Harrell Ashley - Lonely Planets Discover Costa Rica: top sights, authentic experiences

DISCOVER COSTA RICA

TOP SIGHTS, AUTHENTIC EXPERIENCES

Welcome to Costa Rica

All trails lead to waterfalls, misty crater lakes or jungle-fringed, deserted beaches. Explored by horseback, foot or kayak, Costa Rica is a tropical chooseyour-own-adventure land.

As the eco- and adventure-tourism capital of Central America, Costa Rica has a worthy place in the cubicle daydreams of travelers around the world. With world-class infrastructure, visionary sustainability initiatives and no standing army since 1948 (when the country redirected its defense funds toward education, healthcare and the environment), Costa Rica is a peaceful green jewel of the region. Taking into account that more than a fourth of the land enjoys some form of environmental protection and theres greater biodiversity here than in the USA and Europe combined, its a place that earns the superlatives.

And then there are the people. Costa Ricans, or Ticos as they prefer to call themselves, are proud of their little slice of paradise, welcoming guests to sink into the easygoing rhythms of the pura vida (pure life). This greeting, farewell, catchy motto and enduring mantra gets to the heart of Costa Ricas appeal its simple yet profound ability to let people relax and enjoy their time. Combined with the highest quality of life in Central America, all the perfect waves, perfect sunsets and perfect beaches seem like the pura vida indeed.

Waterfall near Parque Nacional / FRANCESCO RICCARDO IACOMINO/GETTY IMAGES

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Alive with the call of birds and monkeys

Although droves of visitors pack Parque Nacional , the countrys most popular (and smallest) national park remains an absolute gem. Capuchin monkeys scurry across its idyllic beaches, brown pelicans dive-bomb its clear waters and sloths watch over its trails. Its a perfect place to introduce youngsters to the wonders of the rainforest; indeed, youre likely to feel like a kid yourself.

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Iconic volcano, bubbling springs and a stunning lake

While the molten night views are gone, this mighty, perfectly conical giant () is still considered active and worthy of a pilgrimage. There are beautiful trails to explore, especially the magnificent climb to Cerro Chato. At its base, you are just a short drive away from its many hot springs. Some of these springs are free, and any local can point the way. Others are, shall we say, embellished, dressed up, luxuriated dip your toes into the romantic Eco Termales, for starters.

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Wild ocean meets lush jungle

If you dig artsy-rootsy beach culture, enjoy rubbing shoulders with neo-Rastas and yogis, or long to lounge on sugar-white coves, find your way to . Strolling this intoxicating town and rugged coastline, youre never far from the rhythm of the sea. From here youll also have easy access to the famed Cabo Blanco reserve, or you can hike to a triple-tiered waterfall. And when your stomach growls, the town has some of the best restaurants in the country.

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Off-the-beaten-track wilderness

Muddy, muggy and intense, the vast, largely untouched rainforest of is anything but a walk in the park. Here travelers with a sturdy pair of rubber boots thrust themselves into the unknown and come out the other side with the story of a lifetime. The further into the jungle you go, the better it gets: the best wildlife-watching, most desolate beaches and most vivid adventures lie down these seldom-trodden trails.

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Sea-turtle spotting and jungle tours

Canoeing the canals of Parque Nacional is a boat-borne safari. Get up close with caimans, river turtles, crowned night herons, monkeys and sloths. Under the cover of darkness, watch the awesome, millenia-old ritual of turtles building nests and laying their eggs. Sandwiched between wetlands and the wild Caribbean Sea, this is among the countrys premier places to spot wildlife.

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Laid-back charm and surf scene

By day, lounge in a hammock, cycle to uncrowded beaches, hike to waterfall-fed pools and visit remote indigenous territories. By night, dip into zesty Caribbean cooking and sway to reggaetn at open-air bars cooled by ocean breezes. The village of , an outpost of this unique mix of Afro-Caribbean, Tico and indigenous culture, is the perfect laid-back base for such adventures.

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