What other country offers rainforests, sports fishing, volcanoes, surfing, waterfalls, bungee jumping, Pacific and Caribbean coastlines, casinos, coral reefs, and hot air ballooning just to name a few? It truly is amazing how much this peaceful, tiny country has to offer. About the same size as West Virginia and with a population close to that of Chicago , the opportunities here in Costa Rica are quite honestly, unparalleled!

In an effort to shed some light on the variety of places one can experience and the numerous activities one can enjoy in Costa Rica , we offer you this page. It was generated through countless hours of searching the web and the content is almost entirely borrowed from the many pages we found and thought would be of interest to you. We just want to give you an idea of what this paradise has to offer. For more specifics on any of these places and/or activities, we recommend that you perform your own web search however, we would also be happy to point you in the right direction!

TOP 10 COSTA RICA DESTINATIONS

1. Manuel Antonio National Park
What this park lacks in size, it makes up for in the incredible wealth of attractions found here. Stunning tropical beaches, an amazing array of birds and wildlife, rich dense forestation, easy accessibility and a plethora of things to do, all make this park one of the most popular tourist attractions in the country.

2. Montverde Cloud Forest Reserve
Shrouded in clouds, the stunning Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve has a unique air of mystery to it. A distinctive mountain rainforest where the humidity is usually 100%, Monteverde is home to more than 3000 species of animals and plants.

3. Arenal Volcano & Hot Springs
The most active volcano in Costa Rica , the fiery Arenal is indeed a sight to behold. Visit La Fortuna, a tiny town near the base of the volcano to catch a glimpse of the fireworks on display. While here don't forget to check out the marvelous Hot Springs , a tropical paradise where you can relax both your mind and body.

4. Tamarindo & Playa Langosta
Found along Costa Rica 's ‘Gold Coast' both Tamarindo and Playa Langosta are superb surfing destinations for the serious surfer. Laidback towns with beautiful beaches and plenty of water sports to enjoy, this area makes for a great getaway for some fun in the sun.

5. Drake Bay & Corcovado National Park
Located on the gorgeous Osa Peninsula , the Corcovado National Park has been called one of the most biodiverse places on earth. Together with Drake Bay , this region has become an ecotourism hot spot for those who want to be one with nature.

6. Jaco & Playa Hermosa
Situated along the Central Pacific Coast , Jaco and Playa Hermosa are topnotch surf zones with consistent breaks all year round. Ideal for experts as well as beginners to surf here.' Playa Hermosa is for the expert surfer, and holds an international surfing competition here every year.

7. Rincon de la Vieja Volcano
An eco-adventure haven, the Rincon de la Vieja is an active volcano that is more than a million years old. Sitting inside a national park sharing the same name, this area boasts dramatic sceneries, roaring waterfalls, relaxing hot springs , bubbling mud pits and wonderful picnic areas to enjoy.

8. Cahuita National Park
Protecting Costa Rica's largest and only coral reef, the Parque Nacional Cahuita combines beautiful beaches with lush coastal rainforests to provide a truly wonderful atmosphere to relax in.

9. Tortuguero National Park
A key turtle breeding ground in the Caribbean, the Tortuguero National Park is the habitat and nesting ground of four of the eight species of marine turtles in the world. Known for its meandering rivers and lovely lagoons, this area is also home to the endangered West Indian manatee.

10. Grecia & Sarchi
Located in the gorgeous highlands of San Jose , the picturesque towns of Grecia, Sarchi and San Ramon provide a wonderful escape from city life. Great communities to get an up close view of Tico culture, places like Sarchi are known for their intricate and artistic wooden handicrafts.

VOLCANOES

Part of the Pacific Ring Fire Circle, Costa Rica has over 200 identifiable volcanic formations dating back over 65 million years. Today, however, only 100 or so show any signs of volcanic activity, while just five are classified as active volcanoes. Most of the volcanoes in Costa Rica lie in the northern part of the country and in the Central Highlands.
Considered to be among Costa Rica 's top tourist attractions as they captivate the attention of both tourists and scientists from all over the world, these volcanoes are a key part of this country's spectacular natural diversity. This is because they have played an important role in how the lush landscape of this region has come into being. Due to the many eruptions over the past millennia, the soil in Costa Rica is rich in many minerals and is very fertile. This fertility in turn has contributed to dense verdant forestation, which supports not only a myriad of bird & wildlife species, but is also home to numerous tropical and exotic plants and trees as well.

