One quarter of Costa Rica is protected as wilderness reserves. If you like sand and surf, choose from the pristine beaches of Guanacaste, or the gay beach at Manuel Antonio, or to the east the very different feel of the Caribbean beaches along that coast. A trip to Isla Tortuga by sailboat can make for another pleasant day.

There's plenty to do, from the wild cloud forests, central plains plantations, northern savannas and mountains to the hot nightlife and international cuisine of the cities and resorts. Relax in hot springs or luxurious hotel pools or beneath wild waterfall cascades. Hike the paths to see peaceful Morpho butterflies or raucous monkeys or to the edges of placid pools or lava-spewing volcanoes. Whitewater rafting, surfing and horseback riding or sweeping through tree canopies on strung lines are a few of the many ways to experience Costa Rica.

Driving can be fun, too. Little beaches near Dominical invite a stop before starting south on the route 34 coastal road from Puntarenas to Manuel Antonio, offering spectacular views at every turn.

A day trip from San Jose could include Cartago, the old capital 25 kilometers to the east, where two cathedrals draw tourists. One is a 500-year-old ruin, the victim of several earthquakes; the other, famous for an "appearance" of the Virgin, attracts pilgrims by the millions.

Monte Azul mountain retreat, in an old Cartago coffee plantation, has made each it's suites into a mini art gallery. Nearby the highest point in Costa Rica, Mt. Chirripo, rises to over 12,500 feet. A number of artists are in residence, and near perfect year-round temperatures encourage lush vegetation in a multitude of microclimates. Here, you'll enjoy the rainforest right outside your door, pamper yourself with a spa treatment, take fun workshops, go horseback riding, bird watch, or enjoy an original culinary experience at their restaurant. Monte Azul is 3 hours south of San José, by way of the Pan American Highway.

A 70-acre luxury beachfront eco-resort set in a pristine rainforest reserve on the Osa Peninsula in Southern Pacific Costa Rica. Luxurious accommodations perfectly situated between Drake Bay and the Corcovado National Park in an area known as “Caletas” (small coves). Accessible only by boat, the area is one of the most remote and untouched places on the Pacific coastline of Costa Rica.

White-faced monkeys swing from the trees while toucans and scarlet macaws circle overhead. Endless small coves and beaches, fresh-water lagoons, and miles of hiking trails that wind through the rainforest make this the perfect spot to simply relax all day or embark on an eco-adventure experience second to none.

With a 30-person staff to accommodate a maximum of 24 guests, they offer exceptional customer service. Amenities include a beachfront 4-level infinity pool, Jacuzzi, and open air bar and restaurant. Located two miles west of Drake Bay, with private boat-only access, there are no disturbing noises from cars, motorcycles, or parties in town in your air conditioned cabina. Daily package rates include: lodging; three delicious meals, fresh juices, coffee, tea and purified water, a welcome cocktail, and the use of kayaks and stand up paddle boards. See their website for details.

South of Manuel Antonio almost to Panama, the Corcovado area, one of the most remote and untouched places in Costa Rica, is home to the few remaining old growth wet forests in the world. Among its 13 major ecosystems are lowland rain forest, highland cloud forest, jolillo palm forest, mangrove swamps, along with coastal marine and beach habitats.

White-faced monkeys swing from the trees while toucans and scarlet macaws circle overhead. Several other species of monkeys, plus jaguars, ocelots, tapirs, anteaters, peccaries and crocodiles also survive in their natural habitats surrounding the small coves, 21 miles of beaches and fresh-water lagoons. Miles of hiking trails wind through the rainforest.

Whales and dolphins can be seen at the nearby Marino Ballena National Park with the largest coral reef on the Central American Pacific Coast around three small islands, with Ballena island at the center. The park extends from the southern end of Playa Hermosa to the northern end of Playa Piñuela, and about 9 miles (15 km) into the ocean.

Local airlines Nature Air and Sansa offer daily flights from San Jose or Quepos to Drake Bay, Palmer and Puerto Jimenez airports. The Costa Rica Guide and the Corcovado Guide have more information.

