CULTURAL TOURISM

We are the country of pura vida – a friendly, multicultural and multilingual people descended from the cultural fusion of immigrants, including Africans, Chinese, Jews, Lebanese and Italians, and the indigenous peoples of the Bribrí, Cabécar, Maleku, Teribe, Boruca, Ngäbe, Huetar and Chorotega groups.

Costa Rican sustainable cuisine ranges from the traditional to the innovative at restaurants, sodas, markets and farmers markets, using a variety of organic products, and tailored to meet any budget and level of demand.

Visitors can take a little piece of the Costa Rican soul home with them with handicrafts made by the hands of our artisans, which adds value to a travel experience.

Artistic expressions of music, dance, theater, cinema, handicrafts and audiovisual production are distinguished for their professionalism and quality.

In addition, the experiences of community-based rural tourism, developed by cooperatives or community associations, take you inside the lively culture of rural communities; there also are private ecological reserves, farms and areas of interest, or sites close to areas of environmental and cultural interest, with tourist services.

Costa Rica also offers world-renowned cultural wonders, including: the oxherd and oxcart – a masterpiece of Oral and Intangible Cultural Heritage – chiefdom settlements and the stone spheres of southern Costa Rica, and the Guayabo National Archaeological Monument. Other nationally prized offerings and cultural traditions shared with visitors include creole swing dance, Limón calypso, traditional Chorotega ceramics, the Boruca Little Devils Festival, art, crafts, music and gastronomy, among others.

In the multiple tourist regions visitors can find everything from home cooking to modern, traditional, sophisticated, vegetarian and vegan restaurants, with a range of food prepared with fresh and natural ingredients.

Visit our markets, farmers markets and organic fairs in major cities across the country to discover the products we offer.

Costa Ricans have more than a century of democratic traditions and more than 50 years without an army. Its military was abolished in 1948 and the money the country saves by not having armed forces is invested in improving the standard of living of its inhabitants, which helps maintain the social peace that makes Costa Rica a wonderful place to visit.

ECO TOURISM
Travelling with responsibility
Costa Rica is a lush country where nature is on display in all its splendor thanks to extraordinary biodiversity. This product is based on studying and observing salient features of nature, and ecological, geological and other processes, such as bird watching, observation of flora and fauna, volcanoes, hiking, trails and national parks.

The territory is divided into 29 national parks, 19 wildlife refuges, 8 biological reserves, and a series of protected areas that captivate lovers of ecotourism activities. Excursion offerings and tours are varied, including: horseback riding, hiking mountain trails, guided tours for bird watching, forests, landscapes and natural heritage sites, as well as aerial trams, lakes and rivers full of flora and fauna.

This tourism product not only aims to provide beautiful natural experiences for tourists, but also to educate visitors about the importance of protecting natural resources.

FAMILIES FUN
Feeling like family
Costa Rica has a wholesome environment and is an excellent place for families, with plenty of exciting activities everyone will enjoy including walks, guided visits, group games, interacting with the locals, enjoying the local cuisine, beach sports and much more.

A Valley of Culture
The capital of the country, San José is the epitome of culture and entertainment. The National Theater offers inspiring performances, while the Gold Museum features Pre Columbian and Costa Rican art. If you’d like to know more about the local culture, the National Museum will take you through Costa Rica’s history while the Children’s Museum will take you and your family on an interactive learning adventure.

Activities to Choose From
Costa Rica offers a wide range of activities suited to every taste and budget. Any one of the many national parks and biological reserves areas are fun for hiking with the entire family while an afternoon fishing for trout and tilapia might round out the day.

Adventures on Land
We’ve many exciting expeditions and walks to see Costa Rica’s natural beauties. There are mountain biking, ATV’s or horseback rides to explore the different landscapes full of flora and fauna. Many other attractions to enjoy the forest, include traveling or zip lining among the trees, canopy tours, or perhaps easy and fun walking on hanging bridges.

Adventures on Water
A very popular adventure among families with young or teenage members is rafting. Popular areas for this sport are the Pacuare, Reventazón, Sarapiquí, and Corobicí rivers. Rafting provides fun times while enjoying the fascinating view, surrounded by nature. This country’s coasts have the advantage of warm waters throughout the year, which offers the opportunity of visiting anytime. Fun-filled family moments include surfing, Jet Skiing, riding banana boats, or simply playing with the waves and sand. Costa Rica’s marine adventures include skin diving, snorkeling, swimming, boating or kayaking.

Rural tourism and community-based rural tourism
Rural Tourism (R.T.) and Community-Based Rural Tourism (C.R.T.) provide an authentic experience with personalized attention that allows you to enjoy our form of rural living, and to get know the essence and identity of Costa Ricans. It is characterized by quality provided by every company that offers these products.

In a perfect combination of nature and culture, you will discover Costa Rica’s “Pura Vida” lifestyle while enjoying and sharing diverse environments of peace, comfort and communal living with our customs and traditions, immersed in a magnificent natural diversity.

The family environment that is characteristic of this offering allows you to enjoy personalized attention and helps you learn about rural culture, farming traditions and small artisanal industries. It invites you inside rural living in our country through traditional cuisine, authenticity of the communities, and the wealth that comes from living in a natural environment where sustainable practices promoted by business owners dominate as part of this product.

BIRDWATCHING
900 species of birds have been registered in all the territory
Costa Rica has long been famous among serious bird watchers and many people who never before had an interest change their mind when they encounter the country’s spectacular avian diversity.

With almost 900 species of birds – more than all of North America – concentrated into an area half the size of Kentucky, it is hard not to become an instant fan of the beautifully feathered creatures one encounters in Costa Rica. Local travel agencies provide experienced nature guides who make any bird watching expedition an enjoyable and educational experience.

Diversity
One of the reasons for Costa Rica’s extraordinary bird life is the country’s great variety of habitats: rain forests; mangrove swamps; beaches; cloud forest; rivers and more. Any two of those ecosystems, with their resident bird species, are often only a short distance apart. Birders from North America who visit Costa Rica during the northern winter invariably recognize familiar faces in the forest, since many species of warblers, flycatchers, vireos, orioles, etc. migrate to Costa Rica every winter.

Preservation
The country’s exemplary system of National Parks and Protected Areas provides more than ample stomping grounds for birders, but just about anywhere in Costa Rica interesting avian species are spotted. Colorful varieties like the blue-grey tanagers, great kiskadees and crimson-fronted parakeets can be seen twittering and hopping around the gardens of San Jose hotels. True bird watching enthusiasts will want to see the resplendent quetzal, which lives in the cloud forests of Monteverde, Los Santos region and the Central Volcanic Mountain Range. The equally spectacular scarlet macaw can be seen on the Osa Peninsula and around the Carara Biological Reserve.

WELLNESS
Resting in paradise
If you are looking for the ideal place to improve your mental and physical well-being, adopt healthy habits and activities into your lifestyle, liberate your soul and return like a new person, then Costa Rica could be your next travel destination.

Costa Rica is the ideal setting for detoxification from stress and the daily grind. You can experience Wellness tourism as part of a lifestyle that combines physical activity and healthy eating, while enjoying a wide range of activities to renew your mind, body and soul.

Wellness includes activities that put you in contact with nature: Trekking (low-difficulty walks), Forest baths (breathing in the fresh air of the forest), Earthing (barefoot walks on the earth/sand), high-quality healthy food, a combination of spa and lunch (splunch) and consumption of local products in a natural setting.

In Costa Rica, you can also experience innovative relaxation techniques such as body wraps, in which volcanic mud, coffee, tropical fruits and chocolate are used to moisturize your skin; hydrotherapy and hot springs are another way to harness the water resources of our country for personal renewal by letting positive energy flow throughout the body.

These wellness features, typical of Costa Rica, have helped create one of the planet’s blue zones, or longevity areas. A 2004 study by the University of Costa Rica found that mortality among Costa Ricans of 90 years of age is 10% lower in the Nicoya Peninsula, south of Guanacaste. The calcium-rich water of this area, healthy eating, family living and the “pura vida” lifestyle are secrets to longevity.

This is a unique lifestyle that is experienced only in Costa Rica, whose essence is Wellness

CRUISING
Coast to coast natural beauty
Land ahoy!
All this natural beauty comes with advantages that will make each trip more enjoyable: Tour operators with broad experience in serving cruises, multi-cultural cuisine, a safe atmosphere and many recreational activities. The beautiful coasts of the Caribbean and Pacific Region can also be easily accessed.

Costa Rica is an unforgettable experience, not only for its natural beauty, but also for its people. Costa Ricans, or “Ticos,” are warm, friendly and love to share their culture with visitors.

Coast to Coast, Close to any Destination
There’s so much to do and experience in Costa Rica. There are volcanoes, national parks, forests, local culture, hiking, bird watching and much more. The capital city, San Jose, is conveniently located and less than three hours away from every port of call. The National Theater, located downtown, is a centuries-old jewel that no one should miss. The Gold and Jade Museums make for an enriching and dazzling cultural visit as well.

Ports in the Caribbean Coast
From Limon, everything from bird and turtle watching in the north to beautiful beaches in the south is easily accessible. Canopy tours, horseback tours, nature observation, the canals of Tortuguero, visits to pineapple plantations, tropical flower plantations, sugar haciendas or banana plantations and even a city tour are all available. Puerto Limon has a privileged location in the Caribbean, for its proximity to the Panama Canal, the Gulf of Mexico, and the Southern part of the United States. Distinguished cruise companies, such as Carnival, Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, Premier Holland America, and many others come to Puerto Limon during cruise season that runs from October through April. The Port of Moin is 8.2 km to the west from Limon. The Limon-Moin port complex is one of the most important of its kind in Central America. It connects Costa Rica with major international markets in the United States, Latin America and Europe.

Ports in the Pacific Coast
Puntarenas and Caldera are the two main ports in the Costa Rican Pacific coast. Puntarenas and Caldera are less than two hours from the National Parks like Manuel Antonio and Carara. In the Central Valley, there is the awesome Poas Volcano and Sarchi, where visitors will find a wide display of the work of local artisans at affordable prices. San Jose, the capital city, is approximately two hours away from Puntarenas. The Central Pacific region offers tours offering horseback, alligator watching, aerial trams, white water rafting, and thrilling walks along suspension bridges high amid glorious tree tops.

A Complete Tour
Thanks to its location, Costa Rica is a biological bridge for botanical and zoological species. Its territory forms a narrow passage that shelters flora and fauna from North and South America. There is also a wide range of amazing indigenous species.

MEETINGS AND INCENTIVE
TRAVELING COSTA RICA
We are the ideal destination to hold your next meeting or incentive travel. Bring professionals in your field together in a country recognized for its diverse attractions and activities, connectivity, world leadership in sustainability and state-of-the-art and technologically advanced infrastructure and services.

MEETINGS AND INCENTIVE TRAVEL IN COSTA RICA
Costa Rica represents an excellent alternative for planning meetings and incentive travel. We offer a wide array of attractions for visitors and a tourist sector that is renowned for its creativity and professionalism. Numerous testimonials speak to the excellent results that have been obtained by events held in our country. We would like to share some of the most important reasons to consider us as a destination for your next meeting or incentive trip: connectivity, a strategic location, excellent infrastructure, well-being and quality, experience, a high educational level, sustainability and a diversity of activities.

Costa Rica’s greatest wildlife spectacles
To make a calendar of the biological events that have fascinated us over many years of wandering in National Parks and reserves and publish it as a book has been a long-time dream of ours. However, it wasn’t until we actually embarked on this path that we realized the enormity of the task we faced, and if we were able to achieve it after three years work it was only thanks to the enormous and incredibly generous network of researchers who continue monitoring their respective areas of research throughout the country.

