CORCOVADO NATIONAL PARK>
Covering a third of the Osa Peninsula, Parque National Corcovado has been described by National Geographic as the 'most biologically intense place on the planet'.
Pristine deserted beaches , coatis, sloths, tapirs, and almost 400 species of birds including the highest concentration of scarlett macaws on earth!
ARENAL VOLCANO>
Dormant until 1968 when it erupted burying the town where Tabacon Hotel now stands and killing 78 people.
Now, weather permitting, it provides a constant firework display.
A popular tour is to view the the lava flows at dusk followed by a visit to Baldi Hot Springs.
CANO NEGRO WILDLIFE RESERVE>
Refugio Nacional Cano Negro is an area of wetlands near the Nicaraguan border. A labryrinth of mangroves leads off the lake and the Rio Frio and provides fantastic wildlife- particularly birds- spotting opportunities.
MANUEL ANTONIO NATIONAL PARK>
Adjacent to the public beach is Parque Nacional Manuel Antonio.
A great place to spot howler monkeys, iguanas, armadillos and afterwards relax on the beautiful Playa Manuel Antonio.
RINCON DE LA VIEJA>
A day trip from the Guanacaste beaches is this active volcano set in 14,000 hectares of national park with hot mud pools, hot thermal springs, wildlife all around you and the highest density of purple orchids, the national flower of Costa Rica.
We recommend the 5km hike to the waterfall and swimming hole Catarata La Cangreja
NICOYA PENINSULA>
Swim in clean warm waters at Playa Hermosa only 30 mins drive from Liberia Airport.
Party on the beach and dive with manta rays off the coast of Playa del Coco.
Get surfing lessons in Tamarindo or learn Spanish on the beach in Samara.
SANTA ELENA RESERVE>
Only 5km NE of the town of Santa Elena, Reserva Santa Elena is less busy than Monteverde Reserve.
Walk any of the four trails- from 1km to 5km- in the morning and you could have the forest to yourself.
REFUGE NACIONAL GANDOCA MANZANILLO>
On the Caribbean coast about 10km south of Puerto Viejo is one of the best National Parks in Costa Rica with mangroves, beaches and dense tropical rainforest.
The wetlands are home to manatee and crocodiles, the sea is home to dolphins, turtles and five different types of coral. The forests are home to hundereds of bird species as well as monkeys and jaguars.
COSTA RICA WATERFALLS>
Our favorite is the waterfall near Miravalles Volcano , known locally as Bagaces Waterfall and its free as is the waterfall in Montezuma.
The La Catarata Waterfall is near the town of La Fortuna is worth the USD7 entrance fee.
