But satisfactory snorkelling can be had off both shores, especially the southern Caribbean Coast, though conditions are variable. Related Article: 9 Best Costa Rica National Parks & Reserves. The Arenal region is the mountain-biking hub, with a variety of tour options. Traversing the country 161km from Pacific to Caribbean the three-day stage race takes in multiple national parks, from the tropical rainforest of Carara to the steaming peak of Volcn Iraz. Carara is the famed home of one of Costa Ricas most charismatic bird species, the scarlet macaw. Costa Rica has preserved roughly 28% of its land for national parks and reserves. 14. Costa Rica Experts 2023. Here you can take the leap from canopy tour platforms on the same day you take the plunge with your beloved. A lot of tourists get Arenal and La Fortuna mixed up, thinking it's the same place. Well, the relaxation is world-class around here so look for that massage, facial, or body wrap to transport you to another place altogether! No part of this site may be reproduced without our written permission. La Ruta was founded, in part, to show off the amazing natural beauty of Costa Rica and to highlight the importance of preserving it. At the MidWorld Adventure Park all of this is yours for the taking in this second-to-none adventure park in Manuel Antonio that will have you screaming for more action. Discover untamed landscapes and embrace the 'pura vida' (pure life) over the next nine days as you hike, raft, and kayak through the Tortuguero National Park and the Cahuita National Park. So as not to miss out, get there before the gates open, or better (and wetter), come during the off-seasons (usually May through June, and September through November). We can help you decide. Guided hikes can be arranged through the park to explore the landscape, explore the wildlife, and discover waterfalls. In addition, they come to get the experience of the ecotourism, which lately has gained a lot of popularity in this part of the . At the northwestern end of Cahuita, Playa Negra is a long, black-sand beach flying the bandera azul ecolgica, a flag that indicates that the beach is kept to the highest ecological standard. Most Action-Packed Fun in Manuel Antonio MidWorld Adventure Park For the best action in all of Manuel Antonio, Midworld has just the ticket youre looking for! Related Article: Carara National Park Guide. Part of the Area de Conservacin Arenal, the park is rugged and varied, with about 15km (9.3 mi) of well-marked trails that follow old lava flows. Located just 5 minutes from stunning Herradura beach, Vista Los Suenos has a zipline tour worth writing home about. Selvatura, in Monteverde, has 3km of cables, 18 platforms and a huge, intimidating Tarzan swing. Jacos Friendliest (and funnest) Vista Los Sueos The most fun youre allowed to have at one time! Central & South America. Editor's note: Please check the latest travel restrictions before planning any trip and always follow government advice. Adventure awaits in Costa Rica's national parks - Lonely Planet Outdoor enthusiast, Canyon de la Vieja is the place for you! Family Friendly Adventure Park in Guanacaste - Buena Vista - If you're looking for an adventure the whole family will enjoy, look no further than Buena Vista Lodge and Adventure Park! The reasons are simple: the nearby town of Cahuita provides attractive accommodations and easy access, and the park has white-sand beaches, a coral reef, coastal rainforest and a small lagoon that all burst with wildlife. You can also book transportation and tours from Liberia. Our list of the best national parks in Central America includes sloth jungles in Costa Rica, turtle-filled oceans in Guatemala and much more. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); You have entered an incorrect email address! It's not just wildebeest and humpback whales that make huge journeys. But Los Caones is so much more than just a canopy tour! Therangers officeat the park entrance has maps and info on each path. view trip USD $3999 /pp. Near the geographic center of the country, this little-visited national park is where five of Costa Ricas major rivers originate. Adventure | Visit Costa Rica | The official site about tourism in Costa Suspended over 100 meters above the forest floor youll swing so high, the views of the landscape below will leave you breathless. The Monteverde Cloud Forest is a mysterious misty retreat in the clouds renowned for birding and the unique micro-climates of the area. 1. Two and three-toed sloths can also be found in the park. Here are nature's great migrations. A pre-dawn expedition rewards hardy hikers with the real prize: a chance to catch the fiery sunrise and see both the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean in a full and glorious panorama from 3820m (12532ft)up. Best Zip line Monteverde Cloud Forest. If you just want to visit for a day, the one day tour combos at San Lorenzo Adventure Park include transportation from San Jose or Arenal and can even transport you from one city to the next if you want to. Costa Rica is the Central American capital of adventure activities Max Illy / EyeEm / Getty Images, Surfing, hiking, diving, kayaking and more: Costa Rica's best adventure activities. Photo: Ondrej Prosicky /Shutterstock. Best National Parks