamarindo is a lively surf town with numerous surf schools, camps and competitions at Playa Tamarindo, Playa Langosta and Playa Grande. For a more laid-back vibe, Nosara in the Nicoya Peninsula o ff ers easygoing surf schools, local restaurants and boutique lodgings (both perfect for unwinding) at Tierra Magni fi caor Harmony Hotel, after a day on the waves. Further south, Santa Teresa ’s jungle-backed beaches attract everyone from property developers to backpackers and relaxed locals; it’s replete with fresh seafood, charming boutiques and artisan cocktails at Drift Bar. Neighboring MalPaís remains more under the radar, home to the four-star Casa Chameleon Resort and tranquil stretches of sand like Secret Beach that feel miles away from the crowds. EXPLORE NATIONAL PARKS With 30 national parks and over 100 wildlife refuges, reserves and protected zones in Costa Rica, you simply can’t go wrong wherever you choose, and most hotels can organize expert-led guided trips — recommended for both safety and educational purposes. While here, don’t miss Corcovado National Park , considered one of the most biodiverse places on Earth. There’s rain forest; rare wildlife (jaguars, tapirs and scarlet macaws); waterfalls; and beaches. Tortuguero National Park on the northern Caribbean coast is predominantly famous for its leatherback, green and rare hawksbill sea turtles; it’s sometimes referred to as the ‘Amazon of Costa Rica’ for its dense mangroves, wetlands and tranquil canals. Easily accessible from the capital of San José, Manuel Antonio National Park is one of the country’s most popular parks, where you can see monkeys, sloths and tropical birds. Well-marked trails and wildlife watching, as well as picture-perfect beaches, make this park fantastic. Arenal Volcano National Park is home to the active Arenal Volcano, hot springs, tree frogs, jaguars, lakes and forests. It’s here you can enjoy adventure activities from white water rafting to zip-lining and hiking, as well as nearby local restaurants in the town of La Fortuna. Other ecologically rich protected areas worth a visit include Cahuita National Park with coral reefs and beaches, Poás Volcano National Park to look directly down Poás’ massive crater for a glimpse at the aquamarine acidic lake at the bottom, and Marino Ballena National Park for whale-watching. The Gandoca-Manzanillo Mixed Wildlife Refuge on the southern Caribbean coast is considered the best snorkeling and diving spot, where you can observe sea turtles, dolphins and vibrant colorful fi sh. MONTEVERDE CLOUD FOREST NIGHT WALK This incredible cloud forest (a tropical or subtropical rain forest characterized by seasonal or near-constant cloud cover) is strikingly beautiful. A hike any time of day in Costa Rica’s famous Monteverde Cloud Forest wouldbe enchanting, but for those on a mission to see the most wildlife possible, night walks (which can be arranged through recommendations from your hotel’s concierge) are where you can witness unique nocturnal wildlife, like bats, owls, tarantulas, frogs, bioluminescent organisms, sloths and kinkajous. For your safety, be sure to go with a knowledgeable guide.

COFFEE TOURS Following Costa Rica’s 1821 independence, co ff ee cultivation blossomed, becoming a cornerstone of the country’s economy. Called el grano de oro , or the golden grain, co ff ee fl ourishes here thanks to fertile volcanic soils, high altitudes, cool climates and ample rainfall. Some 50,000 individually owned farms, growing mostly Arabica beans in the Central Highlands and southern mountain ranges, re fl ect co ff ee’s integration into Costa Rican life. Visitors can experience this heritage at Hacienda AltaGracia’s Los Jilgueros experience, as well as at other must-visit spots like Doka Estate, Hacienda Espíritu Santo and the DonJuanCo ff eeTour .

Natureis woven deeply into the fabric ofCosta Rican life, epitomized bythe ubiquitous phrase pura vida ,meaning “pure life”

Right Monteverde Cloud Forest

Above right Celeste River

Photos Victor Grecu/Shutterstock.com, Juhku/Shutterstock.com, Jorge A. Russell/Shutterstock.com