Costa Rica trip | Round trip hidden places Costa Rica

Naranjo is a small agricultural village at the foot of the Espírito Santo Mountains in the lush Central Valley. Naranja has been growing coffee for over two hundred years, so it is the perfect place for coffee lovers. Some of the world's best coffees come from here and it is possible to tour several plantations. Other popular activities in the area include exploring the lush tropical landscape via a canopy tour or a jungle trek. Also visit the nearby Juan Castro Blanco National Park, known for its orchid flowers and quetzal birds, as well as the Poás Volcano National Park with its extraordinary crater lake.

As the name suggests, the Central Valley lies in the centre of the country, where more than 70 per cent of the country’s population lives. This remarkably beautiful area makes up the largest part of Costa Rica’s interior, with numerous coffee plantations covering the slopes, and is surrounded by rugged mountains and two active volcanoes, Irazú and Poás.
Some of the region’s highlights include the Iglesia de San José Orosi, built in 1734 and the oldest church in Costa Rica, as well as the country’s famous and oldest city, Cartago. Other notable places include Poás Volcano National Park, home to the country’s most active volcano, and Irazú National Park, home to Costa Rica’s largest and highest active volcano.

Visitors to the Republic of Costa Rica will discover that, despite its small size, the country has an incredible number of attractions and activities to offer. Five per cent of the world’s biodiversity can be found within Costa Rica’s borders, and great efforts have been made to preserve this rich resource; protected national parks account for almost 25 per cent of the country — more than any other country in the world. From fishing and surfing to white-water rafting and exploring volcanic regions, Costa Rica is the perfect playground for nature lovers and adventure seekers.

Limon province stretches across the lowland Caribbean coast and is one of seven provinces in Costa Rica. This beautiful region is considered one of Costa Rica's most pristine natural wilderness areas. Known for its palm-fringed beaches, majestic mountains, mangrove forests, lush tropical jungles and its extensive network of waterways, Limon is a nature-lover's paradise. Adventure lovers can look forward to exploring the magnificent mountain range known as the Cordillera de Talamanca. Visitors can spend lazy days on a series of picturesque white sand beaches lined with coconut palms, sample an array of local Costa Rican specialities and enjoy the vast array of bird species that inhabit the mangrove swamps. Other highlights include: watching giant sea turtles lay their eggs on the sandy beaches of Tortuguero, snorkelling on the colourful coral reefs at pristine Cahuita or Punta Uva and surfing at Puerto Viejo de Talamanca.

This part of Costa Rica has a very different character from the rest of the country due to Afro-Caribbean influences. The beautiful beaches and clear waters of the Caribbean Sea offer you a warm welcome. You can search for the most beautiful beach or visit the beautiful Cahuita national park, for example. You can also rent bikes and take a tour of Caribbean villages or organise a snorkelling trip to discover the many colours of coral.

Punta Cocles lies just south of the bustling beach town of Puerto Viejo along Costa Rica’s southern Caribbean coast and is a stunning Caribbean beach paradise. This small town is known as the capital of this coastal region and boasts a long and picturesque 3-kilometre stretch of soft, golden sand, surrounded by swaying palm trees.
Enjoy the beaches, explore the unspoilt underwater world of colourful coral reefs teeming with exotic fish, take a stroll along the coast, and spot monkeys playing in the trees, as well as a host of tropical birds, sloths, green iguanas and crabs. Don’t miss this chance to explore the amazing Cahuita National Park and the Gandoca-Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge; the Talamanca Indian Reserve is also well worth a visit.

Located in Costa Rica, the spectacular scenic Caribbean south coast is best known for its pristine golden sandy beaches fringed by swaying palm trees and lapped by crystal clear turquoise waters. This coastline offers you the quintessential tropical holiday experience with pristine natural charm. You can spend lazy days on idyllic Caribbean beaches, snorkelling in the crystal-clear waters and surfing some epic waves. Don't miss the remarkably beautiful Cahuita National Park, with an offshore stretch of coral reef; as well as the Gandoca Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge with its paradisiacal beaches, hidden coves, mangroves, small islands, coral reefs and lush rainforest inhabited by abundant wildlife.

