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Which is nested within the flat, rich lands of San Carlos, the Arenal Volcano rises up like a natural monument from the rainforest.  One of many remarkable sights in the area, this mountain of fire symbolizes the adventure and mysticism of the region.

Known as the adventure capital of Costa Rica, the Arenal Volcano/ Fortuna area offers numerous activities. Activities range from highly charged adventures such as white water rafting, cannoning and caving to less intense adventures such as hikes through the rainforest and soothing swims in hot springs.

With its rolling hills, cattle farms, rainforest and Costa Rica's largest lake, the Arenal area's verdant landscape is bio-diverse. The region's attractions include the Arenal National Park, the Fortuna River Waterfall, the Cano Negro Wildlife Reserve and the Rio Celeste National Park.

You can visit Arenal as part of a day tour, but you will regret not staying for at least one night since there is so much to see and do. Typically, I recommend a minimum two-night stay.

While in Arenal:

Visit the Fortuna River Waterfalls:  About three miles from town, magnificent waterfalls cascade into the rainforest.  You will have the opportunity to hike and swim in the river.

Go rafting on the Sarapiqui River: The River has Class III and IV rafting for adventure aficionados and Floating Safari Class II rafting for slower paced, nature lovers.  Both are excellent tour choices, featuring amazing scenery, interesting wildlife and thrilling adventure.

Try cannoning: One of the country's top adventure activities, you will rappel down a waterfall inside the rainforest.  An unforgettable experience!

View the forest from Hanging Bridges or the Sky Trek / Tram: Both are impressive hikes in the rainforest, and the Sky Trek features suspended bridges plus the aerial tram and the canopy experience.  What a way to see the jungle!

Stop in at the Arenal National Park: Visit on your way to El Castillo and the Sky Trek. You learn all about the Arenal volcano and its history.

Eat your way through the town of La Fortuna: Many restaurants in La Fortuna serve typical Costa Rican meals.  We recommend la Vaca Muca, the Steak House and the Rancho La Cascada for after-hour´s cocktails.  On the weekend, Go Salsa dancing at the Nido de Aguila (Eagle's nest) disco.

The rare phenomenon where climatic conditions cause cloud and mist to be in regular contact with the vegetation is the cloud forest, and few exist in the world. Monteverde is one of the few destinations where cloud forests are easily accessible to visitors. This magical environment enchants visitors and entices them to fall in love with nature.

Spending one or two nights in Monteverde is a memorable part of a Costa Rican vacation. Nature lovers visit this secluded part of the country in search of exciting nature trails in the Cloud Forest, adventurous canopy rides, and relaxing evenings in the cool and crisp climate. Cozy mountain lodges provide the opportunity for romantic, intimate moments.

Monteverde offers many attractions and activities, among them, canopy tours, the Sky Walk / Sky Trek, butterfly farms, orchid gardens, day and night nature hikes, a cheese factory, tours on horseback, and ATV tours. We recommend a minimum one-night stay with at least two full days to enjoy the region. Day trips are also offered from Arenal and Guanacaste.

While in Monteverde

You must visit the Cloud Forest National Parks of Monteverde and Santa Elena.  Both parks have short and long hiking trails, which take from two to six hour´s to climb. As two of only a few unspoiled Cloud Forests on Earth, they are a unique experience.

The Serpentarium is a zoo dedicated to snakes and reptiles.  It's worth a visit to observe the many varieties of snakes that live in Costa Rica's Cloud Forest.

Visit the famous Monteverde Cheese Factory. The Monteverde region was founded by Quakers, and early on, they established this factory as one of their only industrial activities. Tour the facility to learn the process of producing different cheeses. Taste-test the products and the superb hand-dipped ice cream at the end of the tour!

Experience the Sky Walk / Sky Trek or the Canopy Tour.  Costa Rica boasts over 50 canopy tour experiences, but two of the originals are set in Monteverde.  The mist of the cloud forest makes this the most magical canopy experience in Costa Rica.

San Jose is Costa Rica's capital and home to a quarter of its population.  A city tour provides a cultural experience for tourists who want see Costa Rican lifestyle. Other travelers may prefer to take day trips to other regions of the country. Popular attractions near the city include the Poas and Irazu Volcanoes, white water rafting, the La Paz Waterfall Gardens, the Turu Bari reserve, Orosi and Cartago (home of the country's largest Catholic church) and the renowned Rainforest Aerial Tram at the Braulio Carrillo National Park.

San Jose is home to the country's top restaurants and some of its best entertainment.  The downtown area offers interesting sights such as the National Museum, Children's Museum, Gold and Jade Museum, the National and the Melico Salazar Theatres, parks, plazas and the Central Avenue walking boulevard.

Typically, guests arriving on evening flights and/or departing on early morning flights choose to make San Jose their home for the first and/or last nights.  Many visitors choose to stay an extra night or two to enjoy the sights near the city, take a white water rafting trip or experience the city's cultural and social life.

