Costa Rica — with its verdant rainforests, beautiful beaches, and endless opportunities to spot exotic, tropical wildlife, this Latin American nation certainly merits more than one visit. If it’s your first trip to Costa Rica, there are some sights you simply must see. Here they are.
1) Manuel Antonio National Park
Manuel Antonio National Park is one of Costa Rica’s most famous national parks for a good reason. This park is home to some of the nation’s best beaches, and offers ample opportunities for wildlife viewing, too. More than 100 species of mammals and 180 species of birds call this park home, and its many wildlife trails offer visitors plenty of chances to see them. The park opens every day at 7:00 a.m. and closes at 4:00 p.m.; you’ll want to get there early to have plenty of time to lounge on the beach, spot wildlife from the trails, and take in some of the best views. Bring your swimsuit; you’ll want to visit Playa Manuel Antonio, or the somewhat less crowded Playa Espadilla Sur, Playa Escondito, and Playa Playita. Hike up to Cathedral Point for a great view of the coast. Maximize your chances of seeing wildlife with a guided tour.
2) Tortuguero National Park
Tortuguero National Park is the place to be during the egg-laying season for leatherback turtles and green turtles. Leatherbacks lay their eggs from April to May and green turtles lay theirs from July to October. To see the turtles, you’ll have to take a tour; don’t worry, the tours are used as a means of generating funds used to protect the turtles and their habitat. You’ll have an extremely high chance of seeing at least one turtle if you use a turtle spotter, who will go out and find some turtles before leading your group to the appropriate spot to see them.
If you want to see hatchling turtles, you can do so by visiting the beach extremely early in the morning in September and October, when the young turtles hatch. Digging up nests or otherwise tampering with hatchlings could be harmful to them. Beware of unscrupulous locals who may offer you the opportunity to do so, for a fee.
3) Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Preserve
Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Preserve is home to 2.5 percent of the world’s biodiversity. The park is home to 9,000 species of plants, including more than 750 species of trees; 60 species of amphibians; more than 100 species of reptiles; more than 500 species of birds; and over 130 species of mammals. Visitors can explore 13 kilometers (8.08 miles) of trails. Hike up to the La Ventana scenic overlook, to feel the trade winds blow in from the Atlantic and gaze upon panoramic views of the continental divide. Take an early-morning birdwatching tour to glimpse species such as the three-wattle bellbird or the quetzal. Other guided tours include the Natural History Walk and the Night Walk Tour, which offers opportunities to spot frogs, bats, and other nocturnal creatures.
4) Volcán Arenal
Volcán Arenal is Costa Rica’s most active volcano, making Arenal National Park a popular stop on most Costa Rica vacations. In 2010, it entered a period of dormancy, so you may not see an eruption. Visit the nearby Chato Volcano — it’s been inactive for more than 3,500 years, and in its caldera you can see a picturesque lagoon. Spot parrots, howler monkeys, white-faced monkeys, tapir, and deer in the surrounding forest. At the end of a long day of hiking, horseback riding, or whitewater rafting, soak away the soreness in one of the park’s many natural hot springs.
5) Montezuma
Montezuma is a relaxed beach town that has held on to its off-the-beaten-path ambiance in the wake of Costa Rica’s increasing popularity with tourists. Located on the southern coast of the Nicoya Peninsula, this somewhat remote town offers quiet beaches, lots of wildlife, numerous restaurants, and laid-back vibe appealing to families, couples, and backpackers alike. Enjoy Playa Montezuma and Playa Grande, the best local beaches — Playa Grande in particular is great for surfing, and the walk out offers chances to spot wildlife and birds. Head to Cabo Blanco Nature Reserve to relax on more secluded beaches. Visitors can also swim at the nearby Montezuma Waterfalls.
Costa Rica offers some of the richest biodiversity on earth. Visitors can spot exotic animals, soak up the sun on the nation’s beaches, or enjoy the quaint, bohemian atmosphere of remote beach towns. Plan your first Costa Rica trip wisely, and enjoy all this Central American nation has to offer.