to see in Costa Rica: Pure life and nature Book the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve Hike! Nothing exemplifies this better than La Ruta de los Conquistadores, considered one of the toughest bike races on the planet. Monteverde Extremo Adventure Park has definitely earned its name by taking every activity to the extreme! Located in the Guanacaste region, Tenorio Volcano National Park is probably best known for Rio Celeste Waterfall within the park, a light blue waterfall naturally colored by minerals in two converging rivers. Corcovado also contains the largest population of scarlet macaws, which often make themselves known along the coastal trails. Lands in Love is the place to be if you want to really take a step back for a moment and appreciate all the love and beauty that surrounds you. Ziplining is basically a rite of passage for any Costa Rican adventure holiday. Canyoning: Rappel down waterfalls amongst flora and fauna in the middle of unspoiled Costa Rican forest in La Fortuna. Learn More. What is the difference between Arenal and La Fortuna? Baha DrakeNeighbouring Baha Drake also offers a beautiful and remote experience. While the fiery night views are gone for now, this mighty mountain is still a worthy destination. Originally a biological reserve, the park upgraded to a national park in 1998. At the end of the tail are rock pools, where kids will enjoy searching for small marine animals. Covering some 10% of Costa Rican territory, the countrys national parks protect a stunning array of landscapes wetlands and forests, caves and volcanoes, and habitats for creatures galore. Sky Adventures Monteverde: The priciest park in the area This is one of the most famous adventure parks in Arenal or Monteverde, Costa Rica. Because of the fragile environment, the reserve allows a maximum of 250 people at any given time. So with so many options the million dollar question is, which adventure park in Costa Rica you should choose? Located on the Central Pacific Coast, Carara National Park is the most northern rainforest experience on the Pacific Coast of Costa Rica. - / 8 Exploring all of the outdoor activities of Costa Rica is a bit like naming the digits of pi. THE 10 BEST Costa Rica Zipline & Aerial Adventure Parks (2023) Often called the mini Amazon, Parque Nacional Tortuguero is a place of intense biodiversity that includes more than 400 bird species, 60 known species of frog, 30 species of freshwater fish and three monkey species, as well as the threatened West Indian manatee. With so much fun and adventure to be had by all ages, we think Guachipelin is the perfect adventure park for groups and large families to explore for a day and we are sure you will agree. Costa Rica is a land of volcanoes, rainforests and cloud forests, huge waterfalls and mighty rivers. Canoeing the canals of Parque Nacional Tortuguero is a boat-borne safari: here, thick jungle meets the water and you can get up close with shy caimans, river turtles, crowned night herons, monkeys and sloths. The stations location in the middle of the park means that it requires a one- or two-day hike to get there (although charter flights are also available). THE 10 BEST Costa Rica Parks & Nature Attractions Nature & Parks in Costa Rica Enter dates Filters 1 Attractions Traveler favorites All things to do Category types Attractions Tours Day Trips Outdoor Activities Concerts & Shows Food & Drink Events Classes & Workshops Shopping Transportation Traveler Resources Types of Attractions It sits just southeast of Quepos on the Pacific Coast, and was put on the map in 1519 by the Spanish explorer Ponce de Leon, who was searching for the Fountain of Youth. There are north and south entrances to the park; visitors who enter the park atKelly Creekto the north are not required to pay the US$5 entrance fee, though donations are welcomed. Hike, swim and climb to La Leona Waterfall. Read more: Catch a wave in the 10 best countries for surfing. Fun for all ages includes horseback riding, hiking, hot springs, hanging bridges, canopy tours, and even waterslides! You might also like:The 10 best things to do inSan Jos's Barrio EscalanteFind uncommon ground at Costa Rica's 5 best coffee toursThe 10 best sustainable trips for families. If youre looking to change up your scene, put the TVs and smart phones away, get back to basics and play in the woods for a while. Your Costa Rica vacation might include adventures like whitewater rafting, a rainforest canopy tour, relaxing . Its like nothing youve ever experienced, and Monteverde Extremo does it best. Butterfly Garden at Selvatura Park. Best Adventure Parks in Guanacaste, Costa Rica - Costa Rica Vacations This really is a wild place. Adventure Park & Hotel Vista Golfo. Roughly 28% of the land in Costa Rica is a park or reserve in an effort to maintain the integrity of the countrys lush landscape and thriving animal population. But adrenaline-pumping outdoor adventure is not all thats offered at the Buena Vista Adventure Park. The two-to-three-hour Cerro Chato Trail climbs steeply through sky-bothering virgin-growth forest to reach the summit of Cerro Chato and a swimmable volcanic lake at 1200m. You dont have to go far to catch a glimpse of playful monkeys, sleeping sloths and ostentatious birds flitting about the