Tortuguero National Park is one of the most visited national parks in Costa Rica, because of its great biodiversity. The park is relatively remote and is only accessible by air and boat, but it is definitely worth the effort! The park is located on the northern coast of the Caribbean coast of Costa Rica, and it is one of the best places in the country to observe turtle nesting. You can discover the wild fauna in the area from a boat, on the many canals that cross the jungle.
The Arenal Volcano is definitely the largest landmark in Costa Rica! It is located in the Central Valley, just 3 hours from San Jose. Arenal Volcano is one of the 10 most active volcanoes in the world, but the last deadly eruption was 1968. You can walk on the solidified lava flows in Arenal Volcano National Park, but the best way to enjoy the beautiful silhouette of the volcano is from the suspension bridges, walks on with zip-line in the surrounding leafy forest
Wild landscapes, made up of white sandy beaches and lush vegetation, home to many monkeys, colorful birds and small mammals. In addition to the strong Afro-Caribbean culture inherited from the workers who came from Jamaica in the early 20th century, this part of the country provides a very unique and relaxed atmosphere that you cannot experience in any other region of Costa Rica! The best way to discover the area is by bicycle, stopping occasionally on one of the many beaches on the coast to enjoy the warm waters of the Caribbean.
Corcovado National Park is a remote environmental reserve in Coast Rica with many hiking trails, deserted beaches, waterfalls, pristine rainforest and lots of wildlife. Corcovado National Park gives the traveler an experience of a lifetime. It is the largest national park in Costa Rica and probably the one you can discover more animals than in any other part of the country. The Corcovado forests are the most lush and showy rainforests in Central America. A guide is of course mandatory to discover the wonders of Corcovado.
The Nicoya Peninsula is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the country and thus one of the most popular tourist destinations! From wonderful nature reserves to seaside resorts, fantastic sunsets, some of the best surfing spots on the Pacific coast to world-class golf courses. For those seeking relaxation on the beach, there are plenty of choices with hundreds of beaches along the coast, such as Tamarindo, Playa Panama, Playa Samara, Mal Pais, Santa Teresa, Montezuma, ect.
On the Pacific coast, only 2:30 pm from San Jose, Manuel Antonio is the most visited national park in Costa Rica. Perhaps it is so popular because of the white sandy beaches bordered by a lush tropical forest that grows all the way to the water line. The park is home to primary and secondary forests, mangroves, lagoons and beach vegetation. The fauna is also a highlight in the area with 109 mammal species, 184 birds, as well as dolphins and migratory whales. Due to the fact that the park is divided between sea and land, it also offers a wide range of activities. You can relax on the beach, go exploring the jungle or do a kayaking in the mangroves all in one day!
Rincón de la Vieja is an active volcano in northwestern Costa Rica. A walk in the national park gives you the opportunity to experience the various geological phenomena created by the volcano. See boiling clay springs, yellow sulfur lakes or spraying steam valves. You can also discover some animals along the way! The area is also home to rivers, forests and plains, which means that a large variety of activities such as rafting, or horseback riding are available.