In preparation for her Costa Rica vacation, Kathleen eagerly read through travel guides for Costa Rica facts and information. She came up with this general description: “Costa Rica is the picture perfect vacation for nature lovers, surfers, and adventurers. Situated between the Caribbean and the Pacific Oceans, Costa Rica offers nearly 800 miles of a coastline peppered with funky beach towns, infamous surf spots, and natural reserves.”

Kathleen and Katy, two friends eager to start their Costa Rica travel adventure.

Among the many fabulous Costa Rica travel destinations, Puerto Viejo, on the Caribbean coast of Costa Rica, is the perfect embodiment of these characteristics. In her research, Kathleen found that Puerto Viejo and the surrounding villages remained relatively isolated from San Jose and the more developed parts of Costa Rica until the late 1970s, “without electricity or connecting roads.” This allowed for the development of a unique Afro-Caribbean community, heavily influenced by Jamaican migrant workers who settled in the region and created “a separate cultural space…free of modern developments and mass tourism.”

The completion of a paved road in the 1980s changed everything: “the secret was unleashed, and Puerto Viejo soon became prime relocation for Europeans, Canadians, and ex-pats looking for a warm spot to settle.”  During her Puerto Viejo travel, Kathleen observed that the diverse populations of locals and foreigners that inhabit the town “have congregated, turning Puerto Viejo into a unique hybrid community mixed by numerous cultures, languages, and foods.”

A typical street and storefront in laidback Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica.

What to see and do in Puerto Viejo

One of Puerto Viejo’s amenities is its excellent coffee, and Kathleen recommends the expat-owned Caribeans Coffee and Chocolate Factory for “the best coffee in town.” She noted that, “It is a quaint setup with ocean view, access to wireless, and a great vibe. With zero stress, seated oceanfront, surrounded by jungle green with an iced coffee in hand, I was starting to get the whole “Pura Vida” thing.”

She also recalls enjoying an excellent mid-day meal at Veronica’s Place: “The restaurant offers anything from coconut rice and beans to banana ice cream, and is a must go in Puerto Viejo. There are number of places for you to sample the Caribbean’s tasty take on the basic plate of “Gallo Pinto,” but Mi Sam is notably the best.”

Opportunities for excursions in the bountiful nature of Caribbean Costa Rica are virtually endless. These include: canopy walks, waterfalls, hiking, dolphin-watching, turtle-sighting, biking through fishing villages, kayaking, white water rafting, sport fishing, and snorkeling the coral reefs in places like Manzanillo, Cahuita National Park, and Puerto Vargas.

Kathleen recounts an anecdote from one of her Costa Rica vacation adventures: “We rented some bikes from a shop next to the hostel and took a ride to Punta Uva, a picturesque point with an impressive view of the coast. You can rent bikes at a number of places for a couple bucks, and they will gladly point you in the right direction. Along the way, we ventured through some jungle paths that led to hidden, turquoise-colored waters and white sand beaches, which seemed all too beautifully cliché to be real.”

Locals enjoying the beautiful Puerto Viejo beaches.

The biking adventure was complicated by “a pretty outrageous rainstorm,” a 3-hour session of pounding rain, typical in Costa Rica. “As the rains calmed, we caught a local soccer game on the side of the road. The field was in pretty poor condition, especially after the rains, but the kids and onlookers could not have cared less. As I stood watching, slightly irritated about the soak from the rainstorm, I was overwhelmed by the look of fun on the kids’ faces. It lightened my mood instantly, and officially set the tone for the rest of my travel: Pura Vida.”

The Puerto Viejo nightlife is another not-to-be-missed element of this Caribbean coast town: “For the last evening, we made our way to the strip of beachfront bars that double as makeshift discos by night.” Kathleen describes the crowd as “a mix of tough-pouring bartenders, locals, short-term travelers, and the ex-pats who now call Puerto Viejo home. To say the least, it was a perfectly wild last night filled by eclectic faces, funky beats, and a healthy dose of rum.”

