Manuel Antonio is a national park, located on the mid-Pacific coast, close to the town of Quepos. The park is open daily, except on Mondays, from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. and is one of the most popular national parks in Costa Rica. It’s advisable to plan your visit early in the day. Entrance to the park costs US$10 and you can hire a guide to show you around.

Before reading about what you can do in Manuel Antonio, make sure to also read about the Things to do in Quepos , as this is where you’ll most likely be looking for accommodation.

Here is a list of some of the things to do while visiting Manuel Antonio

Spend some time at the beach

There are quite a lot of beaches within the national park where you can spend your time but Playa Manuel Antonio is ,by far, the best within the park The waves are gentle and the current is not strong. You can spend some time soaking up the sun or enjoying a picnic after you’ve hiked in the jungle. Just make sure that someone is guarding the backpack all the time as the coatimundi really like to try to get to any food you might carry.

Hike in the jungle

There are four short trails (1-3 km) which can be tackled easily by anyone. Just make sure you wear comfortable and appropriate shoes.

Take a wildlife watching tour

Such tours cost from US$20 per person and the guide will tell you more about the animals you spot.

However, it is possible to see the animals on your own. The Capuchine Monkeys are known to move fast from one place to another , while the arboreal porcupines are high in the palm trees (use the zoom option for best photos). You may even spot some iguanas in some logs near the beaches.

Try some water sports

You can book an adventure trip and enjoy whitewater rafting on Rio Savegre or Rio Naranjo. Or if you’d rather stay away from the extreme sports, try snorkeling or sea kayaking.

Take a horse ride on the beach…or mountain

Horse riding on the beach can be a lovely, romantic way to explore the nature. While riding a horse on a mountain gives the opportunity to see views you might have not experienced otherwise.
There is a ranch located about 40 km from the park where you can book such tours. You don’t even need to have riding experience to try this.

A day at the spa

There are quite a lot of spas to choose from , all located close to the National Park. After a day exploring the park, you can invest some money for you own pleasure and relaxation.

Learn to surf

Kids and adults alike will have a lot of fun learning to surf. There are several companies which offer surf lessons.

Sport fishing

If you like to spend your time waiting for a fish to bite, then the park is a perfect place to nail a marlin or a sailfish. There are tour companies which offer sport fishing options.

Sunset Sail

There are companies which offer the possibility of sailing at sunset. The boat makes a stop along the way and you can swim or snorkel in the calm waters. The sunset sail also includes dinner. So you can easily turn this activity into a romantic escape with your loved one. Such a sunset cruise costs US$75 for an adult.

Ziplining in the rainforest

There are four companies which offer such activities. For example, Canopy Safari’s adventure includes 17 platforms, 19 zip lines and 3 rappels. The 5 hour safari costs US$75 for both adults and children. A meal is included in the price. Along the safari you’ll be able to spot different tropical birds, plants and flowers. A visit to the butterfly farm and serpentarium are also included in the price.

Photo credits:Playa Manuel Antonio , Wildlife , Horse ride on the beach , Surf lesson , Zip line

Original article can be found here: Things to Do in Manuel Antonio

Are you going to Costa Rica to take advantage of its great fishing, but don’t want to go a fishing charter? If you are lucky enough to have your own boat, or know someone who does, you are in luck. There are a ton of great fishing spots both on the coast and inland. So no matter when you are in the country, there is probably a great fishing spot nearby. Below are some of the most popular fishing spots in Costa Rica.

Northern Pacific – Tamarindo/Ocotal

This is the warmest area in Costa Rica and it also receives the lowest amount of annual rainfall. Despite these climatic facts, the fishing remains excellent offshore, inshore and in fresh water. Sailfish are a very popular species that fisherman pursue and great underwater habitat for these fish can be reached in a relatively short period of time, usually under an hour. Other hidden benefits of the fishing trips include the incredible scenery and the sightings of the occasional whale and sea turtles. For some people who go fishing the tuna may be the ultimate quarry to pursue or perhaps the roosterfish. Grouper also command a great deal of attention from anglers and those that chase them often wind up catching other species of reef fish, too. The fact that the local restaurants will prepare and cook your catch for you also, makes fishing in this area even more appealing.