Costa Rica’s Greatest Wildlife Spectacles – On The Wing
An estimated five million birds migrate through Costa Rica every year. The magnitude of this phenomenon is barely noticeable because most travel by night, at cruising speed powered by the wind, soaring within the clouds or taking advantage of air currents formed by the mountains. Others skirt the coastline, landing at sundown to catch insects and rest for a few hours before continuing on their voyage.

Over Costa Rica, birds converge from the Arctic Circle, Alaska, the Canadian tundra, the U.S. Great Lakes and the east and west coasts of the United States. Spanning 8 to 11 degrees north of the equator, Costa Rica acts as a funnel point for migrating birds. The country’s mountain ranges and vast lowlands bordering the Atlantic and Pacific oceans create many different habitats and ecosystems.

Above our heads, as we sleep or go about our daily routines, legions of birds are passing overhead. Thanks to their excellent vision, migrating birds use groups of stars to orient themselves in relation to the horizon. Some sense the Earth’s magnetic field. Others sense low frequency sound produced by the breaking surf or the prevailing winds over the topography. Pelagic birds travel solely over the ocean, making brief stops on islands and ocean-side cliffs.

Night flying migrants include forest dwelling birds as well as shorebirds, from warblers, tanagers, orioles and grosbeaks, to sandpipers, plovers and gulls. Other birds, such as hummingbirds, swallows and raptors migrate during the day. Larger diurnal species such as egrets, herons and storks form large groups and fly in a “V” formation using their broad wings to gain lift from rising air currents, reaching great heights without flapping.

Because most birds migrate at such high altitudes, they aren’t visible to the naked eye and scientists use radars can detect them. About half of migratory birds migrate below 1,000 meters above sea level (m.a.s.l), 30 percent do so between 1,000 and 2,000 m.a.s.l. and the remainder at higher altitudes. Ornithologists who study migratory species usually observe these birds when they are feeding in a particular area of the country, but they rarely see them arrive.

Costa Rica’s Greatest Wildlife Spectacles – On Land
There are few natural spectacles more impressive than the massive arrival of sea turtles. At night, turtles will gather near the coast in preparation for their departure from the water to come ashore in an extraordinary effort to lay their eggs and thus ensure the next generation. They return to the same beach where they nested before, guided through the vast ocean by instincts and skills difficult to understand. These arrivals detonate other natural cycles that cascade through the ecosystem, taking advantage of this majestic natural happening. Predators, from rodents, raccoons and coatis, as well as coyotes, jaguars and even humans come to the nesting beaches for their part of the bounty. The turtles themselves dig up eggs of neighboring nests from lack of space. Despite the feast, thousands of hatchlings are born to refresh the populations of these species.

Similarly, events such as the first storms of the rainy season ignite large concerts of frogs and toads, frantically looking for their partners to take advantage of each pool, each wetland and every puddle to deposit the next generation. Some wear bright, elegant colors for courtship, while others take advantage of the great reproductive distraction to catch a meal or two. As with turtles, the survival strategy is the massive event. Hundreds of thousands of eggs or tadpoles can feed a variety of animals, snakes, fish, and even peccaries and birds, still leaving many more to ensure the success of the species.

Even crocodiles show a preference of reproducing in groups, using seasonal rains and flooded areas for the offspring to develop without as much danger. Despite being relatively primitive reptiles in regards of evolution, her motherly care is exemplary, defending her nest and even keeping the newly born safe from potential predators. In this case, the more numerous they are, the better their chances of survival.

Unlike sea turtles and amphibians, squirrel monkeys are not as abundant as to create a massive presence. However, they have a strategy of synchronized reproduction that has not been observed in other primates that exist in the country. Squirrel monkeys mate seasonally, taking advantage of natural resources in the forest, such as fruits and seeds that feed the mothers and provide nourishment to the newborn. Squirrel monkeys at Manuel Antonio have their own birth schedule which differs from the subspecies in Corcovado and thus each ecosystem provides us with its own timing, waiting to be explored.

Natural events respond to signals provided by the weather, rainfall, temperature, or the presence of other animals. These cycles create a truly wonderful tangle of relationships, forming a complex food web where reproduction of a species supports the survival of many others.

Costa Rica’s Greatest Wildlife Spectacles – By Sea
Costa Rica´s territory became eleven times larger when its tricolored flag was first raised over the peak of Colnett Point in September 1869. The claim to Coco Island, roughly 500 kilometers off shore in the Pacific Ocean, gave this small country of only 51,000 square kilometers an exclusive economic zone of 574,000 square kilometers.

In these vast territorial waters, Costa Rica protects coral reefs, beds of seagrass, a thermal dome, an oceanic trench more than 4,000 meters deep and an underwater mountain range more massive than the Talamanca, Guanacaste and Central Volcanic ranges combined. A chain of underwater volcanoes and mountains some two thousand meters high starts just offshore of Quepos and runs south west towards the Galapagos. Interestingly, Cocos Island is the only visible point of this underwater ridge. This ridge serves as an aquatic highway for juveniles of diverse marine species that enrich the waters of the Eastern Tropical Pacific.

In its deep blue womb, Costa Rica shelters more than 6,700 marine species, 90 of which are unique on the planet. The country is best known to the world for its rainforests, not for its rich marine life which still remains quite unknown and unexplored. The rich marine resources are unexplored even by Ticos (a nickname for Costa Ricans) because these sites are remote and sparsely populated. Among the aquatic wonders is the Thermal Dome of Costa Rica, an oceanic phenomenon caused by the strong winds and ocean currents which creates an upwelling of plankton and an oasis navigated by blue whales, dolphins, whale sharks, and large concentrations of fish and marine mammals. In the Southern Pacific, the Golfo Dulce has once again acquired impressive marine life, thanks to the elimination of trawling and long-line fishing with live bait as far as 20 miles offshore.

Despite its overall small size, Costa Rica has a long Pacific coastline. Some 1,160 kilometers of bays, gulfs, steep topography and two large peninsulas touch the sea. From these landmarks, with more and more frequency, we can observe large marine mammals swimming just off the coast.

In December and January, trade winds cool the waters of Papagayo Bay, causing upwelling: deeper waters rise to the surface, carrying large amounts of nutrients which stimulate an incredible growth of algae as they come into contact with the sunlight. This chain of events creates the opportunity to see huge Humpback Whales in courtship and caring for calves. Those who look carefully also may see aggregations of Devil Rays jumping out of the water, hundreds of dolphins in the Murciélago Islands and occasionally Orcas. These false killer whales are attracted to Guanacaste’s coast by the abundance of rays and whale calves. Every month of the year in Csota Rica, there is a marine spectacle worth watching.

Costa Rica: The paradise for the sun lovers
Costa Rica occupies a privileged place in the heart of Central America for the richness of its beaches, comprises 1,228 km of coastline, of which 1,016 km are from the Pacific coast and 212 km in the Caribbean Sea, you are separated by just three hours in vehicle or 45 minutes by air from San José. It is estimated that 600 beaches surround the entire national territory.

This wealth allows the enjoyment of the beach as a means of recreation, sport and rest. These are wooded beaches, with natural spaces and relatively little influx of tourists.

The Caribbean region stands out for its variety of marine ecosystems and its white- and black-sand beaches, ideal for activities centered around nature and the ocean, including surfing, diving in clear water, basking in the sun and hiking along the coast.

The Pacific coast contains major tourism centers and beaches that are favorites among surfers, including Esterillos, Jacó, Hermosa, Boca Barranca, as well as the Pavones Sector and the surroundings of the Marino Ballena National Park, with its famous long left wave.

Near the beach areas you will find a wide variety of options to stay and taste Costa Rican cuisine. Among the variety of hotels you can enjoy are: all inclusive option, honeymoon hotels, eco resort, family hotels, 5 star hotels, Spa & Wellness, etc. In addition to the typical food you can also enjoy restaurants that specialize in international dishes.

When visiting any beach in Costa Rica, keep the following security precautions in mind:
Take care of your belongings while enjoying the sea or leave them somewhere they can be watched.
Always use sunscreen to avoid burns on your skin.
When possible, do not swim on your own and consult the authorities regarding beach conditions.
Be aware of warning flags on the beach.
Do not enter the ocean if you do not know how to swim. If surfing as a beginner, always be accompanied by an instructor.

About Costa Rica’s beaches
GUANACASTE
The beaches located in the Guanacaste area offer adventure,recreation, and a wide variety of activities. Sunbathers enjoy radiant sunshine almost all year round. If you prefer something more secluded, , there are small boutique hotels near Santa Elena Peninsula, or larger hotel compounds located near the Gulf of Papagayo.

CENTRAL & MID PACIFIC
Visitors have their choice of perfect beaches for sunbathing, swimming, snorkeling, sailing, or just enjoying walking through the forest.The central region also features fun places, like puntarenas, with its giant cruise ships on the pier, and famous seafood, including dishes like ceviche, a delicious dish made from fresh raw fish marinated in citrus juices. The middle pacific offers exuberant landscapes where sun, beach and forests combine in national parks such as manuel antonio and marino ballena. If you’re looking for excitement, the beaches of jaco and hermosa have ideal conditions for surfing. In the evening, the fun continues late into the night and all the beaches have comfortable accommodations available.

SOUTH PACIFIC
This region of Costa Rica combines everything you like about the beach, including the pristine vegetation and coral reefs of the island of Caño, perfect for snorkeling and snorkeling. You should also make time to discover the breath-taking beaches of Golfo Dulce and the Osa Peninsula, protected by Biological Reserves and the National Park of Corcovado. Perfect for fishing, surfing or just admiring wildlife like the marvelous macaw, these beaches are easily accessible thanks to local flights originating from Golfito and Puerto Jimenez.

SOUTH CARIBBEAN
Accessible by land, beautiful beaches await you in this region of Costa Rica. The contrast of the white and black sand beaches of Cahuita and Puerto Viejo are unforgettable, whether surfing, fishing, or diving on spectacularly colorful coral reef. A rich and strong afro-caribbean influence welcomes visitors to learn about the particular culture and architecture of the region, the vibrant spirit of its people, and the wonderful, authentic flavor of dishes such as rice and beans, pati, plantinta, chicken with coconut, and rondon.

ISLANDS
Although it seems incredible, Costa Rica has more than one hundred islands, most of them with little tourist visitation, because they are protected by the Conservation Area System. Some of them resonate more because visitation is allowed and some companies provide services to tourists. They are striking for their richness in flora and fauna and also for activities such as: diving, snorkeling, boat rides, hiking, whale watching tours, dolphins and turtles.

Isla del Caño is one of them, it is a biological reserve located in the Pacific of the country, about 16 km northwest of the Osa Peninsula, Puntarenas. This island consists of 320 hectares of land and 5,800 marine. It has one of the largest and best condition coral formations in the Pacific Coast of the country. Day trips can be organized from Dominical, Drake Bay, Uvita and Sierpe. There are several companies in Uvita that offer these tours. Between July and October, the humpback whales that migrate from the Southern Hemisphere (Patagonia) arrive to our Central and South Pacific, covering more than 8000 km, some of these can be observed near Isla del Caño.

Another of the most visited islands for its proximity and attraction, is Isla Tortuga. This wonderful island is located in front of the southeast coast of the Nicoya Peninsula and can only be accessed by boat. The tours are only one day, since there is no hotel service on the island, this allows the attractiveness of the place to be protected. You can opt for different activities such as: snorkeling, kayaking, nature walks, beach volleyball, and even more different activities and sports such as jet ski, banana boat, paddle board and kayaks.

