Costa Rica (Lonely Planet, 9th Edition) - Matthew Firestone [7]
Educate the masses Work on a community education program with the Fundación Corcovado (Click here), a grassroots organization dedicated to preserving one of Costa Rica’s last true frontiers – Parque Nacional Corcovado.
Say no to beef One of the main reasons for forest clearing in Central America is to make way for cattle pasture – mostly to feed the export market. If you can’t bypass that burger, make sure you know where your cow came from. Consider indulging in grass-fed beef, which is better for your health and better for the environment.
Recycle and reuse Proper waste disposal relieves pressure on crowded landfills and reduces the chance of illegal dumping. Whenever possible, avoid bottled water and purify your own.
Families could go just about anywhere in Costa Rica and be perfectly happy. Even San José has a few sights for children, but it’s best to get out of town and into the countryside. For an overview of outdoor activities and their required skill levels, see the Costa Rica Outdoors chapter Click here. We’ve also put together a special ‘Fun for Kids’ tailored-trip itinerary Click here.
TOP 10
For a small country, Costa Rica is jam-packed with sights and attractions. Hopefully, the following lists will inspire you to seek out all that this beautiful country can offer.
IDYLLIC SUNSET SITES
Grab a magic moment in Costa Rica while you enjoy the last rays of the day.
Taking in the view from Crestones Base Lodge (Click here) on Cerro Chirripó.
Looking out from Cabinas El Mirador Lodge (Click here) in Bahía Drake.
Viewing the fiery Volcán Arenal from El Castillo (Click here).
Sailing on the deep blue Pacific from Tamarindo (Click here).
Sipping an ice-cold cerveza (beer) at La Taberna (Click here) in Tortuguero.
Munching at Ronny’s Place (Click here), high up on the cliffs in Manuel Antonio.
Hiking at twilight in Bosque Eterno de los Niños (Click here) in Monteverde.
Reggae-listening at Johnny’s Place (Click here) in Puerto Viejo de Talamanca.
Sitting on the dock in the bay at the Banana Bay Marina (Click here) in Golfito.
Relaxing on colonial steps at Plaza de la Democracia (Click here) in San José.
WORST ROADS
Get ready to shift your transmission into overdrive.
Oldie, but goodie – the road from Tilarán to Monteverde.
The punisher – Puerto Jiménez to Carate.
Dude, where’s the transmission? – bumping and grinding to the waves at Playa Naranjo.
A river runs through it – crossing the Río Ora between Playa Carrillo and Islita.
You call this a road? – Golfito to Pavones.
Bone-cruncher – Buenos Aires to Reserva Biológica Dúrika.
Car-nivore – the stretch between Tamarindo and Avellanas gobbles up vehicles like candy.
Road less traveled – the steep climb up to Altamira and La Amistad.
Keep on truckin’ – swerving with the big rigs on the Interamericana between Cañas and Liberia.
Lake defect – dodging huge potholes on the road around Laguna de Arenal.
BEST BEACHES
With two coastlines fringed with sun-kissed beaches, Costa Rica is a beach-lover’s paradise.
Manzanillo (Click here) The Caribbean coast’s most scenic stretch of sand.
Playas San Miguel and Coyote (Click here) Abandoned beaches, backed by rugged wilderness.
Playa Conchal (Click here) Crushed shells and turquoise water.
Playa Grande (Click here) Sweeping blond sand backed by mangroves, great surf.
Playa Matapalo (Click here) Surfing the waves, hiking to waterfalls.
Playa Montezuma (Click here) Empty white sands, rocky coves and killer sunrises.
Playa Mal País (Click here) Kilometers of huge, crashing surf.
Playa Negra (Click here) Dark sands and crystal-clear waters.
Playa San Josecito (Click here) Scarlet macaws roosting in the almond trees overhead.
Playa Sámara (Click here) A destination for sophisticated beach-goers and fun-loving families.
From plush jungle ecolodges to beachside jungle tents, you can find the type of accommodations your family needs pretty much anywhere