For adventure seekers and ecotourists, Costa Rica has a surprising array of sights and experiences. The sheer variety of ecosystems is unbelievable. There are the cloud forests found in the mountainous areas of Monteverde, Los Angeles and Savegre, where the constant presence of mist fosters fascinating species of plant life found nowhere else on earth. The southwestern part of the country, near Corcovado, is blanketed in dense, lush rainforest. Then there are the flooded forests of Tortuguero in the northeast, home to the country’s wonderful collection of tortoise species. Costa Rica’s interior and Central Mountain Range is marked by the lush slopes of volcanoes and the verdant valleys below them, most of which are designated National Parks and Wildlife Reserves perfect for exploration.
Best of all, this biodiversity allows for a wealth of activities to suit any visitor. If you’re a thrill-seeker, you’ve come to the right place. White-water rafting is immensely popular in Costa Rica, but these are no simple river raft tours. Class IV (out of V) rapids are common here, sure to exhilarate even the most experienced rapid-shooters. The canyons and waterfalls of the Central Mountain Range are popular places for death-defying swoops down zip lines, while ocean kayaking tours provide a unique way to explore the rainforests. There are also mountain biking tours through the jungles that include stops at natural water holes for a cooling swim along the way.
But for family travelers there is a tamer side of exploration that is just as eager to please. The country is unique for its wonderfully eclectic system of national parks, and there’s something for everyone. If wildlife is your family’s thing, parks like Tortuguero harbor have everything from monkeys and jaguars to roughly 300 species of birds. Tortuguero’s claim to fame, though, is its rare sea turtles, and numerous “turtle walks” depart each day that allow visitors to see them up close and personal, along with manatees, crocodiles and iguanas—and that’s just scratching the surface.
At Arenal Volcano National Park, visitors get a close-up glimpse at what is regarded as the most active volcano on earth. Arenal is continuously erupting in one form or another, sending smoking cinder block-sized rocks tumbling down its sides most days and glowing hot lava flows most evenings. Some days are particularly active, with the volcano “blowing” several times an hour, spewing everything from lava to rocks the size of houses out of its horseshoe-shaped crater. It’s an otherworldly experience sure to make a lasting impression on kids as well as adults.
And when it comes to relaxing in between adventures, or just a romantic retreat, Costa Rica knows how to kick back in style. Romantic boutique hotels back up to secluded beaches, and the pace is known to be leisurely. Surfing, fishing and snorkeling are incredibly popular at these resorts as well, as the waters on both the Pacific and Caribbean sides of the country are perfectly suited to one or all three at different times of the year. Many resorts are all-inclusive, and most are within striking distance of one or another of Costa Rica’s most popular attractions. Plus, they offer all sorts of activities of their own, ranging from golf to guided horseback tours along the beaches, including outings geared toward kids of all ages.
So saddle up for an adventure, or just recline on the beach with a drink in your hand. Either way, Costa Rica’s got you covered.
