Nature

Costa Rica offers a never-ending array of natural wonders that keep visitors coming back. Here are some natural wonders that make Costa Rica one of the most popular destinations in the world.

Parque Nacional Manuel Antonio.

The country’s most popular (and smallest) national park – it remains a gem. Capuchin monkeys scurry across its idyllic beaches, brown pelicans dive-bomb its clear waters and sloths watch over its accessible trails. It’s a perfect place to introduce youngsters to the wonders of the rainforest, and as you splash around in the waves you’re likely to feel like a kid yourself. There’s not much privacy, but it’s so lovely that you won’t mind sharing.

Parque Nacional Volcán Poás

Just 37km north of Alajuela by a winding and scenic road is Parque Nacional Volcán Poás, the home of an impressive 2708m-high (8885ft) active volcano. Violent eruptions haven’t taken place for more than 60 years when rumblings began in 2014; there were further significant eruptions in April and June 2017, and the park did not open again until August 2018. It's now once again possible to peer into the 260m-deep (853ft) crater and the turquoise lake at its center. Visitors can watch the steaming, bubbling cauldron belch sulfurous gases into the air.

Parque Nacional Volcán Arenal

From 1968 until 2010, Volcán Arenal was an ever-active and awe-striking natural wonder, producing menacing ash columns, massive explosions and streams of glowing molten rock almost daily. While the fiery night views are gone for now, this mighty mountain is still a worthy destination. Part of the Area de Conservación Arenal, the park is rugged and varied, with about 15km (9.3 mi) of well-marked trails that follow old lava flows. Hikers routinely spot sloths, coatis, howler monkeys, white-faced capuchins and even anteaters.

Parque Nacional Tortuguero

Canoeing the canals of Parque Nacional Tortuguero is a boat-borne safari: here, thick jungle meets the water and you can get up close with shy caimans, river turtles, crowned night herons, monkeys and sloths. In the right season, under cover of darkness, watch the awesome, millennia-old ritual of turtles building nests and laying their eggs on the black-sand beaches. Sandwiched between extravagantly green wetlands and the wild Caribbean Sea, this is among the premier places in Costa Rica to watch wildlife .

Monteverde Cloud Forest

Here is a virginal forest dripping with mist, dangling with mossy vines, sprouting with ferns and bromeliads, gushing with creeks, and nurturing rivulets of evolution. Reserva Biológica Bosque Nuboso Monteverde came into being in 1972, when the Quaker community, spurred on by the threat of encroaching squatters, joined forces with environmental and wildlife organizations to purchase and protect an extra 328 hectares (811 acres) of land. Today the reserve totals 41.25 sq km (26,400 acres). Because of the fragile environment, the reserve allows a maximum of 250 people at any given time.

Cerro Chirripó

The view of windswept rocks and icy lakes from the rugged peak of Cerro Chirripó, the country’s highest summit, may not resemble the Costa Rica of the postcards, but the two-day hike above the clouds is one of the most satisfying excursions in the country. A pre-dawn expedition rewards hardy hikers with the real prize: a chance to catch the fiery sunrise and see both the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean in a full and glorious panorama from 3820m (12532ft) up. The only way up Chirripó is on foot. Although the trekking routes are challenging, watching the sunrise from such lofty heights is worth it.

Parque Nacional Corcovado

Parque Nacional Corcovado in the south is home to an incredible 2.5% of the world’s total biodiversity. You’ll find deserted beaches, waterfalls, high tree canopies and teeming wildlife here. Humidity can reach 100%, however, and solo trekking isn’t recommended, due to pumas, jaguars, crocodiles, swamps, wild rivers, snakes and more. This really is a wild place.

Rincón de la Vieja Volcano

Ecological diversity abounds at Rincón de la Vieja National Park, one of the parks in the Guanacaste Conservation Area. This park is a must-visit destination when you are in the Guanacaste Province. At over 34,000 acres, Rincón de la Vieja has room for two volcanoes, 32 rivers and streams, and an incredible variety of flora and fauna. A number of activities can be enjoyed at the park such as hiking, horseback riding, enjoying hot springs, swimming, picnicking, and camping.

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