This incredible beach is located in the canton of Golfito in Puntarenas, in the south of the country.

In addition to its abundant plant growth, it is known for another special reason: it is a meeting place for those who love surfing and are passionate about great waves.

At a continuous length of over 800 m, Pavones is home to the world’s second-largest wave. The waves of Pavones are second only to those of Chicama, Peru.

This beach is known for its grey sand, heavy waves and its abundant flora. In addition to world-class waves, visitors to Pavones can also practice sport fishing – fishing tours are popular here due to the length of the beach. You can also find options for ziplining, horseback riding and hiking, not to mention surf classes, of course.

The region has plenty of places to stay, including hotels and hostels, as well as restaurants and supermarkets.

If you’re looking for even more adventure nearby, you can head to the Golfito National Wildlife Reserve, which is located less than 60 km from Pavones, and is known for the habitat it provides to birds, mammals and reptiles, as well as its abundant trees. Kapok trees grow here, and are famous for their white, fluffy seeds.

Hikers in the refuge will find challenges in its steep trails, which take up to two hours to complete.

If you’re going to be traveling in a regular automobile, you will be able to get to Playa Pavones, but you should exercise caution as the gravel road is not in the best of conditions. You also have the option of taking a domestic flight to Golfito Airport, which is about 1 hour and 35 minutes from Playa Pavones.

Ready to discover the country’s southern region? Get ready to discover a new place.

If you can barely remember the last time you left your state, let alone got on a plane, you’re in plenty of company. After a year or more of being largely housebound, when we finally come out on the other side, our “first trip” out of the country will feel extra special, a celebratory antidote to the sadness and the many, many months spent chilling at home.

But where to go? To a beach? A city? A rainforest? A cultural hotspot? There are so many possibilities, and Costa Rica offers them all. With miles upon miles of untouched tropical rainforests, endless strips of stunning beaches, an abundance of wildlife and waterfalls, cultural hubs scattered throughout the country, incredibly fresh and local food, and more, the land of “pura vida”—which translates to “the pure life”—truly has something for everyone. What’s more, the country is also completely dedicated to sustainability, with a program in place that encourages local travel companies to build sustainable business models. The Certification for Sustainable Tourism program (CST), was established in 1997 and, as of 2019, includes more than 400 CST-certified tourism companies in its roster. Should you choose to travel with any one of them, your tourism dollars will help make Costa Rica a better place.

Here, 20 reasons why you won’t regret making Costa Rica your first trip after a very travel-less and oh-so-trying year. (Bonus: All of the companies mentioned are, in fact, CST certified!)

1. Because you can leave 2020 behind you—both physically and metaphorically—as you zipline through the jungle with the Osa Canopy Tour in the Osa Peninsula.

Costa Rica’s Osa Peninsula is one of the most wild, undisturbed regions in the whole country, which means that ziplining through it is always epic. But after the past year, that soaring sense of freedom as you watch the world whiz by below you will make you feel more alive than ever before.

2. The country’s beautiful beaches will soothe your restless, tired soul, from Playa Grande…

Located in Guanacaste, a province in the northwestern part of the country known for its sunny beaches, calm waves, and generally dry weather, Playa Grande is arguably one of the most popular beaches. Surfers especially dig it for its just-right waves, wide stretch of sand, and absolutely bonkers sunsets.

3. ...to Playa Dominical...

While many beach bums tend to head to Guanacaste for the forever sunshine and classic surf town vibes, Dominical is much less developed and a bit sleepier—perfect for those who prefer to go off the beaten path. Playa Dominical has more of a wild jungle feel than those in more touristy zones, and bonus: You’ll get a taste of more local life, too.

4. ...to Playa Manzanillo.

Like Dominical, the Caribbean side of Costa Rica —where Manzanillo is located—is also a bit sleepier than other more developed parts of the country. But it’s also not to be overlooked. The area has a heavy Caribbean influence you’ll recognize in the food, which often features ingredients more common in those nations, like coconut milk, ginger, chili pepper, and various curries. Manzanillo Beach, in the province of Limón, is surrounded by mangroves and has a great restaurant and bar where you can fill up on fresh seafood and get a taste for local life.

5. You can even learn to surf at Del Mar Surf Camp in Nosara—so you can ride the waves into a brighter future.

Of course you can surf all over Costa Rica, but sometimes you want to go really devote yourself to the cause—enter Del Mar Adventures. In multiple locations around the country, the company truly shines in its original location, Nosara, where you can personalize your own experience based on your preferences. The best part? Originally known as the Costa Rica Surfing Chicas, Del Mar was the first surf camp in the country to be run by a Costa Rican woman—and it continues to employ locals to support the surrounding community.