SNORKELING
For lovers of water sports and fun activities, they will find in snorkeling a way to explore the different beaches of Costa Rica. This activity is characterized by the use of a diving mask and a breathing tube called snorkeling, sometimes diving fins are also used on the feet. If you want to vacation in the Caribbean, you can choose to practice it in Cahuita, Cocles, Punta Uva and Manzanillo. In the case of Puntarenas, they can practice it in places such as: Tortuga Island, Caño Island, Drake Bay, Uvita, Quepos, Manuel Antonio National Park, Montezuma Beach, among other places. In the Guanacaste area you can do this activity in places such as: Hermosa Beach, Coco Beach, San Juanillo, Chora Island, Ocotal, Conchal, Nacascolo, Potrero, among others. It is important that although the company has a protocol of security measures, the tourist is attentive to the tide, to identify a strong swell and to be aware that it is essential to know how to swim to perform the activity.

Costa Rica is a land of volcanoes, rainforests and cloud forests
Costa Rica is a land of volcanoes, rainforests and cloud forests, huge waterfalls and mighty rivers. This abundant natural setting makes it difficult to decide between the various activities it offers, which include rafting, windsurfing, diving, kayaking, recreational fishing and surfing.

Why is Costa Rica an adventure destination?
Explore Costa Rica by Land
By going along on a hike to get in touch with nature, you’ll discover impressive trails in the mountains and national parks, which will invite you to step into the beautiful remote areas of the country and appreciate majestic rivers and waterfalls. Beautiful landscapes, daring trails and lots of fun await fans of mountain biking – or explore the city on foot or by bicycle and visit its museums full of art and history. In most parts of the country, you can enjoy horseback riding, guided by an expert. You can take different paths through the forest or enjoy an experience alongside local communities while you get to know interesting towns, partaking in Costa Rican culture and cuisine. The excitement doesn’t end there. Get to know the mysterious subterranean world of caverns while caving, allowing you to experience beauty from another perspective and enjoy an unusual adventure, which is also a bit more risky.

From High Above
Venture onto impressive suspension bridges, where the whole family will be able to better appreciate the river landscapes from up close, the canopy of the forest, the sensation of the depths of nature, and learn how life works in the treetops. If you prefer adventures involving ropes, you’ll find a place in Costa Rica to take on these extraordinary challenges. Among the different types of rope-based adventures on offer is rappel, an activity where you will descend from the top of a tree, waterfalls, rocks or rock formations, to the ground. All you need is comfortable clothes and to choose the “tour” that best meets your need for adventure. One of the activities that has made Costa Rica famous for adventure tourism is ziplining, or “canopy”, as it’s commonly called. This activity consists of being propelled by gravity at different speeds, holding onto steel cables suspended between platforms that are located in the tops of the largest trees. On the way, sometimes you have to cross river canyons, where you’ll need to hike up a mountain to continue the journey. In Costa Rica, you’ll find activities that will allow you to enjoy exciting and unforgettable moments amidst its 51,100 km2 expanse. You’ll just have to choose the kind of adventure you want to embark on and decide where you want to do it.

Braving the Currents
Feel the excitement of aquatic adventures in the different activities that Costa Rica offers, whether you’re among the most daring or prefer more moderate thrills. Dare to overcome the river currents in while rafting in groups of five people or more, or navigate the waves in a kayak.

While touring the exhilarating waters of our rivers and their eddies, you’ll enjoy an totally natural world. If you prefer to ride the current in quieter rivers, you will be able to tour beautiful landscapes where you’ll have the chance to admire wild animals and lush forests that will enrapture you and make you feel like a part of them.

You can also enjoy sea kayaking on our coast, where you’ll feel the exciting movement of the waves under a radiant sun, and you’ll get to see Costa Rican beaches with different colors of sand, surrounded by lush vegetation. You can also enjoy relaxing canoe trips through rivers, canals, lakes and wetlands in exquisitely beautiful natural environments.

One of the activities that attracts the most tourist attention in Costa Rica is diving, whether on the water’s surface with a snorkel, or deep-sea diving with an oxygen tank. You’ll connect with a colorful underwater world, where you can see the spectacular whale shark, whitetip reef sharks (in the Isla del Coco*), manta rays, schools of different species, eels, lobsters, gorgeous coral formations and many more species.

* Isla del Coco, one of the 10 most important marine sites on the planet, was declared a World Natural Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1997. Because of this, visits are regulated by SINAC-MINAE, the environmental regulatory body. The island is located 500 km from Puntarenas, and it takes approximately 20 hours to get there.

Extreme Action
For adventure tourism lovers, Costa Rica is a destination where emotions and adrenaline abound. Throughout the year and in most of the country, whether by water, land or air, you can choose from a variety of activities for the whole family, which usually take place in natural settings where memorable experiences come to life. The most important key to enjoying adventurous activities is safety. For this reason, Costa Rica seeks to ensure that adventure tourism companies are regulated and have operating permits of different government agencies. Because of the excellent attributes of adventure tourism in Costa Rica, some international media outlets have designated our country as being the best destination for adventure.

HORSEBACK RIDING
Costa Rica offers some of the best horseback riding you will find anywhere.
Riding along the beach or up the mountain is an adventure that takes you deep into unbelievable places and landscapes

On the beach
From the Pacific to the Caribbean
Exquisite ocean views and the constant sound of the water are part of the Pacific coast tour in the beaches of Playa Conchal, Avellanas, Playa Negra, Junquillal and San Juanillo. In certain cases, your horseback riding trip may take you up the nearby mountains and hills for a panoramic vista that is even more impressive.

Towards the south of the coastal region, passing through Playa Dominical and Playa Uvita is certainly a must. This region is home to the Catarata Nauyaca, a waterfall where your mount will take you after crossing fields and forests. Crystalline waters await where you can refresh yourself. The magic of the Caribbean Sea is waiting in the surroundings of the Gandoca-Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge, an ideal location for encountering wildlife.

Up the mountain
Horse lovers cannot miss a day trip from the Arenal Volcano, in Alajuela Province, to the Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve in Puntarenas. Enjoy majestic vistas of the massif along the route while traversing trails through dense forests. Beautiful landscapes and the countless birds that can be observed from horseback typify the country’s central region, where your ride will take you through the community of San Gerardo de Dota, nestled in the peaks of the Cordillera de Talamanca. If that weren’t enough, the country’s northern region offers you the opportunity to ride and enjoy its marvelous and changing climate. Some of the certified companies that carry out these tours will take you to the banks of the Río Sarapiquí, where you can take it all in.

Variety of tours
Many hotels, lodges and tourist spots offer horseback tours that combine the beach, forests, mountains and rivers for a truly unique experience. Those searching for something different can take a full moon ride at night or learn about exotic and medicinal plants during the ride.

Topes, exhibitions and festivals
The country has a full calendar of horseback parades that display the variety of breeds present, with experienced riders showing off their abilities. These parades are called topes. December 26 is a much-awaited day, since the Tope Nacional is held in San José, as the country celebrates National Horseback Rider Day. In these months of sunlight there are abundant options, from the Fiestas de Palmares in January, the topes in San Carlos between February and March, and the shows in Monteverde in April and August.

ZIPLINES
A different way to explore Costa Rica.
For those who enjoy adrenaline-pumping experiences, ziplining, sky tram tours, and high hanging bridges offer intense experiences with views to match.

LETS HIKE
Hanging bridges conveniently link popular hiking trails, providing visitors with safe and easy access to exciting views and breath-taking vistas. Enchanting hiking trails. Around Arenal volcano, in the La Fortuna de San Carlos area, there are tours for observing migratory and native birds. Tours start at 6 am and last around two and a half hours. Monteverde is another destination worth visiting, with multiple routes and bridges to choose from. Tour guides are a great way to learn the secrets of the local flora and fauna, while immersing yourself in the natural history. Guidelines for not getting lost! Never veer off established trails. Radios, tape recorders, and loud speaking are not allowed, so as to not disturb the animals. Jumping, rocking, and running on the bridges are also prohibited.

Observing from above
An easy option. Hanging bridges are, without a doubt, the best way to observe the canopy in detail. In Jaco, on the Pacific side, there is a sky tram on private property with stunning views of small waterfalls and the ocean. The hour-long excursion covers 5,900 ft. (1,800 m). About an hour from San Jose there is another option in a private reserve located next to Braulio Carrillo National Park. These bridges ascend the rainforest at various heights – from16 to 164 ft. / 5 to 50 m for 1.6 miles (2.6 km). In Turrubares, some 2,034 ft. (260 m) long and about 262 ft. (80 m) high, the Grande de Tarcoles River and its abundant crocodile population can be safely observed. Monteverde also has sky trams and on a clear day, you can see both the Nicoya Gulf and Arenal volcano.

LETS FLY
High up in the forests. Zip lines through the cloud forest of Monteverde offer an unforgettable experience and the opportunity to see more than 400 species of birds. Cuidad Quesada, San Mateo, San Ramon, near the Pacuare River, the Tabacon hot springs and even the Poas volcano all offer similar high energy experiences.

In the Central Valley. There’s a high-speed, one minute zip line in the Central Valley that stretches almost a mile. Its highest point is 328 ft. (100 m) and zip liners achieve speeds up to 55 mph (90 kph). Close to the ocean. In Drake Bay on the warm Osa Peninsula, zip lines run among lush canopy, with views of the rivers and flourishing greenery.

For safety
Wear long pants or shorts comfortable shoes, and use sun block as well as insect repellent.
Be sure to find companies with experienced guides and sound equipment.
Be sure that the company you choose has certified guides and safety measures in case of emergency.
You must be at least six years old to zip line, with a minimum weight of 50 lbs. (22 kilos) and 5 ft. (1.45 m) in height. There is no age limit for adults except for 300 lbs. (135 kilos) in weight and 7 ft. (2.15 m) in height.
Every zip liner is required to sign a release form.

Hiking in Costa Rica
The advantage of being in a country that protects 26% of its land, and holds 5% of the world’s biodiversity, is the endless scenery you can admire while on a hike. There’s no need to worry – there are places suited to both beginners and experienced trekkers. You can choose to walk through towns, beaches, dense forests, or stroll through national parks. Prepare yourself for a variety of climates in each destination you visit. Costa Rica has 12 different climate zones, so you can experience several different environments within a short distance. Since we’re a small country, you can travel from one area to another quickly. For example, you can take a 1-2 hour hike in the Manuel Antonio National Park in Puntarenas province, very close to the beach, or spend about 5 hours adventuring in the Cerro Dantas Wildlife Refuge amidst the old growth and secondary cloud forests of San Rafael de Heredia.

If you’re going to a destination alone, it is important to do your research beforehand, or enlist the help of a guide to take full advantage of your visit to the area. A good example of this is the Corcovado National Park, which conserves 2.5% of the world’s biodiversity and is home to 140 species of mammals. Here, in addition to enjoying the forest and the coastline, you might have the opportunity to see tapirs on the beach or watch a herd of peccaries pass by. It is important to have a guide accompany you while hiking in this park so that you don’t miss out on these opportunities.

Take the appropriate safety measures to enjoy some of the best hikes in the country. Wear clothes suited for the climate and activity, and always bring a fresh change of clothes in case you get caught in the rain. Always take reports and information about a place into account, and do not explore restricted access trails. Don’t take night walks unless authorized by a guide to avoid any incidents with the local fauna.

When hiring a tour company, always check their permits to ensure that they have accident insurance and safety measures in place. The nearest tourist information office can provide you with more details about the companies that meet the basic requirements requested by the Costa Rican Tourism Board (ICT).

Make your hike a unique way to experience Costa Rica.

DIVING
Come to discover an undersea world of extraordinary beauty.
Spectacular shades of color greet divers as they explore pristine coral reef formations. Winner of Rodale ‘s Scuba Diving Magazine’s 2004 Readers’ Choice Award, Costa Rica’s Pacific coast is listed as a top five destination for advanced scuba diving.