The small Costa Rican town of La Fortuna is just a 2-hour drive northwest of San Jose, at the foot of the majestic Arenal volcano. La Fortuna offers an excellent base to explore the beautiful surroundings and serves as a gateway to the scenic Arenal Volcano Park. Enjoy a comfortable stay in a wide range of guesthouses and lodges with stunning views of the volcano towering over the city. You can also enjoy some spectacular views from scenic vantage points and hike across hanging bridges through the rainforest. Don't miss the beautiful La Fortuna waterfall and natural pool, the shimmering Lake Arenal and the forest-covered slopes of Chato volcano. Known for its wonderful combination of adventure and nature, La Fortuna is bound to captivate you.

Surrounding the Arenal volcano is a paradise. Arenal National Park is a wonderful place for hiking and horseback riding. Along slopes, through forests and across streams, you are likely to encounter wildlife while the volcano provides a beautiful backdrop at all times. The further you descend the slope, the greener it gets until you find yourself at the foot of the mountain in the middle of the tropical rainforest. West of the volcano is Lake Arenal, where you can hire kayaks and admire the volcano from a different angle. Be sure not to miss the la Fortuna waterfall, which can be reached by car up to the viewpoint but by foot or on horseback you can reach the waterfall itself and take a refreshing dip if you wish. In the process, you can visit hot springs. For example, visit the famous Tabacón hot springs.

The Northern Plains are situated in the north of beautiful Costa Rica and are a unique region with a spectacular mountainous landscape. This popular destination is renowned for its cultural and ecotourism adventure opportunities and its breathtaking natural beauty. The landscape features volcanic terrain dotted with waterfalls, rivers, lakes, lagoons and lush forests. This area is home to a variety of mammals, reptiles and birds.
Visitors can observe the spectacular wildlife in one of the many nature reserves, such as the biodiverse Cano Negro Wildlife Refuge, enjoy a visit to the stunning Tenorio Volcano National Park and explore Lake Arenal, the largest lake in Costa Rica. Popular activities include kayaking, white-water rafting, birdwatching, horse riding, cycling, boat trips, canopy tours and ziplining.

Located on the spectacular Pacific coast in northwestern Costa Rica, Guanacaste is known for its pristine beaches, volcanic landscape and exotic creatures. This Costa Rican province is considered the quintessential tropical paradise. Guanacaste's landscape consists of vast open grassland plains dotted with dry tropical forest surrounded by white sandy beaches. Visitors can spend a lazy day at the endless Playa Blanca beach, enjoy first-class diving and a variety of water sports at the beautiful Playa Hermosa beach, and visit the Santa Rosa National Park, with pristine native vegetation and inhabited by more than 200 bird species . Don't miss the Papagayo Peninsula known for its world-class golf course.

Tortuguero ligt aan de Caribische kust van Costa Rica met de bijnaam de mini Amazone. Het park biedt een fascinerende mix van riviertjes, mangrovebossen en jungle met een indrukwekkende wildlife. U maakt tijdens uw verblijf indrukwekkende tours door de verschillende habitats van dit park met spectaculaire landschappen zoals lagunes, moerassen, regenwouden en stranden waar 40.000 zeeschildpadden elk jaar hun eieren komen leggen (tussen juni en oktober).
Omgeven door een heel netwerk van prachtige kanalen wordt Tortuguero beschouwd als een van de meest exotische regio’s met een rijke flora en fauna.
NB. Afhankelijk van in welke lodge u verblijft kan er een maximaal 11 kg. bagagelimiet p.p. zijn tijdens het Tortuguero-arrangement vanwege de boottransfers. Zorg u ervoor dat u een soort weekendtas pakt voor Tortuguero. U kunt overtollige bagage veilig opslaan. Bij een aantal lodges is dit niet van toepassing zoals de Aninga lodge, Pachira lodge, Evergreen lodge, Manatus hotel en Turtle Beach lodge 

A side road off the Panamerican Highway takes you along an unpaved panoramic route to Monteverde. Despite the rugged route, many know how to find Monteverde's fairytale cloud forests. It is a magical place with special appeal to birdwatchers, artists and conservationists. Once again, the cloud forests show a totally different side of diverse Costa Rica. The forests are home to many mosses, ferns, bromeliads, insects and birds. Beautiful hiking trails can also be found here, for example over hanging bridges along the tops of the forest (called the 'canopy'). If you are looking for adventure, it is possible to fly over this canopy via a kind of cable car or get to know the forest from a new angle on a night hike. Monteverde is a place to fall in love with and should definitely not be missed in your trip to Costa Rica.