6. You can pamper yourself silly at Tabacón Grand Spa Thermal Resort, a five-star resort at the base of Arenal Volcano.

You know how you missed all of those massages and facials during quarantine? Make up for lost time at Tabacón. Rejuvenate your soul and mind with dips into the various natural hot spring baths and swimming pools, all fed by healing water from the surrounding volcanic land by Arenal Volcano, in the central part of the country. Make sure to book one (or ten!) of their luxury spa treatments, too. It was a YEAR, and your cooped-up body will thank you.

7. Or you could indulge in a spa day at Borinquen Mountain Resort & Spa in Guanacaste.

If you prefer some self-spoiling in the mountains on the coast, Borinquen Mountain Resort & Spa is a wonderful relaxation option, too. The spa features thermal springs with hot pools, volcanic mud pots, and an abundance of other refreshing full-body treatments.

8. On the other hand, you can also thrill yourself silly on an epic bungee jumping adventure at Monteverde Extremo in Monteverde.

No trip to Costa Rica is complete without a visit to Monteverde Cloud Forest, known as the “cloud forest” for the constant layer of mist that blankets the trees. But bungee jumping in the cloud forest—which is also the largest canopy in Costa Rica—will take your visit to new heights...literally.

9. …or get your adrenaline rush on the Río Negro with a one-day adventure pass with Hacienda Guachipelín in Guanacaste.

The Río Negro is one of Costa Rica’s most scenic rivers, and this day trip leads you in and around it in all the best ways, with a zip line tour, a tubing adventure, a horse back riding session, and, lastly, a dip and steam in the surrounding thermal waters and mud baths to soothe your muscles after an action-packed day.

10. ...or get Zen at a forest therapy session with Sensoria in Alajuela.

While forest bathing—the art of absorbing a forest atmosphere—originated in Japan, it has grown quite a following in Costa Rica as well, only here it takes place in a rainforest. The tour company Sensoria encourages you to think of your forest bathing journey as an “invitation” to awaken your senses as you take in the sounds and scents of the jungle. The best part? Getting in tune with your emotions in such a serene setting may help you reflect on recent challenges in a way that was more difficult to do when you were still in them.

11. Because you can finally eat local food somewhere that is not your kitchen table—like Jaguar Restaurant at Buena Vista Lodge.

Raise your hand if the pandemic made you very, very sick of your own cooking. Ah yes, that would be basically everyone—which is why dining out will feel extra special again. Though there are lots of good eats all over the country, restaurants with the CST certification, like Buena Vista Lodge’s Jaguar Restaurant in Guanacaste, are extra special because they feature fresh, seasonal ingredients from the surrounding area.

12. For an even more local experience, you can dine at your soda—what Costa Ricans call their neighborhood Costa Rican restaurants.

Make sure to order patacones and chifrijo, one of the most traditional Costa Rican dishes. Chifrijo is a bowl of rice and beans topped with fried pork rinds and lime juice, and it’s served with patacones—sometimes called tostones—which are fried plantains. Other local dishes to try: casado (a combo platter with a mix of meat, rice, black beans, vegetables, and plantains), and tres leches (a vanilla sponge cake).

13. And fresh smoothies on the beach or in the rainforest are always a recipe for happiness, too.

Costa Rica is brimming with delicious tropical fruits, from star fruits to mango to guava to papaya to soursop. Your mission: Find a nearby smoothie stand (they’re everywhere), and prepare to taste the fresh tropical magic.

14. Because mornings in Costa Rica are THE BEST, whether you wake up in a bungalow by the beach at Harmony Hotel in Nosara...

As one of Costa Rica’s classic surf towns, Nosara is filled with boutique hotels that capture the “pura vida” lifestyle, but none is perhaps more low-key luxurious than Harmony Hotel. Just steps from the beach, the hotel is also surrounded by lush native gardens, so you can head out for a morning beach walk followed by breakfast with the tropical birds.

15. ...or Hotel Capitán Suizo in Tamarindo...

Like Nosara, Tamarindo is another classic Costa Rican surf town, known for its wide stretch of beach and fantastic sunrises and sunsets. With a collection of breezy beachfront suites and bungalows that scream barefoot luxury, Hotel Capitán Suizo is tucked into its own tropical zone at the end of Playa Tamarindo, so you are at once in your own private paradise and just steps away from all the action.

16. ...or wake up in the rainforest to the sound of howler monkeys at Lapa Ríos Lodge in the Osa Peninsula.

There is nothing quite like waking up in the thick of the rainforest, and Lapa Ríos Lodge allows you to do just that...in luxury. Many of the villas and bungalows have private balconies nestled within the trees—some with private plunge pools!—so you can walk out your door with your morning cup of coffee, and listen to the sounds of howler monkeys and tropical birds and insects buzzing all around you. Plus, the hotel is perched so high in the jungly hills, so you can even see the ocean in the distance.

17. ...or wake up in a cloud at El Silencio Lodge & Spa in Bajos Del Toro.