After a week, Kathleen and her friends moved on to continue their Costa Rica vacation on the Pacific Coast, but Puerto Viejo left a lasting impression: “Between the picturesque beaches, funky coffee shops, hysterically fun nightlife, and fascinating hybrid community surrounding it, Puerto Viejo is a truly unique coastal town. Mixed by a rich cultural history with modern hippy-dippy twists, Puerto Viejo provides all its visitors a raw introduction to the effortless beauty of Caribbean Costa Rica.”

Puerto Viejo truly captures the effortless beauty of Costa Rica's beaches.

For more Costa Rica travel ideas, browse our Costa Rica For Less website and contact one of our expert travel advisors to start planning your own dream Costa Rica vacation.

Costa Rica is a destination like no other, from beaches and lush jungle, to volcanoes Costa Rica provides a plethora of landscapes. This little piece of paradise offers travelers the opportunity for any type of vacation – whether relaxing on  the beach to indulging in one of the many adventure activities, Costa Rica is a great destination for any traveler.

Riad is always up for an adventure, and Costa Rica provided him the perfect place to fulfill all his thrill seeking desires. From riding ATVs through Costa Rica’s diverse landscapes to bungee jumping, Riad has done it all. The adventures of our operations manager, from calm to crazy, can be found in this Costa Rica travel tale.

 Horseback riding

Riad horseback riding through Costa Rica.

A perfect way to view the scenery at any age, horseback riding was just one of the activities on Riad’s vacation. Being able to go on a group tour to one of the regions many waterfalls, Riad recommends a horseback riding tour for families, or people who want a peaceful outdoor activity.  He explained that this is definitely a calm activity, the horses are really well trained, having traveled this path many times, and it is a fun way to experience the natural beauty of the area.

Four Wheeling: 

Riad hit the road on an ATV adventure in Costa Rica.

Another way to explore, and one of Riad’s favorite activities, was the ATV tour. A guide led his group through Costa Rica’s many terrains, including beaches, jungles, and mountains. One of his favorite memories from his trip was during the tour; “We were ATV riding, and we had the ocean to our right and this lush valley to our left. We are looking down on this waterfall, and the mist is slowly rising, and it truly felt like we were in an Amazon movie, it was incredible.” Riad highly suggests this if you like a little bit of adventure and want to explore Costa Rica in a unique way.

Zip-Lining:

The zip-lining tour took Riad above the tree tops of the Costa Rica jungle.

Flying above the treetops of the lush forests of Costa Rica, on a zip line tour, was another fond memory from Riad’s adventure vacation. Though the zip line tour wasn’t too crazy, at least for Riad’s tastes, he says it is a great way to get a view above the forests, while getting a little bit of a rush. For those who aren’t as seasoned in adventure activities, zip lining is a great way to add some thrill to your Costa Rica vacation.

Whitewater Rafting:

The group hitting the rapids on an exciting whitewater rafting tour.

An up close and personal experience in nature, whitewater rafting was one of Riad’s more adrenaline pumping activities. From Class II to IV rapids, beginners to experts alike can indulge in whitewater rafting, sure to get the heart racing. Riad had a great time on his tour; he was able to see a wide variety of fauna, birds, snakes, and even a few monkeys. The highlight of his rafting tour was when his group stopped and he and a few of his fellow raft mates climbed the rocks and jumped into the river; with the permission of his guide, of course.

Bungee Jumping:

Riad took the leap into the Costa Rica wilderness on his bungee jumping adventure!

Riad took his adventure trip to the next level by signing up to bungee jump, as the only male in the group of jumpers, Riad couldn’t back out. He watched all the women jump, and was the final one to take the leap. Riad gave us the play by play, “I stepped to the edge and looked over and knew I couldn’t back out, so I just took the leap, and did a superman dive off the platform.” He laughs as he offers some sage advice to those thinking about trying something so crazy, “don’t look down.” For Riad it was the ultimate adrenaline rush, and he definitely recommends it to travelers seeking a truly crazy and one of a kind experience.

