Monteverde, Costa Rica

There are hotels nearby, but if you are staying in San Jose this is a great day trip since it is only a couple of hours away by bus. Jaco is a big, wide open beach with room for everyone. Even on packed days, it doesn't feel very crowded. It's a pretty famous surf spot in Costa Rica, but even wit...

I have been to many beaches in Costa Rica. I have never experienced a beach as beautiful (yet) as this one. The approach to the water is a gradual, barely noticeable ease into the ocean. From my first time here and all the subsequent visits, the beach and ocean floor were completely void of rocks...

Rincón de la Vieja offers an immense variety of scenery and wildlife. The trail, Las Pailas, twists around the base of the volcano through jungle, geysers and low-dry foothills. The cinder cone volcano, Rincón de la Vieja (6217 ft/1895 m), is the main attraction.From the ranger station, the tra...

Seizing the opportunity to walk through Costa Rica's dry tropical forest eco system is well worth any effort getting to the park. You'll be greeted with little yellow butterflies, and have plenty of chances to spot various birds, bugs, reptiles, and mammals. Word of the wise, the trail seems pret...