Waking up here means you can cross “visit Cloud 9” off your bucket list. For real: El Silencio is located high up in the trees on a private 500-acre tropical cloud forest reserve in Bajos Del Toro, a tiny rural town in the middle of the country, two hours north of San José by car. Each suite and villa has incredible views of the surrounding misty mountains, and provides a serene atmosphere of utter seclusion.

18. ...or wake up in volcano land at Nayara Gardens in Arenal National Park.

Arenal Volcano is one of Costa Rica’s most prized natural treasures—and Nayara Gardens is among the most luxurious places to stay in the area. Each casita is surrounded by lush tropical flora and fauna and, best of all, has an outdoor shower and an outdoor jacuzzi, so you can enjoy the scenery through a haze of soul-cleansing steam. The hotel’s fresh cuisine, indulgent spa, and fun cultural activities are also a treat—and make sure to enjoy a drink on the terrace, with amazing volcano views.

19. Perhaps most important of all, though, you can finally take a deep breath and relax after such a stressful period of time…

20. Because you are in the land of “pura vida,” and all is well and good in your world.

URL from TimeOut: www.timeout.com/newyork/travel/20-reasons-to-put-costa-rica-on-top-of-your-travel-list

A COUPLE OF MILLENNIA AGO, Roman philosopher Seneca said, “Travel and change of place impart new vigor to the mind.” He got it partially right. Travel boosts, restores, and expands not just the mind, but also our bodies, our senses — all of us. For those on a quest to restore work-life balance, Costa Rica is the ultimate destination. Here’s why.

1. It’s the birthplace of modern zipline tours.

As in soaring through treetops, through jungle canopy and cloud forest, protected ecosystems showcasing some of the best biodiversity in the world. Ziplining may now be popular all over the world, but come here and you’ll understand why Costa Rica is where it all started.

Whether exploring Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve or zipping over a waterfall near the coast, you’ll be eye-level with toucans and parrots. The vibrant colors blur by as you begin to focus on all the life around you; the phrase pura vida (“pure life”) takes on new dimensions from the perspective of the zipline.

2. There’s 1,100 miles of incredible coastline.

Looking for a beach? Pick your color: miles of sugar white to launch your surfing adventures, unspoiled stretches of volcanic black waiting for your footprints, even coral pink, inviting horseback riding or just your blanket and a favorite book. There are miles of these beaches touching two oceans, and the most incredible part is that the Caribbean and Pacific shores are just a few hours’ drive from each other. Playa Conchal, Playa Tamarindo, Islas Tortugas, Punta Uva — come find your go-to beach.

3. It’s impossible to be bored here.

On a quest for coffee? Come, meet the grower, feel the mist, taste the terroir of the beans. Volcanic terrain with tropical sun and rain — it doesn’t get much better for coffee cultivation than in the Costa Rican highlands.

Seeking surf? Nosara, Jacó, Pavones, Dominical, Tamarindo — legendary syllables in the surfing world, these beach locales. With perfect breaks and endless waves, every session will leave you stoked for more.

Want to ride the rapids? The country’s inland rivers offer some of the best whitewater rafting in Central America. And oh yeah, there’s all the kayaking and ziplining…

No matter the season — wet tropical summer or refreshing winter — there’s always something to keep you busy in Costa Rica.

4. It’s one of the world’s best and most affordable places to take Spanish classes.

Brush up on your high school Spanish, or pick up the language from the beginning — Costa Rica is one of the best countries to learn the world’s second-most-spoken language (only Mandarin has more native speakers). One-on-one tutoring, whether in a classroom in a hip urban neighborhood, or in the shade of palms with the sound of surf as a backdrop, is widely available.

Try out your nascent language skills in a gastropub in San José’s Barrio Amon or near the Paseo Colón, or get to know a sabanero — a Costa Rican cowboy — in Guanacaste province. Go beyond uno más, por favor, and you’ll really be speaking the language of pura vida.

5. Over a quarter of the country is protected by national parks and nature preserves. And it’s full of amazing creatures.

Costa Ricans have set aside over a quarter of their country as national parks and protected nature preserves, and visitors as well as locals get to reap the benefits. In addition to beautiful, unadulterated landscapes, you’ll see squirrel, capuchin, and spider monkeys; two- and three-toed sloths; exotic birds like the resplendent quetzal; and a whole host of other animals, both endemic and widespread, who make their home in all that green space.

6. The weather’s always fine.

You know, not too hot, not too cold. For so much of the year, so many of us have to put up with freezing or baking temperatures. The eternal spring of Costa Rica’s Central Highlands mean that whenever you need to get away, you have access to a place with ideal conditions. Temperatures in San José, the nation’s capital, range from the 60s to 80s all year long.