Central Pacific – Manuel Antonio/Jaco

This centrally located area in Costa Rica remains the most commonly visited area for deep sea fishing. Anglers will find that deep waters produce large numbers and high quality specimens of popular fish species all year long. A testament for the excellent fishing points to the fact that fishing tournaments, that attract a great deal of attention, are held in this area annually. Jaco is attractive to the sport fisherman who seek a battle with a marlin or a sailfish. Deep water is crucial to sustain these popular billfish and the depths are less than an hour away. Manuel Antonio is consistently, the most popular fishing destination in Costa Rica. The reasons for this includes the predictably calm waters and the dense population of billfish species. The inshore action is very hot as well, so there are great opportunities for anglers with a wide variety of fishing interests.

Southern Pacific – Osa Peninsula

This area of Costa Rica accounts for a majority of all IGFA fishing records. This kind of history gives these fishing waters great appeal and allure for novice and experienced anglers, alike. The fertile shallow waters contain huge numbers of baitfish, which contributes heavily to the large concentrations of game fish species. The sail fishing opportunities are so good here that it is common for one boat to land over a dozen fish in a single day. Trolling also offers another method in which anglers can target additional species like the tuna and the huge dorado. Jacks and roosterfish are two more species that are known for their strong fights, which also are found here in great abundance. Whales and several species of sharks are commonly seen in this area also, which adds to the overall experience and helps to create vivid memories for a lifetime. Like other areas in Costa Rica, deep water is nearby which allows fisherman to quickly travel between inshore fishing and the highly desirable, big fish opportunities in deeper waters.

Carribean – Barra del Colorado/Tortuguero

This northeastern section of Costa Rica is very remote and only accessible by small plane or boat. The land is blanketed in rain forests and is home to a large population of sea turtles that return each year for nesting purposes. The Tarpon are responsible for the great fishing reputation that this location has developed over the years. While 100lbs is a big fish, these monster Tarpon occasionally break the 200 lb mark, which makes for quite a challenge since this fish are really strong fighters at any size. Tarpon are actually classified as one of the most difficult fish to land because they frequently jump up to 8 feet in the air and are known for their hard runs, away from the boat. These two factors result in the fish being natural experts at getting off of the hook too. Deep waters are nearby if additional fishing opportunities are sought and excellent snook fishing exists in inshore areas.

Lake Arenal/Caño Negro

Lake Arenal is the choice destination of fresh water anglers who are in pursuit of the rainbow and tiger bass species. This lake is man-made and is also the largest lake in Costa Rica. The experience here goes well beyond the fishing with the screams of howler monkeys, in the area, and the with the abundance of true rainforest scenery. There is ample natural cover in the lake, coupled with the large populations of fish, which create a winning combination for fisherman who enjoy the challenge of using artificial lures to catch the fish. Caño Negro is not well known, but it offers some truely unique opportunities in the eyes of any fisherman. There are freshwater Tarpon that call this area home as well as stable snook populations. These dark-colored Tarpons can reach a massive 7 feet in length and, like there salt water cousins, put up a legendary fight that is sure to test the strength and stamina of the most experienced fisherman.

Original article can be found here: Best Fishing Spots in Costa Rica

Aside from eco tours, Costa Rica is most popular for its fishing. Fishermen come from all over the world to fish these waterways and are rarely disappointed. While there are fishing charters all over the country, there are a few of them that are extremely popular. Be careful when selecting fishing tours, not all of them are created equal. Do your self a favor and ask around or read some reviews before you book your tour, especially if you are still stateside and making plans. Below are some of our picks for the best fishing charters in Costa Rica.

Golfito and Puerto Jimenez Sports Fishing

Costa Rican guides Golfito and Puerto Jimenez, along with Bobby McGuinness, Mike Hennessey and Mark Corn host this charter and they are available year-round. Bobby McGuinness achieved the world’s Top Captain Award of 2006 by the IFGA. On this charter, he hosts anglers on his 37-foot Cazador. Mark Corn is an acclaimed sportsman in his own right as a world record holder with his huge Colorado Snapper catch. Join these dynamic and world-renown captains for the Costa Rican fishing adventure of a lifetime.
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Costa Rica Charters: OSF Fishing

OSF Fishing offers both offshore sport fishing charters and inshore fishing charters. Costa Rica boasts of record-setting offshore game fish and this charter needs only to travel two to 30 miles offshore for a prolific game haul. OSF Fishing also offers inshore charters for Gulfo Dulce species like snapper, grouper and roosterfish – where Captain Mark Corn caught a record setting, 24 pound 8 ounce Colorado Snapper.

