The Caribbean

Everything that you would expect for a tropical destination is served up on a golden platter on Costa Rica's Caribbean coast. Lush surroundings and friendly people are the ultimate compliments to any traveler's vacation. Bordered by Nicaragua and Panama, the Caribbean coast spans almost 200 kilometers.

Tortuguero National Park

Whether it's by kayak, by boat, or hiking through forest trails, Tortuguero National Park is a perfect example of tropical rain forest. The park is made up of more than 18.000 hectares and protects a wealth of exotic wildlife including those that gave it its name - turtles.

You can reach Tortuguero via boats departing from the town of Moin or you can fly in to a handy airstrip that lies on the outskirts of town. If you're traveling with a tour, then just sit back and enjoy the ride.

There are a variety of ways you can make your way through this watery park that is made up of several canals that twist and turn. Accompanied by a guide, you should be able to enjoy the park to the fullest since they can take you deeper into the park than if you were making it on your own. Some guides have their own boat while yet another option is to take a silent kayak into the park. The kayak will afford you excellent views of the surrounding vegetation and wildlife but will also prove to be a physically demanding tour. Prepare yourself to sweat!

There are a few biological stations set up inside the park and are manned by scientists and volunteers. Their purpose is to study the different types of animals and birds found in Tortuguero and to keep the area as impact free as possible.

Limón

This Caribbean town is the perfect place to visit if you're in need of rest and relaxation. The residents are open and friendly and the town itself lends itself to exploration.

Limón boasts a population of some 85.000 people, most of which are of Afro - Caribbean heritage. The town has increased in size steadily since the 1970s and has proven to be a good place for Costa Ricans to settle down. The climate is warm and tropical, the surroundings are beautiful and a recent influx of tour operators has brought a new focus of the town.

Limón was founded in 1870 as a port for exporting bananas and grains. Today it continues this tradition although it is now complimented by the arrival of cruise ships that stop off for a few hours of shore leave.

The number of parks in the immediate area make Limón a great base point for travel up and down the coast. The hotels vary in price, as well as in size, but all offer excellent service and hospitality. Some are perched on seaside cliffs and provide excellent views.

Visit the town's central market found downtown. The neatly organized stalls offer everything from fruits and vegetables to clothing and shoes. If you're low on supplies or want to purchase a few handcrafted items, you'll find it all here. Sodas are plentiful and make excellent blended fruit drinks of papaya, mango, blackberry and pineapple. You can accompany it with an "empanada", a cheese or meat filled pastry that is fried and served hot.

Ensure that you make Limón a stop on your itinerary when you visit the Caribbean coast.

Limón: Rhythm, Flavor and Tradition

Limón has been the cradle of important personalities: poets, musicians, cooks, storytellers and painters. They have all, through their work, popularized the Limón culture and projected it beyond the limits of its province, both inside and outside of Costa Rica.

Thus, it should come as no surprise that this land is the stage of one of the most renowned carnivals in Central America. Today, thanks to the influence of Alfred King - an Afro-Caribbean who 50 years ago began to share with the region's populace his people's beliefs and traditions - Black and White, young and old, city dwellers and Limonenses enjoy the celebration of this Caribbean party upon the arrival of October.

The Carnival is a door that beckons us to cross the threshold and discover the richness of Limón culture. This festival is merely a sampling of what the Afro-Costa Rican community offers, a gathering by which many people have glimpsed the richness of Afro-Costa Rican culture, some perhaps without seeing it in context.

To the Rhythm of the Bongo Drums

People swarm to Limón each October captivated by the music, a clear expression of the thoughts and feelings of the Black community. Beyond the reverberating sounds of the Carnival drums lay the music's ancestral roots.

These rhythms were born in various regions of Africa, whose people, upon immigrating, adapted them to the characteristics of American lands. From an early age, Afro-Caribbeans internalize their rhythms as part of a lifestyle in which their environment, their daily life and their artistic expressions are closely related.

Two principal rhythms exist on the Caribbean: Calypso and Reggae. Both inspire the youth and breathe life into dances and gatherings with friends and neighbors.

The first and more traditional rhythm is the Calypso, which has fairly old roots. Its interpreter, called ''Calypsonian,'' and its foundation are based on the singing of the plantation slaves throughout the Caribbean, which transmitted, through the song, news and messages of the Black community without being heard or noticed by the masters.

