Canadians Love Vacation Rentals in Costa Rica!

It's no secret – Canadians love Costa Rica. And who can blame them? With its white-sand beaches, acres upon acres of lush, green vegetation, and breathtaking vistas, Costa Rica is home to some of the most awe-inspiring landscapes in the world. But it's not just the weather and the scenery that keeps Canadians coming back – after all, how many Caribbean islands have white-sand beaches? Costa Rica's unique appeal lies in its fusion of weather, landscapes, culture, and, most importantly, its people, who might rival Canadians as some of the friendliest on earth.

Costa Rica is located in Central America, and its beaches enjoy the best of both the Pacific and the Caribbean. With just under 1,300 kilometers of coastline, Costa Rica certainly has no shortage of beaches and coral reefs, but the country is also home to several mountains and volcanoes, including Cerro Cirripo, the highest point in the country and the fifth highest point in Central America, as well as Arenal Volcano in the North, which is becoming increasingly popular among adventure-seekers. So, too, is Guanacaste, which is known for its unspoiled stretches of vegetation and excellent hiking trails, as well as the Osa Peninsula, which is renowned for its rugged-yet-beautiful landscapes set against a pristine coral backdrop.  Of course, beach lovers won't be left out the cold, as the Nicoya Peninsula is home to some of the most spectacular beaches in the world, including the famous Playa Flamingo. In all, Costa Rica boasts no less than 12 ecosystems and 2,000 plant species,  and the weather itself is tropical year round, though December to April is considered summer, while May to November is considered winter. Though the chances for rain are certainly higher in the winter, it should be noted that some travelers actually prefer this season for its more moderate temperatures (as well as for its great deals on vacation rentals!). Given this unique, tropical ecosystem, it is no surprise that the country is a naturists' dream, with plenty of wildlife to amaze even the most jaded traveler. Bird-watchers in particular have flocked (pun unintended) to Costa Rica for its wondrous array of unique species, including ultra-rare macaws and colibris (in fact, the country is home to no less than 800 species of bird).

But of course there's more than birds to spot in Costa Rica, as the country is home to more than 5% of the world's biodiversity, and even hosts unique and endangered species, including the famous Costa Rican spider monkey. On the Caribbean Coast, the best places to spot this wildlife are the Tortuguero National Park and the Barra del Colorado National Wildlife Refuge, while those looking to catch rare fish should go to the Pacific Coast and the town of Jaco.

With all this natural beauty to protect, Costa Rica has become an eco-tourism hotbed. In fact, the country is considered the greenest in the world according to the New Economics Foundation, and has also announced its plan to be the first carbon neutral country by 2021. If there's anything that makes a Canadian happier than a sunny beach and a few margaritas, it's sustainable development, so the partnership between Costa Rica and Canada may just be a match made in (a carbon neutral) heaven. Of course, both Canadians and Costa Ricans (or Ticos, as they're affectionately referred to) know that it takes quality people to create quality sustainability programs. Maybe that's why we hear, time and time again, that the best part of Costa Rica is its people. The country's reputation for education, community, and equality is unparalleled in Central America, and its people are celebrated as being some of the friendliest on earth.

With this amazing ecosystem and admirable reputation for sustainability and friendliness, it's no surprise Costa Rica is a haven for nature enthusiasts. But Costa Rica's culture is another important drawing point, as it is one of the oldest and most respected in Central America. The culture itself has evolved from its Spanish roots, which can be seen all over Costa Rica. The country boasts amazing Cathedrals that would rival those found in Europe, including the Byzantine-style Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de los Ángeles (Church of Our Lady of the Angels), which Catholics routinely make a pilgrimage to for its rich history, as well as the Gothic Iglesia de Coronado, and the marble Catedral de Alajuela. Archeology lovers should be sure to check out Guaynabo, which is 30 miles east of San Jose and home to some of the most amazing discoveries in Central America, including artifacts from native tribes dating back to 1000 BCE. If you're in-land though, you can check out these artifacts at the Museo del Oro Precolumbiano (Pre-Columbian Gold Museum) (506-243-4202 – http://www.museodelbancocentral.org - $6, 9:30 a.m. – 5:30 a.m. daily), which displays a rotating exhibit of jewels and artifacts from the pre-Colonial era.   Finally, music lovers will be sure to enjoy Costa Rica's eclectic mix of Spanish and Island influences, as Costa Rica is a Mecca for salsa, soca, meringue, reggaeton, and Costa Rica's own Costa Rican Swing. The best place to catch a show and enjoy these tunes is at the Teatro National (National Theater) (Avenida 2, calles 3/5 – 506-221-9417 – http://www.teatronacional.go.cr - $3, Mondays to Friday 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., Saturdays 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and 1:30 p.m. to 5 p.m.), which is known for both its stunning architecture and its world-class performances. 

It's also remarkably easy for Canadians to get to Costa Rica as well. TACA (http://www.taca.com) operates three flights per week to San Jose from Toronto, while Air Canada (http://www.aircanada.com) sends four. Air Transat (http://www.airtransat.com) also flies to San Jose once a week from Toronto and Montreal, while Signature Vacation (http://www.signature.ca) also flies to Liberia once a week from Toronto. Once in San Jose, getting around the country is simple, thanks to Costa Rica's reliable bus system or its sophisticated network of short, reasonably-priced flights around the country. The latter option is probably the best, as airlines like SANSA (http://www.flysansa.com) and Nature Air (http://www.natureair.com) offer unlimited flights within the country for a flat fee.  

With so much diversity and so much to offer, it should now be no secret as to why Canadians love Costa Rica so much. After all, Canadians are polite, love nature, care about the environment and love to relax and have a good time, just like Costa Ricans. Throw in some samba music and a world-class Cathedral or two, and you have the makings of a perfect Canadian vacation. So be sure to check out our selection of vacation rentals in Costa Rica now, before they all get booked up by Canadians!

Featured Vacation Rental Properties

Luxurious Apt in the Jewish quarter of Cordova
Cordoba Province, Spain

Starting at $80 per night.

Sleeps 4 people in 1 bedrooms.

Simply breathtaking restored farmhouse
Deaux, France

Starting at $1,500 per week.

Sleeps 9 people in 4 bedrooms.

An Apartment Overlooking The Roof Tops
Genoa (Genova), Italy

Starting at €650 per week.

Sleeps 3 people in 1 bedrooms.

Ground Floor Apartment with Sea Views
San Costanzo, Italy

Starting at €525 per week.

Sleeps 5 people in 2 bedrooms.

2 Bedroom apartment near golf course and beach!
Tavira, Portugal

Starting at €300 per week.

Sleeps 6 people in 2 bedrooms.

Cozy Cottage in the Heart of Provencal Countryside
Pierrevert, France

Starting at €500 per week.

Sleeps 6 people in 2 bedrooms.

Classic Tuscan Villa With Extensive Grounds !
Castel San Niccolo, Italy

Starting at €600 per week.

Sleeps 7 people in 3 bedrooms.

Stunning 2 bedrooms 2 bath downtown Palm Springs
Palm Springs, California

Starting at $175 per night.

Sleeps 6 people in 2 bedrooms.

Welcome to Lovely Chateau Olivia
Delray Beach, Florida

Contact the owner for Rates

Sleeps 12 people in 6 bedrooms.