If you are looking for an outdoor adventure of any kind, take some of Riad’s tips and mix in a little (or a lot) of adventure into your Costa Rica vacation; find many adventure activities in San Jose or on the coast in Jaco. The perfect destination for any traveler, check out more ideas of what to do on your Costa Rica vacation, and start planning today!

Located a mere 450 miles (725 km) from the southern tip of the world, Eolo Lodge is a drop of refinement clinging to the wild, rugged steppe of Argentina’s Patagonia. The 17 room estancia-style lodge is fitted with a whitewashed exterior that matches the distant ice capped peaks, but blazes defiantly against the 9,885 acres (4,000 hectares) of burnished La Anita Valley landscape. Large windows offer astonishing views of the desolate landscape, but to truly appreciate the sweeping isolation, hop on a horse, gallop across the void and experience a real Patagonia travel adventure.

Argentina, El Calafate: Eolo

2. Peru, Puno: Casa Andina Isla Suasi

Isla Suasi, a private island ringed by the pristine waters of Lake Titicaca, tempts visitors with its stunning scenery, lulling isolation, and five star eco-resort. Casa Andina Private Collection Isla Suasi, the only accommodation on this serene island, is an indulgent treat of rustic luxury, outdoor adventure, and culinary delight. Its 24 rooms contain cloud-like beds, wood burning fireplaces, and panoramic lake views. Cozy up under the covers, meanderer the cobblestone courtyards, or explore the rugged island outskirts; wherever you go, the view will follow. Explore this spectacular region in style on your Lake Titicaca tour.

Peru, Puno: Casa Andina Isla Suasi

3. Chile, San Pedro de Atacama: Alto Atacama Desert Lodge

The Atacama Desert is the driest place on earth, but don’t let that stop you from visiting Alto Atacama Desert Lodge, because its barren, rain-deprived landscape is one of the most stunning and humbling places in the world. The Lodge is so skillfully designed that it seems to merge with the rust-colored Salt Mountain Range, concealing the hotel’s interior modern luxury.

Chile, San Pedro de Atacama: Alto Atacama Lodge

4. Ecuador, Baños: Luna Runtun

No place is better for soaking up the scenery in Baños, Ecuador, than Hotel Luna Runtun. The picturesque mountaintop cottage complex faces the mighty Tungurahua Volcano and the verdant Llanganates National Park. Lavish pools and spas carved into the cliff overlook the town below, creating the elevated aura of a Mount Olympus playground with Greek god guests lounging in luxury. Enhance your Ecuador vacation with a stay at this excellent hotel.

Ecuador, Baños: Luna Runtun

5. Brazil, Ilha Grande: Pousada Naturalia

Surrounded by lush rainforest and lapping azul waters, a stay at Pousada Naturalia Hotel is like accepting a hug from Mother Nature. Bask on your balcony or lounge in your hammock and remind yourself that the tranquil island’s scenery isn’t a postcard, it’s real.

Brazil, Ilha Grande: Pousada Naturalia

6. Peru, Machu Picchu: Sanctuary Lodge

Machu Picchu. Need we say more? One of the 7 New Wonders of the World, Machu Picchu is the most spectacular historical destination in South America. Secluded and separated from modern development by a laborious trek and imposing mountain peaks, the site remains as impressive now as it was decades ago. Only one hotel, the Machu Picchu Sanctuary Lodge, neighbors the citadel. Several rooms have mountain views and show a sliver of the site, but the real attraction is the ability to linger at the ruins before, and long after, everyone else is gone.