MORE THAN JUST CRYSTAL BLUE WATERS
Costa Rica facilitates your diving experience in a number of ways:
Professional diving tour companies offer services, equipment and accessories, and everything else needed for a safe and fun diving experience.
Open water diving courses are also available from beginners up to instructor level, as well as classes for physically disabled persons. All are offered in accordance with PADI (Professional Association of Diving Instructors, located in California, United States), NAUI (National Association of Underwater Instructors) and SSI (Scuba Schools International) among others.
Comfortable, high-quality accommodations to suit every budget.

Some important tips to ensure a safe and fun diving experience:
Look for reputable companies representing well-established associations and seek out operators with valid permits.
Verify each ship has the emergency equipment required by law.
In Costa Rica, diving is regulated by the Adventure Tourism Regulation. This same site may be visited when searching for the available diving tours in Costa Rica.

WHERE TO GO
Guanacaste region
In Guanacaste region, Costa Rica has a wide variety of activities for all tastes and ages.

Puntarenas and the gulf islands
The country’s exemplary system of National Parks and Protected Areas provide fertile grounds for bird watching, but just about anywhere in Costa Rica, spectacular avian species, including blue-grey tanagers, great kiskadees and crimson-fronted parakeets are abundant. True birders will want to take a trip to the cloud forests of Monteverde to see the resplendent quetzal or to the Central Volcanic Mountain Range to see the equally spectacular scarlet macaw.

Cocos island
This world-famous National Park was established in 1978. In 1997, UNESCO declared it a World Natural Heritage Site. Located on the Pacific side of Costa Rica, 543 km of Cabo Blanco, Cocos Island is a real treasure for divers and day-trippers alike. The journey takes approximately a day and a half but is well worth it for lovers of natural environments and exotic marine life. To visit Cocoss Island, contact a tour operator to organize your trip.

Central Pacific
Only a few hours from San José, the Central Pacific region, with its impressive rock formations and underwater caves found in places like the Manuel Antonio National Park, offer ideal diving conditions.. The beautiful waters at Cathedral Point, Puerto Escondido, and the Mogote and Olocuita Islands also wait to be expored.

South Pacific region
The most representative dive site in this area is the Caño Island Biological Reserve, located approximately forty-five minutes from Drake Bay on the Osa Peninsula, where you will find a very difficult-to-compare marine ecosystem. You can also explore the islets Tres Hermanas and the protected maritime Zone of the Marino Ballena National Park, which houses a great diversity of coral species and in which the migrations of humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) stand out.

South Caribbean region
Protected by the Gandoca-Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge, and the Cahuita National Park, this mostly unexplored region features a fantastic coral reef ecosystem surrounded by mystical waters

Whitewater rafting in Costa Rica
A favorite outdoor activity that’s been growing in popularity since the 1970s, an inflatable raft is used to navigate a river or body of water. This sport usually requires a team of paddlers, a guide and lots of teamwork.

The following are a few of the most convenient rivers for rafting:
Reventazón: The Tucurrique section (Class III) is easy enough for first-timers. The Pascua section (Class IV-V) is very wild, and requires previous rafting experience. Can be run year round.

Pacuare: The country’s longest and most spectacular river trip (Class III-IV) can be run from mid May thru mid March. Two-day trip recommended.

Sarapiquí: Beautiful river (Class II-III), good trip for beginners. Can be run out of San Jose or the Arenal area, from mid May thru mid March.

Saavegre: Another beautiful river (Class II-III) excellent for first timers. River trips leave from Manuel Antonio and Quepos, May thru January.

Naranjo: A wild river (Class III-IV) near Quepos that requires some rafting experience. Run from June thru November.

El General: A popular three-day kayaking or rafting trip (class III-IV) best during the height of the rainy season, September to November.

Peñas Blancas in Arenal, Corobici River in Guanacaste or Sarapiquí- chilamate section: Beautiful Rivers (Class I), good trip for families, great opportunity to see wildlife. Can be run all year around.

The following classification has been created to assess the difficulty level of any given river:
Class I, Easy: Calm waters not paddling request, sightseen enjoy, good for families with kids.
Class II, Beginners: Fast current, with ripples and small waves. Little obstructions that can be easily surpassed with some training. The risk for swimmers is low and self-rescue easy.
Class III, Beginners: Direct rapids with wide canals. Simple maneuvers are needed on some sections of the river. Scarce danger for swimmers.
Class IV, Intermediate: Rapids with moderate waves. Narrow passages and rapid currents, require complex maneuvers. A previous experience is recommended.
Class V, Only for expert teams: Intense rapids, requiring precise control of the ship in turbulent waters. Many of the maneuvers should be done quickly, and under pressure. Water conditions make self-rescue difficult, so group’s assistance is necessary. Upper Pacuare River & Upper Naranjo River, El Chorro section.
Class VI; Extreme: Very long and violent rapids. Descents may have waves, big holes and abrupt falls with complex routes. Rescue is very difficult. Consequences of errors are severe and rescue may be impossible. Waterfalls, big drops. No recommended to be run.

KAYAKING
To suit every taste
The mixture of kayak and water offers a lot of possibilities. Some of its specialties may be practiced in fresh water while others on the sea.

Following we show you the ones practiced on rivers and lakes.

White water: is kayaking when practiced on rivers. Competition is under the modalities of descent and slalom.
Descent consists of going down a section of a river, approximately 6 kilometers, in the smallest time possible. In these cases, the craft is longer and narrow, but faster.

On the descent of rivers, there are trials at the international category which are very difficult, requiring a very special, nautical instinct. The kayakist should be able to interpret what water currents, depths and dangers may be present as he passes. Here there are no obstacles, only the natural ones of the river, with strong currents and passages requiring a great ability. Within the specialty of white waters, you may find the modality carried out in rushing waters, which as suggested by its name, is characterized by the water’s force.

The main competition within it is the slalom, when the rower has to overcome not only the rapids and natural obstacles, but also tests of obligatory way, which are placed along a length of almost 800 meters.

Quiet waters: This is the Olympic specialty par excellence. Competition is generally on lakes or rivers without much current.

Marathon: the kayak marathon is done on lakes, lagoons, rivers and the sea. Distances exceed 15 kilometers and crafts are specially adapted to that aim.

As there may be variety in the practice of kayak, there are a variety of constructive models for the crafts. The possibility of using any fabrication material has been exploited to the max. Treated woods, metals, plastics and fibers, which make kayaks lighter, durable and resistant.

Currently, many are made of fine woods, which are worked adequately. But carbon fibers and kevlar also give them greater resistance. Nevertheless, the material used, which gives them an excellent quality, is plastic, due to a greater durability.

KNOWING A LITTLE MORE
What is basic of this discipline, is that the crew remains seated and advances with a double paddle oar. The ship’s route may be directed with the oar or with a rudder, which is maneuvered with the feet. The number of crewmembers may vary, one, two, or four (K-1, K-2 & K-4), be it for fun as for competition. Also, he paddle or oar the only propulsion element authorized for competition kayaks. Nowadays, there are no limits as to the weight and measurements of the oar. Nevertheless, a continuous evolution in its design has been going on which affects in a higher navigation speed.

Another element to know, to tell apart the differences between kayak and other disciplines, as for example canoeing, is that in the first one the kayakist sails facing to the direction he advances. Another difference is the way the craft is impulsed: in the kayak the paddle is not supported on the canoe, as it is in canoeing. As for the abilities to be developed by a kayakist, the main one is balance. Having reached this step, he should acquire a good rowing technique, where energy saving prevails, but without leaving out the conveyance of energy to the craft. The purpose is to favor a better gliding on the water, profiting from winds and currents.

With these introductory notes to kayaking, what follows is that you look for the equipment, be it owned or rented, and that you dare live the adventure of the experience. The country has rivers and lakes, the perfect platform to prove your ability and speed over water.

SURFING
The best beaches for surf in Costa Rica
Costa Rica has become one of the favorite international destinations for surfing due to its easy ocean access and variety of surf conditions. There are four different zones: the Caribbean coast; the Northern, Southern and Central Pacific coasts.

The Pacific coast has the most surfing areas. The majority of them are found in Guanacaste, in the northwest part of the country, but there are also excellent places in the central and southern areas, as well as the Caribbean coast.

In 2016, for the second time in history, Costa Rica was selected to host the ISA World Surfing Games. Costa Rica beat several other countries competing to host the event, including Peru, Panama, France and the United States. The biggest countries in the world participate in this championship, and last year’s games drew 28 countries whose competitors descended on Playa Jacó for 10 days. Some 200,000 spectators attended.

Thanks to the work of Costa Rica’s Surf Federation, the 2016 World Surfing Games was the second most successful world championship event put on by the International Surf Association, following the 2009 tournament. That year, Costa Rica also hosted the games, which drew 100,000 spectators and 36 participating countries.

WHERE TO GO SURFING?
Guanacaste
In this area there are three major beaches for surfing. One is Potrero Grande, which offers excellent waves and wind conditions. To get there, there is a boat from Coco Beach (21 miles or 35 km from Liberia). This area lacks services. Visitors should bring food and water. There is also Negra Beach, which has hotels, cabins, and camping areas, as well as restaurants and bars. Visitors can arrive from the northeast, crossing La Amistad Bridge over the Tempisque River. Vehicles with four-wheel drive are recommended for getting there. Another great spot is Witch’s Rock, located in the Santa Rosa National Park. Its fast waves with perfect tubes make it a favorite; however, toward the Naranjo River crocodiles often have been spotted! It is accessible by land or sea; if going by land, a four-wheel drive must be used due to road conditions. Other beaches recommended for this sport are: Naranjo Beach, Grande Beach, Tamarindo, Langosta Beach, Avellanas, Junquillal, and Nosara.

Central Pacific
The main focal point for surfers is Jaco, which offers an enormous variety of hotels and lodging as well as restaurants, bars, entertainment centers, and shopping. Among the most recommended beaches in the Central Pacific are Escondida Beach and Boca Barranca. The latter is one of the favorites because of its long wave measuring around 3,117 ft. (950 m). Another noteworthy option is Hermosa Beach, which is known for having some of the most consistent waves in the world. Other surf-friendly beaches in this area include Esterillos, Palo Seco, Roca Loca, Bejuco, Dominical, Damas Island, and Manuel Antonio, among others. Hotels, cabins, restaurants, and other facilities are available at all of the above beaches and, generally speaking, public buses provide easy access.

Southern Pacific
Located some 12 miles (20 km) from Corcovado National Park, Cabo Matapalo offers world-class waves. To get there, there is a shared taxi that departs from Puerto Jimenez every day or an all-terrain vehicle that easily takes on the various river crossings. Continuing along toward southern Golfito is Pavones Beach, which has one of the best waves in the world, running more than half a mile (1 km) long. Transportation is available by air or land.
Along the highway that runs south, parallel to the coast, is Punta Banco, a series of beaches with left and right breakers for 2.5 miles (4 km), which makes it very popular among surfers, although it is not ideal for swimming. Simple lodging is available. Access is difficult, so it is recommended to use an all-terrain vehicle.

The Caribbean
One of the most frequented beaches by surfers is Puerto Viejo, also known as Salsa Brava due to its strong waves and huge tubes. Only experienced surfers should attempt this spot. 1.2 miles (2 km) away is Cocles, another beach with good waves as well as cabins that are popular among surfers. There are also lifeguard posts. Bonita Beach and Uvita Island also possess world-class waves. However, these areas are only accessible by boat. For something calmer nearby, Manzanillo has a variety of lodging options and beaches suitable for surfing such as Punta Mora and Grande Manzanillo Beach.

