Top 8 Costa Rica Outdoor Destinations!
Top 8 Costa Rica Outdoor Destinations!
The transcript from my Travel Tuesdays YouTube Video
Welcome to Travel Tuesdays! This week we take you to Costa Rica for some truly epic outdoor adventures. From lush rain forests to beautiful beaches, Costa Rica has something for everyone, no matter if you seek adventure or desire rest & relaxation. So without further adieu, we bring you our Top 8 Costa Rica Outdoor Destinations, starting with…
#8 Guanacaste Province
Is an area located on the Pacific North Coast of Costa Rica, often referred to as the Gold Coast, it has a varied terrain unlike anywhere else in the country. From beautiful beaches to its dry savannas and even volcanos. There are several National Parks in this area, including Rincón de la Vieja as well as Santa Rosa, which is a UNESCO world heritage site that preserves the site of the 1856 battle of Santa Rosa.
#7 Nicoya Peninsula
Is located partially in the Guanacaste Province as well as the Puntarenas Province. It is 80 miles of beautiful shoreline dotted with charming beach towns and villages. This area is extremely popular with tourists for its turquoise waters, spectacular sunsets, and its colorful marine life. If your looking to experience a more laid back vacation, this may just be the spot for you.
#6 Arenal Volcano National Park
Is located about 80 miles northwest of San José, with access from the town of La Fortuna. Access to the park costs $15 for adults and $5 for children up to 12 years of age. Many visitors also recommend purchasing a tour, which can be had starting from $60 per person. The park is open from 8am to 4pm, with the last entry time being 2:30. The best time to visit the park, for optimal weather and views is between February and April, but most would agree that the park is a must see no matter the time of year.
#5 La Paz Waterfall Gardens
Is located in Costa Rica’s northern plains and is about an hour drive via car, taxi, or bus from San José. These beautiful waterfalls are set in a lush rain forest filled to the brim with flora and fauna as well as wildlife such as Jaguars, spider monkeys, toucans, and frogs. It is recommended that you spend at least 2 hours in the park to truly experience it all, but hangout as long as you like, as long as it is within the parks hours of operation which are from 8am to 5pm daily. Admission is a tad high at $48 for adults and $32 for children, but the experience is worth the expense.
#4 Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve
Is located in the northern plains of Costa Rica, about a three hour card drive from San José. Admission to the park is $25 for adults and $12 for children, and there is a $5 parking fee as well. Hours of operation are from 7am to 4pm daily. Once you hit the trails of the park, be prepared for it to be quite strenuous, but the experience will be worth the tired feet later. If your more adventurous you can pay $50 & up for a Sky Walk on the hanging bridges or a sky trek on the zip line to get a bird’s eye view of the reserve and save your feet the waking. In this beautiful park you’ll find wildlife abounds as there are over 100 mammals, as well as 400 types of birds.
#3 Corcovado National Park
Is located on the South Pacific coast of Costa Rica and is teaming with wildlife in its 160 square miles of lush rain forest and and beautiful beaches. If you’re searching for wildlife, you'll certainly find it here. From macaws to jaguars, as well as howler & spider monkeys, you won’t be disappointed. It is recommended that you dedicate several days to this park, in order to experience it all. Cost of admission is $15 for adults and the hours the park gates are open are between 7:30am to 5pm. You will however have to purchase a permit to enter the park.
#2 Tortuguero National Park
Is located on the Caribbean coast of Costa Rica, and is separated from the mainland by rivers and canals. This part of Costa Rica is truly a jungle paradise and you can be assured of seeing wildlife such as caiman crocodile, toucans, white faced monkeys, Jaguars, lizards, frogs, and turtles. You can even see a few sea turtles at certain times of the year. A popular way to take in this beautiful park is by taking a boat tour (of which prices vary), but general admission to the park is $15 per person and the park hours are from 8am to 6 pm daily. If you want to avoid the rainy season, February and March are you best bets, though you’ll need to be here between March and October to catch a glimpse of the sea turtles.
#1 Manuel Antonio National Park
Is located on the central pacific coast of Costa Rica, and offers you beaches, coves, trails, and rainforest, all within a 3 square mile radius. This National park may be small, but it’s packed full a wildlife such as monkeys, sloths, iguanas, birds, and marine life. Pack a picnic and after time spent on the nature trails, relax under a palm tree on the beach and enjoy the rest of your day. Be mindful of those cheeky monkeys though, they will steal your food and other belongings if you aren’t paying attention. The park is open from 7am to 4 pm daily and the cost is $15 per person. Guided tours are also available from $50 per person.
Have you traveled to Costa Rica? If so, what are your favourite areas to visit? Let me know in the comments below. And remember to check out the Travel Tuesdays Costa Rica video on YouTube for the fully immersive experience. While you’re there, consider subscribing! Thanks, and until next time, be loving, be kind, be better!