Peru, Machu Picchu: Sanctuary Lodge

7. Costa Rica, Arenal: Arenal Observatory Lodge

Experience a bedroom eruption like none other at Arenal Observatory Lodge, one of the most luxurious Arenal hotels. Here guests can lounge in bed and admire the active Arenal Volcano, just two miles from the hotel, as it seeps glowing lava and puffs black smoke.  Now that’s hot.

Costa Rica, Arenal: Arenal Observatory Lodge

8. Peru, Puno: Libertador Lake Titicaca

Watch the sun creep over the horizon and crawl across the calm waters of the highest navigable lake in the world, turning the already vibrantly-colored waters into a sparkling sapphire sea. Hotel Libertador rests on the shore of Isla Esteves on Lake Titicaca. Its 123 rooms are all luxurious with elegant décor, but no man-made design can compare to the natural display flaunted just outside the panoramic windows.

Peru, Puno: Libertador Lake Titicaca

9. Argentina, Iguazú Falls: Sheraton

Guests at the Sheraton Iguazú Resort can marvel at the mighty Iguazú Falls, hear its roaring torrent, and almost taste the spray, all without leaving their room. Tucked inside the Iguazú National Park, this large and luxurious hotel is only a mile from the waterfalls and walking distance from all of the park’s exciting attractions.

Argentina, Iguazú Falls: Sheraton

10. Peru, Colca Canyon: Colca Lodge

At Colca Lodge, a glance out your window is a time machine back to ancient times. Situated in a river valley ringed by pre-Inca agricultural terraces, this luxurious nature-inspired lodge is an ideal place to experience an exciting Colca Canyon tour. Relax in natural hot springs and admire how the hotel’s adobe walls, thatched roofs, and stone pathways harmonize with the agrarian landscape.

Peru, Colca Canyon: Colca Lodge

For help planning a Latin America vacation to one of these spectacular locations, contact a Latin America For Less travel advisor.

Costa Rica is often considered one of the most environmentally friendly countries, with more than 27% of its land protected by wildlife refuges, biological reserves, and national parks. Costa Rica is smaller than West Virginia, but offers a surprisingly diverse range of ecosystems and activities. Coral-lined beaches, active volcanoes, and cloud forests characterize this beautiful country which surfers, nature enthusiasts, and adventure addicts alike can enjoy on a Costa Rica vacation.

Green vegetation surrounds this picturesque stream in Monteverde

While this tiny nation draws over 1.5 million visitors every year, no efforts are spared to protect nature and its wonders. The number one destination offering eco-friendly travel opportunities, Monteverde, is located in the northern region of the Puntarenas province in the Cordillera de Tilarán. Monteverde, or “Green Mountain”, is home to the famous Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve.

Monteverde’s settlement dates back to the 1930s when a few “Tico” – Costa Ricans’ nickname – families left the gold-mining settlement of Juntas, and headed up the mountain to try their hand at logging and farming. In 1949, four Quakers were jailed in Alabama for their refusal to be drafted into the Korean War. They were eventually released from prison, but in response 44 Quakers from 11 families left the United States for greener grass – namely Monteverde. The Quakers adopted a simple life of dairy farming and cheese production in the cool mountain climate. Monteverde remains a Quaker dairy farming community which produces some of the finest cheeses in Costa Rica. Don’t leave without sampling some of their tasty treats!  In appreciation of watershed above the 1500-hectacre plot in Monteverde, the Quaker community agreed to preserve the mountaintop rainforests.

When ecologists investigated the preserve, they discovered that the cloud forests were actually two different ecosystems that straddled both sides of the Continental Divide. As a result of the temperature differential between the Santa Elena and Monteverde Reserves, each of the ecosystems boasts several distinct species.  In 1983, National Geographic featured an article stating the area as the best place to view Central America’s famous quetzal bird. Quakers were shocked when hordes of tourists arrived, and in response, lobbied to stop developers from paving the roads. As of today only dirt roads lead to Monteverde, while the local community continues to fight against the threat of overdevelopment.

