Costa Rica (Lonely Planet, 9th Edition) - Matthew Firestone [11]
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TAILORED TRIPS
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SURFING SAFARI
Costa Rican shores have been attracting surfers since Endless Summer II profiled some of the country’s most appealing breaks.
Playa Tamarindo serves as a good base for several tasty surfing sites. You can start with a boat trip to the granddaddies of all surf breaks, Witch’s Rock and Ollie’s Point in the Parque Nacional Santa Rosa.
Next, hit the isolated beaches at Playas Avellanas and Negra, whose famous waves were featured in the movie. Down the coast, Playa Guiones is cooking all year long, and from there it’s just a hop, skip and long jump to the legendary Mal País.
The next big stop is Jacó and Playa Hermosa on the central Pacific coast, offering consistent waves, but keep moving south for good breaks at Matapalo and Dominical.
Afterwards, hightail it way south to Cabo Matapalo on the Península de Osa, before skipping back to the mainland for one of the continent’s longest left-hand breaks at Pavones.
And don’t forget the Caribbean. Catch a boat to the uninhabited Isla Uvita off the coast of Puerto Limón or frolic in the waves east of town at Playa Cocles. Further south the famous Salsa Brava at Puerto Viejo de Talamanca is for experts only.
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RAFTING SAFARI
Experience the country’s world-class rivers while soaking in the sight of pristine rainforests and wildlife on a 10-day safari.
From San José head east to Río Pacuare for two days of enchanted Class IV white water. Move on to the nearby Pascua section of the Río Reventazón for 24km of heart-pumping Class IV+. Travel west to the central Pacific coast and spend a day of gentler rafting, taking in the beach-fringed rainforest of Parque Nacional Manuel Antonio, home to more than 350 species of birds. Afterwards, suit up for a quick half-day down the challenging Río Naranjo (Click here), close by.
Cap it all off with two days on the largely unexplored Río Savegre (Click here), putting in on the remote, Class IV+ upper Río División, the main tributary of the Savegre. The next day will have you continuing downstream to the bridge takeout on the Costanera Sur, the Pacific coastal highway leading north to San José.
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EXPLORING OSA
Home to Costa Rica’s most pristine nature, the Península de Osa is an undeniable draw for anyone wanting some rugged wilderness exploration.
Either head down the Pacific coast or fly into Puerto Jiménez, which serves as the gateway to Osa. Here, you can spend a day or so kayaking around the mangroves or otherwise soaking up the charm of this tiny town.
Next, head north to La Palma, from where you can visit the Reserva Indígena Guaymí (see box) and observe firsthand the traditional lifestyle of one of Costa Rica’s indigenous groups.
The undisputed highlight of Osa is Parque Nacional Corcovado, one of the country’s best wildlife-watching spots. It’s worth spending a few days exploring the trails with backpack in hand, and particularly well-equipped travelers can even trek across the entirety of the park.
Finally, unwind at Cabo Matapalo, where you can chill out for as long as you like, enjoying some of the country’s most beautiful beaches.
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FUN FOR KIDS
Whether you’ve got little angels or devilish troublemakers, Costa Rica is 100% kid-friendly and fun for everyone.
Costa Rica’s top-billed family destinations are the remote mountain villages of Monteverde and Santa Elena, where a grocery list of sights and activities awaits. Depending on the ages and the interests of your children, you can take them hiking through rainforest, zip lining through the canopy or even on a tour through a working dairy farm.
Another kid-friendly destination is Parque Nacional Manuel Antonio, which woos little hearts and minds with its offering of charismatic creatures. Teach the little ones about the wonders of nature as you spot monkeys bounding through the trees, or simply spend your time sprawling out on gentle ocean-lapped sands.
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