Aside from their natural beauty and fertility, the volcanoes of Costa Rica are also fabulous recreational grounds for hiking, white water rafting, sportfishing, surfing, boating, swimming, kayaking, horseback riding, camping, mountain biking & exploration.

Though many of the volcanoes in Costa Rica today are regarded as ‘young,' as they have only been formed within the last 2 million years or so, they still have a number of fantastic characteristics that make each volcano distinct in its own right. For example, Volcan Irazu is known for its astonishing green blue lake that sits in one of its craters, while within a crater of the Poas Volcano there is a boiling acid lake.

The volcanoes of Costa Rica can be divided into 3 volcanic range systems. The Guanacaste Range is home to the Ricon de la Vieja, Orosi Volcano, Miravalles Volcano, Tenorio Volcano & Arenal Volcano, while the Central Volcanic Range is made up of the Poas Volcano, Barva Volcano, Irazu Volcano, & Turrialba Volcano. The Talamanca Range has only one volcano, the El Viejo. Of all these volcanoes the Arenal, Poas, Ricon de la Vieja, Orosi & Irazu are considered active.

The Arenal is perhaps the most famous of all Costa Rica 's volcanoes. This is because it is the most active volcano in the country, spewing hot gases and steam on a regular basis. Thought to have a ‘perfect' volcanic cone, the Arenal is indeed a sight to see as it sits towering amidst the surrounding landscape of the Arenal National Park .

The most accessible active volcano in Costa Rica is the Poas Volcano, which sits in the national park of the same name. This volcano has only one active crater, while the other two are dormant. While the active crater has a boiling acid lake, one of the inactive carters has a lovely icy cold water lake which flows down the side of the volcano to become the Rio Sarapiqui. Regular tours of this volcano can be arranged any time. However, the best time to come and experience the Poas Volcano's majestic beauty is during May through November when the weather is good and you can actually take a look into the volcano's active crater.

For some of the most stunning and panoramic views visit the Irazu Volcano which last erupted when US President John F. Kennedy visited Costa Rica . On a clear day from the volcano's summit you can see both the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans . As the soil on this volcano is very fertile, its slopes are lush and green with plenty of forestation and pasturelands for grazing cattle. The trails leading up to the summit are also stunning and are home to numerous exotic and beautiful birds like tapirs and tanagers.

PARQUE NACIONAL IRAZU, CARTAGO

One of the most frequented national parks in Costa Rica is the Irazu Volcano National Park that lies around 32 km from Cartago, the country's former capital. Home to Costa Rica 's highest active volcano Irazu, which stands at around 11,260 feet, this national park is conveniently located close to the city, and is a short car drive away. To get to Irazu Volcano National Park , you can take the short car or bus ride from San Jose, which is around 50 km east, and from here you can take the highway to Cartago, enjoying some picturesque scenic views along the way.

‘Irazu' is actually a derivative of an Indian word, which means ‘thunder and earthquake mountain'. An active stratovolcano, Irazu has had a number of volcanic eruptions over the years. The first documented eruption was in 1723 by Diego de la Haya, after which one of Irazu's five craters has been named. The last time Irazu erupted was in 1994. However, in 1963 on the day President John F. Kennedy made an official trip to Costa Rica, this volcano spewed to life after a period of 20 years, and then went on to stay active for another two years, before going dormant again.

Extending over 500 square kilometers at its base, Irazu is also Costa Rica's largest volcano. The volcanic ash from Irazu has made the soil in the surrounding areas very fertile, but there is not much wildlife found here due to volcanic activity. Robins, owls, porcupines, hummingbirds, foxes, rabbits and coyotes are a few of the animals that can be spotted in this national park. The landscape of the Irazu Volcano National Park is actually quite surreal, with most of the park's forest found on the Caribbean side of the volcano. The surrounding vegetation is mostly a rainforest that has gaps of shrubs and bushes. Atop Irazu's summit, only a few plants can be found that have acclimatized themselves to the harsh conditions and chilly winds that blow here.