ATV adventure in Costa Rica
Four wheelers provide an exhilarating experience while exploring otherwise hard-to-reach mountains, rivers, waterfalls, and beaches. Thrills ahead? The country’s terrain is ideal for four wheeling. Head out on one’s own or take a guided tour of fascinating destinations. Beaches including Jaco, Conchal, Flamingo, Tamarindo, Nosara, Manuel Antonio, as well as La Fortuna, Arenal, and Monteverde among others offer interesting scenery.

A VARIETY OF TRAILS
Many tourist centers offer trails for ATVs. In Miramar, Puntarenas, there are three types of trails. The first is muddy and winds through the trees, the second crosses over a stone bridge, and the third offers views of the forest and the Nicoya gulf. Another option is the trail in Cartago, a challenging and complex terrain used for motocross, four wheeling and cross country.

Championships, Rallies, and Excursions
The following communities organize rally competitions for tourists: Altamira de Aguas Zarcas, La Marina and Almendros de Cutris, in San Carlos; Upala, Caño Ciego de Guatuso and San Gerardo de Rio Cuarto de Grecia, are all in Alajuela.

CHALLENGING ROUTES
Forest country
While enjoying the Arenal countryside, riders can travel through exotic tropical plantations and observe the majestic La Fortuna waterfall and even take a quick dip in approved areas. The experience in the Monteverde rainforest includes riding through creeks and mud with winding and rocky trails. The craggy mountains of Quepos provide tropical rustic trails, unpaved roads, huge African palm plantations, cattle farms, and small towns like Naranjito and Villanueva which sell traditional products. Muddy trails, clear water creeks, and winding trails through the mountains are all part of the excursions.

Adventure in the sand
The Pacific coast provides the ideal scenery for families who wish to enjoy beautiful excursions through the mountains and appreciate beaches like Tamarindo, Capitan Island, Playa Grande, and Langosta as well as impressive sunsets. Four wheeler tours are provided along with other adventure sports like canopy and surfing, among others. The small fishing town at Playa Dominical is now one of the preferred destinations for experienced surfers as well as four wheeler excursions.

Around the Central Valley
South of the capital, some 40 minutes from San Jose, traveling through Aserri, marvelous views from the highway are hard to miss. From its peak at 8,200 ft., on a clear day, one can see the Central Valley and three volcanos: the Poas, Barva, and Irazu volcanoes. On the other side of the city, in the hills of Escazu, visits to coffee plantations near a primary forest offer an abundance of flora and fauna sightings. All out adrenaline!

For your safety
Always wear a helmet, eye protection, and protective clothing (boots and gloves).
Avoid paved roads that can affect handling.
Do not remove your feet from the foot rests as it can cause you to lose balance.
Check the air pressure in your tires and make sure the nuts of the hub cap are tight.
Maintain the oil and fuel levels so they don’t run low.
Avoid excessive braking when turning or going over slippery surfaces.
For maximum enjoyment, be sure to familiarize yourself with the terrain and the functions of the vehicle. It is not a toy! That’s why it is advisable to travel with an experienced guide. It is not recommendable to take seldom used routes.
Avoid dangerous slopes with loose sand.
Preserve the environment by minimizing exhaust fumes.
Be sure the tour company has a civil responsibility policy.
Rentals to minors are not allowed.
Avoid heavily trafficked beaches and roads.
With respect to group tours, it is recommended to have one guide in front of the pack and one in the back. Assistant vehicles should accompany very large groups that are equipped with radios and cell phones.
Ask if the company has a protocol in case of emergency. Safety is top priority.

Climbing and rappelling in Costa Rica
Climbing and rappelling test the physical and mental endurance of those willing to master high altitudes. Tours lasting from one day to several days can be found throughout the country.

VERTICAL CHALLENGE
Variations Experts will teach techniques on rope climbing, vertical rescue, down rock face rappelling, as well as zip lining. Near Orotina One of the tallest stationary climbing rock faces in the world, at 246 ft., is located in the Tarcoles River canyon. It is suitable for both beginners and experts. The Blanco river canyon Climbing and rappelling through the treetops in Guapiles, offers the crossing of various platforms at different points throughout the forest and descending along the canyon’s rock face. Up along the rock face The town of Cachi, in the province of Cartago, has several rock faces and climbing sites where the beautiful forest sights are amazing.

Rappelling options
Toward Cartago. On the La Carpintera hill, on the way to the Cartago province, there is rappelling in the Pre-montane rain forest and cloud forest in the higher altitudes. Along the Chirraca road in Turrialba, the waterfalls and the Vigas Bridge canyon offer extreme sports options.

Alajuela
Los Chorros Recreational Park, in Grecia, has two waterfalls, the Zamora Ravine and Prendas River. Close to the Colorado River, in Naranjo, and the La Fortuna waterfall in San Carlos are also both great for rappelling.

Around Heredia
The Sarapiqui River canyon is a stunning beauty: it is close to small towns such as San Miguel, La Virgen, and Puerto Viejo.

In Puntarenas
There is climbing in the Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve.

AT THE TOP
Scaling in Chirripo National Park is a serious challenge. It is the second highest peak in Central America, measuring 12,500 ft. above sea level and is located in the Talamanca Mountain Range. It is the ultimate experience in hiking. In general, it is very wet between May and December and turns very dry and sunny from January to April. Higher elevations experience a range of rapidly changing weather, including wind gusts, frost, constant drizzle, and abrupt temperature changes. However, for those willing to make the climb, the surrounding view is beyond compare. Climbers can observe many lakes and valleys such as the Moraine Valley, Los Lagos Valley, and Los Conejos Valley.

Safety recommendations
Wear comfortable and durable shoes and clothes, a billed hat, sun block, repellent, and take a bottle of water. If the weather is cold, bring a light sweater or jacket and if you expect to come into contact with water, wear appropriate shoes or sandals, and clothes that will dry quickly (surf material or synthetic) and a change of clothes.
Never climb alone. Stay within your limits and don’t improvise. Don’t pressure yourself, stay relaxed. Pay attention to what you’re doing and don’t get distracted.
If you are a beginner, a few-hour course will teach you the basic techniques for climbing, as well as how to tie knots and use common anchor techniques.
The entire process of rappelling, from anchoring to the core of your rope, from person to team, constitutes a chain. If one link fails, the whole chain fails.
Rappelling can be the quickest and safest way to descend certain stretches. However, sometimes it is not, even when you have all the resources available to you. It is a method used for when climbing down is impossible.

Fishing In Costa Rica
All set for fishing
With direct flights from the United States to San Jose and Guanacaste, reaching choice fishing destination is easy. Every fishing destination has hotels, fishing equipment, guides, boats and almost anything needed to ensure a memorable trip.

WELCOME ABOARD
Thanks to its abundance of marine fauna, Costa Rica has become a major sportfishing destination, with five Grand Slam events per year, two in Marina Pez Vela and three in Marina de los Sueños.

Marina Pez Vela:
Quepos Billfish Cup – February
Offshore World Championship – April

Marina Los Sueños:
Signature Triple Crown Series, which is divided into three events – January, February and March.
The Pacific flat coasts and exotic Caribbean coasts are an angler’s paradise. The fish and the challenges await!

Guanacaste
Guanacaste is known for its great fishing, especially marlin finishing, all year long. Some favorite spots for sport fishing in this region are Coco and Ocotal Beach, Tamarindo, Samara and Carrillo. The area offers easy access, thanks to direct flights from the Daniel Oduber International Airport in Liberia and connections coming from the United States. There are also flights from inside Costa Rica. Access by road is easy from the Central Pacific or San Jose.

Central Pacific
The natural beauty of Carara and Manuel Antonio National Parks complement the active fishing centers. The Marina in Playa Herradura offers excellent services and conditions for all lovers of this thrilling sport. Among some of the services the marina has are 250 docks, fuel supply and repair shop and a dry dock with a crane supporting up to 10 tons, which makes it ideal to store jet skis or small recreational boats. The marina is also equipped with the Internet, telephone, commercial centers, banking services, rent-a-cars, as well as equipment for emergencies, power and potable water supply. It also has the Marina Pez Vela located in Quepos (just six kilometers from Manuel Antonio National Park) with capacity for 100 boats. The proximity of this zone to the Juan Santamaria International Airport allows to access many Costa Rican choice fishing destinations in about an hour.

South Pacific
The remote areas of Costa Rica offer important fishing centers including: Drake, Puerto Jimenez, Zancudo, Golfo Dulce, and Golfito, which has everything needed for a pleasant stay. This area has runways in Golfito, Drake, Coto 47, and Palmar Sur, giving easy access with internal flights from San Jose.

North Caribbean
Unforgettable experiences are found in the Caribbean zone. Here, fish species that differ from those in the Pacific coast, like the snook are abundant. The unique landscapes and seascapes in the Caribbean of Costa Rica are a “place out of time” and as peaceful as they are beautiful. The North Caribbean, including the canals at Barra del Colorado and Parismina, offers complete packages including fishing tours and transportation to and from San Jose.

Biking in Costa Rica
Countless miles of trails covering every type of terrain await biking enthusiasts of all levels. There are a variety of day tours in the outskirts of San Jose around Irazu and Poas volcanoes or the Orosi Valley. The mountains of Talamanca or the Central Volcanic Mountain Range offer more rigorous biking. The mountain ranges in Guanacaste and Tilaran, as well as the valleys and plains along the Caribbean, the Central Pacific, and the Southern Pacific also make for excellent biking destinations. There are an estimated 80 paths to choose from. In 2015, more than 400,000 cyclists toured the country, a number that continues to grow along with the sport’s popularity.

A Country for Biking
Enthusiasm for cycling has led to numerous international events including the National Cup and the National Championship, the Panamerican Championship, the Mountain Biking National Championship, the Sun Route (la Ruta del Sol), the Endurance Cup, the Volcano Challenge (in the Central Valley and Arenal volcanoes), the Conquerors’ Route (Puntarenas to Limon), the International Tour in Costa Rica, and the Female Tour, which was created just a few years back.

Two Wheels Trip
A favorite place for mountain biking, Turrialba in Cartago, has various fascinating archeological sites and can be reached by the Caribbean coast. The terrain ranges from moderate to extreme.

High altitude challenge. The Cerro de la Muerte (Death’s Peak) is the highest peak along the Interamericana Highway at 11,300 ft. It is part of La Amistad Pacific Conservation Area and its high plateau descends towards the coastal beaches. Rainforest surrounds the Arenal Volcano, with difficult ascents and descents throughout the territory.

Wildlife. In Sarapiqui, Heredia, there are gravel roads and terrain that wind through remote communities. Howler monkeys, iguanas, insects, butterflies, and all types of birds inhabit this rainforest. Its difficulty is intermediate, with flat terrain, dunes and hills.

Toward the ocean. The spectacular Piedras Blancas National Park is a wildlife refuge extending from Puntarenas, in Golfito, to the southeast in the Osa Peninsula. It is home to the only lowland rainforest in the tropical Dulce Gulf that remains green year-round.

For your safety
This activity, like any other, requires a certain amount of experience, adequate equipment, and careful planning of the places to explore.
Mountain biking is designed especially for experiencing and conquering difficult terrain. It generally requires front-fork suspension and rear-end suspension is becoming more and more common. Essential accessories include knee pads, shin pads, elbow pads, gloves, and helmet. It is recommended to wear light and synthetic clothes, as well as appropriate socks and to bring adequate fluids.
Before heading out, bikes should be completely checked and ready, including the condition of the chain, gears, tire pressure, brakes and brake pads. A tool kit is a must.
We encourage safe road rules: distance from vehicles, defensively riding and cautious descents. The rainy months still provide attractions for biking, but caution is encouraged.
We recommend traveling in groups with a guide with the advantage that he/she can monitor the physical condition of every person and provide directions along the route.