Costa Rica Charters: Marlin Fishing Costa Rica

The Marlin angler is a unique and special breed of sportsman. Seeking the Pacific Blue Marlin, the thrill of the hunt of this marvelous billfish is the name of the game on this charter. The approach is made, the target isolated and when the beast is hooked, the adrenaline starts to flow. The fish fights, flips and jumps for its freedom. Are you able to hang on?

Costa Rica Charters uses a 31-foot Blackfin sportfishing boat loaded with all the amenities to ensure a comfortable trip. On board are all the best and most up-to-date electronic fishing and safety gear.
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Captain Warren’s Billfish Adventure

Join Captain Warren Sellers hunting magnificent marlin on the Billfish Adventure in Flamingo / Tamarindo and Carrillo. Experience the excitement of catch and release of a giant marlin, or hooking a 100-pound sail with fly-fishing or conventional tackle. Charter with Costa Rica’s premiere sportfishing captain. Captain Warren’s charter rig is the ultimate fishing machine, powered by twin 300 HP inboard Cummins engines with all safety equipment, a Furuno Chart Plotter and Fish Finder, a stellar fighting chair and tower. Equipment includes Penn International Reels and fly-fishing gear. The charter is able to accommodate up to four anglers.
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Quepos Fishing Adventures

Charter and offshore for marlin, bull dorado, sailfish, grouper and snapper in Quepos, Costa Rica with Quepos Fishing Adventures. Inshore fishing just off the coast of Manuel Antonio is great as well with hauls of roosterfish, snapper and mackerel. In addition to their flagship the Estrella de Mar, Quepos Adventures offers two new fishing boats for inshore and offshore sport fishing. Inshore fishing is available aboard the Agua Azules and inshore or offshore fishing aboard the Mar I. Book early because summer dates fill up fast.
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Pacific Coast Voyages: Fishing Tambor

Tambor is adjacent to Bahia Ballena (Whale Bay), and is a easy going, but upbeat area for the Nicoya Peninsula of Costa Rica. Fishing Tambor provides fishing tours from Playa, Tambor. Your hosts will provide fresh fruit and soft drinks and beer upon request.

Choose from two boats: The Pura Vida II is an inshore / offshore 28 ft boat with a 150 hp Evinrude engine. The boat is equipped with a tee top, radio communication, a fish finder, a compass, GPS and safety gear. The Pura Vida, the second boat of choice, is equipped with a 40 hp Johnson Outboard motor and is ideal for an afternoon fishing tour in the bay. This boat is also equipped with a GPS, fish finder and safety gear.
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Lone Star Sportfishing

Lone Star Sportfishing is based out of Tamarindo and San Juanillo, Costa Rica. All charters include bottled water, soft drinks, beer and snacks. Bait and tackle is always included as well. Your hosts Juan Mungia and Alonso Gonzalez are both fluent in English and seek to provide guests with wonderful and exciting tours and great sportfishing experiences.
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CaribSea Sportfishing

Angle for giant yellowfin tuna, dorado, wahoo, roosterfish and snapper on this 46′ Guthrie Flybridge Sport fisher. She boasts a full size tuna tower, a 14′ beam, two staterooms that sleep four guests. The boat offers the speed and luxury to fish for one day or several days in the most fruitful big game waters in the world. Captained by Melvin Mora Fallas, with over 20 years experience sportfishing in Quepos, he is well regarded among his peers. Several world records and billfish catches on the fly tackle are attributed to Melvin and the 46′ Guthrie.
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Original article can be found here: Top Fishing Charters in Costa Rica

Mal Pais is a really small, but really cool place to visit. It is kind of a secret spot that only those in the surfing community really know about. Combine the lack of tourist information about there are with how hard it is to get there and you are blessed with a small town that is pretty unspoiled by modern development. Aside from the wealth of surf shops, everything here is pretty “local.” There are only a few places to eat, one club, and a handful of accommodations. There are however, plenty of things to do in the area, here are some of the most popular things to do.