Quince Duncan and Carlos Meléndez, researchers investigating this theme, comment in one of their studies that "The Calypso is native to the Caribbean, the expression of excellence among the English-speaking Antillean community. Its contents are the true chapters of the history of Black people, of their daily lives."

Limón has produced some important interpreters. Some are no longer alive, but their melodies remain a living force that passes on their people's ancestral roots to the younger generations. Among them we must mention Walter Ferguson, Joseph Darking ("Tun"), Edgar Hutchinson ("Pitdn") and Roberto Kirlew (''Buda''), for whom a guitar and a group of friends was enough inspiration to ''start the party'' on the porches of their homes.

The second rhythm, which perhaps has more relevance to the newer generations, is Reggae. This musical genre began in the 1960s as part of a movement to revitalize Black ethnicity. Its philosophy is based on the ideas of Marcus Garvey, who said Blacks should physically return to Africa to recuperate their ancestral roots.

The movement's main proponent was the popular Bob Marley, who sang about these philosophies in his lyrics and gained many followers.

The first Reggae heard in Costa Rica was imported, as its development occurred much later than the Antillean music. Reggae began in Costa Rica in the 1970s and took on increased popularity after Marley's death in 1981.

Younger musicians have recently emerged in Costa Rica and popularized the Reggae rhythm, but their themes have varied somewhat. Among them are Ragga by Roots, Baby Rasta, Marfil, the duo Banton and Ghetto and the soloist Tapón. Many of them reside in the capital and interpret their music with adaptations to please the public and obtain the sponsorship of international recording companies.

The Good Spoon

Afro-Caribbeans are known for their preparation of flavorful dishes, rich with condiments, spices and characteristic ingredients of African descent. The recipes have been handed down from generation to generation, and even the younger generation knows the traditional and authentic taste of their foods.

These recipes have traveled with them, from the lands of Africa to the present black inhabitants of Limón. Sonic of the ingredients have remained the same, as they brought them along and planted them in the New World; other ingredients were substituted by the offerings of the new continent.

Visiting Limón without tasting the delicious cooking of the Afro-Caribbean community is like staying home. To truly know Limón you must taste the "rondón," "patí" "rice n' beans," and drink "agua de sapo" (toad water), a refreshment prepared with lemon juice, molasses, ginger and "something more," as the Afro-Caribbean cooks tend to say when you ask them the secrets of their recipes.

An Afro-Costa Rican restaurant highly recommended by the inhabitants of the Atlantic province is the "Black Star Line", located in the heart of the central county. But there's no lack of small "sodas" or people that sell homemade goodies right from their houses. The locals are your best guide and can recommend the best places.

All throughout the day, the aroma of these Caribbean delights fills the neighborhood streets of the Atlantic province in an invitation to follow your appetite. Soups, vegetable plates, rice: all seasoned with the experienced hands of the cooks who welcome you to their tables to seduce you with a particular food.

Black Letters on White Paper

Many have used words to reflect the spirit and cultural richness of Limón. Although not abundant, literature about Afro-Costa Rican culture is filled with images, peculiarities of expression and themes affecting the relations between the Black community and other groups.

The main relationship dealt with is that of the "cartagos" (as they call the people from Limón who inhabit the Central Valley). The theme is presented not only within Black narrations and literary characters, but also among the literature of White people who have explored themes of Black ethnicity and written their own views of life in Limón.

Quince Duncan stands out among the distinguished authors of Afro-Caribbean literature. He has written important essays on this social group, including "The Black in Costa Rica," with Carlos Mel6ndez. Additionally, he has produced works of fiction such as 'Una Cancion en la Madrugada" (A Song at Dawn), "Los Cuatro Espejos" (The Four Mirrors) and "El Vigfa" (The Watchtower).

Joaquin Cutidrrez, renowned novelist and storyteller, is another distinguished author who has brought Afro-Costa Rican themes to the forefront of national literature. Born in Lim6n in 1918, he became a journalist and novelist. Among his best works on the subject are "Puerto Limbo," "Muramonos Federico" and the most beautiful of all, "Cocori" a children's book that describes the adventures of a mischievous little Black boy and his friends (a titi monkey and an enormous green turtle).

Recently, Chilean author Tatiana Loho, who resides in Costa Rica, has begun focusing on Limbo themes within her investigations and literature. She has written stories based on real occurrences, in some cases, and on happenings that appear to be real, in others. Her main novel on this theme, titled "Calypso," is a rich narrative about the life of three Black women and their relationship with a White man. She has also published a valuable study with Mauricio Melendez, called "Negros y Blancos, Todo Mezclado" (Blacks and Whites, All Mixed), which looks at the longtime presence of African descendants in Costa Rica and their contribution to the rich idiosyncrasy of the "tico" (Costa Rican).