treetops. Central America is a wildlife-lovers paradise. A 17km trail between Agujitas and the San Pedrillo Ranger Station is a superb day hike, with some handsome beaches and plenty of wildlife spotting. Youve never seen accommodations quite like these unique places to stay in Costa Rica. Stay at Playa Nicuesa Lodge if you really want to experience Piedras Blancas National Park. Situated on the South Pacific Coast of Costa Rica, Ballena Marine National Park is a primarily oceanic park, with 110 hectares of land and 5375 of the sea. Corcovado National Park has been dubbed one of the most biologically intense places on earth with its thick, lush rainforest and abundant wildlife. It's quite the underground art museum, and its stalagmites, stalactites and a host of beautiful formations have evocative names such as fried eggs, organ, soda straws, flowers and sharks teeth. Horseback riding through this forest to a gorgeous waterfall reward is the perfect accompaniment to an already awesome day, and will give your guide a chance to explain more about how the transitional rainforest is so unique and important to the ecosystem. Amusement & Theme Parks. The parks four trails can easily be explored in half a day; come early to maximize wildlife sightings. There are three other trails of varying difficulty and lengths, running up steep slopes or along the flat riverbed. Tortuguero National Parkis a truly unique destinationas its accessible only by airplane or boat. The sheer wealth of outdoor escapes, however, can be a little overwhelming for visitors deciding where to go in what order. Our list of the best national parks in Central America includes sloth jungles in Costa Rica, turtle-filled oceans in Guatemala and much more. The Best Adventures In 5 Of Costa Rica's National Parks Book the Manuel Antonio National Park Hike Tour! If you prefer your bike adventure in smaller doses, you can follow a less rigorous mountain biking route. Its named after the humpback whales that migrate from July to October, and then again from December through March. The park is also home to many mammals, including the largest population of jaguarundis (wildcats) in Costa Rica; there are also numerous reptiles such as crocodiles reportedly up to 16ft (5m) in length. The view of windswept rocks and icy lakes from the rugged peak of Cerro Chirrip, the countrys highest summit, may not resemble the Costa Rica of the postcards, but the two-day hike above the clouds is one of the most satisfying excursions in the country. Top Costa Rica Zipline & Aerial Adventure Parks: See reviews and photos of Zipline & Aerial Adventure Parks in Costa Rica, Central America on Tripadvisor. Two kilometers (1.2 miles) northeast of Venado (Spanish for deer) along a good dirt road, these caves are an adventurous excursion into an eight-chamber limestone labyrinth that extends for almost 3km (1.86 miles). Costa Rica doesnt have an army, but it does have a spine of green mountains and smoking volcanoes, draped with lush rain- and cloud forests, and on both sides of the fortunate nation these lead down to mangrove swamps and long palm-fringed sandy beaches with seductive surf breaks. Look for workshops and classes on everything from the proper milking technique of cows and goats, to eco-friendly paper making, and even creating compost and natural fertilizers! From grumpy volcanoes tolabyrinthine limestone caves to stunning black-sand beaches, Costa Rica offers anever-ending array of natural wonders that keep visitors coming back. Does a day at the spa sound more your speed? Hikers routinely spot sloths, coatis, howler monkeys, white-faced capuchinsand even anteaters. Traversing the country - 161km from Pacific to Caribbean - the three-day stage race takes in multiple national parks, from the tropical rainforest of Carara to the steaming peak of Volcn Iraz. Although most of the Costa Rica Adventure Parks offer very similar experiences, some are family focused, some are adventure focused and some are a bit more intimate for honeymooners. In the right season, under cover of darkness, watch the awesome, millennia-old ritual of turtles building nests and laying their eggs on the black-sand beaches. Whereas neighbouring Playa Hermosa can get huge swells and changeable conditions and is better suited to the experienced. Manuel Antonio National Park Though the country's smallest park, Manuel Antonio weighs in as one of the most popular. All rights reserved. No part of this site may be reproduced without our written permission. A boat or kayak trip down the Tortuguero canals is a great chance to watch out for animals and birds! Unlike its neighbors, Costa Rica has a history of stability and prosperity; education and healthcare are the best in the isthmus and the tourist infrastructure is excellent. Giant Ceiba trees native to this type of forest are the anchors for the last 3 ziplines, offering a unique twist on the traditional canopy tour. Super Service 1000+ reviews from dazzled guests. Tailored Travel Every trip is designed for you. You are even invited to cook your own meals in their kitchen should you need as well. Destination Services. Riding tours are available in all main tourist destinations, often traversing national parks, making it a fantastic way to experience the country. Rincon de la Vieja is the