BOAT TOURS Breathtaking scenery and nature-watching can be enjoyed on several rivers, including the Frío, San Carlos, Sarapiquí and Puerto Viejo.
NATURE-, BIRD- AND BUTTERFLY-WATCHING The region’s natural wealth can be enjoyed in numerous public protected areas such as Arenal and Juan Castro Blanco National Parks and Caño Negro and Bosque Alegre Wildlife Refuges, as well as private protected sites such as the Danaus Botanical Garden, La Selva Biological Station, Selva Verde and the Tirimbina Preserve, to name just a few.
NATURE-TRAIL, HANGING-BRIDGE AND TREETOP ADVENTURES Tourism and recreation outfits in several communities - including Fortuna, La Virgen and Puerto Viejo de Sarapiquí - have developed facilities for enjoying adventure activities on hanging bridges, nature trails and in the forest canopy.
HIKING & TREKKING
Arenal Volcano, located in its namesake national park and Cerro Chato sister volcano are irresistible
attractions. Trails lead you through three different kinds of mountain habitats, most of them are primary forest.
NATURAL HOT SPRINGS Tabacon River and other smaller streams produce beautiful natural springs that are also famous stress-relievers. Hot springs have a relaxing and therapeutic effect. Here in San Carlos, you will find warm pools with natural-rich water. Some facilities combine the hot springs with plush, comfortable surroundings.
HORSE-BACK RIDING The Northern Regions is a rural zone, and horseback riding is common in this land of volcanoes, plains and lakes where tourists can find all they need to enjoy many wonders hidden in Costa Rica’s natural beauty. The impressive Fortuna waterfalls is a must to do horseback riding as well as a ride to Arenal Volcano eastern foothill.
BIRD-WATCHING The resplendent quetzal is the area’s most striking bird; the wet forest is its habitat. Alongside the quetzal, the bellbird and the umbrella bird also stand out. Hummingbirds, goldfinches and other birds may also be admired.
HORSEBACK RIDING Several hotels and mountain lodges, as well as family operations, offer horseback-riding tours through typical villages, picturesque trails and wet forest, with the final destination usually being a waterfall or other scenic natural spot.
MOUNTAIN BIKING Picturesque trails lead between mountain and forest areas to typical towns such as San Luis and San Gerardo, as well as to the Santa Elena and Monteverde preserves.
TREETOP ADVENTURES Several options are available for observing life and activity in the treetops: several species of monkey, birds, snakes and the forest canopy itself, as well as different varieties of orchids, bromeliads, pinguins, climbing plants, parasites and communities of insects andpollinators.
HONEYMOONS Nature, climate and peacefulness make this region a popular destination for national and international visitors enjoying their honeymoons.
ZOOFARMS (INSECTS, REPTILES AND AMPHIBIANS) In these places, visitors can observe diverse species of butterflies, around 40 snake species and the natural history of the region’s frogs in terrariums that simulate their habitat
The possible tourist activities to develop are diverse; they can relate to the vacation, the health, the culture, adventure and nature thus with recreational and sports aspects.
HORSEBACK RIDING A pastoral region, Guanacaste offers this activity in coastal areas and in the mountains and their communities. Horseback-riding tours are available through tourism operators or family-owned farms that rent horses.
CUISINE Typical towns are characterized by sodas (small restaurants serving local food), cafes and restaurants where visitors can sample the cuisine of Guanacaste. Cañas, Tilarán, Liberia and mainly Santa Cruz stand out as communities with traditions in typical food and drink.
SPORT-FISHING This is one of the Northern Pacific region’s main attractions. Artisan and recreational fishing are possible, but of greater interest are the tournaments in which several world billfish records have been broken. The fish are returned to the water after weigh-in.
BIRD-WATCHING Bird-watching is possible mainly in protected areas. Many sites offer the opportunity to “get with the birds,” with Palo Verde, Curú, Isla Bolaños and Tenorio among the biggest.
DIVING This adventure or recreational activity is becoming more and more popular in Guanacaste, thanks to its excellent dive sites and the specialized companies that normally offer services abroad. Important sites include the Gulf of Papagayo and the Santa Catalina islands.
SHOPPING FOR HANDICRAFTS The handicrafts of Guaitil de Santa Cruz and San Vicente de Nicoya are made of pure clay using the traditional and ancient techniques of the Chorotega indigenous group. Ornaments, urns, flowerpots, vases, plates, decorative whistles and other figures are fashioned and may be bought for their fine finish and interest in several parts of Guanacaste. Visitors can also acquire other kinds of handicrafts fashioned out of jícaro (a kind of gourd) or the thipa plant, from which various paper products are made.