The Nicoya peninsula is one of Costa Rica's 'off-the beaten track' destinations, separated from the mainland by the Gulf of Nicoya. Visitors who come here find it well worth it. Nicoya has idyllic sandy beaches, aquamarine bays and excellent eco-tourism opportunities that make it an unforgettable travel experience. Popular pursuits here include sport-fishing, fishing, snorkelling, scuba diving, surfing or just soaking up the sun on the peninsula's array of beautiful beaches but also bird watching and wildlife viewing in the various nature reserves.

An exuberant blanket of dense rainforest covers more than 77,000 hectares on Costa Rica's northeast coast in Tortuguero National Park, a biodiversity wonderland and haven for a rich array of wildlife, including jaguars, monkeys, sloths and an amazing variety of bird species. The park's name, meaning "Land of Turtles", emphasises its importance as a nesting ground for several sea turtle species, especially the endangered green turtle. A network of canals winds through the lush rainforest, offering visitors a unique opportunity to explore by boat or kayak and immerse themselves in the park's unparalleled natural beauty. Pristine beaches, vibrant mangroves and dense forests make Tortuguero National Park a must-visit destination for nature lovers and conservationists, where adventure and ecological wonders blend harmoniously.

Bagaces is located in Costa Rica's Guanacaste province and is best known as the home of the stunning Llanos de Cortes waterfall. The city has a rich history and spectacular, scenic natural landscapes. Bagaces offers the perfect stopover to other nearby attractions, including the Miravalles Volcano National Park; the Lomas Barbudal Biological Reserve and the Palo Verde National Park, home to many species of migratory birds, as well as crocodiles, monkeys, deer, nose bears and the Jaguarundi. Don't miss the chance to try the deliciously fresh chicken dishes at the Restaurante Pollo Asado Las Lenas (better known as Katia's) and sing karaoke with the locals at one of the many karaoke nights.

The Central Pacific Coast is known for its excellent surfing opportunities, pristine beaches and quaint towns. Enjoy a wide range of wonderful activities such as; visiting the famous Manuel Antonio National Park with lush forests and a remarkably beautiful coastline, exploring the town of Jaco which serves as an excellent base to explore the beautiful west coast and enjoy the perfect beaches of Playa Blanca, Jaco Beach and Playa Hermosa. Other popular activities include swimming, surfing, hiking, fishing, bird-watching or just relaxing on the beach.

Santa Elena is located in the north of Puntarenas province in the beautiful Cordillera Tilaran. It is a small town a short distance from the breathtaking Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve. The town shares its name with the nearby Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve, which is about 5 kilometres away, adding to its natural allure. Despite its size, Santa Elena has a convenient centre, with a variety of luxury and cheap hotels, lodges and accommodation to meet the needs of every traveller. From the town, you can take horseback rides through the beautiful reserves of Monteverde and Santa Elena, as well as fascinating hiking tours and exciting canopy tours that showcase the beauty of the surrounding areas.

A side road off the Panamerican Highway takes you along an unpaved panoramic route to Monteverde. Despite the rugged route, many know how to find Monteverde's fairytale cloud forests. It is a magical place with special appeal to birdwatchers, artists and conservationists. Once again, the cloud forests show a totally different side of diverse Costa Rica. The forests are home to many mosses, ferns, bromeliads, insects and birds. Beautiful hiking trails can also be found here, for example over hanging bridges along the tops of the forest (called the 'canopy'). If you are looking for adventure, it is possible to fly over this canopy via a kind of cable car or get to know the forest from a new angle on a night hike. Monteverde is a place to fall in love with and should definitely not be missed in your trip to Costa Rica.