Central Valley
Central Valley:
SAN JOSE:
San Jose and the Central Valley is the heart of Cost Rica and home to over half the population that was first attracted to the region’s fertile land and pleasant “eternal spring” climate. Visitors to this metropolitan area are pleasantly shocked by the proximity of the mountains and the natural attractions that define Costa Rica. Additionally, San Jose offers a complete assortment of museums, parks, restaurants, casinos and discos. The area boasts small, intimate lodging facilities to complete luxury resorts in the city and surrounding countryside.
The Central Valley is a great base for exploring due to the variety of day excursions accessible from the area.
Options include canopy exploration, Pacific island cruises and trips to volcanoes, national parks, botanical gardens and plantations.
Climate: Dry Dec-Apr, Green May-Nov.
?Temp: 72 high 72·, cool nights
North Pacific
North Pacific:
GUANACASTE:
Easily accessible from Liberia International Airport, the province of Guanacaste boasts beautiful deserted beaches share the coastline with small beach hotels and mega-resorts offering deluxe accommodations. The ocean playground supplies the majority of activities in the area. Aside from an animated world underwater, the main wildlife attraction is sea turtle nesting at Playas Grande (Oct – Mar), Ostional (July – Nov) and Nacite (Aug – Dec).
Away from the coast, the flat, arid land supports sugarcane and beef production while a series of parks and reserves bridges the coast to the Guanacaste volcano range to the east.
Santa Rosa National Park protects the last remaining tract of Dry Tropical forest in the Americas where the stark dryness forces animals to congregate at rivers and watering holes for easy viewing. Birders enjoy large migratory flocks from September to March.
This region is hot and desert-like and day trips to more verdant and tropical sites are long and tiresome. This area does contain spectacular beaches, fascinating natural attractions and a more “traditional” lifestyle. Explore with realistic expectations. Popular activities include scuba, snorkeling, windsurfing, sport fishing, sea kayaking, hiking and horseback riding.
Climate: It is mostly dry all year round, but greener Jun-Nov.?
Temp: 95°F avg. high
Central Pacific
Central Pacific:
Lush tropical mountains rising from the sparkling blue sea combined with isolated strips of sandy beaches characterize the Central Pacific Coast region.
Quepos is the premier destination of this area offering a variety of small intimate hotels artistically built into a rainforest hillside between town and the popular Manuel Antonio National Park.
The park (closed Mondays) contains three beautiful beaches, casual forest trails, and an abundance of wildlife. The rich topographical variety in this area, coupled with a wealth of activities geared toward both the adventure seeker or the casually curious, make this a destination that offers something for everyone.
To the north of Manuel Antonio lies the small seaside town of Jacó, known for its hidden beaches, excellent surfing spots, and its unique position between the dry northern regions of the country and the tropical southern zone. Carrara Biological Reserve provides an oasis for a large number of animals due to its position in this transitional forest region.
The nearby port town of Puntarenas serves as the embarkation point for picnic cruises to the idyllic islands in the Golfo de Nicoya. Whether you’re looking for a secluded hilltop hideaway, a family-friendly ocean resort, or a top surfing destination, the Central Pacific may provide just what you’re looking for.
Area activities include zipline canopy tours, estuary tours by boat or kayak, sea kayaking, rafting, sport fishing, horseback riding, mountain biking, rainforest and jungle, hiking and wildlife viewing.
Climate: Dry Dec-Apr, Wet May-Nov, Wettest Sep/Oct
?Temp: Avg. high 92°
South Pacific
South Pacific:
OSA PENINSULA:
Located in the southwest corner of Costa Rica, the Osa Peninsula encompasses lush primary rain forests and a complex system of freshwater and marine resources. The Osa Peninsula is bounded on the northwest by Coronado Bay, on the west by the Pacific Ocean, and on the east by the Golfo Dulce.
The main natural attraction of the Osa Peninsula is the Corcovado National Park on the western part of the peninsula. Referred to as the Amazon of Costa Rica, Corcovado National Park is located on one of the richest and most diverse tropical areas on the planet.
