Memorable Activities and Adventures in Costa Rica

Tortuguero National Park was founded in 1975 and spans 77,000 acres. This park is a significant habitat for sea turtles, especially the endangered green turtle. Its dense rainforests and meandering waterways are a sanctuary for wildlife like caimans, manatees, and numerous bird species. Visitors can navigate these waters by boat for a unique view of the park's rich biodiversity.The park's isolated position, accessible only by plane or boat, adds to its attractiveness, creating a sense of adventure for those who want to see its natural beauties.

Manuel Antonio National Park, covering 1,983 hectares, was established in 1972. This park is known for its stunning combination of rainforest, white-sand beaches, and coral reefs. It's a small yet varied habitat with fauna like monkeys and sloths. The park offers breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean, making it a favourite for both nature lovers and photographers. Its well-maintained trails allow for easy exploration, leading to secluded beaches and scenic overlooks, providing a perfect blend of adventure and relaxation.

Corcovado National Park, founded in 1975, encompasses a vast 424 square kilometres. It's recognized as a critical habitat for the endangered Baird's tapir and is the site of the largest primary forest on the American Pacific coastline. The park's rugged terrain and remote location make it a challenging yet rewarding destination for serious hikers and wildlife watchers. Its rich biodiversity includes not only tapirs but also jaguars, scarlet macaws, and harpy eagles. The park offers an authentic wilderness experience, allowing visitors to connect deeply with nature.

Santa Rosa National Park, established in 1971, covers 49,515 hectares. It's a site steeped in history, home to the famous La Casona monument, a testament to Costa Rica's battles for sovereignty. The park is not just about history, it's also a haven for an array of wildlife and unique habitats. Visitors can explore both dry and moist forests, savannas, and mangroves, each hosting different species. The park's trails lead to pristine beaches and offer opportunities for wildlife spotting, making it a perfect destination for those interested in both history and nature.

Rincón de la Vieja Volcano, at 6,286 feet, dominates its namesake national park, established in 1973. The park, covering over 34,800 acres, is a landscape of contrasts, featuring volcanic activity, hot springs, and a variety of hiking trails. Visitors can witness the power of geothermal energy in the bubbling mud pots and steam vents. The park's different environments support a broad range of animals, including pumas, monkeys, and several bird species. Hiking routes range from short walks to strenuous excursions that lead to breathtaking waterfalls and panoramic vistas.

Braulio Carrillo National Park, founded in 1978, spans 47,500 hectares. It's known for its rugged terrain, encompassing cloud forests and Barva Volcano, which stands at 9,534 feet. The park offers a true wilderness experience, with its dense forests and remote trails. Wildlife in the park includes elusive quetzals, pumas, and a variety of other species. The park's cable car offers a unique aerial view of the forest canopy, providing an accessible way for all visitors to appreciate the park's natural beauty.

Irazú Volcano, towering at 11,260 feet, is the focal point of its national park, established in 1955. Covering 2,309 hectares, the park offers visitors the chance to see one of the world's largest active craters. The landscape around the volcano is stark yet striking, with the lunar-like terrain offering a unique hiking experience. On clear days, both the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea are visible from the summit. The park's proximity to San José makes it a popular day-trip destination for those looking to witness the power of nature.

Guanacaste National Park, covering 32,512 hectares, was established in 1989. It's part of the Area de Conservación Guanacaste World Heritage site, known for its dry tropical forest. The park is a biodiversity hotspot, supporting a wide range of ecosystems and species. It's an important research site for scientists studying tropical ecology and conservation. For visitors, the park offers a chance to see a different side of Costa Rica's natural beauty, with its unique dry forest landscape and the opportunity to spot rare and endangered species.

Carara National Park, established in 1978, spans 5,242 hectares. It's a renowned bird watching destination, especially famous for its population of scarlet macaws. The park serves as a biological transition zone, showcasing a mix of dry and rainforest ecosystems. Because of its richness, it is home to a variety of bird species as well as other fauna. The park's trails are well-kept, allowing birdwatchers and nature lovers to easily study its varied ecology. Its proximity to San José makes it a popular destination for both local and foreign tourists.

Tenorio Volcano National Park, established in 1995, encompasses 12,871 hectares. The park is famous for the Rio Celeste waterfall, whose striking turquoise waters are a natural wonder. The trails in the park wind through lush rainforest, leading to the volcano, which stands at 6,286 feet. The hike to the waterfall and the volcano is a journey through a vibrant ecosystem, home to a variety of flora and fauna. The park offers a blend of natural beauty, adventure, and the chance to witness the unique chemistry of the Rio Celeste.