Discovering Costa Rica

Welcome to our “Discover the Magic of Costa Rica” page.

Enjoy an unforgettable adventure in Costa Rica, a nature lover’s paradise with an array of lush rainforests, stunning beaches, and abundant wildlife.

Costa Rica is renowned for its incredible biodiversity, boasting a wide array of wildlife and bird species. Explore the diverse ecosystems of the country, from the cloud forests of Monteverde to the volcanic landscapes of Arenal. Encounter exotic wildlife, including monkeys, sloths, and colorful birds. Relax on the pristine beaches of Manuel Antonio or Tamarindo, and enjoy water sports like surfing, snorkeling, and diving. Immerse yourself in the rich culture and traditions of Costa Rica, with its friendly people, delicious cuisine, and vibrant festivals.

At Back to the Source Tours, we believe that every traveler has a unique vision of their dream vacation. That’s why we specialize in crafting custom-made itineraries that perfectly align with your desires and interests.

The best time to visit Costa Rica depends on what you want to do and experience. Here’s a breakdown:

Dry Season (December to April):

Pros: Less rainfall, ideal for beach vacations, hiking, and outdoor activities.
Cons: Peak tourist season, higher prices.

Green Season (May to November):

Pros: Fewer crowds, lower prices, lush landscapes, and opportunities to see wildlife.
Cons: More rainfall, especially in June and September.

Choosing the Best Time:

Beach vacations: Dry season (December to April)
Wildlife viewing: Green season (May to November)
Hiking and outdoor activities: Dry season (December to April), but green season can be rewarding too.
Avoid crowds and save money: Green season (May to November)

Here are some of the most notable:

Mammals

Primates: Howler monkeys, spider monkeys, capuchin monkeys, squirrel monkeys, and night monkeys.
Big Cats: Jaguars, pumas, ocelots, and jaguarsundi.
Rodents: Agoutis, pacas, porcupines, and sloths.
Ungulates: White-nosed coatis, tapirs, and peccaries.
Marine Mammals: Dolphins, whales, and sea turtles.

Reptiles and Amphibians

Crocodiles: American crocodiles.
Lizards: Iguanas, basilisks, and chameleons.
Snakes: Rattlesnakes, boa constrictors, and fer-de-lance.
Frogs & Toads: Glass frogs, and red-eyed tree frogs.

Birds

Birds Toucans: Keel-billed toucans, collared aracaris, and emerald toucanets.
Hummingbirds: Anna’s hummingbirds, ruby-throated hummingbirds, and rufous hummingbirds.
Parrots: Scarlet macaws, blue-headed pions, and white-fronted parrots.
Eagles: Harpy eagles, crowned eagles, and eagle owls.
Waterbirds: Herons, egrets, kingfishers, and flamingos.

Insects

Butterflies: Morpho butterflies, blue morpho butterflies, and glasswing butterflies.
Ants: Leaf-cutter ants and army ants.
Beetles: Hercules beetles, scarab beetles, and dung beetles.

Costa Rica ACTIVITIES

Costa Rica offers a diverse range of activities for travelers, catering to various interests and adventure levels. Here are some of the highlights:

Beach Activities

Relaxing on the beach: Enjoy the sun, sand, and surf at popular beaches like Manuel Antonio, Tamarindo, and Jaco.
Swimming and snorkeling: Discover vibrant marine life in crystal-clear waters.
Surfing: Catch waves at world-class surf breaks like Playa Grande and Playa Avellana.
Stand-up paddleboarding (SUP): Explore calm waters and enjoy scenic views.
Kayaking and canoeing: Paddle through tranquil lagoons and mangrove forests.
Scuba diving: Explore underwater ecosystems and encounter diverse marine life.

Adventures

Hiking: Explore lush rainforests, volcanic landscapes, and cloud forests.
Zip-lining: Soar through the treetops on exhilarating zip-line courses.
White-water rafting: Navigate thrilling rapids on rivers like the Pacuare and Sarapiquí.
Horseback riding: Discover scenic trails and enjoy the beauty of nature.
Mountain biking: Pedal through challenging trails and stunning landscapes.
Canopy tours: Explore the rainforest from a suspended platform.
Hot springs: Relax in natural hot springs surrounded by volcanic scenery.

Caves

Caving: Explore underground caverns and discover unique formations.
Tubing: Float through underground rivers and enjoy a refreshing adventure.

Community and Cultural Experiences

Visit local communities: Learn about indigenous cultures and traditions.
Volunteer: Contribute to local projects and make a positive impact.
Learn Spanish: Improve your language skills and connect with locals.
Enjoy local cuisine: Sample delicious dishes made with fresh, local ingredients.
Attend festivals and celebrations: Experience the vibrant culture and traditions of Costa Rica.