This 108,022 acre park contains some of the highest rainforest canopy, due to the abundant rainfall and low elevations. The humidity and terrain can present quite a challenging hike not for the casual hiker, though rewarding as jaguar prints can be sighted. Calls of scarlet macaws will serve as background music to your visit, and a beautiful segment of the Pacific Ocean offers wonderful opportunities to snorkel, surf, kayak, scuba dive, as well as sportfishing. Dolphins frolic in these seas and even humpback whales spend a portion of the year in the area.
Situated along the western shores of the Osa Peninsula and accessible by boat along the Sierpe River or a small airstrip, the remote Drake’s Bay area offers the adventurous traveler a truly unique opportunity to experience the beauty of untouched Costa Rica with the luxury of first class jungle lodges and inns. Tide pools, spring-fed rivers, waterfalls, forest trails and some of the best bird-watching in all of Costa Rica are featured in the still pristine Drake’s Bay. Local activities include world class sportfishing, surfing, diving, snorkeling, canopy tours and guided nature and wildlife tours.
Twelve miles offshore of Drake’s Bay is Caño Island, home of the Caño Island Reserve. This island is of major archaeological importance since it was used as a cemetery in Pre-Columbian times. Caño Island is also where many of Central America’s mysterious stone spheres can be found, some believe these were carved by pre-Columbian natives although scientists are still pondering their origin.
The Golfo Dulce (sweet Gulf) is a hidden gem in Costa Rica, ringed by secluded beaches and the wonderful biodiversity of the region. Of the many tourist attractions Costa Rica has to offer, Golfo Dulce is the perfect destination for nature lovers, both those seeking true adventure and those who want the peace and tranquility of an undiscovered paradise. Circling the warm blue waters of Golfo Dulce is a tropical rain forest with abundant hiking trails, where one may encounter four species of monkey (spider, white-faced, squirrel and howler), Poison Dart frogs, Morpho butterflies, anteaters, agoutis, coati mundis, jaguars, ocelots and margays.
Piedras Blancas National Park is the newest addition to the park system with 30,000 acres of primary and secondary forests.
Just eight miles from the border of Panama is the Pavones area of Costa Rica. Pavones is home to legendary left-point break waves that run perpendicular, rather than parallel, to the shore allowing a surfer to ride a single wave for up to a mile!
Climate: Dry Dec-Apr, Green May-Nov.
?Temp: High 90° F
Northern Region
Northern Region
ARENAL VOLCANO:
Located in northern Costa Rica, the Arenal area is home to the largest active volcano in Costa Rica, the Arenal Volcano. The Arenal Volcano is a destination for scientists and tourists alike as it erupts on an average of 41 times a day. Slight changes in altitude create unique microclimates and ecosystems throughout this region, making it home to a variety of exotic species.
During the day the volcano can be seen steaming and spitting smoke and at night it can become a spectacular liquid fireworks show. The heat from the volcano has created several hot springs, some with views of the volcano.
Arenal and the surrounding area is a great base for adventure touring including canopy ziplines, hanging bridges, horseback riding, whitewater rafting, caving, and fishing on Lake Arenal.
Climate: Dry Dec-Apr, Green May-Nov?
Temp: 60-90º F depending on elevation
Costa Rica’s highlands
Where misty fog and clouds cling to the tree canopy -- offer a refreshingly cool retreat from the tropical zones in the country. These high elevation rainforests are filled with brightly colored bromeliads, orchids, ferns, and an abundance of mosses add to the exotic nature of the flora found here. Cloud forests are hotbeds of biodiversity, harboring innumerable plants, animals, and amphibians that are found nowhere else in the world.