Canopy and Zip Line Tours

One very popular activity for tourists while visiting Mal Pais is the canopy tours. Accompanied by an experienced tour guide, people can strap themselves into a safety harnesses and get ready for an absolutely thrilling adventure they will likely not forget. Climbing up the trees into the canopy to a platform in the tropical forest, a maze of zip lines awaits the thrill seeker. The individual will coast through the canopy of the forest, experiencing the ecosystem from a whole new point of view. Moving from platform to platform on top of the forest, the guides will educate the group on the diversity of plant and animal life in the area. A variety of local wildlife can be seen while on these tours including howler monkeys, coati, bats, iguanas, long-tailed manikins, coyotes, armadillo, opossum, marmot, parrots, birds and many more animals. There will be opportunities for people to take pictures and ask questions, all while taking in the amazing scenery of Costa Rica’s tropical forests with the occasional glimpse of the Pacific Ocean below in the distance. This is definitely one activity that should not be passed up while visiting Mal Pais. It combines thrill, adventure and nature into an exciting, action-packed afternoon.

Fishing

Many people travel to Mal Pais, Costa Rica for the fishing alone. Often times, people’s entire vacations will revolve around fishing on the Pacific for an entire week. Whether someone is an avid fisherman, or just wants to try and experience the life for a day, there is a tour available. There are a variety of fishing tours and charters available in Mal Pais. Go with the experienced local fisherman to the best spots and reel in the fish all day long. They can adapt the trip to your preferences or needs. They can use live bait, dead bait or even lures and can arrange for deep water fishing as well as shallow and flats fishing voyages. There are a variety of fish to be caught including yellow fin tuna, amberjack, Wahoo, sailfish, marlin, rooster fish, lady fish and many more. Whatever the individual’s delight, the local fisherman can arrange for it.

Surfing

One of the most popular surfing destinations in Costa Rica is Mal Pais. With the town’s shores located between the Central Pacific area and Guanacaste, the surfers in the area greatly benefit from the big swells associated with the wet season and winds. Add to this the absence of large crowds that would otherwise clog the area, and it is a surfer’s paradise. There are several spots in Mal Pais to catch a wave including Playa Hermosa, El Carmen, Santa Teresa, Playa de Los Suecos and Punta Barrigona.

ATV Tours

A great way to spend the afternoon exploring the jungles and beaches is by taking a half-day all terrain vehicle, or ATV, on a self-guided tour. The best part about these tours is that an individual can decide what they want to see and do at their own pace, without the worries of holding up a larger group. Self-guided tours also allow time for the riders to stop and enjoy the scenery as they feel necessary. Some riders will go through the jungle, spotting many different animals in their natural environment. Other people will choose to ride their ATV’s down to the beach for the afternoon and take a dip in the pristine waters of the Pacific ocean. There are always guided tours available for those who wish to experience an ATV that way. All terrain vehicles are exciting and can fulfill even the most adventurous tourists’ needs. The level of difficulty involved with riding these vehicles depends on the course of travel you choose.

Snorkeling and Diving

Many people travel to Mal Pais in order to get to Tortuga Island, one of the best diving spots in Costa Rica. This is a very famous diving spot, likely due to the fact that it is the only area in Central America with three sand banks. Only a half hour’s ride from the mainland, some of the most beautiful diving areas await the avid divers and snorkeling enthusiasts of all levels. Whether one prefers to dive the reefs or gigantic volcanic formations, during day or night, this place has it all. A variety of whales, sharks, rays, turtles, fish and crustaceans are plentiful in the area, making the experience unforgettable.

Original article can be found here: Things to Do in Mal Pais

If you are looking for a destination that has the perfect mix of touristy things to do and beautiful Costa Rican beaches, then Tamarindo is where you need to be. The area has become pretty developed over the years, but not so much that it is overrun with large hotels and chain restaurants. The Tamarindo area is nice because it really has something for every budget. Anyone from honeymooners to backpackers can come here and enjoy their stay. It is this reason we added Tamarindo to our top 10 cities in Costa Rica list.

Here are a few things you can do in the Tamarindo area:

Snorkeling

Tamarindo is also well known for its underwater masterpieces. Snorkeling is highly popular and widely recommended. Beneath the water’s surface lies a universe of color and wonder. Sea creatures of all kinds abound. Various types of coral as well as underwater volcanic formations may be viewed. Tours may be booked ahead of time and and vary from local short range snorkeling to longer range boat trips. Many tours are family friendly and encourage all ages participation. Peak season runs from December through April.