Well developed for tourism, the Quepos - Manuel Antonio area is very attractive to tourists, offering mountains and high places as well as quadricycle or all-terrain-vehicle tours. Tourists can walk over suspension bridges, tour mangrove swamps by boat, visit butterfly gardens, go horseback riding, dolphin- or bird-watch, go sport-fishing or enjoy an ultralight flight.
SPORT-FISHING Sport-fishing is one of the Central Pacific’s main attractions. Artisan, recreational or challenging sport-fishing may all is enjoyed in the Quepos area.
BIRD-WATCHING Bird-watching can be enjoyed in various public and private protected areas, including Negritos, Pájaros, Cabo Blanco, Carara and Curú, as well as other fine spots.
RECREATIONAL CYCLING The region features picturesque roads and adventure or relaxation sites for touring on regular or mountain bikes. Beaches and mountains also make for interesting rides.
ARCHITECTURAL AND HISTORICAL SITES The city of Puntarenas features a small old town with the characteristics of a historical center. There are buildings of architectural and historical interest as well as National Monuments, such as the old Port Military Headquarters facilities, Parque Mora y Cañas and the Central Church. San Lucas Island and the old San Lucas Penitentiary may also be visited.
HIKING Hiking is a good way to take in various tourist attractions: natural parks, beaches, ecotourism trails, historical buildings, architectural monuments or cultural tours around various communities of interest.
Well developed for tourism, the Quepos - Manuel Antonio area is very attractive to tourists, offering mountains and high places as well as quadricycle or all-terrain-vehicle tours. Tourists can walk over suspension bridges, tour mangrove swamps by boat, visit butterfly gardens, go horseback riding, dolphin- or bird-watch, go sport-fishing or enjoy an ultralight flight.
SPORT-FISHING This is one of the Pacific region’s main attractions. Artisan and recreational fishing are possible, but of greater interest are the tournaments in which several world billfish records have been broken. The fish are returned to the water after weigh - in. Sport-fishing is easy to enjoy here, thanks to the Gulf’s riches and the many places offering services, such as Puerto Jiménez, Golfito and Zancudo.
BIRD-WATCHING Bird-watching is possible mainly in protected areas. Many sites offer the opportunity to “get with the birds,” with Palo Verde, Curú, Isla Bolaños and Tenorio among the biggest. Public protected areas such as Ballena, Térraba - Sierpe, Golfito and Corcovado, as well as the Wilson Botanical Garden, offer wonderful experiences amid the region’s natural diversity.
CUISINE Typical towns are characterized by sodas (small restaurants serving local food), cafes and restaurants where visitors can sample the cuisine of Guanacaste. Cañas, Tilarán, Liberia and mainly Santa Cruz and Nicoya stand out as communities with traditions in typical food and drink.
TREETOP ADVENTURES There are several options for visitors to observe the goings-on in the forest canopy, including various monkey and bird species.
ARCHITECTURAL AND HISTORIC SITES There are sites and buildings of architectural or historic interest and National Monuments that are considered must-see places, mainly in Abangares, Bagaces, Cañas, Liberia, Santa Cruz and Nicoya.
HORSEBACK RIDING A pastoral region, Guanacaste offers this activity in coastal areas and in the mountains and their communities. Horseback-riding tours are available through tourism operators or family-owned farms that rent horses.
DIVING This adventure or recreational activity is becoming more and more popular in Guanacaste, thanks to its excellent dive sites and the specialized companies that normally offer services abroad. Important sites include the Gulf of Papagayo and the Santa Catalina islands.
HIKING Hiking is a major activity for enjoying the region’s natural and cultural attractions. Outstanding areas include Chirripó, Piedras Blancas, La Amistad and Corcovado National Parks, as well as an endless number of beaches and forested areas, both public and private.
RECREATIONAL CYCLING The Southern Zone features a variety of roads for adventure and nature-watching. Touring is possible on regular or mountain bikes. Interesting trips include Palmar Sur - Sierpe, Rincón de Osa - La Palma, Dominical - Parque Marino Ballena, Golfito - Playa Cacao, San Vito - Agua Buena and Jiménez - Playa Carate, to name just a few.
CHIRRIPÓ MOUNTAIN RACE Unique in Central America, this competition takes place every year during the last week of February, in the village of San Gerardo de Rivas in Pérez Zeledón. More than 200 athletes participate, mostly nationals, though there are entrants from other parts of the world as well. The ascent is steep; athletes climb from 1,000 to 3,500 meters in the Valle de los Crestones in very short time. The route is 14 kilometers.
Tourist activities abound in this region, and may take in culture, adventure or nature.