The poetic verses of author Shirley Campbell also stand out among Afro-Caribbean literature. Her essay "Rotundamente Negra" (Completely Black) is perhaps her best-known piece, describing the life and implications of assuming her role as a woman and member of the Black ethnicity.

Limon's Afro-Costa Rican culture is quite complex. Its expressions, often reduced to simplistic interpretation, flirt with our curiosity to know more about this world, presenting a temptation to open our hearts and our minds and let ourselves succumb to the mystery, rhythm and flavor hidden amongst the Caribbean.

Cahuita National Park

It protects a well - developed coral reef and is one of the most visited parks on the Caribbean Coast. It's been open to the public since 1970 and runs along the coast for 1,067 hectares. Over 23,000 hectares make up the marine park including the reef system.

Aside from the howler monkeys and sloths in the tropical humid forest, you can see angel fish and brain coral in the water.

Cahuita is one of the more pleasant parks to hike through since it runs primarily along the beach. The hike takes you through this often swampy forest on a well - defined path. Help the local conservation effort by hiring a local guide. Several bilingual guides are available and aid in keeping impact on the park as low as possible.

As in Manuel Antonio Park in the mid Pacific region, Cahuita is excellent for both land and water activities. After exploring the forest you can find a spot on the beach and see the underwater sights. The coral reef is large and gives you a formidable background for your underwater shots. Follow park rules and avoid touching the coral with either your hands or fins.

Hitoy - Cerere Biological Reserve

If you want to get away from the crowds and into nature and hiking, then Hitoy - Cerere is for you. There is no easy access to this park and it can be described as "off the beaten track", but once you're there, you'll be glad of the extra effort.

The park itself is 9,050 hectares and protects a wet tropical forest that is beautiful all year round. There is no best time to see the park since rains are only sporadic during the dry season. The exuberant plant life provides superb surroundings for hiking.

The wildlife is plentiful and includes the margay, peccaries and monkeys. Bird life is also abundant and trekking through here you will definitely chalk a few up on your life list. According to park guides, several of the areas that are still unexplored serve as home to the elusive harpy eagle. What an addition to your traveling tales!

The visitor's center / ranger station will charge you an entrance fee and can set you up with a guide.

The Central Pacific

There is a certain atmosphere that permeates the mid Pacific region. It wraps itself around you and frees you from stress and troubles. The Costa Rican salutation of 'pura vida', pure life, describes the area perfectly.

The Pacific Coast ranges over 500 miles from its northernmost tip to its border with neighboring Panama. This vast extension holds countless beaches and picturesque towns and villages. There are also several protected areas and national parks to visit in the region so prepare yourself for a full itinerary of sights to see.

The peak season for the mid Pacific region is from December to April. Visitors will find an abundance of bed and breakfasts as well as top notch hotels that cater to their guests with singular hospitality.

Puntarenas is the largest town on the coast and served for years as one of the country's main ports. Today Puerto Caldera is the primary location for both cargo vessels and cruise lines. While containers are being loaded with exportation goods, cruise line patrons can take a few hours or days for shore leave.

The seafood found in area restaurants is varied and as fresh as it gets. Locals make their living from the big blue and fish for tuna, wahoo, shrimp and lobster Seafood is available at most restaurants and is offered in several tasty dishes typical to Costa Rican fare.

Activities abound and even the most discriminating traveler will find an adventure to participate in. Surfing, kayaking, rafting and hiking are just a few of the activities visitors will find.

There are a number of outfits that provide first rate tours into several parks and reserves in the area. Driving your own vehicle will enable you to stop at any of the interesting towns or parks you see along the way. Armed with a map and a good Spanish dictionary, you'll be set for memorable vacation on Costa Rica's mid Pacific coast!

Coastal Towns

Traveling along the coastal road will take you through many seaside towns. They have a lot more to offer other than beaches. You can tour through mangroves and estuaries, horse back ride to tucked away waterfalls and hike through the world of the tropical forest.

Every traveler can enjoy taking in a small town. Not only can you visit the local church or town half, but you can take in the market and pick up a few supplies. With water and a few ripe mangoes, you'll be ready to hit the streets. The market is always a good place to visit when in search of typical items such as colorful woven bags or hand-dipped candles. Have a blended fruit juice with either water or milk at a local "soda". Bear in mind that it's a good way to practice your Spanish.

