Costa Rica Travelers Recommend

Arenal National Park lies within the 790 square-mile Arenal Tilaran Conservation Area and is home to Arenal Volcano, the most active volcano in the country. The park is also known for its incredibly diverse wildlife. Most of Costa Rica’s 850 identified bird species can be spotted within the park’s borders, including the endangered and elusive quetzal. Hiking in Arenal National Park will get you the closest (legal) view of Arenal volcano. Hiking is only permitted on marked trails and due to safety concerns (this is an active volcano, after all), it is forbidden to hike near the crater at the top of Arenal volcano. The volcano is unpredictable and there is a strong possibility of death if you venture into restricted zones. The park offers four marked hiking trails that take you over old lava flows and through secondary rainforest and savanna.

It’s not just lava that pours from this living mountain. Arenal is famous for its hot springs, rich with healing minerals and often developed into fantastic wonderlands, most with remarkable volcano views. The most famous, and beautiful, is Tabacón, a steaming river that pours through fantastically landscaped environs. Less flush travelers could try wet-and-wild Baldí, with waterslides and a more festive feel; The Springs, built around landscaped cascades; or secluded Eco Termales, a quiet spot with five family-friendly pools. Budget travelers can ask about the free springs, but please beware of thieves, who’ll make off with absolutely anything left unguarded! No matter which termales you choose, cool off with a drink and some healthy Tico cuisine at one of the fine restaurants in the adorably touristy town of La Fortuna, at the base of the volcano.

Whichever way you see it, San Jose offers plenty of excitement for the first time and returning visitor alike. Spend day one orienting yourself to the city. Sign up for a city tour to get an overview of the city’s top sightseeing spots and attractions. Grab lunch at one of the many quaint Tico eateries that dot the city and then head over to the private adventure park to ride the Aerial Tram Atlantic. San Jose is the gateway to Costa Rica’s many beaches, rainforests, national parks and volcanoes. Embark on a sailing expedition passing the dense jungles of the Tortuguero National Park and witness what is one of the few remaining nesting sites of the gigantic green turtle. Visit some of San Jose’s cultural heritage as captured in its museums and galleries. If you’re there for the night, be sure to join the party for the city has a very vibrant nightlife.

Upon arrival in the cheerfully scruffy center of Jaco (or, alternately, the luxuriously landscaped resort just north, Los Sueños), you’ll want to appreciate the view; Costa Rica’s Central Pacific is as lovely as a shore as exists anywhere. After checking in to your room, whether a budget backpacker dorm or marble-floored villa, you may want to consider indulging in Jaco’s chief attraction: Surfing. Day 1: Catch a Wave Jaco’s main beach is home to one of the most regular, predictable, sandy-bottomed breaks in the world, fun for experts and perfect for newbies who just want to try out the sport. Several outfits rent or sell used boards (as well as boogie boards for those who would rather not risk the real thing), and any hotel or surf shop can arrange one-on-one lessons. Remember: There are plenty of “surf instructors” who are less than professional; in general you get what you pay for.