A major attraction of this park is the climb to the Deigo de la Haya crater that has a 300 meter green-colored lake in the center of it. You can drive up to the crater or hike there on foot, but do remember to carry some warm clothing, as it can get quite chilly up there. The best time to visit is between March and April, as there is very little rain, and visitors can view both the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans from Irazu's summit on a clear day. There are many hiking trails in the park, as well as rest rooms, picnic spaces, a snack stall and a souvenir shop .

PARQUE NACIONAL VOLCAN POAS, ALAJUELA

Poás Volcano is an active volcano with some of the most beautiful scenery in Costa Rica . Poás Volcano is situated in the Alajuela Province at about 2,700 meters above sea level. Being only an hour and half drive from Downtown San Jose it is a popular day trip from the city. The main crater of Poás Volcano is about 2 km in diameter and over 1000 meters deep. Next to the crater is a beautiful blue-green crater lake as well as many forests. There is a visitor's center overlooking the crater lake and it is a sight not to be missed, especially if you have a couple of days to kill in San Jose . The best time to view the crater is early in the morning before the clouds cover the crater and the lake, however if there are clouds when you do arrive take a hike and watch closely for the clouds to clear for the spectacular view of the crater.

The road to Poás Volcano National Park is also very beautiful, as you start ascending the mountain you will pass many coffee plantations that are varying colors of green. Just after the coffee plantations the landscape changes into a cloud forest that is truly amazing. If you have time La Paz waterfall is on the way up to the volcano or probably best if you visit the waterfall on the way back from the volcano.

Make sure that you are prepared for some rain as the volcano is in a cloud forest and it can be very wet and cold.

ARENAL VOLCANO

Arenal Volcano & Northern Lowlands

Considered by many to be one of the most spectacular regions in the country, the Northern Lowlands and Volcan Arenal area are Costa Rica 's hottest tourist destinations. The Arenal Volcano is one of the ten most active volcanoes in the world and presents a truly majestic sight, as it spews molten rocks and ash from its summit on a daily basis. With regular eruptions, you can hear the rumbling and see steam rising as lava flows down the sides of the volcano.

One of the best places to take in the Arenal Volcano's awe-inspiring fireworks is at La Fortuna, a tiny town located near the foot of the volcano. The prefect place to kickback and enjoy the area's superb beauty, La Fortuna is a touristy place that retains much of its original Tico charm. There are also many natural hot springs here as well as resorts where one can pamper oneself taking a long relaxing soak amidst beautiful orchid gardens.

Spoil yourself at the Tabacon Hot Springs Resort or at any of the surrounding spas in the area for an unbelievable time. And once nightfall sets in, you are treated to a glorious show as red lava rocks tumble down the side of the volcano. As the Arenal erupts so often, you can get surprisingly close to the volcano. However, do not attempt to climb it as the gases from the volcano are fatal.

Across from the Arenal sits the sparkling Laguna de Arenal, a delight for sports fishermen and avid windsurf enthusiasts. One of the best places in the world to go windsurfing as the breeze here is very consistent, this lake transforms into a windsurfer's paradise from December to April with an unbelievable view of the Arenal in the distance. This lake is also home to many freshwater fish including the Rainbow bass locally known as guapote that can weight up to 4 kg.

For nature lovers, the Arenal region also offers numerous hiking and trekking trails near the volcano where one can see some stunning waterfalls, gushing rivers, and beautiful plant and wildlife. Just north of this area lies the Caño Negro Nature Reserve that is also definitely worth a visit. You can arrange a trip from either Nuevo Arenal or Tilaran, which offer all day tours, where you board a bus and get transported to the river, from where you head downstream along with the guide to see a plethora of animals and birds, including monkeys, toucans, alligators, and much more.

RAINFORESTS, CLOUD FORESTS, AND DRY FORESTS

Costa Rica 's Forests

With more than a quarter of Costa Rica's total land area comprising of national parks, biological reserves and wildlife refuges , it is no wonder then that this country's greatest national treasure is its plethora of natural diversity. Home to some of the most colorful and exotic flora and fauna on earth, and one of the most bio-diverse regions in the world, this tiny Central American country is the habitat of some 10,000 species of plants and trees!