You'll pass over the Tarcoles River. The bridge is renowned as a spot for watching alligators. From the safety of the bridge's span, you'll be able to see several good-sized ones warming up in the sun on the sandy beach along the river. A number of cows also share the water source and are quite comfortable slacking their thirst with rather large reptiles in plain view. The spot is ideal for both videos and cameras.

Jaco will soon come into view. This small seaside town is casual and laid-back but bustling when it comes to good hotels, restaurants and tour operators. You'll find accommodations for every budget, as well as excellent eateries. Tours running out of the town include horseback riding, fishing and kayaking. An added natural benefit? The waves. Surfers enjoy the town for its surfer friendly atmosphere as well as the accessibility of several surf spots just minutes away. Further down south, you'll pass Esterillos Oeste, Esterillos Este and Parrita.

Other Sites to See

Carara Biological Reserve

Made up of 4,700 hectares, Carara has been under protection since 1978, This reserve works much the same as others in Costa Rica and was created specifically to protect prime forest environment, In this case, Carara is made up of dry forest and wet tropical forest. The park lies straddling two life zones thereby possessing an enormous diversity of wildlife. There are two main trails through the park and both afford you a pleasurable hike. The trails are easy and safe providing a great experience for visitors traveling with children. Guides are available at the park entrance and ensure good information and experienced eyes for spotting animals and birds. The only equipment necessary is insect repellent and a hat for the less shady portions of the trail. Binoculars are a must.

Punta Leona

This private reserve is often overlooked when traveling down the coast. It spans 300 hectares and holds a slice of a transitional life zone. Like Carara, it holds both dry and wet forest environments. A buffer zone of secondary forest and pasture fields protects stunning primary forest. The trees tower well above the forest floor. Balsa trees loom above philodendrons and ferns. The forest trails are varied and great for birding. All your senses will come alive when you enter this fragrant climate.

Once you walk through it, you won't find it difficult to believe that the motion picture "1492" starring Gerard Depardieu was filmed on location here. The movie recounts the wonder of Christopher Colombus as he arrives in the New World.

Although a hotel operates on the property, visitors not staying there can access the park by paying an entrance fee. For this fee, not only will you be able to hit the trails, you'll have access to some of the hotel facilities.

Manuel Antonio & Quepos

Everyone who travels through the mid Pacific zone, must visit Manuel Antonio. Not only is it easily accessible, but it is truly one of the most beautiful parks in Costa Rica. It sits along the Pacific Coast and boasts an estuary, mangroves, a lagoon, beaches and winding paths. All this on 638 hectares of land and 55.000 hectares of protected marine environment. Take a walk through the tropical forest and find mosses, ferns, flowers and epiphytes growing thickly on every tree. One trail leads you to an observation tower with a breathtaking 360° view.

Throughout the park, you will find the famous wildlife Costa Rica is known for. Licensed local guides are available at the park's entrance and are worth the investment.

Knowledgeable and professional, they enable visitors to understand the habitat they are visiting and the roles of the animals, plants and insects.

By following logical eco-sensitive advice, you can enjoy the park to the fullest. Ensure you don't scare away the furry residents by keeping voices low and stepping quietly. Although the capuchin monkeys are quite comfortable in coming close and gazing at you quite inquisitively, retrain from feeding them.

Take along a small pack and make a day of it! There are fresh water showers and bathroom facilities along the trail as well as picnic areas. You can hike for a while and stop for a refreshing swim at Third Beach or Gemelas Beach.

Be sure to get your hand stamped at the park entrance which allows you to come and go as you please for the day.

The town of Manuel Antonio offers restaurants, lodging and souvenir shops. Aside from the park, there are several activities that you can enjoy in the area. Horseback riding, volley-ball, and sea kayaking are just a few.

Beachcombing is not only a good way to explore the beaches, but it's also inexpensive!

Public buses run promptly from Quepos to Manuel Antonio and will let you out wherever it suits you.

Quepos

In Quepos you will find a bevy of opportunities for experiencing the "pure life" of Costa Rica.

The town is small therefore making it a great place to walk around. From the outer edges, you can walk to the pier in about 20 minutes, taking into consideration that you will be wandering in and out of souvenir shops!

The town's residents are friendly and will go out of their way to point you in the right direction should you happen to get disoriented.

