Rare Wonders of the Tropical Dry Forest

Costa Rica is known for its wildlife-rich rainforests, but it’s also home to one of Central America’s largest tropical dry forests, which flourishes across the coastal Guanacaste region. This rare ecosystem of flowering trees and delicate scrublands is undergoing a vibrant renewal following the region’s cattleranching era, and we’ll witness the fruits of conservation firsthand as we delve into untamed parks and refuges that grow wilder with each passing day.

Embrace Guanacaste’s cowboy spirit while riding on horseback beneath towering volcanoes capped by clouds—and the occasional wisp of smoke. Spy species that have adapted to the dry conditions, including some of Costa Rica’s most charismatic tropical creatures: armadillos, white-nosed coatis, and a variety of monkeys. Along the coast, crescents of golden sand and mazelike mangroves meet the sparkling waters of the Pacific, where dolphins, sea turtles, and tropical fish of every color await oceanic explorers.