Costa Rica is known for its wonderful combination of sunshine, beaches, rainforests and biodiversity.

A land of cloudforests, smouldering volcanoes and rugged beaches, Costa Rica’s natural environment provides a perfect setting for wildlife experiences and adrenaline-fueled activities alike.

Covering an area of only 51,000 square kilometres (19,700 square miles) it’s a small country, yet one of the most biodiverse on earth. Thick forest canopies protect all manner of flora and fauna, from red eyed tree frogs to three-toed sloths, while on the coast turtles come to nest along Costa Rica’s Caribbean and Pacific facing beaches.

Costa Rica has five percent of the world’s biodiversity, across four mountain ranges, 800 miles of coastline, 200 volcanic formations and hundreds of national parks that are easy to get to from the capital, San Jose.

So why not rent a car from Green Motion Costa Rica, and see for yourself!

Discover San Jose

Costa Rica’s capital and largest city, San José is a cultural hub and home to many trendy restaurants, cafes and museums.

Most visitors flock to San José’s downtown which is a great starting point. From here you can watch the street performers in the Culture Plaza (Plaza de la Cultura) or head south to the National Theatre (Teatro Ncional) which is a prominent centre of tico culture.

Rainforest – Osa Peninsular

Get close to nature and spend some time in one of the country’s eco-lodges found throughout Costa Rica, many in lush jungle in the famous Osa Peninsula. Much of the Osa Peninsular is protected by the Corcovado National Park, sheltering rare mammals such as tapirs, anteaters and ocelots, as well as the rare scarlet macaw.

You can also do your part to protect Costa Rica’s beautiful rainforests no matter where you are in the world with Green Motion’s Green Heart campaign in conjunction with FONAFIFO in Costa Rica.

Beach – Caribbean or Pacific coasts

The Pacific Coast has some beautiful beaches with conditions that offer some of the best surfing in this part of the world. Towns such as Nosara are packed with bright driftwood signs pointing to surf shacks and sunset bars.

Costa Rica also has a Caribbean coastline with a cultural mix of Afro Caribbean, Tico (the name Costa Ricans give themselves) and old hippy vibe. Puerto Viejo has recently become a hit with tourists and has stunning white-sand beaches, tropical vegetation and is close to parks including a Sloth sanctuary.

Volcano

Until recently, the Arenal Volcano was the most active volcano in Central America. Although it no longer delivers sporadic eruptions and night-time lava flows, it remains an impressive, almost perfectly conical peak, and is the heart of Arenal National Park.

One of the most thrilling ways to view it is from above the green canopy of the park as you whizz down a zip-line. Other options for exploring Arenal National Park include kayaking, hiking and horse riding.

For more information about car rental in Costa Rica and Green Motion’s Green Heart campaign, visit www.greenmotion.com