Corcovado Adventures provides tour services, scuba and snorkeling, whale watches, and an informative website about the area. Their Tent Camp offers private and affordable comforts under canvas set on elevated wooden platforms, with electricity and internet access. Two to six-day packages include taxi and boat rides, tours, three meals each day and the use of water sports and fishing gear. Groups of 6-16 get a 10-20% discount per person.

The Copa De Arbol Beach & Rainforest Resort is a 70-acre luxury beachfront eco-resort set in pristine rainforest in “Caletas” (small coves) on the Osa Peninsula between Drake Bay and the Corcovado National Park. Accessible only by private boat, it's the perfect spot to enjoy an eco-adventure, or simply to relax all day. With a staff of 30 for a maximum of 24 guests, they offer exceptional customer service and attention. Amenities include a beachfront 4-level infinity pool and Jacuzzi, plus a beachfront open air bar and restaurant. No car, motorcycle, or party noises from town will disturb you in your air conditioned cabina, a stone’s throw from the beach. Daily package rates include: lodging, three delicious meals, fresh juices, coffee, tea and purified water, a welcome cocktail and the use of kayaks and stand up paddle boards. See their website for details.

From Manuel Antonio it's just a one hour drive to the Villa Los Aires/ Las Aguas tropical lodge in Dominical / San Isidro by way of the Costanera Highway, for an adventure in the jungle in the rugged mountains of Costa Rica's Southern Pacific Zone. Follow up with a cool splash in nearby falls, and enjoy all the amenities of a resort hotel.

Adjacent to the lodge there are twin 40-foot-high waterfalls and a tropical forest reserve of rivers, cascades, a natural water slide and swimming holes. The main lodge has deluxe accommodations, a café/bar, nightly movies and WiFi access. Their pool, spa and 24-hour workout area are set in tropical gardens, and there are waterfall adventures, horseback tours, canopy zip lines, ocean kayaking/snorkelling, and white water rafting to enjoy nearby.

Braulio Carrillo is located in the Volcanic Cordillera Conservation Area, on the eastern edge of the central volcanic corridor north of San José in the direction of Puerto Limón, and accessible from the Limon Highway. Divided into three main sectors (Zurquí, Quebrada Gonzales, and Barva) the park contains notable geological features such as the Barva Volcano, the Hondura River, the Patria River, and the Súcio River along with dormant volcanoes (Cerro Chompipe, Cerro Cacho Negro and Cerros las Tres Marias).

Barva contains three crater lakes and large areas of primary cloud and rainforest flora and fauna. Unlike more popular parks such as Poás and Manuel Antonio, the area is relatively undisturbed, with fewer visitors. Quebrada Gonzales and Barva ranger stations provide sanitary facilities and drinking water for hikers. Significant for its biodiversity the area is home to 600 identified species of trees, over 530 bird species, and about 135 different kinds of mammals.The trail from Puesto Barva to the La Selva Protected Zone in the north can be long and difficult, taking about 4 days of walking during good weather conditions.

The airport at Costa Rica's capital city is named for a national hero, Juan Santamaría, nicknamed El Erizo (the porcupine) for his spiked hair. The young man who joined the army as a drummer boy, and died a martyr in 1856, is memorialized with an annual holiday each April 11th and his statue stands in front of the Congress in San Jose. According to lore, Santamaría died setting fire to the hostel where military forces of the Ameridan adventurer William Walker were holed up in a lethal firing position. Walker, who is known for attempting to turn Central America into his own personal slave-holding empire, was executed by the government of Honduras in 1860.

To the south of San Jose, on the Pacific Coast, Villa Roca is a gay owned and operated resort, exclusively for gay men, lesbians and their friends. Nestled on a hillside, ideally located between the village of Quepos and the National Park of Manuel Antonio, with stunning views of the rain forest and the Pacific Ocean. The setting is a wonderful garden of tropical plants and exotic wildlife, including monkeys, iguanas and rare birds, among others, in their natural habitat.