Defying the waves with the blowing of the wind
Costa Rica’s weather is controlled by the east-west trade winds which blow strongest and steadiest from december through may. This is the main season for wind sports. From april to november, it is still possible to practice these sports though most of the schools and rental operations are closed.

KITE SURFING
Kitesurfing really came into the public eye at the beginning of this century. The sport utilizes a kite, foil or inflatable, and a board either similar in shape to a wakeboard, or a smaller surf board. Requiring a mixture of skills required in powerkite flying, surfing and wakeboarding where the kiter is attached to the kite by means of a special harness. Kitesurfing can be learnt quickly and due to huge improvements in the safety side of the equipment the sport is far safer than when it started.

Due to the importance of the wind direction relative to the shoreline kitesurfing can only be safely practiced in a small number of beaches in Costa Rica. On Lake Arenal, an enclosed body of water, you can rent the latest equipment and receive classes taught by experienced instructors. The same can be said in Bahia Salinas an enclosed bay close to the border with Nicaragua, where the wind blows on-shore. There are other beaches, especially on the Nicoya peninsula, where, depending upon the local weather conditions you can kite in on shore conditions though there are no schools or rentals available.

WIND SURFING
Depending upon the wind strength it really is a sport for the whole family. Kids as young as 8 years old can, given the right equipment for their size and strength learn quickly. Lake Arenal is a windsurfer’s paradise with the months of December through March regularly having wind speeds between 20mph-30mph, which is perfect for more experienced sailors, though with the newest equipment it is still possible to learn.

March and April sees the wind dropping, at times, and families can spend a day, or more, at the lake having fun and improving their skills. Windsurfing is also possible at Bahia Salinas though very little rental equipment is available. The hotel Four Seasons on the Papagayo Peninsular also has some beginner, family oriented, equipment for its guests. Windsurfing can also be combined, in light wind, with SUP (Stand Up Paddleboarding) as many of the newer SUP boards also allow a windsurf sail to be easily attached to the board.

Golf In Costa Rica
Golf in Costa Rica is special. A lush rainforest surrounds, a macaw passes overhead and a monkey rudely critiques swings from a nearby tree. Our courses offer spectacular mountain views of a San Jose course or the ocean views of Guanacaste and mid Pacific courses.

The following courses await you in Costa Rica.

GUANACASTE AREA
1. Reserva Conchal
This Robert Trent Jones course is located in Brasilito/Playa Conchal area. The Reserva Conchal golf course was the first Audubon-certified course in Costa Rica, and its layout will test your golf skills.
Type: Semi Private Resort course. You need to be a Paradisus Conchal guest or Conchal condo rental.

2. Hacienda Pinilla
Inside the Hacienda Pinilla resort near the town of Tamarindo, this course has beautiful ocean views and was designed to conform to the slopes and contours of the natural landscape of Hacienda Pinilla. This 7,300-yard, par 72 masterpiece golf course is the creation of Mike Young, who is responsible for some of the finest courses in the southern United States.
Type: Resort Course

3. Four Seasons
This 6,788 yard Arnold Palmer championship course sits in the Papagayo Peninsula just minutes from Liberia International Airport. More than half of the holes offer spectacular views of the ocean.
Type: Private Resort Course.

MID PACIFIC AREA
1. Marriott Los Sueños
Located inside the Marriott resort in Herradura/Jaco area, this Ted Robinson course was landscaped to include exotic native plants, banana trees and orchids, more than 150 species of birds as well as monkeys and other wildlife that have been identified on the grounds. This challenging course blends into the mesmerizing scenery.
Type: Resort Public Course

2. Los Delfines
Located in Tambor at the tip of the Nicoya Peninsula, this 6,264 yard course consists of nine intriguing holes that have an unbelievable setting, Costa Rica’s tropical scenery.
Type: Resort course

SAN JOSE AREA
1. Valle del Sol
Located in the Santa Ana area, this 7,011 yard championship course offers ample and waved fairways surrounded by majestic trees and 15 large lakes which attract diversified and lively wild life, where more than 20 different bird species can be observed.[A1] .
Type: Public Course.

2. Cariari
Located in Cuidad Cariari community between the airport and San Jose, this 6,590 yard George Fazio championship course hosts many international tournaments and is a local favorite due its challenging tight fairways, wooded rough and guarded greens, and beautiful mountain views.
Type: Private Course.

3. Los Reyes
Located in La Guacima, this 5,834 yard Robertson Ward course has well maintained and attractive fairways, as well as well tended greens.
Type: Semi-Private course.

4. Monteran
Located in the east side of San Jose, this 2,243 yard Douglas Beach par 3 course offers city views and a course that will test your mid to short game.
Type: Private course.

5. Costa Rica Country Club
Located in the Escazu area, this 6,031 yard Charles Donovan course offers tight fairways with rolling hills and excellent mountain views. Opened in 1940, this country club course is full of tradition.
Type: Private course

Tubing is a great way to enjoy rivers, lakes and oceans from on top of a rubber tube
The term comes from “inner tube” in English. Many Ticos enjoyed this activity as kids, and we used to inflate old car tires that we took with us on weekend trips. Those trips usually involved areas with lots of water, and we would never go on them without a tire. On rivers like the Pacuare, near Siquirres, kids would always be seen on their tires enjoying the “chorros,” as we called the rapids.

As tourism developed – particularly adventure tourism – people began looking for new ways to entertain visitors. And what better way to take advantage of the rivers – especially the smaller ones – where larger rafts weren’t an option. That’s how tubing as we know it today was born in Costa Rica, on the many rivers that have interesting currents.

Costa Rica was the first country to begin running rivers commercially using this method. Since then, this activity has grown more popular and expanded to other countries. It’s not a coincidence that Costa Rica is where many commercial adventure tourism activities started, such as canopy tours and bungee jumping, to name a few. Specifically, tubing began on the skirts of the Rincón de la Vieja Volcano. It primarily responded to the need for more aquatic activities when rafting wasn’t an option.

But what was once a family recreational activity needed to be adapted to the needs of a growing and more demanding tourism industry. Special life jackets and helmets designed for rivers were needed, among other things. Because tubes often crash against the rocks, they had to be reinforced with a special type of water-resistant canvas. A bottom was added to the tubes to prevent riders from falling through the center. And special handles were added to allow better control without the risk of riders getting caught when flipping over, which could be dangerous.

Tubing is described as a descent down rivers on a round, personal raft that allows riders to observe and feel nature in a new and different way. Being so close to the water magnifies everything, and you can really feel the adrenaline surge with this new form of running rivers.

Stand Up Paddling in Costa Rica
This new sport consists of standing on a long, buoyant board while paddling—thus the name “Stand Up Paddling.” The design of the board—similar to that of a surfboard, only larger—means it offers its rider more stability while he or she stands, paddles, and steers. It can be practiced at many of the beaches on the Pacific coast, such as Samara and Carrillo, and it’s even possible to catch a wave or two at some of the smaller beaches. The undulating waters and rolling waves add an exciting and challenging component to the SUP ocean experience, making it very different from its lake-based counterpart.

The SUP tour at Lake Arenal offers its participants the chance to paddle around the lake’s many bays and coves while enjoying an incredible view of the volcano. The tranquil waters of the lake make for a smooth and easy experience, allowing the rider to take in the area’s incredible scenery at his or her own pace. The calm water also gives riders the chance to better experiment on their boards, engaging in races, games, and even yoga poses, all at the base of the grand Areal Volcano. Regardless of the body of water on which you try it, though, SUP in general is very easy and fun! Children 8 years and older and adults of all ages can enjoy it, and on the longer, wider boards, it is even possible for mom and dad to paddle while the kids sit up front.

SUP tours are available at various Costa Rican destinations and, generally, all of the tours include specialized SUP boards and equipment, instruction, guides, and transportation. It truly is an ideal water sport for people of all ages and athletic backgrounds: surfers can test their skills on a different kind of board while first-timers and vacationers looking to spend some time on the water can get out and try something new. But don’t just take our word for it; come and try it for yourself!

Although Costa Rica is a small territory, it holds about 5 percent of the earth’s biodiversity. Fortunately, this natural treasure is protected by the National System of Conservation Areas, preserving a total of 25 percent of the national territory.

Visitors can enjoy the country’s majestic volcanoes, Pacific and Caribbean beaches, tropical dry, wet, and rain forests, as well as exhilarating jungle landscapes, all without traveling long distances.

It gives us great pleasure to invite you to visit our natural wonders.

Arenal Volcano National Park
Located 15 kilometers from Fortuna in the northwest part of Costa Rica, between the foothills of the Cordillera de Tilaran mountain range and the San Carlos plains, Arenal Volcano National Park is one of the most visited destinations in the Northern Zone. Several trails—Heliconias, Coladas, Tucanes and Los Miradores—allow observation of much of the park’s flora and fauna, as well as the remains of lava tracts. The park covers a 12,124-hectare area. Visitor services include information, a park ranger station, trails, communication means, restrooms and drinking water.

Ballena National Marine Park
Watch in awe as whales and dolphins put on a show as they emerge from the water.
This is the favorite spot of humpback whales and several types of dolphins. Depending on the season, the park turns into natural scenery for viewing these animals.

Humpback whales arrive every year (from July to October) to carry out their reproductive cycles, at a point in the park with a rocky and sandy formation resembling a whale’s tail. This curiosity is the park’s main attraction.

Inside the park you can visit the tombolo (whale’s tail), enjoy and walk along the beaches, or snorkel or scuba dive to see a wide variety of marine life. You can also enjoy the calm ocean that bathes these shores or take a boat trip to nearby islands.

In addition to humpback whales, species like the spotted dolphin can be found in these waters, as well as bottlenose dolphins, manta rays, hammerhead sharks, parrotfish and mackerels.

“Take advantage of your visit and enjoy the attractions of the area, such as horseback riding, canyoning and waterfalls,” Gallardo said.

The Ballena National Marine Park has four official access routes for visitors to enjoy, all via the Inter-American Highway South: Uvita, Colonia, Ballena and Piñuela.

Barbilla National Park
This protected area was first declared a biological reserve in 1982 and later in 1998 it officially became a national park. It holds an important tropical wet rainforest and its 30,000 acres is an important water source.

It is located 11 miles from Siquirres and is difficult to access. That’s why there aren’t any of the necessary facilities, so visitors must be used to hiking and use a local tour guide from Las Brisas de Pacuarito community, who can be found in the national park’s administrative offices.

The area has primary forests, both wet and very wet tropical rainforests. There is a great diversity of biological wildlife due to the many different altitudes ranging from 360 ft. to 5,300 ft. above sea level. It rains on average between 213 to 280 cubic inches per year. In the forests you can find pumas, jaguars, ocelots, tapir, monkeys, and many bird species.

Barra Honda National Park
This park is located around 12 miles northeast of Nicoya. It measures some 5,000 acres and protects an important geological resource, which is a system of caves with stalactite and stalagmite formations. The Barra Honda Peak is 1,476 ft. high and is made up of old coral reefs that were pushed up by tectonic faults.

Nineteen caves have been discovered. The Terciopelo Cave is open to the public because it is the easiest to access. The area provides a park, potable water, restrooms, lodging, an information center, trails, and lookout points where visitors can take in the scenery of the Tempisque River.

Braulio Carrillo National Park
Protecting and conserving for the enjoyment of generations
Braulio Carrillo National Park is located north of the Central Valley in the Central Volcanic Mountain Range, between the Poás and Irazú volcanoes. This wonderful natural treasure includes Barva and Cacho Negro volcanoes, and extends from Alto de la Palma, north of the canton of Moravia, to the La Selva Protected Zone in Puerto Viejo de Sarapiquí.