7. For North American vacationers, there’s no jet lag.

No matter where you’re flying down from — Calgary or Miami, Los Angeles or Toronto — you won’t have to adjust your watch more than a couple hours when you land in San José. In addition to occupying a time zone amenable to North Americans, the flight time is mercifully short: less than three hours from Florida, and only about five from Chicago or New York. Less time recovering from travel fatigue means more time relaxing and reinvigorating.

Pura vida — nearer than you might think, easier than you might realize.

Source: https://matadornetwork.com/trips/7-reasons-costa-rica-ultimate-vacation-spot/

By: Joseph Cyr

IN JUST 19,729 SQUARE MILES, Costa Rica harbors a wealth of biodiversity, a stunning variety of landscapes and ecosystems(from tropical rainforest to mountains to offshore reefs) and some of the friendliest — and happiest — people on the planet. Uniquely Costa Rican experiences are clearly pretty easy to come by; here are just a few to get you started.

1. Surfing two oceans in one day

Costa Rica’s size and geographic location on the narrow Central American isthmus mean you can surf both the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans in the same day. With the two coasts a six-hour drive apart, it’s possible to catch your first wave of the day on the Caribbean coast and then hop over to the Pacific for a sunset session before dinner. The water is deliciously warm on both sides.

Jacó and Hermosa beaches tend to have consistently great surfing conditions and are excellent for learners. Just keep in mind that while the Pacific side has stellar surfing year-round, conditions on the Caribbean side tend to be more seasonal, with big barrel waves like Salsa Brava breaking from January to March.

2. Watching oxcarts transform into art

The word “oxcart” may not conjure a very glamorous image, but the Costa Rican carreta isn’t your typical cart; in fact, it’s the country’s most celebrated craft and a UNESCO Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity. Once a means of transporting coffee beans, Costa Rican oxcarts are now a proud symbol of the country’s cultural heritage and are often painted in colorful and intricate designs, turning them into works of art.

You can catch a whole parade of exquisitely painted oxcarts on the second Sunday of March at the spectacular annual Día del Boyero (Oxcart Driver’s Day) festival in San Antonio de Escazú, a western suburb of the capital city, San José. Year-round, check out the world’s largest oxcart in the town of Sarchí, Costa Rica’s most famous crafts center, about 30 miles northwest of the capital.

3. Exploring nature in the country with the highest density of biodiversity in the world

Home to more than half a million species — nearly 4% of the total estimated species in the world — Costa Rica is one of the best places on the planet to explore nature’s flora and fauna. One-quarter of its land area is protected in national parks and reserves, and these places contain an astounding variety of ecosystems, including tropical rainforest, tropical dry forest, cloud forest, mangrove forest, Atlantic and Pacific coastline, and miles and miles of offshore reefs.

To see the most plentiful and rarest wildlife, hit up Corcovado, Tortuguero, and Manuel Antonio National Parks. Pack those binoculars and fins; there’s nature to experience in every pocket of this compact country.

4. Soaking in hot springs at the foot of a volcano

Part of the Pacific Ring of Fire, Costa Rica contains more than a dozen volcanoes, both active and inactive. The most famous is Arenal, whose conical beauty and former status as one of the most active volcanoes in the world spawned a thriving tourism industry in its environs and, subsequently, an array of hot springs resorts of varying degrees of luxury.

Arenal stopped spewing in 2010 and has since become dormant, but it’s still amazing to look at while soaking in a hot springs pool, tropical cocktail in hand.

5. Seeing the Dance of the Little Devils

A traditional festival of the Boruca people of southern Costa Rica, the Danza de los Diablitos, also called the Juego de los Diablitos, takes place each year in two different locales: December 31 to January 2 in the community of Boruca, and the first weekend of February in the community of Rey Curré.

The festival is a fascinating reenactment of the Spanish conquest of Costa Rica. The Boruca don elaborate costumes and hand-carved devil masks, representing the indigenous people, while dancing around and eventually taking down a mock bull, symbolizing the Spanish. A celebration of Boruca identity and community, the festival involves music, traditional food, and lots of chicha — a fermented beverage made from corn.

6. Glimpsing a whale’s tail from the Whale’s Tail

The stunning and aptly named Ballena National Marine Park (ballena means “whale” in Spanish), on Costa Rica’s southwestern Pacific coast, is a well-known humpback whale hangout and home to a sandbar formation called the Tómbolo (in English referred to as the “Whale’s Tail”). At low tide, from the air, the unique formation looks like a perfect whale’s tail, and sea-gazers can walk out to the sandbar for a potential glimpse of a real humpback’s tail. The park sits between Playa Hermosa and Playa Uvita, so even without whales on-scene your views will be fantastic.

7. Going eco-lodge hopping

Costa Rica prides itself on its pioneering ecotourism and sustainability efforts, and rightly so. The country is home to a wealth of eco-lodges that allow tourists to maintain a low environmental footprint during their visit without sacrificing comfort — or, in some cases, pure luxury. From tent lodges, beach bungalows, and former farms to solar-powered hotels, an impressive selection of eco-lodges exist across Costa Rica, allowing visitors to “stay green” in virtually any part of the country.