Their Jacuzzi is located below in the most private, tranquil section of the garden providing a perfect intimate setting. Other amenities include an infinity edge pool, and a poolside cocktail lounge. The bar is also open for visitors every Wednesday, 4-8 pm. Complimentary WiFi high speed Internet access is available in all guest rooms, and restaurants, bars, shopping and the beaches are all just a short walk from the resort.

Direct flights from San José´s international airport Juan Santamaria (SJO) are available to Quepos (XQP) in a scenic 20 minute flight over the mountains to this small town, world famous LGBT destination. If coming from San Jose, Villa Roca management offers: domestic flight reservations with SANSA; private car service with driver; private shuttle Sservice operated by Interbus with A/C; and rental car reservations.

On the coast, 82 miles from San José in the coastal Central Pacific Conservation Area just south of Quepos, Puntarenas, this is the smallest national park in Costa Rica - just three square miles. Listed among the world's top dozen by Forbes Magazine, it has lush tropical mountain forrests, coves, coral reefs, white sand beaches, and hiking trails.

Beaches include: Manuel Antonio separated from Espadilla Sur by a "tombolo" of sand; plus Teloro, and Playita. A hike of one hour takes one from Espadilla to the top of Punta Catedral high ground. Both Manuel Antonio and Espadilla Sur beaches have tidal pools for snorkeling. There is a visitor center here, plus many more trails, waterfalls, rest areas, and scenic overlooks.

The wildlife includes monkeys, sloths, ignuanas, lizards, snakes, dolphins, whales, and bats, plus 184 types of birds (toucans, woodpeckers, potoos, motmots, tanagers, Turkey Vultures, parakeets and hawks). Scuba diving, snorkeling, sea kayaking, mountain biking, surfing, and hiking are other popular activities that attract around 150,000 visitors each year.

Archeological site covering 540 acres, 10 miles north of the town of Turrialba, Cartago, in high plateau rain forest on the outskirts of the Turrialba volcano (in area known as Little Switzerland for it's scenery). The settlement is believed to have been occupied between 1000 BC and AD 1400, after which it was abandoned. The main water supply system still functions, and cobblestone roads (calzadas) that lead to a ceremonial center stretch several kilometers. Carved stone designs and drawings of animals can also be seen. The Costa Rican National Museum MNCR now maintains the site, and holds a number of the artifacts found here.

The beautiful forest location is inhabited by sloths, howler monkeys, hundreds of bird species including toucans, and plenty of other wildlife. Inexpensive and helpful guides may be hired for personal tours. From San Jose take Highway 2 (Pan American Hwy) East to Carago, then Hwy 10 to Turrialba, and Hwy 219/230 towards San Antonio and Santa Cruz beside the park. There are also buses - check local tour services.

Covering an area of about 1600 acres, with a summit of 8,900 feet, the volcano is located in the Central Volcanic Conservation Area of Alajuela Province near the Pacific coast. From the edge of the 950 foot-deep main crater you can see frequent small geyser and lava eruptions. The most recent major eruptions were in 1952-54.

Other attractions include the extinct Von Frantzuis and Botos craters - the latter a beautiful cold, green water lake with a 1,200 foot diameter, that last erupted about 7,500 years ago. The park frequently closes due to sulphuric gas emissions, and experts believe the volcano may be building towards a new eruption.

Wild plant and animal species include Magnolia trees, and the Bangs' Mountain Squirrel, plus 79 bird species, including Quetzal, and many varieties of hummingbirds, tanagers, flycatchers and toucans. Coyotes and marmots may also be seen.

The majestic and pristine Lake Arenal and beautiful Tilaran mountains occupy an uncrowded and unspoiled part of Costa Rica. At elevations up to 1800 feet, the area is blessed with a temperate climate of cool nights and warm days. Vibrantly alive with lush and varied plant life, beautifully colored butterflies, over 250 species of birds, and troupes of howler monkeys this middle-elevation rainforest is also home to the Arenal Volcano and Hot Springs, one of the worlds most active geologic hot spots.