Quepos has long been a hotspot for fishermen interested in rolling out over the waves and fishing for marlin and sailfish. The marina boasts state-of-the-art boats run by top notch operators. If you're on the pier at sunset you'll see several boats coming in after a day of fishing. Just look at the smiles of the passengers as they disembark and you'll know they had a good day!

Near the oceanside, you'll find several restaurants serving up tasty seafood dishes. There are also a few bars where you can enjoy you're favorite cocktail while listening to good music. Both travelers and locals, hit the streets after sunset and walk around looking in shop windows or grabbing a bite to eat.

Quepos lies at the foot of a small hill and the road leading out of it south towards Manuel Antonio winds up and over the hill. Along this route, you will find an abundance of hotels, restaurants and tour operators. There is one restaurant in particular that boasts a terrace where you can look out from the hilltop over the ocean. It is a great place to watch the sunset and have a bite to eat. Another small café offers Internet services so you can catch up on the latest in news or send e-mail to family and friends (probably boasting about your location!).

Many of the hotels are situated on large properties that extend into forest. For a small fee, you can enter the grounds and go for a hike along trails looking for the ubiquitous sloth or a chattering troop of titi monkeys.

The activities available in the area include horseback riding, kayaking, birdwatching and trekking. There are several good operators that offer daily outings and need only a reservation in order to ensure you're included.

Even when walking or driving along the road, keep your eyes open because chances are you'll spot either capuchin monkeys or sloths in the surrounding trees.

Of course, if it's wildlife you're interested in, then head out over the hill and go to Manuel Antonio. You won't regret it.

The Central Valley

Cosmopolitan San José lies to an altitude of 3.770 feet above sea level. This Central American city with nearly perfect climate, modern surroundings and warm, friendly residents has lured many travelers to stay and call it home.

Daytime temperatures average between 70 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit with a rainy season that lasts from May to October. During the rainy season, showers fall primarily during the afternoon hours and produce refreshing breezes.

The Central Valley in which San José finds itself is the central nervous system of the country. Government, finance and economic sectors all headquarters is sleek San José.

Many visitors to the capital city will find themselves pleasantly surprised by the smooth blend of modern skyscrapers and classic architecture. If there is one city that is pleasure to walk through, it is San José.

San José is home to nearly a third of Costa Rica's population. The bustling streets can attest to that figure in the early morning hours when everyone is heading to work. But don't be intimidated by the rush - head on out among them and take in the sights as you walk along.

Before you begin your walking tour (taking it on foot is the best way to really experience the hustle and the beauty), be sure to visit the offices of the ICT, the Costa Rica Institute of Tourism. Here you can pick up a comprehensive map of the city of San José and of Costa Rica. Personnel here can point you in the right direction of several city sights as well as provide you with a bus route and schedule for sights that are farther away.

The city offers a variety of sights for the visitor. Museums, the National Theater, and elegant cathedral are waiting to be explored. Below the Plaza of Culture lies the impressive Gold Museum, as well as the offices of ICT. The Plaza's museum complex also houses a collection of contemporary art exhibits.

The Gold Museum houses an impressive collection of pre - Columbian gold objects including jewelry, breast plates and even gold tweezers! The displays are as informative as they are appealing. You will see how the indigenous worked their gold using wax and solid casting methods. Try not to miss this wonderful museum!

When you want to visit an outdoor sight, head for the National Zoo which boasts some of Costa Rica's native species as well as a few from far away lands. Or head for one of the many tree - shaded parks found throughout the city. Take a stroll along the path or take a few minutes rest on a beach.

Needless to say, there is a great variety of hotels and restaurants available for visitors intent on staying a few days in the city. All offer typical Tico hospitality and comfortable lodging. From San José, day trips can be taken up two semi - active volcanoes, where roads climb to the very brink of the craters! Irazú Volcano, just 35 miles from the capital, towers eight thousand feet above the Central Valley.

With an altitude of 11.260 feet, the summit is chilly enough to warrant using a sweater or jacket. Although often Irazú's fumarolic activity cannot be seen because of clouds, a strong sulfur smell permeates the air, a subtle reminder of the subterranean forces pent up just below your feet. A striking, yellow - green lake fills the volcano's large, principal crater, and is surrounded by jagged cliffs of sulfur - streaked lava. Just above the park's visitor area, the road forks and continues to the very summit of the volcano, from which, on a clear day, both the Atlantic and the Pacific oceans can be seen.

