Nature
Located between two oceans and two continents, the country of Costa Rica is set apart by the intense biodiversity on display within its borders and by its efforts to preserve these natural wonders through future development. No matter what region of Costa Rica you visit, there are unique habitats and ecosystems supporting a wide range of species. The featured nature destinations below are particularly great places for nature-enthusiasts to appreciate hiking through the forest and for travelers hoping to spot monkeys in the canopy, find rare birds tending to their nests, or see enormous whales breaching the surface of the Pacific.
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Drake Bay
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Resting on the northern side of the Osa Peninsula, Drake Bay (Bahía Drake) is an adventure-seekers paradise. It is named after Sir Francis Drake who is believed to have ventured here in the late 16 century. With scattered hotels and lodges, Drake Bay is the ideal vacation spot for those wishing to relax and escape from it all. If, after you have arrived, you decide that the isolation is too much, the rustic area around the bay provides a plethora of activities at your disposal. These include scuba diving, swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, horseback riding, hiking (Corcovado National Park), sport fishing, bird-watching or exploring
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Boca Tapada
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Boca Tapada Costa Rica is located in the northern lowlands nearby the mouth of the San Carlos river which forms the border between Costa Rica and Nicaracua. This remote and off the beaten path area of Costa Rica is home to hundreds of pineapple and sugar cane plantations as well as a rich biodiversity of plants and animals.
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Tenorio Volcano Area
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The Tenorio and Miravalles Volcano area is located in northern highlands along Guanacaste's eastern border with the Alajuela Province. With many rivers, waterfalls, dense dry tropical forests, rainforests, and primary cloud forests, the area hosts an abundance of wildlife, and it is an excellent location for a combination of exploration and relaxation. The scenic Tenorio Volcano, which stands 6,287 feet tall, is considered dormant. Yet the surrounding terrain is dotted with geothermal activity in the form of thermal hot springs and geysers. The area is perhaps best known for the mystical Rio Celeste, a fascinating river with a unique and stra
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Carate
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Carate is situated along Costa Rica's southern Pacific coast in the wonderfully isolated Osa Peninsula. Lying about 50 km south of Drake Bay, right next to the lush Corcovado National Park, Carate is off the grid for most tourists, and as such is one of the country's most pristine natural areas.
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Tortuguero
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The Caribbean Coast is home to the beautiful town of Tortuguero and it’s National Park. This sun drenched zone with its sparsely spaced coastal villages offers a completely laid back and relaxed atmosphere. The culture is vastly different on this coast compared to the rest of the country with its prominent Afro-Caribbean influence notable as well in the delicious cuisine found here.
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San Gerardo de Dota
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A haven for birdwatchers and hikers awaits visitors around the town of San Gerardo de Dota, huddled up against the roaring Talamanca Mountain Range. Nestled in the Savegre River Valley, tourism hasn’t quite hit this quaint settlement which provides quick access to the recently named Los Quetzales National Park.
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Monteverde
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Cool, misty rainforest and deep green foliage is what has made Monteverde an absolute hot spot for eco tourism in the Central Highlands of Costa Rica. This zone is home to a string of volcanoes, both active and dormant, beautiful national parks and diverse weather.
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Cano Negro
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The fascinating wet lands of Caño Negro are found in the Northern Zone, near the town of Los Chiles which is just kilometers from the border of Nicaragua. This zone is best known for being home to the Arenal Volcano, Costa Rica's most active, and the town of La Fortuna which boasts lush green vegetation and a lake. In recent years the region just north of the Volcano has been gaining in popularity amongst bird watchers and anglers who explore in the wetlands and rolling green pastures.
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Puerto Jimenez
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Puerto Jiménez might be the best town from which to access Corcovado National Park. Located on the eastern coast of the Osa Peninsula, on the Dulce Gulf, this small town has plenty of hotels and activities to offer as well as being favorably located. From Puerto Jiménez, you can explore just about everything there is to offer, even take a ferry across the gulf to the colorful city of Golfito. Exploring the history of this small unhurried city may give you the impression of the Wild Wild West.
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Sarapiqui
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Surrounded by lush green forests and banana plantations, this main city was once just a small port town. Located at the junction of the Puerto Viejo River (Río Puerto Viejo) and Sarapiquí River (Río Sarapiquí), this growing area is quickly becoming a main destination for adventure-seeking tourists and nature enthusiasts. And for good reason as this area has soo much to offer.
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