Regions - Costa Rica
Put on your hiking shoes and your explorers' hats - Costa Rica is synonymous with the great outdoors. The following are just a few of the unique areas that this fascinating country can offer to those seeking a bit of adventure and outdoor enjoyment on their honeymoon:
Arenal Volcano
Arenal Volcano is active, and if you are fortunate to visit when the mountain is clear of clouds, you'll be treated to views of orange-hot rock spewing from the cone. Unfortunately, it is often covered, but you can still hear and feel the rumble in the background. The volcano feeds a series of geothermal water sources, and you can swim, relax, or simply dip your toe at the Tabacon Hot Springs. Hiking in the nearby national park is enjoyable, as is Lake Arenal, where boating and windsurfing are typical activities.
Caribbean Coast
The Caribbean Coast is home to reefs and white sand beaches. While not as developed from a hotel and infrastructure perspective as the Pacific Coast, it rewards those who choose to come with blue water, lush jungle, marine life and unique sea turtle viewing opportunities at Tortuguero National Park. Take note of the weather – this area of the country tends to receive more rain than others.
Central Coast/Manuel Antonio
Cost Rica's Central Coast is home to the towns of Quepos and Jaco, and more famously, Manuel Antonio National Park. The park is a major tourist destination, featuring pretty beaches, dramatic promontories, howler monkeys, good snorkeling and enjoyable hiking. Quepos and Jaco are cute towns with a variety of restaurants, as well as some excellent boutique accommodations. Because Manuel Antonio Park is so well known, you will share this destination with many others, particularly during high season.
The Central Valley
The Central Valley around the capital of San Jose sits at an altitude of 1100 meters, making the temperature here spring-like year 'round. Expect to see coffee plantations, agricultural scenery, vast expanses of land and waterfalls running off from nearby dormant volcanoes. River rafting, La Paz Waterfall Gardens and Poas Volcano are within easy reach.
Monteverde Cloud Forest
Monteverde Cloud Forest is an ecological wonderland. The cloud forest itself is small in size, but the area offers several other reserves that can be explored. You'll have to be up at the crack of dawn to experience the flora and fauna, but those who are will take home memories of 3-toed sloths, resplendent Quetzal birds, giant walking stick insects and other creatures. Other options include canopy tours, night walks, and horseback riding. The roads to Monteverde are not paved so travel here is time consuming and stressful; it's usually best to leave the driving to someone else, and if you choose to drive, rent a 4x4.
Nicoya Peninsula
The Nicoya Peninsula, Costa Rica's northwest coast, is home to fine beaches and some of the driest climate in the country. During the rainy season, visitors come to avoid rain in other parts of the country (or at least decrease the amount of rain they're likely to see). During the dry season, visitors still come for the many seaside hotels and resorts, and even a bit of local nightlife in the area's laid-back towns. It's important to realize that the peninsula turns a yellow-brown color during dry season, and the forest here is almost 100% secondary, so you won't see the rich jungle for which Costa Rica is famous. Nonetheless, you can still go river rafting, hike, enjoy canopy tours, and other outdoor activities. Don't forget great surfing!
The Osa Peninsula
The Osa Peninsula is perhaps one of Costa Rica's most pristine regions. Either a nine hour drive from San Jose or a 60 minute flight, getting there takes a real effort. As a result, there aren't as many tourists here as other areas of the country. If you are looking to get off the beaten track in Costa Rica, this is one of the best options. Beaches are wild, forests are dense and wildlife is abundant. Where roads exist they aren't paved. There are some excellent eco-lodges that provide great access to the area's wilderness, while still offering a measure of comfort at the end of a long day of exploring.
Rincon de La Vieja National Park
Rincon de La Vieja National Park, in the northern part of the country, is geologically unique. Home to volcanoes and geothermal activity, one can compare it to Yosemite National Park in the United States or Rotorua, on New Zealand's North island. Explore hot waterfalls, steamy pools, mineral deposits and the natural beauty of the area. Hiking and horseback riding in and around the various thermal sights are the main attractions. Some hotels have set up spas to take advantage of the hot springs.
San Jose
San Jose, Costa Rica's capital, is likely to be on your agenda since it is a major stopover point as travelers move from one side of the country to the other. The city itself offers some attractions such as a beautiful national theater and a local market, all of which can be seen in about a day. It has a handful of good hotels and restaurants and can serve as a convenient base for exploring the surrounding Central Valley attractions.