Monteverde is a 4-hour journey from Costa Rica’s capital, San Jose. The best time to go depends on your personal interests. Consider visiting this lush area during Monteverde Music Festival, between January and February. The best time for bird watching is February through May when flocks of birds migrate and nest in the area. Prices may be lower during May to November, as it is rainy season and hiking opportunities are lessened.

Cleverly placed bird feeders on our Hummingbird Tour give you a chance to observe them in action

Many travelers come to the reserve to see big mammals living in the wild, such as jaguars, ocelots, and tapirs. These sights are fairly rare; however you are bound to see other captivating plants and animals. Monkeys, sloths, and birds will whisk by overhead, while you may have to look more carefully for miniature orchids which are no more than a millimeter or two across and can be found along hiking trails in the reserve. Another way to experience the local flora and fauna is on a skywalk or rappelling canopy tour.

From organic farming to alternative energy sources, Monteverde works hard to balance environmentally conscious thinking with tourism. You don’t have to be a Quaker or an environmental biologist to appreciate one of the few places left on the planet where the human footprint is kept to a minimum.

To plan an eco-friendly vacation in beautiful Costa Rica contact one of our expert travel advisors who can help customize your travel plans.

The striking Rio Celeste Waterfall. Photo courtesy of Hortense Soulier.

If you want to get away from the crowds, you should make a small detour to the Tenorio Volcano National Park, located in the northwestern part of the country not far from La Fortuna. This often-forgotten park is a true oasis of nature, and holds astonishing sights that will leave you speechless.

Perhaps the most spectacular of these natural wonders is Rio Celeste, a river situated in the heart of the Tenorio National Park, and one of Costa Rica’s prime secret spots. In the past, travelers tended to bypass the park because of its remote location and the previous lack of adequate public transportation. More often than not travel guides didn’t even mention the location which also contributed to its lack of popularity.

Even today there is only one way to reach Rio Celeste and that is from the Rio Celeste Lodge. This small, unattractive construction lost in the rainforest, with its rustic rooms, can hardly be called a lodge. However, if you are ready to leave comfort aside for one night, you will not regret it. With better access and more travelers visiting, the lodge is progressively improving its infrastructure. The lodge’s charming owner will invite you to join his family for a typical local dinner before you head out on your hike to Rio Celeste the next morning.

Rio Celeste is known for its magnificent turquoise color, almost artificial looking, which comes from a natural blend of water and various minerals from the ground (for the chemists out there, the mix comes from sulfur from the volcanic activity and calcium carbonate). This otherwise ordinary river suddenly turns into a magical light blue stream before precipitating into a striking waterfall.

A trek to Rio Celeste involves a pleasant, yet somewhat challenging hike through the cool rainforest of the Tenorio Volcano National Park. The four-hour hike to and from the Rio Celeste Waterfall is sprinkled with astonishing views. Admire the blue lagoon, a natural pool filled with turquoise water, and los Tenideros, where the water suddenly takes on a striking sky-blue color, and any number of natural hot springs located along the banks of the rivers.

The beautiful Laguna Azul. Photo courtesy of Hortense Soulier.

The trail then stumbles onto the great Rio Celeste Waterfall, one of the most beautiful sights in all of Costa Rica. Descend the steep stairs that take you to the bottom of the waterfall, and just take in the enchanting beauty of the scene for a while before getting back onto the trail.

Legend has it that when the world’s creator painted the skies, he dipped his paint brush into the river, giving it its striking light blue hue. Biologists still haven’t been able to determine the effects of the combination of minerals, so it is recommended not to swim in these waters, although some do at their own risk. You can take a swim a little further away where the water regains its clarity, and enjoy a relaxing dip in the hot springs.

The amazing sceneries of Rio Celeste are definitely a must-see for travelers to Costa Rica, and are certainly worth the little extra effort. This is truly one of the most magical places in the country, if not in the world. Don’t miss out on one of nature’s amazing wonders while it is still a relatively unknown tourist attraction.