8. Floating through virgin tropical rainforest on one of the top rafting rivers in the world

Costa Rica’s Pacuare River ranks as one of the best whitewater rafting trips in the world. Imagine barreling through Class III and IV rapids surrounded by pristine rainforest, floating through a steep canyon draped with tropical flora, or seeing waterfall after waterfall cascade into the river. Bonus: Whenever you choose to go, the water won’t be freezing.

9. Going on a pilgrimage in honor of the country’s patron saint

Every year in the days approaching August 2, millions of pilgrims from around Costa Rica, Central America, and the world travel on foot, horseback, or, for the truly devout, on their knees to the colonial capital of Cartago. They walk to attend mass at the Basílica Nuestra Señora de los Ángeles (Our Lady of the Angels Basilica) in honor of the Virgen de los Ángeles (Virgin of the Angels), Costa Rica’s patron saint. There, they pay their respects to, and make requests of, an eight-inch black stone statue of the Virgin, affectionately called La Negrita.

Many pilgrims make only the 14-mile trek from the capital city of San José to Cartago, but some walk from the farthest reaches of Costa Rica and even from neighboring countries out of devotion to the saint. That, and legend has it La Negrita can conjure miraculous healings.

10. Getting up close and personal with a sloth

In rural parts of Costa Rica, it’s not that uncommon to come across a sloth making its way oh-so-slowly across a road. Good Samaritans may even set up human barricades to make sure a crossing sloth isn’t hit by a car.

If you don’t have time to wait around a country road for a sloth to cross, you can make your way to the Sloth Sanctuary on the southern Caribbean coast, about 30 minutes south of Limón. (Via Interbus, take the route called Limón/Cahuita/Hone Creek/Puerto Viejo, and stop at Aviarios del Caribe/Sloth Sanctuary. There will be a yellow sloth-crossing sign at the bus stop near the sanctuary gate.) The organization is dedicated to the care and rehabilitation of rescued sloths and, if you’re lucky, you might even get to see baby sloths at the sanctuary — there are few things in this world cuter than baby sloths.

Source https://matadornetwork.com/network/10-experiences-can-costa-rica/

By: Meg Yamamoto

Monteverde never ceases to surprise us. On our last visit, we were able to discover some of the secrets its mountain has been keeping. 

We love finding new options for getaways with family or friends, which is why we’re here to tell you about a free destination that’s just 5 minutes from Santa Elena town.

It’s a natural bridge that the community calls “Ficus la Raíz,” meaning something like “The Fig Root.” The bridge is formed by a tree that fell over, but whose roots kept growing vertically down. The small creek that passes underneath washed over the roots, exposing the shape of the tree’s skeleton even more.

Many visitors come here to see it and climb up the bridge to take pictures. However, this is not recommended due to the height of the roots, which can become slippery during the rainy season. Even so, you can take incredible photos from below and enjoy the natural surroundings.

Although there is no designated parking area, you can leave your vehicle at the side of the road, which has a curve near the trailhead, or in the town of Santa Elena, which is a 15 minute walk from the natural bridge. Once you’re there, you’ll walk down some steps for about 100 m to reach the bridge. The walk down is short and easy.

We recommend that you bring walking shoes, water and a change of clothes. And don’t leave your jacket behind, as Monteverde can get quite cool and windy in the afternoons. As we mentioned, admission is free. All you have to do is make sure not to leave any garbage in the area and take some awesome photos.

What are you waiting for? Make your next trip to Monteverde! It’s a magical place that’s full of views of the sea, hotels that disappear among the mountains and incredible food.

Location: Santa Elena de Monteverde.
Admission: free.
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/n8GyF7BkKVXLsb1Y8

We went on a trip to Monteverde and found a giant with a very interesting story behind it: the country’s largest wood-and-metal sculpture.

Made with recycled material from the surrounding communities, it was named “Clovi” after the Clovis civilization, the oldest in the Americas. The strangest thing about this civilization is the legend behind it. It is said that its people traveled all over the continent, passing to the south of Monteverde. This giant represents the last man of his kind, who decided to remain in Monteverde because of how beautiful the area is. That’s why the figure represents a protector of the town.

Great story, right?

This sculpture measures 10 m long, 5 m high and 3 m wide. The original idea behind the project was the brainchild of the Argentinian woodworker and mosaic artist Rodrigo Avalle, who worked together with the Costa Rican sculptor, Gabriel Muñoz.

In addition to these artists, the collaborators included Alexis López, a Nicaraguan, and Andrés Quesada, from Costa Rica. The whole process took 3 weeks of hard work until the incredible result came to be.

