| Costa Rica located south of Nicaragua and north | | | | Arenal and near to the Monteverde Cloud Forest, |
| of Panama, has coasts on both the Pacific and the | | | | this region is a good first stop after San Jose into |
| Caribbean. With vast areas dedicated as National | | | | which most people fly. Incidentally, to get the |
| Parks and Nature Reserves, with both highland | | | | most of one's stay it is best to spend a few |
| and lowland tropical zones, it really has something | | | | days in each location - the geography and road |
| to offer everyone. Even the city lover will find | | | | conditions make day trips from one location |
| ample to amuse in the urban expanse of the | | | | difficult with lengthy travel times. |
| capital, San Jose. | | | | For turtle watchers August in Tortuguero is best |
| Primarily however, it is Costa Rica's nature, rain | | | | with the region named (in Spanish) after the |
| forest and unspoiled beaches that draw people to | | | | animal. Although traditionally the low season with |
| this paradise. The many protected jungle areas | | | | rainfall expected for an hour or so in the |
| are host to an amazing array of flora and fauna. | | | | afternoons, this is the best time to see nesting |
| The beaches with azure blue waters on one side | | | | green and hawksbill turtles. The canals and |
| and rain forest as the backdrop on the other are | | | | waterways here are also rich in wildlife. |
| truly the stuff of romantic, 'castaway' tales. On | | | | Surfers will enjoy Jaco and Tamarindo both on |
| the Pacific coast there is the added bonus of | | | | the Pacific with Jaco central and Tamarindo north |
| spectacular and breathtaking sunsets. | | | | in Guanacaste. These towns have nightlife to |
| For the ardent naturalist the place to go is the | | | | accommodate a youthful and energetic crowd. |
| Osa peninsular on the southern Pacific coast. Here | | | | Great fishing is also to be had off the coast of |
| is a region containing one sixth of the world's | | | | Guanacaste with Marlin and Dorado amongst the |
| biodiversity. And not only the untouched jungles | | | | favoured catches. For some of the best white |
| are teaming with life, the ocean here is one of | | | | water rafting in the world a trip down the Rio |
| the best places to watch migrating whales and to | | | | Pecuare, east of San Jose, is a 'must'. |
| experience the acrobatics of the abundant dolphin | | | | For couples looking for the romantic setting then |
| population. | | | | some of the best spots are found on the tip of |
| North of Osa on the central Pacific coast is Manuel | | | | the Nicoya peninsular in the Santa Teresa and Mal |
| Antonio. Again host to a National Park where | | | | Pais regions. South of Limon on the Caribbean |
| sloths, spider monkeys, howler monkeys, iguanas, | | | | coast in Cahuita also offers the kind of seclusion |
| toucans and a whole range of other animals are | | | | favoured by lovers. |
| easily seen. A good accompanying guide is | | | | Top tips? Take taxis in San Jose, especially after |
| advised, as with all the parks and reserves in the | | | | dark, they are cheap and safe. With regard to |
| country, as they will know exactly where | | | | traveling around the country, take organized |
| particular favorites quite literally 'hang about'. | | | | transport. Don't waste valuable time navigating |
| There are three golden beaches in the area, two | | | | difficult roads with no signs, etc. A |
| of which are great for swimming. With many top | | | | recommendation is to get a good travel company |
| quality boutique hotels and fine restaurants and | | | | to help you book transport in advance and even |
| the neighbouring fishing town of Quepos, it is easy | | | | to help you arrange your hotels and tours. A good |
| to understand why this is a favoured spot. | | | | firm can easily arrange an entire itinerary for your |
| The active volcano at Arenal which erupts on | | | | stay taking all the hassle out of organizing your |
| average every 48 minutes and heats numerous | | | | trip and allowing you to relax to the full and enjoy |
| hot springs is an area on most people's 'must see' | | | | the 'pure life', or as they say in Costa Rica, 'Pura |
| list. Located centrally in the north, close to Lake | | | | Vida'. |