For more Costa Rica travel opportunities and information, contact a Costa Rica For Less travel advisor.

The best time to hit the water is during the rainy season, from late August to November. At this time of year, the rivers are swollen and fast flowing, offering a bigger variety of options for all levels.

White water rafting on the Pacuare River, Costa Rica

One of Costa Rica’s most popular rafting spots is the Pacuare River, widely recognized as one of the top rafting rivers in the world thanks to a perfect combination of jaw-droppingly beautiful natural scenery and fast-flowing waters.

The waters are warm, the cascades are stunning and the river meanders through the dense tropical Costa Rican rainforest, surrounded by a huge diversity of wildlife. The river is generally Class III to IV, which means unpredictable waves, narrow waterways and long patches of white water, getting wet out here is a certainty!

Exploring the Pacuare River is all the more enjoyable on rafting trips departing from the Rio Tropicales Lodge, who has partnered with Costa Rica For Less to offer an adventurer’s dream trip; rafting down whitewater rapids, zip lining through the tree tops, and exploring deep into the jungle to get up close and personal with the rainforest’s countless inhabitants.

The lodge, built from ecologically sourced local materials, is set amid a large reserve of tropical gardens and untouched jungle, complete with swaying hammocks and viewing platforms from which the local colony of toucans can be spotted. A vast network of trails are perfect for exploring, while a series of freshwater pools stemming from the Pacuare River itself allow blissful and relaxing bathing.

Costa Rica For Less’ exclusive Rafting Odyssey travel deal allows visitors to arrive at this splendid lodge by raft, spend two full days exploring the rainforest reserve before leaving for another full day on the water. Visit the Costa Rica For Less site for more information.

Celebrated on 15 September, Independence Day is a major national event with parades and fiestas that can provide lifelong memories of any Costa Rica vacations that happen to coincide with this important day.

Old traditions on show, Costa Rica

Costa Rica achieved its independence along with the rest of Central America, as part of the Federal Republic of Central America, governed by Guatemala. The new republic proved to be fragile, ungovernable and short-lived and Costa Rica soon decided to go it alone.

For holiday makers planning a trip to Costa Rica, timing your vacation to match up with Independence Day is sure to give a fascinating perspective on this fun-loving nation in their most jubilant hour.

Celebrations occur up and down the entire country and can last for an entire week. The highlight is the arrival of the Freedom Torch which is delivered on relay from Nicaragua on its route right across Central America.

The night before Independence Day is marked with a series of lantern parades, marking the moment that news of independence arrived in the country.

On the big day itself, every town and village hosts its own parade, with participants in traditional dress and marching bands playing national songs which culminate in the national anthem.

Traditional food – especially the national dish of gallo pinto, a colorful concoction of rice and beans – takes pride of place, along with other national symbols such as the colorfully decorated oxcarts that epitomize the country’s agricultural heritage.

In typical Tico spirit, parades are peaceful and family-orientated events that involve elderly and young Costa Ricans as much as the adult party-goers.

Downtown San Jose is host to the country’s biggest parade, while other popular Costa Rica travel destinations all host their own local parties, including the small town of Santa Elena near the Monteverde cloud forest and the old capital city of Cartago.

How To Celebrate Independence Day During A Costa Rica Vacation

Independence Day is a great time to visit Costa Rica, when you’ll be sure to catch one of the best fiestas in the annual calendar. To have the best fun visitors should bear the following points in mind:

- Independence Day is a national holiday and most services will be closed for the day. This includes banks, money changers and certain stores, although restaurants should remain open. Don’t be caught out without any cash, and make sure you’ve changed enough money the previous day.

- Most Costa Rica hotels will become booked up well in advance of the holiday, so plan ahead and make your reservations early.

- Local parades are held on and around the central plaza of any town, but in San Jose head for Avenida Central, where most of the action occurs.