While in San Jose:

The best class III and IV white water rafting trips are available as one- and two-day trips out of San Jose.  The Pacuare River, one of the world's top three rivers for rafting and kayaking, is an especially unforgettable adventure and remarkable day trip opportunity.

The Poas Highlights tour is a well-designed one-day tour that visits the Poas Volcano and National Park, the La Paz Waterfall Gardens and the Doka Coffee Plantation.  Visitors will witness one of Earth's largest craters, five magnificent waterfalls, and Costa Rica's largest butterfly farm and learn about coffee plantations and production.

Climb the Irazu Volcano and see the Orosi Valley, take a trip east, past the city of Cartago, to the Irazu Volcano, one of the country's tallest peaks.  Additionally, tours visit the Orosi valley, a fertile landscape with scenic views and interesting towns.

Take in San Jose's top museums and buildings.  Downtown, a number of landmarks and attractions are within walking distance.  Visit San Jose's Cathedral, the renowned National Theatre, the Plaza de la Cultura and the Gold Museum.  Continue on to the National Museum where you can learn about Pre-Columbian Costa Rican cultures.  Other sites in the neighborhood include the Costa Rican Congress, Democracy Square, the Jade and the Children's museums.

Costa Rica's Central Mountain range surrounds a large valley, which is home to the country's four largest cities, and approximately half of the population.  Climate conditions in the Central Valley make this an extremely pleasant place to live, with moderate temperatures year-round, beautiful mountain views and many interesting places to visit.

Four volcanoes stand guard over the northern valley; two of them, the Poas and Irazu are featured in day tours out of San Jose.  Next to the Poas Volcano is the renowned La Paz Waterfall Park, with its large butterfly farm.  To the west is the town of Sarchi, home to the country's best known crafts and souvenir shops.  The newly opened Turu Bari Park is located nearby, in the Orotina Region.

To the east of the Central Valley lie the towns of Orosi and Cartago, which feature intriguing ruins and the country's largest Catholic Church, built to honor the Virgin of Los Angeles, Costa Rica's patron saint.  The area is also famous for its white water rafting rivers, including the Reventazon and the Pacuare, one of the world's top three rafting rivers.  To the northeast, visitors will find the Braulio Carrillo National Park and the celebrated Rainforest Aerial Tram.

Lodging facilities are available in the mountains around the Central Valley. They offer an appealing alternative to those visitors who wish to stay near the capital but not in the city itself.

While in the Mountains North of the Central Valley

Take full advantage of the La Paz Waterfall Gardens Park and enjoy the magnificent hikes, view the spectacular waterfalls, and visit the hummingbird gallery and butterfly farm.

Visit the Poas Volcano National Park and hike up to the crater's edge, one of the largest on Earth.  Complete your visit with a 30-minute hike to the lagoon, located near the crater.

On the way down from the mountains, visit the Doka Coffee Plantation, to learn about the process that produces the world's best coffee.

The Tamarindo/Flamingo Pacific Coast region encompasses the popular coastal area from Playa Langosta to the south and Playa Potrero to the north.  The area is known for its unspoiled beaches, world class surfing, challenging golf courses, fishing, exciting towns, nightlife and many lodging options.

Large resorts along with small boutique hotels offer visitors many lodging alternatives.  Easy access to the beaches and many restaurant and entertainment options make this region in western Guanacaste a tourist favorite.  With close proximity to the Liberia International Airport, this popular beach area is easily accessible from anywhere in the world.

If your memorable vacation requires championship golf, world class fishing, romantic beach walks, surfing on challenging waves or sun and relaxation, the Tamarindo area is the perfect destination.

While in Tamarindo:

Explore the beaches.  From Playa Langosta all the way to Playa Negra in the south, and Playa Grande, Playa Ventanas, to Conchal, Brasilito and Flamingo in the north.

Hike the dry tropical forest on a tour to the Palo Verde National Park.

Visit the Rincon de la Vieja National Park, and some of the mud baths and hot springs in the region.

Horseback ride at the Buena vista Lodge. The Buena Vista also features hot springs, and is adjacent to the Tenorio Volcano.

Shop for souvenirs in Liberia.

Play golf at Hacienda Pinilla in Playa Langosta, or at the Garra de Leon golf course at the Paradisus in Playa Conchal.

Explore the native mangroves in Tamarindo on a sea kayaking tour.

Embark on a sunset cruise off the shore of Tamarindo Beach.  View spectacular sunsets on Costa Rica's Pacific coast as you sail through Tamarindo bay.

Watch the giant leatherback turtles nesting during a special night tour only available from mid November to late February. This is a miracle of nature that can only be seen in select places around the globe, during a few months of the year.