Its maximum elevation is 2,906 MASL at the peak of Barva Volcano, and has a low temperature of 3° C and a high of 24° C. Due to the high altitudinal slope throughout the park, precipitation is highly varied, ranging from 2,500 mm on the slopes down to the Central Valley up to 5,734 mm on the Caribbean slope.

Covering 50,000 hectares, Braulio Carrillo National Park is one of the largest protected areas in Costa Rica, located in one of the country’s steepest topographical regions. The landscape consists of tall mountains densely covered by forests, and multiple canyons with rivers and streams that are of great importance for hydroelectricity production.

Braulio Carrillo National Park has two sectors for public use: Quebrada González and Barva Volcano, which both have visitor facilities. The Ceibo Sector is for conservation and research only.

This national park is named in honor of Braulio Carrillo, the third head of state who governed Costa Rica from 1837-1842.
In 1977, construction began on the current San José-Guapiles highway. A year later, to prevent unchecked destruction of the forest, Braulio Carrillo National Park was created by Executive Decree No. 8357 on April 15, 1978, and ratified by Law No. 6280 on Nov. 14, 1978.

Subsequently, Executive Decrees No. 17003 MAG (1986), 20358 MIRENEM (1991) and 22620 MIRENEM (1995), expanded the national park to a total of 47,586 hectares.

In 2015, Executive Decree No. 39259-MINAE, published in La Gaceta No. 237 on Dec. 7, added to the national park a sector established by Law Decree No. 65 in 1888, increasing the park’s size to 50,000 hectares.

Cahuita National Park
Cahuita is a unique national park in Costa Rica because of its close relationship with the community. It’s an example of shared management for sustainable development between the community and government. The participation of park rangers and community lifeguards stands out through shared governance and management.

Discover the most preserved coral reef in the Costa Rican Caribbean and enjoy the scenery, culture and cuisine offered in the area.
White sand beaches, a turquoise sea and diverse marine life are some of the attractions that await you in Cahuita National Park, in the province of Limón.

In this ecosystem, embedded in the Caribbean but with a forest environment, you will find species like raccoons, coatis, sloths, iguanas and lizards. You can also find snakes like the eyelash viper and the rainforest hognosed pitviper, and birds like the common black-hawk.

Inside the park you can practice recreational sports and hike the trails, or simply enjoy the beaches, swimming and sunbathing.

The park is supported by guides and tour operators from the community, who have been trained by the National Learning Institute and are accredited by the Costa Rican Tourism Board to help inform and provide services to visitors.

Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge
Caño Negro is a RAMSAR site of worldwide importance for wetlands conservation. The refuge is vital to the environmental balance of the country’s Northern Zone. This habitat shelters a wide variety of plant and wildlife species, many of which are unique or in danger of extinction, including seabirds such as the jabiru and reptiles such as caimans and turtles.

During the dry season, the refuge becomes an important feeding ground for the thousands of seabirds that arrive at the wetland. The plumage of some of these birds will change color and take on a pinkish hue due to the mollusks consumed by the birds. The natural wealth here includes plant and animal species found nowhere else in the country, including the prehistoric Gaspar fish—considered a living fossil. Visitor services include information, a park ranger station, trails, lodging, restrooms and drinking water.

Carara National Park
Carara National Park is located in the Turrubares and Garabito cantons, in the provinces of San José and Puntarenas, between coordinates 9º51′ and 9º44′ North latitude, 84º36′ and 84º29′ East longitude. In other words, it is 90 kilometers from San José on the Costanera Sur (southern coastal) highway. The main entrance is located 2 kilometers south of the Río Grande de Tárcoles bridge.

Carara National Park, which means “river of lizards” in the Huetar indigenous language, has the only transitional forest in the Central Pacific, resulting in a diversity of flora and fauna where native species of both dry forests and rain forests converge.

This national park is a world-renowned ornithological destination and has extremely diverse birdlife, specifically the scarlet macaw (Ara macao), an endangered species that is the second largest Psittacidae species in Costa Rica.

Without a doubt it is one of the main sites in the country for birdwatching, which is why it will be included in the next guide published by the Costa Rican Tourism Board for this segment of national tourism.

Because of its location and ease of access on Route 34, the park is ideal for a one-day visit, with easy access from the capital in your own car, in a rental car or by public transportation.

It is the first national park with a universal access path, where visitors can experience being in the forest and viewing endemic species like the giant cafecillo (Erythrochiton gymnanthus), as well as observing the relationship between some of the species.

Chirripó National Park
Variations in altitude, climate and soil give rise to one of the most ecologically diverse regions in Costa Rica. This park is situated in the Cordillera de Talamanca, which, at 320 kilometers, is the longest mountain range in the country. To get to Chirripo, visitors must travel to San Gerardo de Rivas. From its peak, on clear days, both Caribbean and Pacific coasts may be admired.

On the route to the summit, hikers enjoy lush vegetation and bird-watching. Chirripo features various sculpted glacial formations such as U-shaped valleys, lakes (moraines) and terraces. Visitor services include information, a park ranger station, trails, signage, restrooms, drinking water, several natural viewpoints and lodging.

Cocos Island National Park
The treasure is the Island
This national park was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1997 for its unmatched natural beauty and rich biodiversity. The island is located between parallels 5″30′ and 5″34′ and meridians 87″10′ and 87″6′

The blue-turquoise water is extraordinarily clear and makes a great habitat for an abundance of marine life, making this island one of the most extraordinary places in the world for diving. It also has beautiful evergreen forests and numerous impressive waterfalls.

For visitors, there is an information center, a park ranger’s station, trails, signage, restroom services, potable water and several lookout points.

Corcovado National Park
Protecting 41,788 hectares of shallow lagoons, marsh, mangrove swamps, rivers, wet forest and low-altitude cloud forest, as well as 46 kilometers of sandy beach, Corcovado is one of Central America’s most unique ecosystems. Within its extensive territory, visitors can observe some 6,000 insects, 500 trees, 367 birds, 140 mammals, 117 amphibians and reptiles, and 40 freshwater fish species.

The park has numerous hiking trails and rustic camping refuges. It is mandatory to enter with an authorized guide. Less adventurous visitors can also enjoy the park by boat or arrive by plane at the Sirena station. Visitors can see whales and macaws in Corcovado, as well as many other animals in danger of extinction. Visitor services include information, a park ranger station, trails, signage, restrooms, drinking water, a landing field, camping area, radio communication and rustic lodging.

Diriá National Park
This park is located in Santa Cruz and is home to a system of wetlands and more than 3,000 acres of forest. Two-thousand feet up are primarily Evergreen species, with moss and giant bromeliads.

Gandoca-Manzanillo-Natural-Wildlife-Refuge
Gandoca-Manzanillo is a mixed (state- and private-owned) National Wildlife Refige in which the combination of land, beach and sea landscapes along with the local culture make for a very attractive destination for visitors.

The conservation and sustainable management of these ecosystems is carried out in parallel with community participation, leading to the protection of threatened species such as manatees and sea turtles.

Its most important ecosystems are the golden sand beaches and wetlands: swamps, lagoons, reefs, beds of undersea plants and seaweed.

The refuge includes a protected reef of around 5 km2 in size that extends over Punta Uva, Manzanillo and Punta Mona. The coral species living here include brain coral and sea fans. It also protects the only natural habitat of the mangrove oyster, Crassostrea rhizophorae, held within the coastline reef area. Furthermore, it is home to many species of wildlife that are endangered or whose populations have been reduced.

Guanacaste National Park
This park is around 70,000 acres and is home to the Orosi and Cacao Volcanoes, which are its main attractions. There are three main areas Maritza, Pitilla, and Cacao, which are described below:

The Marita area measures 2,132 ft. above sea level in the foothills of the Orosi Volcano. There is a forest that transitions from wet to dry, springs and ravines. There are also a wide variety of birds and a large collared peccary population. Available services include potable water, restrooms, trails and an information center.

The Pitilla area is located less than a mile from La Cruz. Its primary resource is rainforest. Along the trails the sightings of birds and other animals as well as a spectacular view of Lake Nicaragua are memorable.

The Cacao area is located in the foothills with the same name and measures 3,600 ft. above sea level. There are trails that connect the transitioning dry to wet forests with the cloud forest. With prior permission, visitors can scale to the top of the volcano.

Guayabo National Archeological Monument
The Guayabo National Monument is located to the northwest of the city of Turrialba, Santa Teresita district, Cartago province. The archeological site is located on approximately 20 hectares of the protected area. This part consists of a group of pre-Hispanic architectural structures made of stone – rounded river stones – which were built over a period ranging from 1000 BC to 1400 AD, indicating a prolonged occupation of some 2,400 years.

The wildlife area, consisting of 233 hectares, protects a remnant of evergreen premontane rainforest which extends over an elevation range of 990-1,300 meters above sea level with an annual average temperature of 24°C.

The United States Association of Civil Engineers, one of the leading organizations in this area worldwide, has accorded Guayabo National Monument the status of World Heritage in Civil Engineering. This designation recognizes the engineering achievements and techniques used by the first inhabitants of the Guayabo National Monument, which have endured to the present day.

Irazú Volcano National Park
This park protects colossal Irazu, which, at 3,432 meters above sea level, is the tallest volcano in Costa Rica. The active volcano has a long history of eruptions. This protected area’s many geological features include the Hermosa Beach, Principal and Diego de la Haya craters, as well as the Sapper formation—the highest point in the massif, from which both Caribbean and Pacific coasts may be seen. Visitor services include information, a park ranger station, trails, restrooms, signage, a cafeteria, parking and several natural viewpoints.

Juan Castro Blanco National Park
This park features thermal pools (Fila Chocosuela), active volcanic vents (Platanar Volcano), inactive volcanic vents (Cerro Viejo, Cerro Pelon), volcanic cones and rugged topography. Wildlife is varied, and includes species such as quetzals, wild turkeys, chachalacas, black guans, monkeys, armadillos, agoutis and tapirs. The park is home to Pozo Verde Lake, the source of about 50 rivers and some of Costa Rica’s biggest waterfalls: Toro, Aguas Gatas, Gorrion and Claro River. Visitor services are offered in the San Jose de la Montaña sector, Quesada City district, and include an information office, trails, restrooms and drinking water.

La Amistad International Park and Biosphere Preserve
Declared a World Heritage site by UNESCO, La Amistad International Park protects lands in both Costa Rica and Panama, hence its name: “Friendship.” Considered the largest tropical forest-covered mountain system in the country, the park contains wet, rain and cloud forest. An extraordinary number of different habitats give rise to a wealth of biodiversity.

The largest mountain system in Central America, this protected area includes Tapanti National Park–Macizo de la Muerte, Chirripo National Park, the Hitoy Cerere Biological Preserve and La Amistad International Park, in addition to several forest and indigenous preserves. Visitor services include a series of trails and natural viewpoints. The area designated as La Amistad Biosphere Preserve includes La Amistad International Park, Chirripo National Park, the Hitoy Cerere Biological Preserve and the Talamanca, Tayni, Telire and Cocles Indigenous Reservations.

La Cangreja National Park
La Cangreja National Park is located in the province of San José, in the canton of Puriscal, in Mercedes Sur and Chires districts, between the coordinates: N 4956392 W 1072932. The main entrance is located 35 kilometers southeast of the city of Santiago de Puriscal.

La Cangreja refers to the unique shape of the hill at its highest point at 1,305 meters above sea level. The site has great panoramic and scenic beauty, and according to an indigenous tale, the mountain resembles a crab, and the hillsides a crab’s pincers. The park protects abundant and crystalline water sources such as the Black River and Quebrada Grande, which flow between rock formations shaped by nature, allowing visitors to enjoy and relax while bathing or simply contemplating the surroundings.