Learn to Surf

Do you want vacation photos to make everyone back home jealous? Looking for an out of the ordinary experience away from mundane days at the beach? Does dropping in and hanging ten sound like a great way to spend your time in Tamarindo? Have you ever considered surfing? Surfing, an exotic and aerobic pastime, is at its prime in Tamarindo. Burn calories while you learn to burn waves! The unique coastline of Tamarindo offers varying wave intensities perfect for the beginner through advanced surfers. Breaks all along Tamarindo are available to choose your own difficulty level. If you have never surfed before, lessons are available at the beaches. For advanced wave riders who know how to take off, peak surfing season is November through December, with waves at certain locales reaching up to twelve feet.

Go Turtle Watching

For those looking for a thrilling educational experience, witness the mating rituals of the Leatherback Turtle. Female Leatherback Turtles, the largest living of all sea turtles, come to Tamarindo each year between November and April to dig their nests and lay their eggs. The female turtle will dig a nest up to one meter deep, lay her eggs and then back fill the nest to prevent predators from uncovering her offspring. Two to three months later, the baby turtles emerge, dashing to the shore and hoping to evade predators. The Leatherback Turtle is an endangered species, with individual females mating only every two to three years. Sadly, many of her offspring will die off before they can reach adulthood. You can be witness to this beautiful nighttime ritual that takes place in so few parts of the world right from the beaches of Tamarindo.

Horseback Riding

If you want to get away from the sand and surf for the day think about trading in the snorkel and surfboard for reigns and a saddle. A wide variety of horseback tours are available for that needed change of pace. You can choose length and destination of your ride. Trail rides through the nearby Rincon de La Vieja National Park are available. Or, if you prefer, ride the sandy beaches while watching the sun set over the Pacific. There is nothing more romantic than experiencing first hand the wonders of Costa Rica on horseback with the one you love. The guided tours allow you to truly experience Tamarindo. From the saddle, you can see local dormant volcanoes, explore the jungle and view Costa Rica’s native flora and fauna.

Nightlife in Tamarindo

Nearly every night of the week there is a band playing at one of the many night clubs that Tamarindo has to offer. Live local entertainment brings the spirit of the South Pacific to life each night as nearly the entire town descends to party. The four most popular clubs in town are the Babylon, Mambo, Monkey and Pasatiempo. During peak season, these clubs are notorious for bringing in high quality entertainment along with droves of people ready to burn up the dance floor. If you are looking for a disco-style club there is the two-story air conditioned dance club Aqua, equipped with a 30 foot water fall. There are also two casinos in town for those interested in playing their luck. No matter what you are looking for, Tamarindo has it!

Deep Sea Fishing

Tamarindo, Costa Rica is world famous for big game fishing. Fishing may be done from the shore during peak season from December through April. Anglers from around the world flock to the sandy beaches of Tamarindo for big game fish like Blue Marlin, Wahoo or Sailfish. Off shore deep sea fishing charters are also available for those who want to spend time out on the open sea. Other smaller fish plentiful for reeling in include Grouper, Snapper, Sea Bass and Roosterfish. There are many choices of charter companies, with prices dependent on length of tour, reputation of the charter company and included amenities.

Original article can be found here: Things to Do in Tamarindo

Quepos made our list of top 10 cities in Costa Rica because it is packed with plenty of things to do for the adventure minded traveler. From deep sea fishing to waterfall repelling, Quepos has it all. Unlike some other adventure oriented cities on our list, Quepos is also great because it offers up plenty of beach exploring as well. This is something other adventure destinations like La Fortuna can’t offer. Below are a few of our favorite things to do in Quepos.

If you have any other suggestions, let us know and we will add them to the list!

Charter Boat Fishing in Puerta Quepos

There is a wealth of activities in Quepos, some that revolve around the sea and other that take advantage of the scenic panoramas. One thing that is a must for any sports enthusiast is a sport fishing trip. There are literally hundreds of charters available. Most can be got and rented ahead of time so that you can be assured to get a boat. If it is a family vacation you and the whole clan can go out to sea and bring home the big fish. These fishing trips are usually an all day event so be sure to block out the appropriate amount of time. Getting out to sea off the coast of Costa Rica gives you a chance to see Quepos in all of its splendor. Moving out from puerto Quepos you can see the ocean village surrounded by mountain peaks that drop into the ocean. Once out to the deep sea there is all manner of fish to be caught and rest assured that it will be a challenge to even the most advanced of fisherman.

