Home to the Costa Rica’s most iconic volcano, Arenal National Park’s surrounding rainforest boasts emerald lagoons, crystal clear rivers, and cascading waterfalls. Above the hot springs, you absorb supreme forest views from one of the area’s many hanging bridges.
At the foot of Arenal, La Fortuna is an idyllic base for exploring the town’s nearby eco-wonderland. Enjoy amazing sights at the Cerro Chato crater lagoons; kayak or paddleboat across Arenal Lake, or even gallop through the cloud forest on horseback. For a thrill-seeking adventure, try your luck on white-knuckle, white-water rapids. When it’s time to kick back and relax, the thermal baths are just a stone’s throw away.
The Cano Negro Wildlife Refuge nestles within marshlands near to the Nicaraguan border. It’s home to some a wealth of wildlife, including white-faced monkeys, the three-toed sloth, and caimans.
The Osa Peninsula offers secluded beaches with an abundant wildlife.Walk with ocelots, tapir, and other exotic creatures along the Osa Trails, where the lengths of largely unspoiled lands lead out to wild beaches. From there, take a boat out to the Golfo Dulce and catch sight of the bottled-nosed and spotted dolphins.
Brimming with exotic birds, Monteverde is a bird watcher’s paradise, and is one of the best places to spot the elusive quetzal bird. The forests birds share their habitat with countless other creatures, from the red-back squirrel monkey, to sloths and iguanas. Rise early to watch the forest come to life during a guided morning walk.
Delving deeper amid the swirling mists, Monteverde offers a myriad activities to ensure the ultimate rainforest retreat. Whether you stroll through Monteverde’s series of suspension bridges, fly through the mists on zip lines, or take the aerial tram amongst the treetops, the rainforest promises many great ways to get close to nature
While the area does bustle with eager explorers, it remains unspoiled. Mantled howler monkeys and kingfishers are among the rich wildlife in Manuel Antonio. And despite its status as Costa Rica’s smallest national park, it’s also the most diverse, with 109 species of mammals and 184 species of birds living amidst the moss-clad trees. Daily activities include horse riding, canopy tours, kayaking and rafting.
The area’s hideaways are perfect for a romantic holidays, or a relaxing break after an extensive rainforest expedition. Making the most of their sublime setting, resorts here are ready to cater to your every whim.
With its bustling boutiques and high-end restaurants, the capital is a cosmopolitan hive of activity. Cafes here are famous for serving the freshest and best-tasting coffee from neighbouring coffee plantations.Culture vultures can enjoy visits to myriad art galleries and museums, including the impressive Natural History Museum. Be sure to pay a visit to the National Theatre, San Jose’s main architectural feat, and Costa Rica’s most treasured building.
For days away from the buzz of city life, head towards the Central Valley. Take your pick of waterfall walks and coffee plantation tours as a great way to absorb Costa Rican culture. Alternatively, find your thrills in white-water rafting through the region’s rushing rivers.
Night time tours of Tortuguero National Park run from July to September, during nesting season. Take the tour to see the endangered breeding turtles digging nests and laying eggs. During the day, explore Tortuguero’s intricate network of waterways by kayak or canoe.