Costa
Rica has successfully marketed itself as one of the top nature tourism
destinations in the world. A very well developed tourism
infrastructure, large areas of undisturbed rainforest, excellent luxury
hotels and beautiful beach resorts mean that Costa Rica has the makings
of a very well balanced trip to Latin America.
Costa Rica's Volcanoes & Wildlife Tours
Start
your tour of Costa Rica with between 5 to 7 days exploring the
mainland. Many tour operators offer an excellent three or four night
package from the capital, San Jose, that visit both Arenal volcano and
Monteverde cloudforest. Arenal is a constantly erupting volcano a few
hours from San Jose - if ever you wanted to witness a volcanic
eruption, this is one place where you're almost guaranteed to see one
(unless the weather prevents it). Nearby Monteverde Cloudforest
provides easy access to rainforest that is excellent for wildlife
viewing, nature trails, birdwatching, jungle canopy zip lines and has a
range of fine jungle lodges.
Those
particularly keen on adventure tours and wildlife might consider also
visiting Tortuguero National Park. Tortugero, on Costa Rica's Caribbean
coast, combines beaches with wildife viewing perfectly. Tortugera is
well known as a turtle nesting site, but there is a host of other
wildlife viewing opportunities in addition. Corcovado National Park is
an alternative area excellent for wildlife vacations in Costa Rica.
Beach Resorts
Following
your tour of Costa Rica's mainland, head to one of the many low key
beach resorts on the Pacific coast. All the best beach resorts lie on
the Pacific coast, which is also great for surfing. Tamarindo, Playa de
Coco, Puntarenas and Guanacaste are all surfing hotspots. In terms of
luxury hotels and beach resorts, you might consider Manuel Antonio
Park, the Osa Peninsula, Puerto Limon or Tamarindo.
See our recent Costa Rica Trip Reports following visits to Manuel Antonio National Park, Uvita & Sierte and Arenal Volcano which has stopped erupting so it won't look anything like those famous photos like those on the right.
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