Manuel Antonio National Park Guided Hike

For an affordable rate you can find half day hikes that will cover the majority of the park. The trails are fairly easy so you do not need to be an expert climber to enjoy this nature experience. Once out into the park you will be surrounded by the natural flora and fauna of Costa Rica. These hikes offer you unique chance to possible see monkeys and other native creatures while at the same time enjoying all the natural flowers and other plants. Views of gorgeous beaches and panoramas at the mountains peaks give you a once in lifetime look at this rain forest scenery. If you have never been to Costa Rica before this is a must do. The chance to see wildlife unique to Costa Rica is not something you can experience anywhere else.

Costa Rican Canopy Safari

A knowledgeable and friendly guide will take you through the tour high above the Costa Rican rain forest. Their insight and knowledge will teach about all of the different natural features of the Costa Rican environment. In addition you will be zipping from tree to tree at breakneck speed on your zip lines, so while the trip will be educational it is exhilarating as well. The guides will speak English so book a trip confidently even if your Spanish is not up to snuff. Most of the canopy tours are about five hours long so it will take up most of a day. There are also night safari’s available that will give you a totally different perspective from the day trip. The wild rain forest at night is something to behold.

Waterfall Rappelling

If you are a true outdoors man or woman and are looking for a challenge in the Costa Rican environment then waterfall rappelling is probably right up your alley. Strap in and descend down eighty five foot cascades on this once in lifetime activity. By going on a rappelling waterfall outing you will be literally immersing yourself in the Costa Rican environment. Get wet and dig in to enjoy Costa Rica in all of it’s glory. There is nothing quite like rappelling right down the middle of a waterfall in the middle of the rain forest. The company will provide you with all the equipment you need to hop in and get started right away. Feel the water rush past as you descend down the near vertical river. This is a once in lifetime experience you will not want to miss.

Tocari Waterfalls Horseback Ride

One of the most relaxing and casual activities that you can do in Quepos is a horseback ride to the Tocari waterfalls. Site back and let your expert guide take you down the trails to the gorgeous waterfalls. They will teach about the history of Costa Rica and give you lessons on all the local flora and fauna. A truly fun outing for the experienced and inexperienced rider. The trails are not to challenging and the horses can handle them easily. All you need to do is sit back and enjoy.

Original article can be found here: Things to do in Quepos

Due to its lack of commercial everything, Drake Bay made it on to our list of the top 10 cities in Costa Rica. While the area has gained some hotels and tour operators over the years, it is still very much untouched compared to some of the other popular destinations in Costa Rica. This is about as unspoiled of a place as you are going to find in Costa Rica. While the area is quaint, there are still a number of things to do in town and in the surrounding area. Here are a few of our favorite things to do in Drake Bay.

If you have any suggestions, let us know and we will add them to the list.

Isla del Cano and the Cano Island Biological Reserve

Visiting Isla del Caño and the Caño Island Biological Reserve is one of the most popular things to do Drake Bay, Costa Rica. The island is about a twelve mile boat ride from Drake Bay and is worth the journey. The island has beautiful coral reefs filled with fish and other wildlife which are waiting for a scuba diver to discover them. In fact, Isla del Cano is one of the most popular scuba diving locations in all of Costa Rica. The island also has beaches which allow easy access to the coral reefs for snorkelers.

Isla del Cano was also once home to a pre-Colombian civilization and is a great place to explore for the afternoon. The island has a cemetery and is home to some of the stone sphere sculptures that Drake Bay is known for. These stone spheres are thought to be carved by the ancient civilization that used to inhabit Drake Bay, but some mystery still surrounds them.

The Night Tour with Tracie

The Night Tour with Tracie is not for the squeamish or faint of heart. Tracie Stice also known as the bug lady leads nightly tours into the tropical rainforests to find and highlight the many bugs and insects that populate Drake Bay’s tropical rain forests. Tour goers should expect to see praying mantis, frogs, moths, and even snakes. Lucky Night Tour participants may even spot a tarantula or boa constrictor.

“The Bug Lady” Tracie Stice may know every fact and history of every bug in the rainforest but her approach to The Night Tour is definitely not boring or nerdy in any way. In fact, one of the many things she has researched is the military use of insects. Another interesting fact about The Night Tour is that there are very few biting bugs or mosquitoes on the tour so bug spray is often not necessary and fears of being led into the rain forest to be carried away by mosquitoes can be put to rest.

Drake Bay Canopy Adventure

When most people think of visiting the rain forests of Costa Rica, they think of traveling above the forest canopy on cables. The Canopy Adventure in Drake Bay does not disappoint. The six traverse cables link a series of platforms and raised walkways that allow you to soar above the rainforests wildlife and plants and truly get a bird’s eye view of one of the world’s last unspoiled tropical rainforests. One traverse cable is over three hundred feet long. The tour ends with a sixty foot rappel down to the ground near a stream.