No less impressive is the 8.871 foot Poás Volcano, less than an hour's drive from San José. The road to the top winds through fertile hillsides planted with terraced rows of dark - green coffee bushes which look, from a distance, like a patchwork quilt. At the top of Poás, tourists may wander through a National Park visitors center and hike about a half - mile of nature trails.

There are many activities that await travelers making their way through Costa Rica. Begin them in San José and enjoy the country to the fullest!

The North Pacific

When traveling through Guanacaste, most assuredly one aspect that will stay with you is the sun. It's almost as if the sun is closer to you here. It bathes everything with a golden hue and gilds the surrounding landscape. Great expanses of golden grasses sway elegantly in the wind while stunted, gnarled guanacaste trees dot the low hills. The landscape is both dramatic and memorable for any visitor traversing this the largest region of Costa Rica.

The Guanacaste region is bordered by two mountain ranges. The Cordillera de Tilarán and the Cordillera de Guanacaste provide splendid craggy backdrops to some of the country's most beautiful countryside. The perfect time to visit Guanacaste is, luckily enough, year around. No matter if you visit during the dry season or during the wet season, both provide spectacular advantages. The dry season affords the serious sun lover with plenty of tanning lime, while the wet season brings the trees into bloom with explosions of colors and fragrances. The rolling hills become carpeted in brilliant green.

Known for its cattle ranches, travelers will see many homes surrounded by green pastures and grazing cows. Many of these are have been handed down through the generations of Guanacaste natives.

This area is also rich in sights to see. There are a number of places to visit that will lend themselves perfectly to visitors. If you enjoy snorkeling and some time in the sun, head for Bahia Culebra. This small bay is found just north of the town of El Coco. There are a number of beautiful beaches just waiting to be explored.

Local tour operators otter snorkeling trips, sunset sails and fishing trips for the avid angler.

There are also several towns worth visiting if you're behind the wheel and are looking for a place to spend a few days. The towns of Samara and Nosara proffer hotels to fit every budget as well as fabulous beaches. While a few of the beaches are found just outside of town, there are many to be found up and down the coast Playa Barrigona is one such beach and offers something not many beaches do solitude! Its white sand and bleached driftwood will draw you in and keep you there, if only for the day. When in search for these idyllic spots, pack a cooler with refreshments and snacks and make a day of it!

Those interested in seeing once in a lifetime events head for Playa Ostional. This beach is the landing spot for the olive ridley turtle, or "bra", as it is called by the locals. If you're visiting the area any time from July through December you'll find yourself entranced by the hundreds of turtles that make their ponderous way up on to the beach. The best way to see this spectacular natural event is with a guide. There are several in the area and most of the hotels will be able to steer you in the right direction as to where to find them.

Rincón de Ia Vieja National Park

A volcano that rises majestically out of the park 6.284 feet is just one of the sights to see in this park. Any traveler that takes the time to visit Rincón de la Vieja is sure to have a thoroughly memorable adventure. Not only are the trails winding through the park a distinct pleasure, but the hike to the volcano summit is a feat worth bragging over.

There is a visitor's center found at the park entrance and while no guides are available, there is a detailed map that will aid you in finding your way around. Visitors have three options in Rincón de la Vieja. Thorough exploration requires at least two days and luckily, there are a number of small hotels found close to the park. Adventurous travelers can set out to hike the active volcano but heed the park ranger's advice when he says to start out early in the morning. The sun is merciless and the hike is ten miles on volcanic terrain. Pack water, sun protection and a hat if you plan on at tempting to summit this peak. For those with a penchant for trails, there are eight miles of them crisscrossing the park. On your hike you will encounter bubbling mud pots, a sulfur lake and a wide variety of wildlife. Signs along the path will guide you to singular spots of interest such as a tumbling waterfall where you can stand before the cascade on a large boulder

There are few that leave Rincón de la Vieja without making plans to return in the near future!

Monteverde Biological Cloud Forest Preserve/Santa Elena Forest Reserve

These two reserves are different parks but share the same lush environment. They share an incredible natural beauty that will entice you to walk for hours through its winding trails.

Monteverde Biological Cloud Forest Preserve covers eight different 'life zones'. The zones posses varying degrees of humidity and climate that change as you cross over from one to the other. From swamps to misty cloud forest. The scenery is ever-changing as are its residents. Bromeliads bloom with delicate wild orchids in stunning shades of white and lilac.

