-
-
-
-
-
-
Manuel Antonio National Park
-
-
Puntarenas
The Central Pacific's largest city, Puntarenas sits on a long, narrow peninsula in the Gulf of Nicoya in Costa Rica. For years, it was the country's principal port, and though Puntarenas handles big cruise ships, a large fishing fleet still anchors in the estuary behind town. Being the country's most important fishing port, Puntarenas is the perfect place to enjoy fresh seafood. Though the water is murky, and the beach may seem a bit urban, it's a lively town on weekends, when people from San José fill its waterfront restaurants and bars. A series of open-air cafes that line the beach are the perfect place to head for dessert, or refreshments, since they specialize in ice cream and fresh fruit drinks.
San Gerardo de Dota
Palo Verde National Park
A major attraction of Palo Verde National Park, located 45 mi/72 km west of San Jose, is the seasonal swampland that provides temporary habitat for thousands of migratory waterbirds (November-February).
The tropical dry forest that covers most of Palo Verde National Park contains such animals as coatis, agoutis, monkeys, white-tailed deer and black iguanas, and crocodiles can frequently be seen along the riverbanks. Scarlet macaws, ibis, roseate spoonbills and frigate birds are among the most common bird species. http://www.nicoyapeninsula.com/paloverde.
Turrialba
What has brought the town of Turrialba international recognition is its proximity to the Ríos Reventazón and Pacuare, both packed with Class III-V rapids and some of the world's best river runs. Whitewater rafters and kayakers of all abilities splash through during the rainy season while other travelers stay a night or two on the way to Costa Rica's most significant archaeological site, Monumento Nacional Guayabo.
Tapanti National Park
Located in a corner of the Orosi Valley 25 mi/40 km southeast of San Jose, Tapanti National Park is a quiet refuge that protects a luxuriant cloud forest, a spectacular waterfall and an emerald river perfect for swimming. The forests that drape the steep terrain contain more than 200 species of birds, including quetzals, but the dense foliage makes them tough to spot. Hiking trails begin at the ranger station beside the entrance. http://www.anywherecostarica.com/attractions/national-park/tapanti-national-park.
Manuel Antonio National Park
Manuel Antonio National Park was established in 1972 by Costa Rica to preserve the biodiversity of one of the most beautiful areas in the world. Its stunning beauty and diverse wildlife is unequaled. Walk through rainforests to expansive, sandy beaches - then take a dive to coral reefs under the sea. The forest is home for sloths, iguanas, the rare adorable squirrel monkeys and millions of colorful little crabs. The trail around Punta Catedral affords some spectacular views. The southern facing beach, Playa Manuel Antonio, is a picturesque half mile long, white sand crescent with deep green foliage on one side and a private, secluded cove on the other. Standing with your feet dug into the sand watching waves crash against rocks on either side of the lagoon, it is easy to believe you are a thousand miles from anywhere.
Pacuare River
The Pacuare River is a designated 'Wild and Scenic' river; winding exotically through 25,000 acres of protected rain forest before falling into the Talamanca Mountain Range, ravines and rocks have made this river exquisite for white water rafting (class III-V). A myriad of wildlife calls the forest home: jaguars, ocelots, monkeys, and more. The Pacuare snakes along the northern region of Central America's key national parks and wildlife areas. Turquoise waters, lush green vegetation along rocky river banks and inspiring waterfalls shape the Pacuare River landscape into a nature lover's dream.
San Jose (C.R.)
The sophisticated capital of Costa Rica, San Jose, has been endowed with a vibrant street life as well as a refined cultural life. You'll see contemporary structures of glass and steel, as well as colonial, Victorian, and classical architecture, exotic birds, giant butterflies, and picturesque scenery. Costa Rica offers some of the world's most thrilling sights to those who seek a new adventure.
The Central Pacific's largest city, Puntarenas sits on a long, narrow peninsula in the Gulf of Nicoya in Costa Rica. For years, it was the country's principal port, and though Puntarenas handles big cruise ships, a large fishing fleet still anchors in the estuary behind town. Being the country's most important fishing port, Puntarenas is the perfect place to enjoy fresh seafood. Though the water is murky, and the beach may seem a bit urban, it's a lively town on weekends, when people from San José fill its waterfront restaurants and bars. A series of open-air cafes that line the beach are the perfect place to head for dessert, or refreshments, since they specialize in ice cream and fresh fruit drinks.
A major attraction of Palo Verde National Park, located 45 mi/72 km west of San Jose, is the seasonal swampland that provides temporary habitat for thousands of migratory waterbirds (November-February).
The tropical dry forest that covers most of Palo Verde National Park contains such animals as coatis, agoutis, monkeys, white-tailed deer and black iguanas, and crocodiles can frequently be seen along the riverbanks. Scarlet macaws, ibis, roseate spoonbills and frigate birds are among the most common bird species. http://www.nicoyapeninsula.com/paloverde.
What has brought the town of Turrialba international recognition is its proximity to the Ríos Reventazón and Pacuare, both packed with Class III-V rapids and some of the world's best river runs. Whitewater rafters and kayakers of all abilities splash through during the rainy season while other travelers stay a night or two on the way to Costa Rica's most significant archaeological site, Monumento Nacional Guayabo.
Located in a corner of the Orosi Valley 25 mi/40 km southeast of San Jose, Tapanti National Park is a quiet refuge that protects a luxuriant cloud forest, a spectacular waterfall and an emerald river perfect for swimming. The forests that drape the steep terrain contain more than 200 species of birds, including quetzals, but the dense foliage makes them tough to spot. Hiking trails begin at the ranger station beside the entrance. http://www.anywherecostarica.com/attractions/national-park/tapanti-national-park.
Manuel Antonio National Park was established in 1972 by Costa Rica to preserve the biodiversity of one of the most beautiful areas in the world. Its stunning beauty and diverse wildlife is unequaled. Walk through rainforests to expansive, sandy beaches - then take a dive to coral reefs under the sea. The forest is home for sloths, iguanas, the rare adorable squirrel monkeys and millions of colorful little crabs. The trail around Punta Catedral affords some spectacular views. The southern facing beach, Playa Manuel Antonio, is a picturesque half mile long, white sand crescent with deep green foliage on one side and a private, secluded cove on the other. Standing with your feet dug into the sand watching waves crash against rocks on either side of the lagoon, it is easy to believe you are a thousand miles from anywhere.
The Pacuare River is a designated 'Wild and Scenic' river; winding exotically through 25,000 acres of protected rain forest before falling into the Talamanca Mountain Range, ravines and rocks have made this river exquisite for white water rafting (class III-V). A myriad of wildlife calls the forest home: jaguars, ocelots, monkeys, and more. The Pacuare snakes along the northern region of Central America's key national parks and wildlife areas. Turquoise waters, lush green vegetation along rocky river banks and inspiring waterfalls shape the Pacuare River landscape into a nature lover's dream.
The sophisticated capital of Costa Rica, San Jose, has been endowed with a vibrant street life as well as a refined cultural life. You'll see contemporary structures of glass and steel, as well as colonial, Victorian, and classical architecture, exotic birds, giant butterflies, and picturesque scenery. Costa Rica offers some of the world's most thrilling sights to those who seek a new adventure.
