Costa Rica (Lonely Planet, 9th Edition) - Matthew Firestone [390]
What truly distinguishes Costa Rica from other competing destinations is the diversity and accessibility of the outdoors. While hard-core enthusiasts can seek out complete solitude in absolute wilderness, families and novices alike are equally well catered for. From jungle treks and beachcombing to rafting snaking rivers and surfing crashing waves – whatever you’re looking for, Costa Rica has most definitely got it.
This chapter provides a brief overview of Costa Rica’s share of the great outdoors. However, if you’re looking for more specific information, including detailed lists of recommended operators, check out the Activities section of the Directory Click here.
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HIKING & TREKKING
Whether you’re interested in taking a walk in the park, or embarking on a rugged mountaineering circuit, there is no shortage of hiking opportunities around Costa Rica. At tourist-packed destinations such as Monteverde and Santa Elena, trails are clearly marked, and even lined with cement blocks in parts. This is very appealing if you’re traveling with the little ones, or if you’re lacking navigational prowess. Sun-drenched coastlines also invite ambling walks through the crashing waves.
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SPOTS TO HIKE & TREK
Reserva Santa Elena and Reserva Biológica Bosque Nuboso Monteverde Costa Rica’s most famous cloud-forest reserves.
Parque Nacional Corcovado The last remaining strand of coastal Pacific rainforest.
Cerro Chirripó (Click here) Home to the highest mountain in Costa Rica at 3820m.
Parque Internacional La Amistad A heavily forested yet rarely traversed park.
Opportunities for moderate hiking are available in most parks and reserves, particularly once you leave the well-beaten tourist path. As this is Costa Rica, you can – for the most part – still rely on signs and maps for orientation, though it helps to have a bit of experience under your belt. Good hiking shoes, plenty of water and a confidence in your abilities will enable you to combine several shorter day hikes into a lengthier expedition. Tourist information centers at park entrances are great resources for planning out your intended route.
If you’re properly equipped with the various camping essentials (tent, sleeping bag, air mattress etc), the country’s longer and more arduous multiday treks are at your disposal. Costa Rica’s top challenges are scaling Cerro Chirripó, traversing Corcovado and penetrating deep into the heart of La Amistad. While all three endeavors can be undertaken either solo or with trusted companions, local guides provide an extra measure of safety, and can help in identifying flora and fauna.
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WILDLIFE- & BIRD-WATCHING
Costa Rica’s biodiversity is legendary, so it should come as no surprise that the country offers unparalleled opportunities for wildlife- and bird-watching. As a bonus, people of all ages are already familiar with Costa Rica’s most famous yet commonly spotted animals. You’ll instantly recognize monkeys bounding through the treetops, sloths clinging to branches and toucans gliding beneath the canopy. Young children, even if they’ve been to the zoo dozens of times, typically enjoy the thrill of spotting creatures in the wild.
A proud basilisk shows off its prehistoric figure.
MARK NEWMAN
For the slightly older, keeping checklists is a fun way to add an education element to your travels. Want to move beyond the novice level? Check out your local bookstore prior to landing in Costa Rica, and be sure to pick up wildlife and bird guides – look for ones with color plates that make positive identification a cinch. For a quick but informative overview of native wildlife (including birds), check out the Costa Rica Wildlife Guide Click here.
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SPOTS TO WATCH WILDLIFE
Parque Nacional Corcovado At the heart of the Península de Osa, this is the country’s richest wildlife area.
Parque Nacional Santa Rosa The tropical dry forest along the Pacific coast harbors a unique ecosystem.
Parque Nacional Tortuguero Canals