Monteverde is a bird watchers paradise. There are more than 400 species of birds to be found in this park, including the elusive Resplendent Quetzal.

The earlier you hit the trails, the better Keep in mind that birds are much more active in the early morning hours and are much easier to see.

Santa Elena Forest Reserve is found just outside of the town of Santa Elena. Here you will find just as many birds and animals. The park spans some 600 hectares and lies at a higher altitude than Monteverde. Since it lies higher, the climate is much wetter. Rain gear and waterproof boots are recommended. Here you will also find spider monkeys and capuchins.

Both reserves are unforgettable parks in which you will see exotic animals and birds in their spectacular home environment. In order to see a wealth of animals, be sure to hire the services of a guide. Several are found at the park entrances but if you're not there early. You'll probably go without. Keep in mind that the parks monitor the number of people that are on the trails in order to minimize the impact.

The Northern Region

The climate in the region goes a long way in making the northern plains so special. Misty cloud forest environments, verdant rolling hills and a fantastically fast lake make the region a must on any visit to Costa Rica. The ideal way to visit the region is by car. The landscapes as you drive along twisting roads make for incredible photographs. The mild 70F weather you'll find here is refreshing, especially when arriving from the coast.

A striking characteristic of this area is the dramatic contrast in topography. The Cordilleras, or ranges, of Tilarán and Guanacaste set off the beauty of the Guatuso, San Carlos and Tortuguero Plains. Several small and medium-sized rivers that range throughout the plains make the region very fertile. Fruit trees, rice paddies and cattle ranching are practiced by the residents. Yet there are many expanses of protected areas dotting the region.

Of the 850 bird species identified in Costa Rica, 600 are permanent residents in this region. Don't forget the binoculars!

Lake Arenal

As soon as you see shimmering waters being sliced through by windsurfers, you'll know you're on the shores of Lake Arenal.

Not only is the man-made lake spectacular but the surroundings just can't be beat. Photographic opportunities are available ad infinitum. Emerald carpeted sloping hills with dense copses of forest run throughout. The mornings are dew laden and the days are perfect for filling with adventure.

There are several hotels and cabins in the area that range in both price and availability. There are many that cater to the windsurfer crowd and offer everything from equipment to transportation.

Winds have been clocked at up to 40 miles per hour. These gales account for the sleek, aerodynamic windmills you may spot on slopes high above the lake. For a drier approach to speed, hike the index with a ride through the forest canopy.

The land around the lake boasts numerous trails for both hiking and mountain biking. Travelers interested in these sports can hook up with any one of the outfits that operate in the region. Trekkers will enjoy the bird watching opportunities that are plentiful.

Arenal Volcano

It rises 1,633 meters above sea level and casts an almost flawless silhouette on the land below it. Arenal's last explosion was in 1969 but this volcano is far from dormant. Its constant rumblings are Arenal's most popular characteristics. Often spewing ash and smoke, the volcano provides a striking backdrop for photographs and video. There are several excellent look out points along the highway and several resorts and spas that have developed in the area.

After nightfall the spectacle of Arenal's bright red lava coursing its way down from the cone is an awesome sight indeed. Many visitors to the area enjoy the show from the luxurious surroundings of a local hot springs resort.

La Fortuna

This is a quaint picturesque town and is an ideal place to stop when driving to Arenal Volcano. Fortuna offers many small hotels and restaurants that offer typical Costa Rican fare. There are numerous tour operators offering worthwhile jaunts throughout the area. Horseback rides to cascading waterfalls and hiking through surrounding forests should satisfy even the most discerning traveler.

After taking on a day trip, take a few hours to explore La Fortuna. The residents are friendly and hospitable. The town square is an ideal place to sit and practice your Spanish since many locals gather here to exchange news of the day's events.

Tilarán

The small, picturesque town of Tilarán lies on the southwestern tip of Lake Arenal and offers a variety of hotel and restaurant options. Tours in the area include mountain bike trips in the surrounding hills.

Fishing on the lake is also offered along with the opportunity to rent your own small boat. The Arenal area is great for bird watching. Kingfishers, hawks, and swallowtailed kites are commonly sighted, as well as smaller winged residents such as tanagers and hummingbirds.

The area is reminiscent of the English countryside for some and for others holds a special attraction all its own. The hills roll into the horizon and form a perfect border for the shining waters of Lake Arenal. The verdant slopes seem to meld into the blue waters that are topped with whitecaps.

