Costa Rica is the world's most successful eco-tourism destination — 25% of the country is protected national park, and wildlife density is extraordinary. Sloths, toucans, poison dart frogs, jaguars, and humpback whales in a country the size of West Virginia.
📅 Day-by-Day Itinerary
📅 Arenal Volcano & Hot Springs
The perfectly conical Arenal volcano (still active) dominates the skyline. White-water rafting the Balsa River. Night walk through the rainforest — red-eyed tree frogs, tarantulas, and kinkajous. Evening: soak in volcanic hot springs while watching the volcano glow.
📅 Monteverde Cloud Forest
The most biodiverse forest in Central America — night walk to see the famous resplendent quetzal. Zip-line through the cloud forest canopy (the original canopy zip-line experience, invented here). Hanging bridges through the forest at dawn.
📅 Manuel Antonio
The most visited national park in Costa Rica — white-sand beaches with scarlet macaws, white-faced capuchin monkeys, and three-toed sloths visible from the beach. Kayak the mangroves at sunset. Whale watching in the Gulf of Nicoya Jul–Oct.
📅 Corcovado — the Wildest Place in the Americas
Fly or boat to the Osa Peninsula for Corcovado National Park — National Geographic called it the most biologically intense place on Earth. Guided night walks for tapir and jaguar. Snorkel the Drake Bay reefs for hammerhead sharks.
📅 Tortuguero — Sea Turtle Nesting
Boat through Tortuguero's canals (the 'Amazon of Costa Rica') spotting caimans, river otters, and manatees. July–October: guided night beach walks to watch leatherback sea turtles nest — one of the most moving wildlife experiences on Earth.
🏨 Where to Stay
Nayara Tented Camp, Arenal
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Luxury tents with private plunge pools, volcano views
💡 Key tips: Rent a 4WD — many of the best lodges require it. Pura Vida ('pure life') is the national motto and the national attitude — embrace it. Wildlife is most active at dawn and dusk — always worth an early start. Ticos (Costa Ricans) are extraordinarily helpful — ask locals for restaurant recommendations. Budget: Costa Rica is the most expensive country in Central America.