tallest and most active volcano in Costa Ricas north-west region of Guanacaste at 6,286 feet above sea level. The fascinating and beautiful coral reefs are a snorkelers dream! (800) 262-1578 If the name of your game is extreme sports, this is the place for you. Advance bookings are essential. The most popular excursion within the park is hiking to the Rio Celeste Waterfall which can be arranged as a tour led by a naturalist guide. Famous for its wide, 2.5 mile(4km)-long beach, this small but important marine park protects coral and rock reefs surrounding several offshore islands, along with migrating humpback whales, dolphins and nesting sea turtles. It's not just wildebeest and humpback whales that make huge journeys. There are seven short trails and off-trail hiking isnt permitted, so its mostly about wildlife spotting, waterfalls, surfing, feasting and watching the sun sink into the sea and setting the horizon on fire at the days end. 100% of the proceeds from entrance fees go towards education and research programs. Though beautiful, it can be a challenging hike, only 16km in distance but with more than 2500m of climbing. Arenal is the adventure capital of Costa Rica. (Its best to leave your swimsuit at home.). 2. Your favorite cites, countries, monuments and natural wonders go head-to-head in Lonely Planet's 1st travel 'bucket' list bracket. Experiences taking safety measures. When the swells are big, this place also has a good beach break for beginners. Rafting: Considered one of the best rivers for rapids, an adventure package on the Pacuare River is not to be missed. On the southern Pacific coast of Costa Rica, the Osa Peninsula remains one of the countrys most remote destinations, and this wild region is worth a trip. With over 35 years of experience, we make the difference between a good trip and a lifetime memory. If you want to get your adrenaline fix in a visually stunning locale, the Arenal Volcano area offers the best variety of tours. Ed #2798 Oficina #8 The best thing about this place is that they offer the only gondola ride in the area, which is great for people who want to see nature from high up for a few minutes, in a relaxed way. Our travel Experts plan private vacation packagesto include accommodations, transportation, and tours to make your vacation hassle-free. The best way to explore the park is on foot, with guided tours being advised due to the challenging terrain. Corcovado National Park. Baha Drake is largely cut off from the rest of the country, so its bulging with wildlife, with Isla del Cao the best place for meeting marine life while in snorkel and fins. Squeal-inducing, ziplining canopy tours are to Costa Rica what bungee jumping is to New Zealand the concept started here. The lodge backs right up to the park! This is the most important Caribbean breeding site of the green sea turtle, 40,000 of which arrive every season to nest. CorcovadoParque Nacional Corcovado in the south is home to an incredible 2.5% of the worlds total biodiversity. A popular Arenal 1 day tour is Arenal Hanging Bridges, La Fortuna Waterfall, Arenal Volcano Hike and natural hot springs. Above 3400m (11155ft), the landscape is pramo, comprising scrubby trees and grasslands. Costa Rica has 28 national parks in total, 3 of which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Picture yourself walking down a misty jungle path. Adventure awaits in Costa Ricas national parks. Everything You Can Imagine in One Adventure Park Guachipelin One of the premier adventure parks in Costa Rica, Guachipelin still leads the way in all-inclusive one day adventures. Sky Adventures. 5 Tortuguero National Park. Tamarindo Beach. 5. The park exhales geothermal energy thanks to multihued fumaroles, hot springs, bubblingpailas(mud pots) and a young, feistyvolcancito(small volcano); all can be visited on foot along well-maintained if sometimes steep trails. And you can hardly miss the Montezuma oropendola, whose massive nests dangle from the trees like twiggy pendulums. Capuchin monkeys scurry across its idyllic beaches, brown pelicans dive-bomb its clear waters and sloths watch over its accessible trails. Misty jungles, Caribbean beaches, volcanoes, monkeys, sloths, toucans, world-class surf, cloud-forest trails, ziplines pura vida adventures abound in Costa Rica. The grounds are beautifully landscaped and the staff is probably the most friendly you will meet in all of Costa Rica. Adventure Parks Gay Vacations Costa Rica Costa Rica Tortuguero Adventure. The Best National Parks In Costa Rica - Horizon Guides The parks largest peak, the Cerro de la Muerte (Mountain of Death; 11,322ft/3451m) is also the highest point on the Costa Rican section of the Interamericana. The moisture, in the meantime, keeps the place hopping with various species of poison-dart frog. 2023 Lonely Planet, a Red Ventures company. (But truthfully, many participants are too exhausted to enjoy the scenery!). El Salto is an easy 328ft (100m) walk up steps to a lookout point with waterfall and mountain views. It's not just wildebeest and humpback whales that make huge journeys. About an hour drive from the capital city of San Jose, Irazu Volcano is the highest active volcano in Costa Rica but has not had an eruption since 1994.
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