While several tour operators offer transportation to the area of Tilarán, many travelers opt for getting there on their own. Armed with a map, a camera and binoculars, your trip through the area will prove fascinating and worthwhile. The roads winding through the area are in good condition and will take you through impressive landscapes.

Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge

Found in the Alajuela province, Caño Negro is the perfect place to enjoy natural sightseeing. Since the refuge is found in the low-lying northern plains, water is the key word. During the area's dry season, the refuge can be accessed by a road, but during the wet season - boats are the answer. Locals offer launches and are quite knowledgeable about the wildlife. They will be quick to point out a snake that is making its way through high grasses as well as a crocodile as it retreats from the bank into the depths of the river.

Caño Negro lake does a disappearing act during the dry season but is quick to come back once the rains start. In the area of the lowlands keep on the look out for sloths and anteaters in the treed areas, while blinders will find a variety of subjects for their binoculars. White cranes and ducks abound in the shallows along the rivers.

The South Pacific

The South Pacific region of Costa Rica is known for its biological diversity, natural beauty and intensely complex ecosystems. National Geographic magazine has called the area "the most biologically intense place on earth". This southern region offers dramatic scenery unforgettable adventures and a time to remember. Can you afford to pass this tip? The best time to visit the area is during the months of January through April when there is little rain. But if you don't mind a downpour the blooms and the lush green of the forest will more than compensate for any dampness.

An hour's flight from San José will transport you to another world. Topnotch resorts operate out of the area and specialize in giving personalized adventure tours. Diving, snorkeling, hiking and bird watching are ideal for the true exploration of a country.

Expert guides can take you on single or multi-day treks. You will learn about the different facets of the forest's major players. The guide will enable you to see the more elusive or unobtrusive sights the forest has to offer. Your provisions should include insect repellent, and if you're camping, bring your netting. The mosquitoes and sand flies are abundant.

The traveler will find a variety of lodging in the area offering efficient and friendly service. Boats are the main means of transportation for visiting coastal areas of the peninsula, so throw in the sun gear. The beaches of Pan Dulce, Carate and Carbonara are quite beautiful and great for day trips.

Corcovado National Park

Spanning more than 40.000 hectares, this park is an excellent expanse of primary forest. There are many species of flora found here that aren't found in many other parks because of gaps caused by deforestation. Visitors will find an incredible wealth of animals in Corcovado. Bird species alone number more than 400 and are followed by more than one hundred different species of amphibians. Mammal species also surpass the 100 mark. A real treat of Corcovado is its population of scarlet macaws. These raucous birds aren't that difficult to spot if you can recognize their call. The sight of pairs of scarlet macaws flying above the canopy is a sight that will most assuredly leave you breathless.

The trails that wind through the park are lengthy and will take you through an amazingly rich tropical forest. Epiphytes and lianas abound on the trunks and boughs of majestic trees.

Cocos Island

This gem lies 300 miles off the coast of Costa Rica. This emerald island is surrounded by azure waters and will relax any tension you may feel as soon as you step on land. UNESCO declared it World Patrimony in 1997 for its natural beauty and biological riches.

The island is most visited by scientists, underwater photographers and divers, all of which are attracted to the wealth of marine life found just below the waves.

Liveaboard operators conduct tours to the island on a regular basis and are quite popular with the diving crowd. Cocos Island is famous for its intense diving experiences. Schools of hammerheads are frequently sighted in the waters off Cocos. Pelagic sightings are also frequent. Spotting a whale shark swimming beside you is truly an unforgettable experience!

For landlubbers, the trails that twist around the island are dramatic and worth the effort. Two waterfalls make for refreshing stops as well as excellent photo opportunities.

Cano Island

Found 90 miles off the Osa Peninsula's western coast. Cano Island is a treat to visit. Armed with binoculars and a guide, travelers will have no trouble enjoying the island to the fullest. Intrepid naturalists enjoy hitting the trails while divers and snorkelers head for the water!

The rich archaeological sites found on the island counterbalance the intricate forest system. The island is believed to have a burial site for pre-Columbian indigenous from the mainland. These people and their beliefs remain a mystery buried beneath the growth of the primordial forest.

During your hike you will most likely see a great deal of artifacts, but refrain from touching or moving them. Pestles, corn-grinding tables and pottery have been found. Some of the most interesting pieces are large solid rock spheres scattered around the island. They are believed to have been used as markers for graves and are made of granite.