First Choice (0871 200 4455; www.firstchoice.co.uk) offers 14 nights’ all-inclusive at the Occidental Allegro Papagayo in Playa Manzanillo, from £919 based on two sharing. The price includes return flight, accommodation and transfers.

Journey Latin America (020 8747 8315; www.journeylatinamerica.co.uk) offers a 10-night luxury tour including visits to Arenal volcano, the cloud forest of Monteverde and four nights at Punta Islita, from £3,584 per person, including flights, b & b, guided excursions and transfers.

GETTING AROUND

Driving is the best option. A standard compact car for a week costs around £140 and can be picked up at several locations. Try Alamo Costa Rica (00506 2242 7733; www.alamocostarica.com) or Europcar (2440 9990; www.europcar.co.cr). Interbus (www.interbusonline.com) is the most reliable bus service and can pick you up at your hotel. A three-hour journey costs around £25.

THE INSIDE TRACK

• Costa Rica’s location between North and South America is a major migratory route and home to six per cent of the world’s known species. That includes 13,000 different plants and trees, 880 birds, including the spectacular and endangered Quetzal, worshipped since the days of the Aztecs, and the most colourful and exotic frogs, butterflies, reptiles and mammals on Earth. There are also 121 volcanoes and 800 miles of shoreline. Binoculars, long trousers and mosquito repellent are essential.

• Canopy tours are popular in Costa Rica, including zip-wiring through the rainforest. A day’s canopy forest tour, including lunch, costs £60 with Carrillo Tours (2656 0689; www.carrillotours.com).

• Or try the Sky Walk across suspended bridges at treetop level (128ft) near Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve (2645 5238; www.skyadventures.travel) for £18.

• Sunset Tours (2479 9800; www.sunsettourcr.com) has a range of different tours. Horse riding starts from £35 and a two-hour guided tour around Arenal volcano costs £30.

• Surfing is popular and possible on many of the Pacific Ocean beaches. A 90-minute private lesson at Coconut Harry’s (2682 0574; www.coconutharrys.com) in Nosara on the Nicoya Peninsula costs £35-£40.

WHAT TO TAKE HOME

Coffee is Costa Rica’s largest export. Look for brands such as Britt in local supermarkets rather than souvenir shops. Cacique Guaro is the national rum, or try horchata, a non-alcoholic cinnamon-flavoured rice drink.

THE BEST HOTELS

Las Heliconias Lodge, £

Set high in the rainforest this eco-lodge is in the foothills of Tenorio Volcano with views of Lake Nicaragua. More than 300 species of birds can be seen on excellent guided walks (00506 2466 8483; www.heliconiaslodge.com; £46 per person per night for half board).

Arenal Paraiso Hotel & Spa Resort ££

Individual cabins with own porch to watch the erupting volcano surrounded by wildlife and lush vegetation. The hotel has its own thermal mineral springs, pool bar, choice of restaurants and marked hiking trails (2479 1100; www.arenalparaiso.com; double cabins from £100 per night).

Hotel Punta Islita, Nicoya Peninsula £££

A small, remote hideaway of 30 palm-thatched rooms, with its own airstrip set on a hilltop overlooking the Pacific. Rooms with a private outdoor Jacuzzi or plunge pool are available (2656 2020; www.hotelpuntaislita.com; double b & b from £296 per night).

THE BEST RESTAURANTS

Restaurante y Marisqueria Leda, Puntarenas £

Located right on the water, this restaurant is popular with the locals. Fresh seafood includes sea bass, gigantic prawns, lobster and fish ceviche Costa Rican style.

From £8-£12 per head (2634 4087; http://restauranteleda.com).

Restaurante Papagayo Seafood, Playas del Coco £

One of three restaurants (the others serve sushi and steak) with a huge selection of fish, which can be cooked in a huge variety of ways. Catch of the day might be sea bass or red snapper, which can be pan-fried, blackened, grilled or served with a choice of sauces. From £6-£10 per head (2670 0298; www.papagayo-seafood.com).

Arenal Paraiso Steak House ££

Superb steaks, sirloin, fillet and other cuts cooked to perfection, with a choice of vegetables, chips or sauces. Vegetarian options are also available. Large, glass-fronted windows offer a magical view of the Arenal volcano. £20 (2479 1100; www.arenalparaiso.com).

DID YOU KNOW?

In 1949 Costa Rica became the first country in the world to decommission its military forces

What to avoid

• Driving offences, such as speeding, talking on the phone and overtaking in the wrong place, all carry fines of up to £350. There are also very few road signs so it’s easy to get lost.

• Getting bitten. Long lightweight trousers are essential as there are many creatures that bite or are poisonous, including a large population of voracious mosquitoes.

• Don’t flaunt expensive items such as jewellery or designer clothing/handbags. The rule of thumb is not to wear anything valuable and don’t leave possessions unattended.

• Get used to 'Tico time’. Costa Ricans are generally 15-20 minutes late.