Cross the border to Granada in Nicaragua and visit another Central American country while you are in the region.  This long day tour will take you across the northern border and through southern Nicaragua, visiting Lake of Nicaragua and the picturesque town of Masaya, home to many artisans.  The highlight of the trip is a visit to one of Latin America's oldest cities, Granada. The Colonial city is full of interesting architecture, colorful buildings and friendly people.

The Gulf of Papagayo is becoming one of Costa Rica's primary beach destinations. Home to the ultra-luxurious Four Season Resort and too many all-inclusive four and five-star resorts, Papagayo is popular among beach and sun seekers.

Papagayo Bay offers calm water conditions as well as open ocean beaches with large waves, and the beaches have dark and white sand. The region is covered with dry tropical forest and mangrove vegetation, typical of Pacific Coast beaches.

Average stays in this region range from five to seven nights.  Day tours to other regions of the country, including Arenal and Monteverde are available. Popular activities in this region include horseback tours, (on the beach or inland to rainforest private reserves), canopy tours, deep sea fishing, sunset cruises, floating safaris and visits to national parks such as Palo Verde, Santa Rosa and Rincon de la Vieja Volcano.  An increasingly popular day tour is a visit to Nicaragua's colonial city of Granada.

As a popular beach destination, many visitors opt to make this region their home base for visiting the country, arriving and departing from Liberia International Airport, located less than 30 minutes away.

While in Papagayo:

Explore the beaches south of the Gulf. Panamá, Hermosa and Playas del Coco.

Hike the dry tropical forest on a tour to the Palo Verde National Park.

Visit the Rincon de la Vieja National Park, and some of the mud baths and hot springs in the region.

Horseback ride at the Buena vista Lodge. The Buena Vista also features hot springs, and is adjacent to the Tenorio Volcano.

Shop for souvenirs in Liberia.

Play golf at the Arnold Palmer Signature Championship course at the Four Seasons Resort in Papagayo.

Experience the thrills of the Witches Rock Canopy Tour, one of the country's top rated adventures.

Watch the giant leatherback turtles nesting during a special night tour only available from mid November to late February. This is a miracle of nature that can only be seen in select places around the globe, during a few months of the year.

Cross the border to Granada in Nicaragua and visit another Central American country while you are in the region.  This long day tour will take you across the northern border and through southern Nicaragua, visiting Lake of Nicaragua and the picturesque town of Masaya, home to many artisans.  The highlight of the trip is a visit to one of Latin America's oldest cities, Granada. The Colonial city is full of interesting architecture, colorful buildings and friendly people.

Go off the beaten path and visit the southern tip of the Nicoya Peninsula. This area features what many consider to be the most beautiful beaches in Costa Rica.  Underdeveloped, with no crowds, breathtaking scenery and fine accommodations, the Nicoya Peninsula is one of the not-so-well kept secrets in Costa Rica.  From Punta Islita to Playa Tambor, getting there is an adventure in itself.

The best-known towns in this region include Montezuma and Malpais; both are very popular with the surfing crowd.  Elegant and even luxurious accommodations can be found in resorts such as Punta Islita, Flor Blanca or Tango Mar.  The area features diverse activities such as canopy tours, yoga, ATV tours, horseback, surfing and sport fishing.  If you dare to explore on your own, you can discover many unspoiled beaches.

The minimum recommended stay is three nights due to the remote nature of the region, and how long it takes to get there.

While in the Nicoya Peninsula:

Surfing and Beach Hopping: Great beaches and superb surfing near the towns of Malpais and Montezuma.  Isolated, white sand beaches provide opportunities for romantic strolls, sunbathing and relaxation.

Sport fishing: Boats with experienced crews and great service can be hired at most resorts.  Whether you choose the half day in-shore or the full day off-shore expedition, you are guaranteed fun and excitement.  Bring the catch of the day back to the hotel for the chef to prepare it for dinner.

Day tour to Tortugas Island. The island (no connection to sea turtles) is located near the Nicoya Peninsula.  Day tours to this white-sand, turquoise blue ocean water island start with a drive to the Pacific port of Puntarenas, followed by sun-drenched voyage in a Catamaran.  Once on the island, many activities are available, including beach volleyball, snorkeling and nature hikes.  A lunch buffet is included.

Tours on horseback and ATVs:  Explore this unspoiled area by visiting the tropical dry forest, virgin beaches, mangroves and waterfalls.  There are many sites to be re-discovered all around the Southern Nicoya Peninsula, where you are guaranteed to avoid the crowds.

The Central Pacific beaches stretch from Playa Herradura (Los Sueños) to Manuel Antonio and further south to Playa Dominical.  The principal tourist centers are the towns of Jaco and Manuel Antonio.

Jaco is known for its surfing and nightlife.   It has dark sand beaches, magnificent waves, and is renowned for its fishing and surfing.  Luxurious accommodations are available nearby in Playa Herradura. The famed Los Sueños Resort features Central America's best marina, superb sport fishing, and a great golf course.