- Parades and fiestas are invariably peaceful and safe, but as with a large crowd in any country, beware of pickpockets and keep your valuables concealed.

One of several hundred species of birds that thrive in Costa Rica's national parks

And thankfully, given the country’s diminutive size, this natural richness is easily accessible to visitors while enjoying their Costa Rica vacations.

But with almost 30% of the country designated as environmentally protected land, the only dilemma is in trying to figure out which of the 35 national parks you should squeeze in to one Costa Rica vacation.

Choosing between Costa Rica’s numerous national parks is no easy task but the following profiles, based on first-hand Costa Rica travel experience, should help.

Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve

This dense blanket of mountain-side cloud forest is over 10,000 hectares in size and is among the most popular of Costa Rica’s protected areas thanks to its ethereal, mysterious atmosphere, stunning mountaintop views, and a vast collection of exotic, but often elusive, wildlife.

Sunset over the stunning Monteverde cloud forest, Costa Rica

The Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve is owned and maintained by a private, non-profit organization, the Tropical Research Center. There are over 10km of trails through the reserve with marked routes of varying lengths. The trails are well maintained and access is easy for all visitors, but paths can get muddy year round so bring sturdy boots.

A popular bird-watching destination, the reserve is home to hundreds of bird species. Monteverde cloud forest is particularly well known for its most glamorous inhabitant, the resplendent quetzal, although sightings of this shy bird are fairly uncommon. Other mammalian locals include sloths, howler monkeys and the guinea-pig like agouti.

The nearby town of Santa Elena is a quaint settlement with enough hotels and restaurants to cater for the area’s popularity, but as with all Costa Rica hotels, consider booking ahead to ensure availability.

Hiring a guide is highly recommended, to help spot some of the wildlife hiding above your head in the trees. Monteverde tours are available and can be booked in advance through a provider of Costa Rica vacation packages.

Entrance fee: $16. Information office opening hours: 7am-4pm.

Insider’s Tip:

Monteverde cloud forest is a justifiably popular stop on a Costa Rica vacation, the only drawback being the number of visitors the reserve attracts on a daily basis. For a much quieter experience with a higher chance of spotting some of the area’s timid wildlife, try the neighboring Santa Elena reserve too.

Corcovado National Park

For visitors looking for a much more secluded spot during their Costa Rica travels, the Corcovado National Park, at the country’s far-southern tip on the remote Osa Peninsula, is the idea destination.

This is the most isolated of Costa Rica’s national parks; arriving here usually requires an internal flight followed by a boat transfer. But your perseverance will be handsomely rewarded: Corcovado is home to over 40,000 hectares of protected land which include no less than thirteen separate ecosystems.

This national park is a true natural gem, the only major lowland tropical forest left in the world, it is home to a bewildering number of species including jaguars, pumas, tapirs, crocodiles, giant anteaters, sloths and numerous species of monkey.

In total, Corcovado is a refuge for around 500 species of tree, 400 types of bird, 140 separate species of mammal, and over 100 types of reptiles and amphibians. Furthermore, thanks to the region’s under visited tranquility, the chance of actually seeing some of these creatures is much higher than elsewhere.

Getting to the peninsula, arranging accommodation in the national park and finding a reliable and professional guide can be a tricky business, so it is recommended to book one of the Corcovado tours on offer from reputable Costa Rica tours operators.

Insider’s Tip:

Having made the journey to this distant corner of Costa Rica, it makes sense to stay for at least four days and see as much of the Osa Peninsula as you can. Another nearby gem is the Caño Island Biological Reserve, a short boat journey across Drake’s Bay. This beautiful island is popular for snorkeling and scuba trips and can be visited as a day excursion from the mainland.

Tortuguero National Park

From one extreme to another, Tortuguero National Park is almost as isolated as Corcovado, but lies several hundred kilometers away on the far northern side of Costa Rica’s Caribbean coast.