Los Angeles Cloud Forest provides a less crowded and more accessible cloud forest experience. Air currents from the Northern plains join those from the Pacific and Atlantic and fuse over the region, creating rare climatic conditions normally occurring at much higher altitudes. Located about one hour from San Jose, this 2,000 acre private reserve protects more than 347 species of birds, life-saving plants and a variety of wildlife and amphibians. The reserve features hiking trails where expert guides assist you in spotting an array of flora and fauna. Horseback riding, birdwatching and quetzal spotting add to your adventures. Arenal Volcano and the La Paz Waterfall Gardens are easy day trips. You may also tour the nearby village of San Ramon, a historic intellectual and cultural center of Costa Rica, and home to three former presidents. Overlooking picturesque rolling farmland and pristine tropical cloud forests, the premier lodge in this area offers an authentic Costa Rican experience in charming casita accommodations.
La Paz Waterfall Gardens offers a picture perfect image of lush tropical rain and cloud forests, spectacular waterfalls, and rushing rivers. In a day trip to the park, visit the world’s largest butterfly farm and hummingbird gallery, hike the well-maintained and accessible trails leading to the falls, and explore the wildlife exhibit. For overnight stays, enjoy luxury accommodations with balconies offering views of the Poas Volcano and the misty clouds over the valley.
Day trips from the lodge include rafting, canopy adventures, horseback riding, Arenal Volcano and hot springs, Poas Volcano and the Doka Coffee Plantation.
Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve -- the most heavily visited of Costa Rica’s cloud forests and the most difficult to access -- is situated on both the Pacific and Atlantic slopes of the Continental Divide. There are more than 425 species of birds, thousands of species of insects, and innumerable plants, reptiles, mammals, and the famous and “hard to spot” quetzal. Historically sacred to earlier civilizations, the quetzal is cherished by birding enthusiasts and naturalists. The nearby village of Santa Elena is a small art community featuring galleries, museums, a butterfly garden, lodging and restaurants. We recommend including Monteverde as part of a guided module.
Climate: It is wet year round but drier Dec-Apr. ?
Temp: 65° avg. high
Caribbean Region
Caribbean Region:
Long overlooked and isolated, the South Caribbean Coast developed its own laid back “Caribbean” culture distinct from the rest of Costa Rica. A captivating history complete with Columbus, Spanish colonists, elusive natives, annoying Miskito Indians, mischievous pirates, hidden and sunken treasures and opportunistic islanders evolved into a unique destination. Jamaican influences including agricultural products from their island, coconut in their cuisine, an English Creole dialect, reggae rhythms and a slower lifestyle combine to offer something different.
Seclusion and underdeveloped tourism left good natural attractions although accommodations remain a bit rustic. Coral reefs protect both black and white sand beaches while creating popular surf, scuba and snorkeling spots. A national park and wildlife refuge stretch back from the lazy beaches and are home to a large variety of plants, animals and birds. Further into the mountains, indigenous groups can be visited.
Activities include scuba (reef and wreck), snorkeling, surfing, sea kayaking, mountain biking, horseback riding, hiking, wildlife viewing, birding and camping.
Climate: Rains less than in the north, Dry Jan-May, Driest Sep/Oct, Wettest Nov/Dec, Jun/July ?
Temp: Avg. high 87°
TORTUGUERO:
A mass of jungles and an eerie maze of winding canals and rivers give an Amazonian quality to this sparsely populated region on the North Caribbean Coast. Since the surrounding rainforest areas are so dense, many of the attractions are accessible only by air or sea. A float down these ominous brown waters is an adventure in itself as you’re sure to hear the howling of monkeys and screeching of exotic birds along the way. Local expert guides assist you in spotting wildlife. Within this labyrinth of jungle rivers lies the area’s main attractions of Tortuguero National Park and the Barra de Colorado Wildlife Refuge. These parks protect a long list of exotic plants and animals, including endangered species such as green macaws, jaguars, and several species of sea turtles.
Tortuguero is an exemplary wildlife refuge famous for the massive annual nesting of Atlantic Green turtles from July to October. Sharks patrol the dangerous surf and brackish waters while caimans and crocodiles inhabit the inland waters. Wildlife viewing, birding and fishing by boat or canoe are the activities of choice.
Climate: It rains year round but less so Jan-Apr, Sep, Oct. ?
Temp: Avg. high 87°
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