Costa Rica (Lonely Planet, 9th Edition) - Matthew Firestone [476]
A good fishing resource is Costa Rica Outdoors (2282-6743, in USA 800-308-3394; www.costaricaoutdoors.com), a magazine available online or in hard copy that carries information on adventure travel, with a focus on fishing.
The following companies offer fishing tours in Costa Rica:
Discover Costa Rica (2257-5780, in USA 888-484-8227; www.discover-costa-rica.com) Offers six-day fishing packages and is based in Quepos.
JD’s Watersports (in USA 970-356-1028, 800-477-8971; www.jdwatersports.com)
Rod & Reel Adventures (in USA 800-356-6982; www.rodreeladventures.com)
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Hiking & Trekking
With mountains, valleys, jungles, cloud forests and two coastlines, Costa Rica is one of Central America’s most varied hiking and trekking destinations. The country also boasts an extensive number of national parks that have well-developed hiking and trekking networks in even the most remote areas.
For long-distance hiking and trekking, it’s best to travel in the dry season (December to April). Outside this narrow window, rivers become impassable and trails are prone to flooding. In the highlands, journeys become more taxing in the rain, and the bare landscape offers little protection. And then there are the mosquitoes which, needless to say, are enough to put a damper on your fun.
Costa Rica is hot and humid: hiking in these tropical conditions can really take it out of you. Overheating and dehydration are the main sources of misery on the trails, so be sure to bring plenty of water and don’t be afraid to stop and rest. Make sure you have sturdy, comfortable footwear and a lightweight rain jacket.
Unfortunately, some readers have told us horror stories of getting robbed while on some of the more remote hiking trails. Although this is certainly not a common occurrence, it is always advisable to hike in a group for added safety. Hiring a local guide is another excellent way to enhance your experience, avoid getting lost and learn an enormous amount about the flora and fauna in your midst.
Some of the local park offices have maps, but this is the exception rather than the rule. If you are planning to do independent hiking on long-distance trails, be sure to purchase your maps in San José in advance (Click here).
The following companies offer trekking tours in Costa Rica:
Costa Rica Trekking Adventures (2771-4582; www.chirripo.com; San Isidro de El General) Offers multiday treks in Chirripó, Corcovado and Tapanti.
Ocarina Expeditions (2229-4278; www.ocarinaexpeditions.com) Naturalist-led treks in Corcovado and Chirripó, as well as volcano and cloud-forest hiking.
Osa Aventura (2735-5670; www.osaaventura.com) Specializes in treks through Corcovado.
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Horseback Riding
Wherever you go in Costa Rica, you will inevitably find someone giving horseback-riding trips. Rates vary from US$25 for an hour or two to more than US$100 for a full day. Overnight trips with pack horses can also be arranged, and are a popular way of accessing remote destinations in the national parks. Riders weighing more than 100kg cannot expect small local horses to carry them very far.
THESE BOOTS WERE MADE FOR WALKING
With its ample supply of mud, streams and army ants, hiking through Costa Rica’s parks can be quite an adventure – particularly for your shoes. Footwear is a personal issue, but here are some options for keeping your feet happy in the jungle.
Do as the locals do and invest in galoshes (rubber boots), especially for the rainy season. Rubber boots are indestructible, protect you from snakes and ticks, provide excellent traction and can be easily hosed off at the end of the day. The downside of rubber boots is that they are not very comfortable. Plus, river crossings guarantee that the boots will fill up with water at some point, and then your feet are wet for the rest of the day. If you are larger than a size 44 – men’s 10 in the US – consider buying them abroad. Price: approximately US$6.
High-end sport sandals (like Chacos