One of many inhabitants in Tortuguero National Park, Costa Rica

This 32,000 hectare park is home to some unusual geography, not quite ocean and not quite dry land, the semi-marine environment is made up of interconnected lagoons, rivers and manmade canals, plus thick mangrove swamps, marshes and sandy beaches, all of which provide an ideal home to a huge concentration of exotic wildlife.

Perhaps the area’s most famous inhabitants are the female green sea turtles who return to the sands on which they were born to lay their eggs before heading back out to the ocean. This event is a major attraction and it is possible to visit the beaches and witness the culmination of the turtles’ epic annual voyage.

Aside from turtle watching, Tortuguero’s waterways are ideal for guided boat trips to spot some of the region’s other wildlife, including spider monkeys, capuchins, sloths and manatees, plus huge numbers of bird species.

Most visitors choose to stay within the national park itself in a jungle-style lodge, although it is possible to stay in a hotel in the nearby Tortuguero village, from where you can take excursions into the park.

As with Corcovado, Tortuguero National Park is remote and fairly inaccessible. Although it is possible to get here on your own steam, Tortuguero tour packages are a convenient way to visit the area and will also guarantee the quality of your lodge and guide.

Insider’s Tip:

If you want to make your own way to Tortuguero, give yourself plenty of time to get there and back as the journey involves a road journey from San Jose to Caño Blanco via Siquirres, followed by a boat ride to Tortuguero village, which can take up the best part of a day.

Cahuita National Park

Heading further south down Costa Rica’s Caribbean coast eventually brings you to a much more accessible stretch of the country, a place where the Caribbean influence remains strong, especially in the vibrant town of Puerto Viejo.

The nearby village of Cahuita, although much sleepier than its vivacious neighbor, is home to a small but attractive reserve, Cahuita National Park.

The long, narrow park runs along the coast south of Cahuita and is characterized by its thick, tropical vegetation, with coconut palms swinging directly out over the white sands and blue waters of the Caribbean coast.

Scores of crabs scuttle across the narrow stretch of sand and further inland the trees are home to sloths and howler monkeys alongside ibises and herons. Particular favorites are the bold capuchins who happily approach their visitors, pose for photos and try to make off with the occasional snack from unguarded picnics. Remember, feeding the animals is strictly forbidden as it can upset the delicate balance of this fragile ecosystem.

Insider’s Tip:

This is one of the most accessible national parks in Costa Rica and makes for a pleasant day’s hike from the town of Cahuita. The secluded beaches are inviting and the waters are warm, but beware of the dangerous riptides and only swim in marked areas. Snorkeling the reef is a popular activity but access is only allowed with an official guide.

Manuel Antonio National Park

Finally, another of Costa Rica’s smaller and more accessible protected areas, Manuel Antonio National Park is handily situated a few hours from San Jose on Costa Rica’s Pacific Coast near the town of Quepos.

A beach-side paradise at Manuel Antonio National Park, Costa Rica

A beautiful arrangement of tropical forests, secluded beaches and ocean views make this one of the most attractive parks in Costa Rica, although its beauty is also its curse, as the park draws a steady stream of visitors year round, making it one of the busiest national parks in the country.

But all these visitors are here for a reason: Manuel Antonio is a refuge for a huge volume of wildlife and provides a scenic environment for hiking, swimming and exploring along the well maintained trails.

A visit to Manuel Antonio guarantees sightings of the park’s monkey population, and if you’re lucky you’ll also catch a glimpse of the sloths, armadillos, iguanas and snakes, among many others, all of which make their home here.

Manuel Antonio tours operate from the town of Quepos and can be booked in advance or you can hire a private guide at the park.

Insider’s Tip:

Manuel Antonio National Park is perhaps the most visited of all Costa Rica’s national parks so those looking for some serious wildlife watching should probably head elsewhere, or aim to visit away from the peak season from January to March.