Glide through the mangroves by canoe or kayak along the maze of canals and natural waterways at Tortuguero on the Caribbean coast. Sloths, otters, iguanas and poison-dart frogs are among the wildlife to be spied here, and between June and October you can watch a nesting turtle laying up to 100 eggs.
Get that true explorer feel at the La Leona Ecolodge, a unique lodge, with tent-cabins built on platforms where unsullied rainforest meets a sandy beach in a wildlife wilderness just a short flight from the capital, San José. Expert guides will take you up forest trails seeking out tapirs and scarlet macaws.
Fly and drive to the cool, misty Monteverde Cloudforest Reserve where there are 6 different habitats, and hike easy trails through a fairyland landscape of dripping forest and twisting creepers, tinkling streams and waterfalls, enlivened with hummingbirds, butterflies and the shy Resplendent quetzal.
A bit of adventure close to San José - peer into the crater of Póas volcano, and raft the white water of the Reventazón river - suitable for beginners and experts alike. Horse-riding, biking and gentle hiking, guided by local experts, are available all over Costa Rica and can be built in to your itinerary with ease.
We've been there
"I have visited many rainforest environments, but saw so much wildlife in a 3-hour boat ride from Tortuguero that this lodge went right to the top of my list. There were loads of howler monkeys, spider monkeys, turtles, otters and legions of tropical birds." Sarah Bradley, Managing Director.
Where do you sleep?
2 nights San José (tourist class hotel), 2 nights Tortuga Lodge, 2 nights La Leona Ecolodge , 2 nights Monteverde Lodge, 1 night San José. The lodges in the nature reserves are basic but clean, comfortable, safe and eco-friendly, with loads of activities on offer.
A bit more time?
Head for the beach (bear in mind it can rain in July and August) - broad sands and breaking rollers on the Pacific coast provide radical conditions for surfers. Excellent hotels and resorts are available offering pools and water-sports.
What do you eat?
Local dishes are based on meat, rice and beans, but you will find international dishes everywhere and buffet meals with plenty of fresh ingredients and salads.
Weather watch
Costa Rica has two seasons: the dry season, from Dec to Apr; and the wet (‘green’) season, from May to Nov, although it can rain any day of the year in the rainforest.
Top Tip
Take a canopy zip-line experience: you can get a bird's eye view of the forest on a safe yet still exhilarating ride.
Did You Know?
Costa Rica is one of the most peaceful nations in the world (its armed forces were abolished in 1948). |