Costa Rica is one of the best destinations for those who loves nature, adventure and wildlife. From spotting sloths and macaws to exploring active volcanoes, navigating jungle waterways and relaxing in calm waters of the Pacific Ocean in Manuel Antonio, the country offers incredible adventures. According to Llama Travel, below are five experiences that showcase why Costa Rica is one of Central America’s gems.
1. Navigate the jungle waterways of Tortuguero
Accessible only by boat or plane, Tortuguero is known for its rich wildlife, and is one of the most important nesting sites for sea turtles in the Caribbean, with four of the world’s eight species laying their eggs on the black-sand beach. Take a dugout canoe trip through the jungle waterways and look out for monkeys in the trees, sloths hanging from the branches and caimans in the water. With more than 300 bird species, including toucans and parrots, it’s also excellent for birdwatching. Visit the Sea Turtle Conservancy Museum to learn more about the turtles and how best to protect them. You can also spend time wandering the village of Tortuguero or walking along the beach.
2. Explore the Los Angeles Cloud Forest
Visiting the Villa Blanca Cloud Forest takes you deep into one of Costa Rica’s most beautiful natural areas. Set within the privately owned 2,000-acre Los Angeles Cloud Forest Reserve near San Ramón, it is less than two hours from San José. The reserve is home to vibrant flora, including bromeliads and orchids, along with over 280 bird species and a variety of amphibians and mammals such as howler monkeys and sloths. Together, these birds, insects and mammals create a forest soundtrack that you are unlikely to experience elsewhere. You can choose from several established walking trails, ranging from 1.25 to 2.5 miles, which can be explored during the day or at night, when some of the shyer species emerge.
During the night, certain birds and monkeys which dominate the soundtrack during the day will be sleeping, replaced by the choruses of nocturnal species.Furthermore, certain plants are more active at night, blooming and releasing scents only after the sun has gone down. For this reason, it is not only the sights and sounds of the forest that change, but the smells too. Alternatively, between February and May, you can take our optional Quetzal Tour & Night Walk excursion for a chance to spot the Resplendent Quetzal, one of the world’s most beautiful and colourful bird species, found in the high-altitude cloud forests of Central America.
3. Relax in hot springs under Arenal Volcano
Located in the north of Costa Rica, Arenal Volcano is one of Costa Rica’s most popular attractions. The area is rich in biodiversity, with roughly half of Costa Rica’s bird, mammal, reptile and amphibian species found in the surrounding national park. It is also a great place for adventure, and with Llama Travel you can choose from a range of excursions, from exploring hanging bridges and waterfalls to chocolate tours and even ziplining through the forest canopy. After a long day of activities, unwind in the natural volcanic hot springs in the early evening, surrounded by tropical gardens and views of the picture-perfect Arenal Volcano.
4. Take a whitewater rafting expedition to a luxury lodge in the heart of Costa Rica’s Rainforest
Stay at Pacuare Lodge, a multi award-winning eco-lodge, and one of the National Geographic’s Unique Lodges of the World. Arrive in style on a white-water raft, gliding along the river past tropical scenery with plenty of birdlife around the riverbanks. During your stay, enjoy gourmet meals and choose from activities such as birdwatching, waterfall visits and jungle hikes, with chances to spot monkeys, sloths and even jaguars.
5. Unwind on the beaches of Manuel Antonio
Situated on the central Pacific coast, Manuel Antonio National Park is the smallest national park in Costa Rica. It stands out for its white-sand beaches backed by jungle, where you can relax on the sand or snorkel in the calm waters. Enjoy the beaches and explore the forest trails to see sloths, coatis and monkeys. With over 350 bird species, including toucans and macaws, the area is excellent for both wildlife and relaxation. The forest trails are well maintained, with guided tours available locally, or you can wander independently. The main trail in the park is a 1.3-mile flat, sandy route linking the beaches, where you can swim in the clear waters.