The objective of this sculpture is to inspire locals and tourists alike – whether it’s taking a selfie or having a nap. You heard that right: the giant’s legs were made for people to use as a bench and rest while taking in the incredible natural surroundings.

If you haven’t seen this giant yet, we’d like you to pay a visit to Monteverde, where you can enjoy top-notch accommodations nestled in nature, along with delicious food and adventure tours including ziplining, superman, hanging bridges, rappel, Tarzan swing, buggy, hiking, etc.
In addition, you can visit waterfalls, lookouts and biological reserves.

What are you waiting for?

#VamosATuristear #VamosAMonteverde

More information can be found here:
https://www.vamosaturistear.com/turisteando/12-tours-que-tenes-que-hacer-en-monteverde/

If you’re looking for places to visit where your family can enjoy some peace and quiet, check out these five recommendations that should be on your list if they aren’t already.

Of course, when we’re travelling with our loved ones, one thing we all want is for everyone to feel comfortable and safe. With children, it’s especially important to visit beaches where the surf isn’t too strong.

So pack your towels, sandals, plenty of sunscreen.

Playa Biesanz

This beach is located inside Manuel Antonio National Park, with plenty of lodging options nearby along with a variety of restaurants. It’s a perfect place for spending a weekend with your family, since the waves are nice and calm, perfect for children to play in – but make sure not to let them out of your sight! The water is crystal-clear, not to mention the natural beauty of the surrounding park.

• Location: Manuel Antonio National Park
• Travel time: 3 hours from San José.
• Sand: white
• Access: vehicle

Playa San Juanillo

San Juanillo has a special kind of magic: if you and your family haven’t seen the awe-inspiring sunsets here, there’s no time like the present! Locals offer fishing boat tours that can bring you face-to-face with turtles, dolphins, whales and even manta rays. San Juanillo is like a true-life painting: white sand, aquamarine water, peaceful surf, and sunsets that will have you watching from the beach till the very last moment. The beach is easy to get to, with vehicle access with to the edge of the sand, along with bathrooms and campsites. One of its most popular attractions is the sandy trail and the rock formations that divide the beach into two halves, one rocky and the other sandy. Visitors often climb to the highest point of the rocky island to take in the sunset.

• Location: Santa Cruz de Guanacaste
• Travel time: 5 hours from San José.
• Sand: white
• Access: vehicle (4x4 recommended).

Playa Ostional

Ostional offers visitors the opportunity to admire a natural phenomenon that’s taken straight out of a documentary. This beach sees the second-largest nesting season of turtles anywhere in the world, with populations of olive ridley, leatherback and green sea turtles laying their eggs in the beaches in this area. According to data from the National System of Conservation Areas (SINAC), the waves of turtles can range between 1,000 and 200,000 individuals, depending on the season. Impressive! Keep in mind that only accredited local guides can let you into the refuge in order to avoid interfering with the nesting. Turtles arrive continuously during the Costa Rican rainy season, lasting from July to November, but September and October see the greatest concentration of nesting activity, with 7 km of the beach full of turtles. The waves in this area can get quite high, which should be taken into account.

• Location: Ostional National Wildlife Refuge
• Travel time: 5 hours from San José.
• Sand: gray
• Access: vehicle.

Playa Sámara

Sámara is just the white-sand beach you’ve been waiting for. The perfect spot for a family vacation, it offers a variety of activities including horseback riding tours, ATV tours, kayak tours and beginner surfing lessons, not to mention its incredible beauty. In addition, it has abundant hotel and restaurant options. The long expanse of the beach makes it perfect for a nice walk under the sun. The intensity of the surf is intermediate, so make sure to keep an eye on everyone in your group. Always remember to read the instructions posted at any beach you visit.

• Location: Nicoya, Guanacaste.
• Travel time: 4 hours from San José.
• Sand: white
• Access: vehicle

Playa Manzanillo

We’ve reached the Caribbean! Playa Manzanillo is an ideal getaway, with its picturesque beach and the surrounding natural environment. It offers a unique cuisine, gorgeous views from its lookout, and, of course, calm waves that are perfect for the whole family. Just 15 minutes away is Puerto Viejo, with plenty of options for tours, lodging and restaurants. There’s nothing like relaxing and reading a nice book beneath a palm tree, wandering the trails of the wildlife refuge, or enjoying the one-of-a-kind environment of the Caribbean.

• Location: Gandoca-Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge
• Travel time: 4 hours and 50 minutes from San José.
• Sand: white
• Access: vehicle

When we head to a destination, it’s sometimes just to participate in a particular activity or see one special attraction. But if you’re the kind of person who wants to try everything under the sun, this post is for you.

Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or a longer vacation, Sarapiquí is the perfect place to live life to the fullest. Why is that, you ask? Just look at all of the activities that you and your family have at your fingertips:

1. Ziplining

More than just an adrenaline rush, this tour will take you through breathtaking scenery, passing through the treetops or even crossing over the Río Sarapiquí.