Other Activities

Birdwatching: Observe a variety of bird species in their natural habitats.
Whale and dolphin watching: Spot these magnificent creatures in the Pacific Ocean.
Visit a butterfly garden: Marvel at the beauty and diversity of butterflies.
Explore botanical gardens: Discover a variety of plants and flowers.
Visit a chocolate plantation: Learn about the process of making chocolate and sample delicious treats.

Are you a seasoned golfer or a beginner? Mexico offers a variety of golf courses to suit your needs.

Costa Rica has a diverse range of world-class golf courses, each offering a unique experience amidst the country’s stunning natural beauty. From the oceanfront vistas of Hacienda Pinilla to the lush rainforest surroundings of La Iguana,Costa Rica’s golf courses provide a truly unforgettable experience for enthusiasts and casual players alike.

The Golf Course at Hacienda Pinilla offers one of the finest settings and challenges in a country renowned for its golf tradition. Created by acclaimed architect Mike Young, the layout conforms gracefully to the natural flow of the land, weaving through the tropical forest along the shores of the Pacific to provide an unparalleled blue water backdrop.

This par 72 course, which can play up to 7,200 yards, was designed to enhance the natural landscape of Hacienda Pinilla, giving golfers an exceptional and immaculately conditioned place to enjoy a round with family and friends.

Reflecting respect for its natural setting, the Golf Course at Hacienda Pinilla has earned its designation as an Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary for its preservation of ecological balance.

Here you have the extraordinary opportunity to enjoy your game in the natural habitats of Costa Rica, where the surrounding beauty and glimpses of exotic wildlife creates a truly memorable experience.

Our award-winning golf course reflects the highest standards of course design, maintenance, and environmental preservation.

Four Seasons Resort Costa Rica Golf Course: Set on the Papagayo Peninsula, this Arnold Palmer-designed course offers breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean on 14 of its 18 holes.

Ranked among the “Top 100 Courses Outside the United States” by Golf Digest, our 18-hole, par-72, Arnold Palmer-designed course pairs dramatic elevation changes with stunning views of Bahía de Culebra. Play among the chatter of monkeys from the surrounding, emerald-green forests.

Four Seasons Resort Costa Rica Tennis Courts: For tennis enthusiasts, Peninsula Papagayo Club offers three tennis courts and three pickleball courts with clay-like Har-Tru surfaces.

Our tennis program includes drop-in events, weekly clinics, private lessons, rentals and more.

Play in the middle of a tropical paradise in the Reserva Conchal’s 7,021-yard, par-71 championship golf course. Designed for endless hours of fun around nature. The 18-hole golf course. Designed by the legendary Robert Trent Jones II—delivers relaxation and enjoyment for golfers of all levels.

Immerse in the game and behold striking landscapes carefully matched with luxury amenities. Savor the perfect golf getaway.

Reserva Conchal Golf Club has retained its designation as a “Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary” through the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program for Golf Courses, an Audubon International program.

The La Iguana Golf Course features 18 championship holes with a 73.4 course rating, par-72 and slope 145. Playing our exotic 6,698-yard Ted Robinson-designed golf course in Costa Rica would be any golfer’s dream. The naturally challenging layout will please players of all skill levels.

The golf course is richly landscaped in abundance of wildlife and nature. No matter what your current level of play, our state-of-the-art facility and equipment will assist you with achieving your golfing goals.

What activities would you like to experience?

Costa Rica's Most Visited Cities and Nightlife

Costa Rica offers a vibrant nightlife scene, with something to suit every taste. Among the most popular cities for nightlife are San José, Puerto Viejo, Tamarindo, Montezuma, and Manuel Antonio.

San José, the capital city, offers a diverse range of nightlife options, from trendy bars and clubs to live music venues and cultural events. Puerto Viejo, a laid-back beach town, is known for its reggae music, bohemian atmosphere, and vibrant nightlife scene.

Tamarindo, a popular tourist destination, offers a lively nightlife with beach bars, clubs, and live music.Montezuma, a bohemian town, has a relaxed vibe and a growing nightlife scene, with bars, restaurants, and live music venues. Manuel Antonio, a beautiful beach town with a mix of upscale resorts, offers a lively nightlife scene, especially during the peak tourist season.

Costa Rica’s nightlife is characterized by its relaxed atmosphere, friendly locals, and a focus on enjoying the moment. Bars and clubs offer a variety of options, from trendy cocktail bars to lively dance clubs, and many feature live music. Beach parties are also popular in Costa Rica, with events happening regularly throughout the year. These parties typically feature live music, DJs, and plenty of dancing, and offer a relaxed and tropical atmosphere.