After a long week working, there’s nothing better than escaping the routine and enjoying some of the many awe-inspiring sights that our country has to offer.
We took this opportunity to go to the Caribbean, a region of abundant natural beauty, incredible people and a great variety of tourist activities for visitors.
Our journey began nice and early in downtown San José, with us heading towards Route 32.  In just a few minutes, we found ourselves surrounded by virgin rainforest and amazing vistas.

Aryana Azari

Rachel Cavanaugh

Ann Marie Brown

Costa Rica has a reputation for being naturally endowed—and deservedly so. But as stunning as the nation’s cloud forests, volcanoes and river gorges are, there’s more to the country than canopy tours and white-water rafting. In fact, you could craft an amazing trip entirely from the cultural offerings. Here, seven favorites that prove the point:

If you have even a passing interest in travel, Costa Rica is most likely already on your radar. And for so many good reasons, not least of which are that it’s one of the most biodiverse places in the world and one of the most peaceful places on the planet, in more ways than one. It abolished its military in 1949, becoming one of the few sovereign nations without one. When you visit, you’ll find this diversity and peacefulness — combined with the country’s natural beauty — is unlike anywhere else on Earth.

By Tyler McCloskey

You may have heard travelers you know refer to Costa Rica as their little “corner of Eden.” If you’ve been here before, you get it, and if you haven’t, you will. This place is 100% real and as fresh as as it gets — even if you’re a veteran visitor, the next time you cross these borders you’ll meet new people, conquer new adventures, encounter new wildlife, and maybe come back more than a little renewed yourself. Though the list is always growing, check out these 10 surefire ways to elevate your trip to the appropriately christened land of pura vida.

By Tyler McCloskey

WHEN IT COMES to Costa Rica, you’ve probably heard about “pura vida.” You probably know the country’s biodiversity is off the charts, and maybe you even know that they got rid of their army long ago. But beyond this basic info, what do you really know about the land of the Ticos? Grab a cup of your favorite Costa Rican coffee — here are 11 facts that will totally surprise you.

By Andrew Young Deal Expert, New York
With zip lines, curious monkeys, beaches fringed by tropical jungles and sustainable eco-adventure, Costa Rica delivers on its promise of Pura Vida “pure life” – a mantra that’s a way of life here. Bonus: There’s no jet lag (it’s the same time zone as the Midwest) and there are nonstop flights from 15 U.S. cities.

Vlog with Liz Clark

The Quetzal Education and Research Center is located in San Gerardo de Dota, Costa Rica, and acts as a second campus for the Southern Nazarene University. The Center helps students learn about field biology and research, while also promoting biodiversity, sustainability and social responsibility.