Well-marked trails cobweb the park, leading to waterfalls, crater lakes and lava flows. Not least because afterwards you can kick back in a volcano-heated pool to soothe aching legs. Volcán Arenal Volcán Arenal is another enticing hiking region. Ten short but well-maintained trails tiptoe through the lichen-wrapped tall trees, and you can stay overnight in huts. The extra oxygen has helped foment potent biodiversity among the reserve’s fecund flora, where orchids and bromeliads bloom. The park enjoys unique geographical conditions: humid trade winds from the Caribbean rush up wooded slopes to cool and condense into clouds loitering above the trees, creating a marvellously misty netherworld. Monteverde Reserva Biológica Bosque Nuboso Monteverde is one of the best parks in Central America, with an estimated 2500 kinds of plant, more than 100 mammal species and 400 vivid varieties of birdlife, including the colour-splattered quetzal. Rustling with wildlife, swathed in mist, exploding with mossy vines, ferns and rushing streams, it’s proper Jungle Book stuff. Cloud forests, for example, cover a mere 0.25% of land on Earth, yet can be easily experienced in Costa Rica. There is no shortage of hiking potential around Volcán Arenal © MB Photography / Getty Images Hikingįrom jungle treks to volcano climbs, the country’s natural wonders are begging to be explored on foot. Whereas neighbouring Playa Hermosa can get huge swells and changeable conditions and is better suited to the experienced. Playa Jacó, a straight line to the Pacific Coast from capital San José, is beginner friendly. Playa Guiones, also on Nicoya, is blessed with consistent waves that tend to drop gently for newbies and intermediates alike, while more advanced surfers practise their tricks here too. A few kilometres south, the gentle surf at Playa Tamarindo suits beginners and the semi-experienced, while nearby Playa Langosta better befits the surf savvy. Surf is excellent along the Pacific Coast, with Playa Grande, on the northeastern Nicoya Peninsula, being another popular spot.
The secluded jungle beach of Playa Pavones, in the far southwest, is similarly renowned in surf circles and populated by more serious surfers who brave one of the longest rides in the world, the notorious three-minute left point break. Big powerful waves break over a sharp coral reef, making it better suited to the more seasoned surfer. Salsa Brava, on the Caribbean Coast at Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, is perhaps the most famous.
And, for boardless breakchancers and beginners, practically every beach community offers hire and lessons. The coast off Dominical, one of many places to surf in Costa Rica © Jen Edney / Getty Images SurfingĬosta Rica spoils surfers rotten with more than 50 breaks – lefts and rights, beach and point breaks, reefs and river mouths – on both the Pacific and Caribbean coasts, and the water is warm all year round.
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