SUGAR MILLS Sugar mills are used for one of the most traditional processes in the country: manufacturing products from sugar cane. Mostly located in rural areas such as Piedades Norte, Bajos de la Paz and San Ramón de Alajuela; some of these are powered by oxen. Water-powered mills can be found in San Antonio de Escazú, Jaris de Mora and Grecia.
MUSEUMS The most culturally and historically diverse selection of museums in the country are located in this region, including the National Museum, Museum of Contemporary Art and Design, Children’s Museum, Museum of Costa Rican Art, Gold Museum, Popular Culture Museum, Juan Santamaría Museum, Orosí Museum, Entomological Museum, La Salle Museum, Jade Museum and others.
TRAIN RIDE TO THE PACIFIC Tourists can take the train from San José to the Pacific on the “Paseo en Tren a la Tica” departing for Caldera every Saturday and Sunday at six a.m. During “winter” (May to November) the trains runs to the peaceful town of Atenas, up to the Escuela de Ganaderia (School of Animal Husbandry).
TREETOP AND TRAIL ADVENTURES Several companies and organizations have developed facilities for visitors to enjoy adventure activities on nature trails and in the forest canopy: INBIO in Santo Domingo de Heredia; the Central American Livestock Farming School in Balsa de Atenas; the TURU BA-RI Tropical Park in Turrubares, and the Butterfly Garden in the outskirts of Varablanca.
PLANT AND WILDLIFE OBSERVATION Visitors can observe nature and wildlife in several public protected areas, such as Braulio Carrillo, Poás Volcano and Tapantí-Macizo de la Muerte, as well as in the Lancaster Botanical Garden, the Simon Bolívar Zoo, the Santa Ana National Zoo and the zoo in La Garita de Alajuela. Added to these, a few theme parks offer enjoyable experiences with nature.
ADVENTURES BETWEEN NATURALISTIC PATHS AND TREE TOPS Several companies have developed facilities for enjoying nature-trail and canopy adventure activities, including: Puerto Viejo Botanical Garden, Samasati Biological Preserve and Yoga Center, and Terraventura Canopy (Río Carbón valley).
REEF DIVING The natural beauty of Cahuita and Puerto Vargas’ beaches is complemented by the largest fringing coral reef in the Costa Rican Caribbean. In addition, the reefs off Punta Cocles, Punta Uva, Manzanillo and Punta Mona are not to be forgotten. These sites are ideal for admiring coral (brain, moose - and deer - horn, fire, rose, lettuce and more), mollusks, sea fans, crustaceans, turtles and multicolored fish, among other attractions.
HIKING Guided or unguided hikes may be enjoyed in communities, natural areas and coastal zones to take in various natural, historical, architectural, social, artistic and cultural attractions.
RECREATIONAL CYCLING The region boasts many picturesque trails - Cahuita - Puerto Vargas, Puerto Viejo - Manzanillo and others - some for adventure, recreation or relaxation and others for enjoying nature.
ARCHITECTURAL AND HISTORIC SITES The architecture of the Caribbean comprises buildings of great importance that have been declared of historical or architectural interest. The following stand out in downtown Limón: Black Star Line, the Post and Telegraph Building and the Municipal Palace.
TREETOP’S TOUR (RAINFOREST AERIAL TRAM) Adjacent to Braulio Carrillo National Park, 22 kilometers after the Zurquí Tunnel along the highway to Guápiles, the Rainforest Aerial Tram was built so people could enjoy activities in the rainforest canopy, such as observing various monkey and bird species, orchid varieties, bromeliads, pinguins, climbing plants and insect communities.
RÍO PACUARE World famous among rafting fans and experts, this lush tropical river is considered one of the most beautiful in the world for enjoying whitewater activities. The Pacuare is rated class III-IV on the international whitewater scale. Those running it can enjoy waterfalls and tributaries complemented by the luxuriant and always green vegetation that adds so much value to the trip.
AFRO-CARIBBEAN CUISINE The Caribbean region is also distinguished from the rest of the country by its traditional dishes. Examples of delectable and highly popular food and drink include rondón (a mix of various vegetables with beef, chicken, fish or turtle meat), fish (stewed, in marinade or fried), sancocho (chicken and pork with tomatoes, yucca, potatoes and sweet potatoes), rice and beans (cooked in coconut milk and accompanied by chicken, fish, pork or beef), patí (meat pastries with chili pepper), plantintah (a pastry made with ripe plantains), bread fruit (pureed, in pudding or fried), turtle meat (in rondón or fin soup), beef tripe (with tubers and spices), Johnny cake (coconut bread), ginger cookies, ginger beer, guarapo (an alcoholic drink made from fermented corn) and agua de sapo or agua de hiel (a very popular drink made with ginger, lime and brown cane sugar).