2. Rafting tour

Sarapiquí is a region of rivers, meaning that there is no shortage of water activities. Rafting is an adventure that simply can’t be missed. Remember that there are tours for all different levels and classes of rapids, and that guides will give you all the information you need to do what suits you the best. And that’s not all – the food you’ll enjoy on the way there is out of this world.

3. Hanging bridges

If you like walking through nature and observing your surroundings, this one’s for you. Sarapiquí has several hanging bridges, with the longest measuring over 260 m. If you’re lucky, your spectacular views of the river and forest might also include some of the local fauna!

4. Pineapple tour

A chance to learn about the crop for which the region is famous. This tour is fun for the whole family, with plenty of opportunities to enjoy the delicious fruit.

5. Heart-of-palm tour

If the pineapple got you hungry, keep exploring new tastes with this gourmet tour. This tour of the Río Frío area offers a chance to get to know more about this delicacy, a favorite on salads. Locally, it is also enjoyed in picadillos (stir-fries) and pancake-like tortillas called chorreadas.

6. Cacao tour 

We can’t leave out the delicious cacao tour, which will teach you about its importance in Costa Rican culture, how it’s produced and – of course – the different ways to savor it.

7. Boat tour along the Río Sarapiquí

See the variety of birds and reptiles that call the mouth of the Río Sarapiquí home. This tour is recommended for the entire family, offering relaxation while you learn about culture and wildlife.

8. Tubing tour

This tour is just what it sounds like: heading down the river on an inflated inner tube. Depending on the section of the river, you can relax as the current slowly pulls you along, or enjoy the adrenaline of some of the faster-moving water.

9. Horseback riding tour

A favorite among children – and adults, too. With several companies offering tours, it’s a cinch to enjoy a morning filled with adventure and fun. The tour is well worth your while, as the routes will take you along sections of the river and through the forest.

10. Ant tour

Yes, you read that right. As if there wasn’t enough to do, you can also head out and learn about our tiny friends, how they eat, how they work, and their importance in the world we live in. You’re sure to learn a lot in this educational activity for the whole family.

11. Waterfall tour

Like many parts of the country, this is a region rich in waterfalls. Make sure to bring plenty of swimming gear, because you may not want to do anything else! The prices for visiting the waterfalls are also very reasonable.

12. Bike tour

If pedaling is your thing, you can opt for a self-guided experience through the area, or join a tour with a company that will show you the perfect route to see the local sights on two wheels.

13. River safari

Enjoy a leisurely trip down the river, with options including rafts or paddleboards. A perfect choice for the whole family or a group of friends.

14. Bird tours

Sarapiquí is a birdwatcher’s paradise, with incredible experiences in store for hobbyists and researchers alike. Local guides will tell you everything you need to know about the times and places where the region’s iconic species can be found.

15. Night tour

Last but not least, if you’re looking for a unique way to explore the local ecology, several companies offer night tours to see the fauna that only comes out after dark. These include frogs, snakes, bats and more.

There’s no excuse – come and see Sarapiquí from top to bottom with these 15 tried and true suggestions to get the most out of your visit. Best of all? It’s just 2 hours from San José. Ready?

The hidden gems of Sarchí canton include unique landscapes and, especially, unforgettable waterfalls. If a one-day tour is just what you need to clear your mind, perhaps with some delicious food in the company of friends and family, this is the experience for you.

Sarchí has five districts, but today we’ll be focusing on Bajos del Toro, known for its many waterfalls.

We made four stops that we think will have you planning your next trip to this part of the country.

Catarata Río Agrio:

Just enter “Catarata Río Agrio” into Waze and you’ll find your way to the trailhead for this waterfall in no time.

You’ll have to walk for around 20 minutes, though the trail itself is easy and should be no problem for the whole family. Your hike will take you through fields, forests and along the riverbank, so bring a change of clothes as chances are you’ll get wet.

When you get to the waterfall, you’ll be greeted by a certain volcanic odor caused by the minerals in the water – this is what gives the river its name, as agrio means “bitter” in Spanish.

Additional information:

• Distance from San José: 2 hours.
• Distance travelled: 10 km (there and back).
• Vehicle: car
• Parking: yes.
• Pets: yes.
• Location: Toro Amarillo
• Admission: ₡5000
• Recommendations: plenty of water, hiking shoes or footwear that can get wet, snacks, waterproof bag for cellphones and cameras.

Catarata Caída del Cielo:

This waterfall’s name, meaning “fallen from heaven” is a reference to the color of the water, which looks like a ray of light from the heavens. To reach the waterfall, first drive to the parking lot, where guides can take you to the entrance of the farm where the trail begins. Do note that this trail is a bit more difficult. You’ll pass through pastures, with a few steep inclines and gullies before you reach the waterfall. Although the area is a little cool, be ready to take a dip once you reach the waterfall.