The park spans 2,570 hectares and houses 44 species of plants endemic to Costa Rica, including two that stand out: the Ayenia mastatalensis (Sterculiaceae) and Plinia puriscalensis (Myrtaceae), which produces fruit on its trunk that can be seen in August.

The park has over 300 bird species, including macaws, trogons, toucans, sunbitterns, guans and more. In addition, noteworthy animals include agoutis, coatis, pacas, peccaries, deer, pumas, ocelots, green and black poison dart frogs and others.

Its highest elevation is 1,305 meters above sea level, and its lowest is 300 MASL, with temperatures ranging from 24-40° C. Average annual rainfall ranges from 2,400-3,500 mm. The park has a low number of visitors; the most-visited months are January to April, and the least-visted are August to November.

Las Baulas National Marine Park
The park’s main attraction is the Leatherback Sea Turtle nesting, which is the largest such nesting ground in the world, and the sea turtle itself is an endangered species that is protected in Costa Rica.

Within the refuge, another big attraction is the mangrove with full grown trees. The most common mangrove types are: red, black, white, and tea. These mangrove forests are an optimal place for fish, crustaceans and mollusks to thrive. While reptiles, amphibians and birds are also abundant.

There are tours to observe the Leatherback sea turtle nesting and to explore the Tamarindo Estuary.

Los Quetzales National Park
Los Quetzales National Park is located in the district of Copey and canton of Dota, San José province, 76.5 kilometers south of the capital. It is a special area for birdwatching, particularly the quetzal (Pharomachrus mocinno), a near-endangered species according to the UICN list.

The type of cloud forest generated by different climatic conditions includes trees covered with a wide variety of plant species, which makes them attractive to birds and animals that inhabit the area. It is home to many endemic species of flora and fauna. The areas of most endemic vegetation are high, subalpine and alpine montane floors, which include more than 50% of the 53 endemic species registered in the Savegre basin.

In addition, the park is located at the head of the Savegre River Basin, a catchment and feeding area for aquifers. It is bordered to the north by La Amistad-Pacífico Conservation Area (separated by the Pan-American Highway), and to the northwest by Cerro Las Vueltas Biological Reserve. On one end, it borders the Pirris River Basin and the Reventazón-Parismina River Basin.

The park’s maximum elevation is 3,190 meters above sea level, and the minimum is 1,240. Temperatures range between 5-14° C, with annual average rainfall of 2,648 mm.

Manuel Antonio National Park
Manuel Antonio Park has 683 hectares, it has the most varied and beautiful landscapes. Surrounded by a lush tropical very wet forest and in their paths can be observed capuchin monkeys, sloths, coatis, raccoons, iguanas and many species of birds, as well as the squirrel monkey (Saimiri oerstedii citrinellus), endemic to Manuel Antonio, i.e. that is only in that part of the world, increasingly threatened, left only 1,500 individuals according to the most recent census.

The Park protects also 12 Islands that represent excellent shelter for several species of marine birds. It also has excellent beaches: Espadilla Sur, Manuel Antonio and Puerto Escondido. There is also a 14 hectare lagoon and mangroves. Cathedral point connecting Manuel Antonio and Espadilla Sur beaches is a place of great natural beauty. In terms of the services the visitor is: information, home of Rangers, trails, health services, potable water, signage and several natural viewpoints.

Palo Verde National Park
Palo Verde National Park is one of the most biodiverse areas in Costa Rica. It encompasses a rich mosaic of over 15 different natural communities, including the deciduous lowland forest, the evergreen forest, the flooded forest, the deciduous limestone hill forest, grasslands and mangroves. The wetlands, which represent some 50% of the park’s area, are a sanctuary for thousands of aquatic birds, both migratory and non-migratory. This led the park to be declared a Wetland of Importance under the Global Convention on Wetlands.

Incredible resources
Over 750 species of plants have been identified, including the palo verde, pochote, Spanish cedar and the Guanacaste tree. In addition, 5 of the 6 species of mangrove present in the country can be found in the park. In terms of fauna, over 280 species of migratory and non-migratory birds have been identified, some of which are endangered or whose populations have been shrinking, such as the scarlet macaw (Ara macao), jabiru (Jabiru mycteria), great curassow (Crax rubra), along with the long-tailed manakin (Criroxiphia liniaris), caracaras (Polyborus plancus), ducks (Anas spp.), grey herons (Casmerodis albus), among many more. In terms of amphibians and reptiles, the park inventory includes around 55 species, including the frog-eating snake, boa constrictor, the South American rattlesnake (Crotalus durissus) and coral snake (Micrurus nigrucintus), along with crocodiles, iguanas and alligators.

Main attractions
Various trails, called Senderos in Spanish, can be found in Palo Verde, which offer visitors a unique experience:

SENDERO LA ROCA: This trail takes you on a 540 meter circuit to a lookout from where you can see a large portion of Palo Verde’s lake, as well as the majestic Río Tempisque and the Gulf of Nicoya.

SENDERO EL GUACAYÁN OR CERROS CALIZOS: This is a challenge for the more adventurous spirits. A steep trail, 1,460 meters in length, takes you to the Guayacán or El Cactus lookouts, from where you will be able to observe Lake Palo Verde and the tempisque flatlands.

SENDERO LA CANTERA: A 1,400 meter tour in which you will be taken on an intense emotional journey through nature until you reach a beautiful lookout from where you will be able to observe the serpentine Río Tempisque.

EL MAPACHE: This 710 meter trail through the forest will show you three different habitats: the lowland deciduous forest, the limestone forest and the evergreen forest.

LA VENADA: At 2,100 meters in length, this trail borders Lake Palo Verde on some of its stretches.

SENDERO EL PIZOTE: With a length of some 650 meters, it offers visitors the opportunity to admire enormous trees and to enjoy the impressive dryland vegetation as they ascend the trail. La Jacana boardwalk: Walk above Lake Palo Verde over an 80-meter-long path with a special birdwatching area.

Other attractions
Isla Pájaros
2.3 hectares in area, this island is the nesting ground for at least eight species of birds, including the country’s largest colony of the black-crowned night heron. The island is located on the Río Tempisque, meaning that it can only be visited by boat.

Laguna Palo Verde
An excellent birdwatching site. From September to March, thousands of herons, egrets, ducks and northern jacanas, among others, flock to the lake and neighboring areas to feed and reproduce, creating a unique space. This lake contains a 20 meter boardwalk that has become one of the best spots for birdwatchers, researchers and the general public.

Ríos Tempisque y Bebedero
Sections of both rivers form the natural limits of the park. They are navigable waterways during high tide, and a wide variety of aquatic and riverine fauna can be observed here, including birds, crocodiles, iguanas and turtles, among others. There are park entrances on both rivers: Chamorro via Puerto Humo and Catalina via El Bebedero.

Piedras Blancas National Park
Along with Corcovado National Park and the Golfo Dulce Forest Preserve, Piedras Blancas forms an important biological corridor that, aside from being rich in itself, protects the great diversity of plant and wildlife species inhabiting Golfo Dulce. Visitor services include only trails and natural viewpoints.

Poás Volcano National Park
The Poas is a volcano that rises to 2,708 metres above sea level, since 1989 has increased markedly the emission of gases causing acid rain phenomena that have damaged the flora in some sectors of the Park and surrounding agricultural plantations to the area.

At the top there are two craters, the principal of 1.5 km in diameter and 300 deep, and the Botos lagoon, cold water and source purely rain, that drain into the Caribbean by the Angel river, tributary of the Sarapiqui River. Today the volcano emits large amount of gas and water vapor from the different fumaroles that are located in the inner cone of the crater. Identified several volcanoes, the Chompipe 2259 m above sea level, the Turu 2139 metres above the level of the sea, Cerro Cacho Negro at 2250 m and the Barva which has several craters, the well-known Tres Marias at an average altitude of 1725 meters.

Rincón de La Vieja Volcano National Park
This national park is where the Rincon de la Vieja Volcano is located. There are two 31,000 acre areas: Las Pilas and Santa Maria. There are nine cones all together and a lagoon called “Los Jilgueros.”

Pailas Area: trails (4 miles long) to the Von Seebach craters (6,200 ft. above sea level); Rincon de la Vieja (6,000 ft. above sea level) trail to Las Pailas (1.5 miles); trail to the La Cangreja Waterfalls (3 miles) and Escondidas (2 miles); trail to Blanco River well (2,000 ft.); trail to the fumaroles and mud pits.

Santa Maria area: trail to the Encantado (Enchanted) Forest waterfall (3500 ft.); trail to Pailas area (4.5 miles); trail to Las Pailas de Agua Fria (5,200 ft.); trail to hot springs (1.5 miles). Around the administration area there are restroom services and picnic areas, as well as a camping area. There is also a historical house and a mill. The park can be accessed on the Buenos Aires de Upala side.

Santa Rosa National Park
Here, there are various beaches, such as the Hachal, Danta, Coquito, Santa Elena, and Blanca as well as a lookout point and trails.

The Santa Rosa Park is home to the most famous dry tropical forest in Central America. There are a variety of species in this forest like the white-tailed deer, howler and white-faced monkeys, etc. There are also two beaches: Naranjo and Nancite where Olive Ridley sea turtles nest. This area also has historical importance because of the Santa Rosa Battle that was fought here.

There are also many trails and lookout points, as well as other places of interest: the Monument to the Heroes from 1856 and 1955, the historical house, which was completely rebuilt in 2002.

Tapantí-Macizo de La Muerte National Park
With a 58,323-hectare area and altitudes ranging from 1,220 to 2,560 meters above sea level, this park is located in one of the rainiest parts of the country and is home to 45 species of mammals, 260 bird species and 30 reptile species, as well as ancient oak and alder forests. Fed by several tributaries, the Grande de Orosi River runs through the area and its waters are used to produce hydroelectric energy which provides part of the metropolitan area’s water supply. Macizo de la Muerte is home to the Historical Heritage site “La Picada de Calderon,” a trail still used by horseback riders at various times of the year. Visitor services in the Tapanti area include information, a park ranger station, trails, restrooms, drinking water, signage and natural viewpoints.

Tenorio Volcano National Park
This park is located in the volcanic mountain range in Guanacaste and is home to lowland mountain rain forests, tropical wet forest, and the very wet premontane forest. Its highest point measures 6,289 ft. above sea level. Some of the more prominent plant species include palm trees, ferns, bromeliads, and orchids.

White-faced monkeys, anteaters, pumas, tapirs, and peccaries as well as exotic bird species like trogons and the three-wattled bellbird are sighted here. This area has a park, potable water, restrooms, lodging for researchers, an information desk, trails, and lookout points for your convenience.

Tortuguero National Park
Tortuguero was declared a national park on Sept. 24, 1970, and its boundaries were extended three times (1980, 1995 and 1998). Its area has increased from 64,701.45 hectares to 76,937. Of that area, 50,284 hectares are marine territory, and 26,653 are on land.

Of the land area, 99% is used for absolute protection of resources, and 1% is used for visitation facilities. The marine area is 100% designated for absolute conservation.

Tortuguero National Park (TNP) is located in northeastern Costa Rican and is one of the country’s main tourist icons, internationally recognized for its protection of the largest green turtle nesting beach in the Western Hemisphere.

Far-removed from the city and composed of an extensive network of rivers and streams, access is possible only on small boats. Tortuguero National Park is a place like no other, where small communities around the protected area – such as Barra del Tortuguero and San Francisco – still retain their traditions and move around on bicycles as the only means of transportation. All of this makes a trip to Tortuguero a genuine encounter with Caribbean culture.

The TNP also is a paradise for research and ecotourism, as the area’s ecosystems are so complex and diverse that visitors can expect anything during tours, from complete tranquility to discovering typical species of flora and fauna that are characteristic to the Costa Rican Caribbean.