Manuel Antonio is the most popular destination in Costa Rica, yet the government has been able to keep this famous national park unspoiled. Here you can find almost any type of adventure activity and tour such as sport fishing, sea kayaking, catamaran cruises, white water rafting, canopy tours, nature hikes, tours on ATVs, horseback and surfing.

The Central Pacific is a wonderful destination for both families and couples.  This region is easily accessible from San Jose by air on commercial flights, or by car.

While in Manuel Antonio / Central Pacific:

It's a must to visit Manuel Antonio National Park: Observe spider and white-faced monkeys, sloths and iguanas; hike trails through the mangroves; and lounge on pristine beaches.

Take a day trip to Dominical, where you will find great beaches and superb surfing. One hour south of Manuel Antonio.

Sport fishing in Quepos. Home to some of the world's best sport fishing -- Boats with experienced crews and great service can be reserved on site.

Experience sea or estuary kayaking in the warm waters of the Pacific Ocean Waters, and get a great workout at the same time!

Visit the rainforest or the dry tropical forest on the new Pacific Aerial Tram.  Take in the amazing scenery on the two-hour drive to the site of the Aerial Tram.

Go on an eco-adventure at Turu Bari Nature Park! Turu offers many activities including: Canopy Tour, Sensational Cable (gliding through the air "superman style" at up to 60 mph), horseback riding, aerial tram, hiking trails, gardens, a butterfly observatory, and a farm area.  Great for families or groups with multiple interests.

Embark on a full day cruise to Tortugas Island.  This white sand beach offers the opportunity to relax in the catamaran on the way to the island, and enjoy fun and relaxation under the sun.  A succulent beach BBQ is served at lunchtime.

Enjoy an exciting open sea expedition in search for dolphins.  Embark on a full day dolphin and whale watching tour in the deep blue Pacific Ocean waters off the coast of Manuel Antonio.

Explore the mangroves guided by experts.  This tour presents a unique opportunity to spot the local wildlife traveling by boat to this unspoiled, pristine ecosystem.  Expect close encounters with white-faced monkeys, sloths and many bird species.

Corcovado, located in Southwest Costa Rica, on the Osa Peninsula, is one of the last significant virgin rainforests in Central America. It is inhabited by thousands of plant and animal species, including some which are endangered.  This is one of the most biologically diverse places on earth and the main attraction is nature watching at Corcovado National Park.

The area is isolated and difficult to access.  The best way to visit is to fly into Puerto Jimenez or Drake and then stay at one of the lodges in the outskirts of the National Park.  Various day tours into the park are available.  The weather is hot and humid, and the area receives a tremendous amount of rain.

This extraordinary area offers many activities including hiking, snorkeling, diving, horseback riding, surfing, swimming, and sea kayaking and fishing.  The beaches in this region are untouched by development.  Corcovado is the perfect destination for the adventurous traveler who wants to experience nature in its truest form while staying in rustic accommodations.

While in Corcovado:

Visit the Corcovado National Park.  Two biological stations: San Pedro and La Sirena provide starting points for exhilarating nature hikes.  To take full advantage of the area, use the services of an expert guide.

Tour Isla del Cano (Cano Island). Many experts rate this spot as among the best for diving. You can also snorkel, explore nature or relax in the sun. The boat ride to and from the island is itself a worthwhile tour.

Go on a dolphin and whale watch. The waters off the coast of Corcovado are full of grey dolphins, and are on the migratory path for whales from North and South America.   Experts will guide the boats in search of these magnificent ocean mammals offering tourists a responsible, close encounter with these magnificent creatures.

Venture on a canopy tour. Take this one-day tour to experience the thrills of the canopy, especially if you haven't done so in other regions.

Go on sport fishing expedition. Lodges, such as Crocodile Bay and Aguila de Osa, specialize in deep sea sport fishing.  Fish for the abundant of billfish.

The village of Tortuguero lies on the northeastern Caribbean coast, approximately 50 miles north of Limon. It is accessible by plane, boat or car.  Most people come to the region to visit Tortuguero National Park to watch the sea turtles.  This is one of the principal nesting grounds for the green sea turtle and during the summer, thousands of turtles come ashore to lay their eggs.  The park is also home to numerous other creatures, including monkeys, sloths, parrots, manatees, land turtles and numerous species of freshwater fish.

A system of waterways and lagoons crisscrosses the park and are the primary form of transportation in the area.  There is numerous boat tours offered on the canals. You will see impressive flora and fauna, from the water. Be prepared though -- this is the wettest region of the country!

While in Tortuguero:

Catch a glimpse of the sea turtles as the lay eggs during nesting season.

Take a nature boat tour.

Snook /Tarpon Fishing along the canals