Additional information:

• Distance from San José: 2 hours.
• Total distance: 6 km to the waterfall and back, and 2 km more if you want to head to the lookout.
• Vehicle: car
• Location: Toro Amarillo
• Parking: yes.
• Pets: yes.
• Admission: ₡5500 (includes parking and the lookout)
• Recommendations:water, snacks, closed-toe shoes for hiking, waterproof bag and a change of clothes.

Catarata Tesoro Escondido:

You can’t miss an opportunity to see Tesoro Escondido. This impressive waterfall has a lookout and a pool that’s perfect for a dip, even though the water is quite cold. The difficulty is intermediate and the trail is about 5 km long. The area’s many attractions include camping sites and trails to discover, delicious food, natural pools for swimming, and the famous Mirador de la Gota lookout, a can’t-miss photo spot – and the waterfall, of course! Bajos del Toro has everything you need to enjoy a day trip with family or friends. In fact, why not make a weekend out of it, and see some of the places nearby?

Additional information:

• Distance from San José: 2 hours.
• Total distance: 5 km (there and back).
• Vehicle: car
• Location: Toro Amarillo
• Parking: yes, ₡1,000.
• Pets: yes.
• Camping: yes.
• Atracciones: Tesoro Escondido Waterfall, Mirador la Gota lookout, Poza Esmeralda, Poza las Gradas.
• Admission: ₡7000 per person (trails, waterfall, pools, lookout).
• Admission (with breakfast and lunch):₡13000 per person.

Pozas Celestes:

On a trip to this region, a dip in these aquamarine-tinged pools is an absolute must. Aside from the gorgeous photos you’ll be able to take, it’s a perfect spot for a picnic and a relaxing day spent swimming in a mountain pool. It’s highly accessible, with the parking area just 500 m away. Pets are allowed, so there’s no need to arrange someone to look after them. Kids too – in fact, the water in some of the pools is quite shallow, making them perfect for children. If you’re able to visit during the dry season, that’s when their turquoise color is most vibrant.

Additional information:

• Distance from San José: 2 hours.
• Total distance: 500 m – a 5-minute walk.
• Vehicle: car
• Location: Toro Amarillo
• Parking: yes.
• Pets: yes.
• Admission: ₡3000 for adults and ₡1500 for children aged 4-7.
• Admission (with breakfast and lunch): ₡10000 for adults and ₡8500 for children aged 4-7.

A festive environment!

If you’re looking for an option with sun, catamaran rides and a great ambiance, you have to visit this natural spot.
Beautiful Isla Tortuga is located off the southeastern coast of the Nicoya Peninsula and is only accessible by boat. Several companies can bring you here from different parts of the country, so there is no excuse not to visit the paradise of white sand, turquoise waters and beach chairs that awaits you.

It is important to know that only day tours are available, since hotel accommodations are not available on the island. This helps preserve the attractions of the location, the perfect combination between flora, fauna and sea.

You can reserve the tour from Jacó, the Curú Wildlife Refuge or in the area around Montezuma.
One of the best known points of departure is the Puntarenas port. The trip from Puntarenas can take about an hour and a half, with departures beginning at 7:30 a.m. and return trips at 4:00 p.m. (after which no one is allowed to stay on the island) for a return to Puntarenas by 6:00 p.m.

An island for every style

Isla Tortuga offers delights for every taste, whether you wish to spend the day relaxing or you’d like to opt for activities like snorkeling, kayaking, horseback riding tours, nature hikes and even more specialized activities and sports like jet ski, banana boat and paddleboarding. Other activities that await include beach volleyball or a sandy pick-up soccer match, or mejenga.

Traveling to this tropical island is such an adventure, especially with the catamaran ride that allows you to fully enjoy the trip there and back. For some years now, companies have been offering all-inclusive tours that include transportation, meals, live music on the catamaran and tours, meaning you don’t have to worry about a thing.

Remember to bring back some photographs of the island’s vegetation and the incredible sunset over the Pacific on your way back. We know that once you get to explore this paradise, you’ll be organizing your next trip back before you’re off the boat.

Information you need to know

• Information about the island: Isla Tortuga actually consists of two very small islands right next to one another, called Alcatraz (60 ha) and Tolinga (120 ha).
• How to get there: Drive to the Puntarenas ferry docks (1 hour and 40 minutes from San José on Route 27).
• Sand: white
• Water: aquamarine
• Sea life: dolphins and whales can often be spotted.
• Access: by catamaran or ship.
• Accommodations on the island: none
• Departure and return times: 7:30 a.m. a 4:00 p.m.
• Activities: jet ski, banana boat, paddleboard, kayak, snorkel, hiking, and beach chairs for rent.