The affordable and relaxed American owned and operated Hotel Villa Decary is nestled in a green hillside, within a botanical garden of exotic tropical plants and palm trees from around the world. Located just east of the tiny town of Nuevo Arenal, a safe 14 miles from the volcano. Spacious room have private entries, tiled bathrooms and showers, and are colorfully accented with fabrics from Guatemala and items made by Chorotega Indians. Local Costa Rican artisans crafted the fine wood doors and furnishings. In addition to rooms in the main building there are three separate casitas with kitchens. Each unit has a private balcony or deck with scenic views overlooking Lake Arenal and the mountains.

On the Caribbean Coast of Costa Rica, at Playa Negra, near Puerto Viejo and Limon, Banana Azul is a place to rest and relax beside miles of unspoiled Caribbean beaches and tropical rain forests. Hosts Colin Brownlee (from Vancouver, BC) and Frédéric Spahr (from Québec City) welcome travelers to their hotel built of local hardwoods, with 14 beautiful guest rooms, all with private bath and free WiFi. Their 8-person cool water jacuzzi flows into a brand new swimming pool, and ranchos provide shade as you enjoy poolside bar service. Puerto Viejo offers a large selection of restaurants, craft shops, local tours, and nightlife entertainments.

Banana Azul's most popular excursion mixes wilderness exposure with invigorating excitement. The Pacuare River is famous for the pristine beauty of its gorge, flanked by steep, green walls. Waterfalls cascade into the river from both sides as colorful, tropical birds fly above virgin tropical rainforest. The white water of Costa Rica’s premier river trip is equally exciting, with many rapids on the descent --likely to be one of the most memorable river trips you'll ever experience. Email info@bananaazul.com and see their website for more information.

La Kukula Lodge is another Caribbean Coast jungle guesthouse option near Playa Chiquita. The Refugio Nacional Ganoca-Manzonillo in the southeast corner of the country that pokes into Panama, established to protect some of Costa Rica’s last remaining coral reefs, is also nearby.

A visit to Costa Rica would not be complete without visiting Hotel Bula Bula and beach communities of the Northern Pacific. The region offers ready access to volcanoes, rainforest canopy tours, waterfalls, hot springs, and any kind of beach and water sports you can imagine -including long board, short board, or boogie board surfing. You can fly directly into the province from many airports in North America.

Hotel Bula Bula is located on the Tamarindo estuary in Playa Grande, a five minute walk to a white sand beach boasting one of the most consistent surf breaks in Costa Rica, and incredible barrels. The nearly private beach is also a terrific place to unwind and collect seashells. Tamarindo, a town featured in the surfing movie Endless Summer II is just across the estuary.

Horseback riding, hiking in the cloud forests, and guided wildlife tours of the Tamarindo estuary can be arranged, or relax all day in a hammock by the pool doing nothing more adventurous than sipping a tropical martini.

The nightlife rivals the wildlife with a restaurant serving simple to sumptuous food, and a full bar, the Great Waltini’s. The mood is friendly and casually elegant. Tamarindo is just a water taxi ride away, offering local art, culture, shopping and entertainment options including discos, live music, and a variety of bars and restaurants.

From Manuel Antonio it's just a one hour drive to the Villa Los Aires/ Las Aguas tropical lodge in Dominical / San Isidro by way of the Costanera Highway, for an adventure in the jungle in the rugged mountains of Costa Rica's Southern Pacific Zone. Follow up with a cool splash in nearby falls, and enjoy all the amenities of a resort hotel.

Adjacent to the lodge there are twin 40-foot-high waterfalls and a tropical forest reserve of rivers, cascades, a natural water slide and swimming holes. The main lodge has deluxe accommodations, a café/bar, nightly movies and WiFi access. Their pool, spa and 24-hour workout area are set in tropical gardens, and there are waterfall adventures, horseback tours, canopy zip lines, ocean kayaking/snorkelling, and white water rafting to enjoy nearby.