Fodors Costa Rica

Costa Rica has five active volcanoes, with Arenal being its most visited. The behemoth has settled into a less active phase these dayslikely temporarybut its sinister, majestic, perfectly shaped cone never fails to impress, if the clouds part long enough for you to get a view.

Even the most curmudgeonly visitor marvels at the sight of recently hatched sea turtles scurrying from their nests to the ocean, and Tortuguero is Costa Ricas premier site to witness this age-old spectacle. This roadless region epitomizes the old adage that Getting there is half the funboat and plane are your only optionsand the lodges up here can fix you up.

Some of the countrys most thrilling views can be seen from the trails through Manuel Antonio National Park. As you emerge from the rain forest, dont be surprised to find yourself alone on a palm-shaded beach. Make sure to look upsloths and three types of monkey make their home in the canopy, and on a good day you might see them all.

Bird-watchers come to this vast and pristine rain forest with hopes of catching a glimpse of the endangered harpy eagle. Its notoriously difficult to see, but other feathered friendslike the scarlet macaw, the orange-bellied trogon, and the golden-hooded tanagerpractically pose for pictures. No need to head off into the rain forest with your binoculars; dozens of hummingbirds are likely to dart around you as you relax by the pool.

This long, picturesque beach, backed by a line of swaying palms and protective cliffs, is certainly one of the most beautiful stretches of sand in the country. Perfect for swimming, snorkeling, or just walking, the beach isnt marred by a single building. Visit on a weekday and its possible that you may have the entire shore to yourself.

Popular with the sun-and-fun crowd, the peninsula still has a yet-to-be-discovered feel. Maybe thats because its sandy shores are never covered with a checkerboard of beach blankets. Drive a few miles in any direction and you can find a spot all to yourself. But civilization isnt far awaysome of the countrys best restaurants are within reach.

Heavy rainfall, steep mountains, and rocky terrain make this region a magnet for white-water rafters, and theres a river to match everyones level of expertise. Not far from San Jos, the Central Valley has outfitters who offer everything from easy day trips to challenging multiday excursions. Many of these companies congregate around Turrialba, the countrys white-water capital and close to the Ro Pacuare and Ro Reventazn.