Costa Rica Travel Guide

Browse the Costa Rica Photo Gallery

Top Things to See

Arenal Volcano
Admire Arenal volcano as it erupts in a spectacular show of pyrotechnics. It has been particularly active over the past few years. Although the lava is difficult to see by day, on cloudless nights it can be seen running and tumbling down the flanks.

Cartago
Cartago was founded in 1563 as the first capital; although earthquakes destroyed most historic buildings, the Basilica is an astonishing architectural gem. Excursions can be made from here to the beautiful valley of Orosi, with its colonial church - the oldest in Costa Rica.

Centro Neotrópico Sapapiquí
Learn something about Costa Rica's neglected contemporary indigenous cultures at the Centro Neotrópico Sapapiquí (www.sarapiquis.org), in the Northern Lowlands. This superb museums honors the various tribes and exhibits examples of their pottery, bows and arrows, clothing and other artifacts, and shows a fascinating video.

Cultural San Jose
Discover a mixture of traditional and modern Spanish architecture in the capital San José. Places of interest include the Teatro Nacional (www.teatronacional.go.cr), the Legislative Assembly building and the Catedral Metropolitana. The National Museum (www.museocostarica.go.cr) and the Museum of Pre-Columbian Gold (www.museosdelbancocentral.org) are also worth a visit.

Isla Tortuga
Cruise aboard the Calypso catamaran to Isla Tortuga (www.calypsocruises.com). This day-long excursion makes for a relaxing and enjoyable day from Puntarenas. This gorgeous island is rimmed with palm-shaded white sands shelving into turquoise waters, good for snorkeling. Watersports are offered, and a traditional beach barbecue rounds out the day.

Lake Arenal
Whizz across the waters of Lake Arenal, one of the world's top windsurfing spots. Situated at 5,580ft (1,700m) above sea level, the lake offers its best windsurfing between April and December.

Liberia
Wander the historic center of Liberia, which is home to the most typical colonial-era architecture in the nation. Most important buildings are concentrated along and around Calle Real, one block east of the main plaza.

San Jose’s parks
Relax in San José's numerous parks (www.sinaccr.net), including Parque Nacional, Parque Central and Parque Morazán. Avoid them at night, however. Tree-shaded Parque Nacional is the most interesting for its national monument, various busts and statues.

Quetzal
Seek out a quetzal, the Holy Grail of Costa Rica's tropical birds, and considered the most beautiful bird in the Neotropics. The most popular place to see them is in the green haven of the Monteverde Biological Cloud Preserve.

Tortuguero National Park
Explore Tortuguero National Park by boat to admire the rainforest. The various levels of soaring forest ecosystem are easily identified from the canals, and a guide can explain the ecology of each level and the various common species, including sloths and monkeys.

Volcanoes
Drive to the summit of smoldering Poás volcano, which has the country's only dwarf cloud-forest. You can also drive to the top of Irazú volcano, offering fantastic views over the Caribbean and Pacific on clear days. Both national parks have hiking trails, although be sure to stick to official trails and keep away from the crater edge.

Top Things to Do

Fishing
Wrestle a marlin in the Pacific coast, which offers excellent sport fishing from Gulf of Papagayo to Golfito. Sailfish, marlin, tuna and wahoo are among the catches. The Tortuguero Canals and the area around Barra del Colorado offer world-class battles with tarpon.

Trekking
Trek to the summit of Cerro Chirripó. It is easily done with advance reservations through the national park office. All you need is stamina and the proper hiking gear. After a night in a lodge near the summit, trekkers are up before dawn to reach the summit before the clouds.

Turtle spotting
Witness marine turtles laying their eggs in soft sands along both Caribbean and Pacific shores. Strict rules are enforced when viewing hawksbill, green, loggerhead, Ridley and leatherback turtles, which lay at predictable times of year. Tortuguero National Park is one of the best places.

White-water rafting
Be thrilled by a white-water raft trip. Two of the country's best rivers for rafting are the Reventazón (class III) and Pacuare (class IV). The best times to go are from May to November.

Zipline canopy tour
Be Tarzan for a day. Harness up and swing through the rainforest on a canopying ecotour, enjoying the up-close view of tree-dwelling wildlife including monkeys and birds. Tours are available in several locations, including Rincón de la Vieja national park.