Lush and verdant throughout the year, Costa Rica is a fantastic place to visit for the avid nature lover. The jungles here are some of the most pristine and secluded on the planet, and play host to an incredibly varied mix of insects, mammals, reptiles, amphibians, fish and birds. Among the most productive ecosystems in the world, Costa Rica 's forests have created truly unique habitats that have a microclimate all their own. One day you can be canoeing down the watery forest of the Tortuguero National Park, and on another day you can be trekking the pretty Manuel Antonio National Park with its gorgeous beaches. Visit the Corcovado National Park to glimpse the last remaining stretch of tropical primary lowland rainforests or tour the Monteverde Cloud Forest for a completely distinct hiking experience.

Most of Costa Rica 's forestation can be primarily classified into three groups; rainforests, cloud forests and topical dry forests. And while rainforests are the most common habitat, the cloud forests of Costa Rica are a magnificent sight to behold. Rainforests can be found in the southwest of the country as well as in the Atlantic lowlands, with towering trees and looping vines that create a magical wispy environment. Receiving a high annual rainfall, these dense forests are characterized by a wealth of plant and animal life.

The cloud forests of Costa Rica are some of the most beautiful. Covering the higher slopes of volcanoes and mountains all across the country, these amazing environs with their mysterious fogs and thick growth of bromeliads, mosses and ferns, offer tourists some of the most fabulous and luxuriant environments to trek or canopy tour in.

For a different change of pace, explore the North Pacific coast of Costa Rica to find some wonderful tracks of tropical dry forests. While not as diverse as the thriving rainforests, the tropical dry forests of Costa Rica receive much less rain. However, they still conjure up an incredible ecosystem that houses a stunning display of flowers and trees.

HOT SPRINGS

TABACON HOT SPRINGS AND SPA

The Tabacon Hot springs are natural geothermal pools that are fed by the Tabacon River , which begins deep in the Arenal volcano. There, the water is heated to 101 degrees, after which it flows three quarters of a mile to the natural pools of the Tabacon Hot Springs.

This is where the river splits up and joins with another river. Pools of varying sizes and temperatures make this a tropical playground for you to explore. Exotic plants add to the lush environment. A heated waterfall is near the mouth of the river, and you can sit under it and let the water massage your body. Aside from the soothing pools, a world-class resort and spa has sprung up here. Lake Arenal , La Fortuna, and the Monteverde Cloud Forest are all places within a few hours drive of here.

Quepos Hot Springs

Quepos Hot Springs offers an opportunity to relax and renew in the mineral-laden water with seemingly magical powers. Bathe among the several pools with cascades of steaming water.

Along the way, you'll be overwhelmed by the beautiful plants and flowers, birds and butterflies, and other wildlife of the Costa Rican rain forest. You'll explore several magnificent caverns, and climb a " Mountain of Gold ."

WATERFALLS

LA PAZ WATERFALL GARDENS – A LITTLE BIT OF EVERYTHING

From www.waterfallgardens.com

When you think about Costa Rica , you probably imagine lush tropical Rain Forests, flowing white rivers, spectacular waterfalls, birds, butterflies and flowers. At La Paz Waterfall Gardens , you will see all that and more.

Waterfall Gardens is open year round from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with our last shuttle pick up from the exit trail at 5:00 p.m. We recommend our last visitors to enter the park at 3:00 p.m. to insure that they have enough time to walk the primary trails. Reservations are not necessary. We can accommodate earlier arrivals and later departures with an advance request.

With over 3.5 kilometers of walking trails, we recommend a minimum of 2 hours for your visit. However, if you would like to see every trail and thoroughly enjoy the time spent in the Butterfly Observatory, Hummingbird Garden , serpentarium, Frog Exhibit, Tica House, Trout Lake and our bird watching areas, you will probably want to stay the whole day.

Waterfall Gardens is primarily a self-guided tour allowing our visitors to proceed directly to their areas of interest. However, we highly recommend guided tour to receive the most information and impact from your visit.

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