Getting to the Canopy Adventure is also part of the fun, since the location is so remote you have to either arrive by a 4 x 4 or horse back. This adventure is a must do for anyone who seeks a thrill, loves to get back to nature and see the rainforest in its purest form.

Corcovado National Park

Corcovado National Park is one of the most famous rainforests in the world. National Geographic called Corcovado National Park “The most biologically intense place on Earth.” This national park is a definite must see for all visitors to Drake Bay, Costa Rica.

Corcovado National Park is home to the endangered baird’s tapir, American crocodile, jaguar, pumas, and even bull sharks. As with many tropical lowland rainforests Corocovado is also home to monkeys and a large array of plant life. Photographers will have the photo opportunities of their lifetime at Corcovado National Park.

The park can be walked in approximately two to three days by people in reasonably good fitness and there are a variety of guided tours available. Visitors can sleep overnight in a variety of ranger stations positioned throughout Corcovado National Park. Read more about camping in Costa Rica.

Visitors to Corcovado National Park may be drawn to the twenty three miles of beaches all of which remain unspoiled. There are also a variety of rivers and streams through the park. Swimmers should be careful because there are sharks and crocodiles in certain areas. Experienced guides lead tours through the park and know the safest places to swim and night swimming is even popular in some areas of the park.

Original article can be found here: Things to Do in Drake Bay

If you only have a limited amount of time to vacation in Costa Rica, I would highly suggest spending it in La Fortuna. This area has one of the highest concentration of all type of activities that are purely Costa Rica. You might not get the sun and beaches, but you get hot springs and volcanoes! Just about any sort of activity you want to partake in can easily be found in the area. And with a wide variety of accommodations, you can easily find one that fits your budget! There is even a super nice backpacking hostel that puts some area hotels to shame. It is called Arenal Backpackers.

The Volcano Arenal

Arenal in Costa Rica is a certain ‘must see’ on your list of travels around the world. One of the most famous sights in Arenal is its spectacular volcano. People flock from all over the world to see one of the most active volcanoes on Earth.

Almost everyday you can see hot lava flowing from the volcano as it rumbles into action sending columns of ash spewing into the atmosphere. Amazingly you can view these events in total safety from one of the many locations around the volcano itself.

Arenal Volcano is actually surrounded with many geological features and activities to entice your appetite for adventure and sightseeing with magnificent views.

The Hot Springs

There are many hot springs around the volcano including Baldi Springs which is 10 miles into the safety zone around the Arenal Volcano. There are ten hot pools which are serviced by a network of springs; these pools offer different temperatures ranging from warm to hot. You will also find two swim bars, a restaurant and changing facilities so you can change into your bathing attire before going for a warm swim in the pools. The Baldi springs are conveniently situated near the small town of La Fortuna making them easily accessible to travelers.

Baldi Springs is located nearer the inactive crater of Arenal Volcano and well situated so you are not to far from other activities that are available to the area such as; the more private Eco Thermales which has four hot pools a nearby waterfall, some amazing scenery and what better way to top it all off than have a delicious meal at the restaurant close by. Here is a complete list of hot springs in La Fortuna.

Town of La Fortuna

The nearby town of La Fortuna is itself a hive of activity and places to see. The town also has many hotels, banks, services, supermarkets and stores; so your every need is well catered for in the locality. The majority of which are nicely located within one or two blocks of each other in the town center.

La Fortuna offers some spectacular views and is only 4 miles away from Arenal Volcano. This is a picturesque town full of history and friendly people. You will find easy access to all activities in the region from horse riding, hikes and tours.

Famed as one of Costa Rica’s adventure centers you will definitely need to spend some time in the locality as there is just so much on offer to the region. It is actually quite difficult to put a time frame on your visit to La Fortuna as you will always find something that is new and exciting to experience.

Things to Do

Among the other experiences and adventures you will find situated in or around La Fortuna are; cave exploration, whitewater rafting, climbing, and various waterfall activities, plenty of hot springs and canopy expeditions around the volcano.

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Also local to the area is Costa Rica’s largest body of water inland. Lake Arenal is full of activities; again with so much to experience you will need more than a couple of days stay in the area. The lake was increased in size by three times in 1968, and hosts Arenal Dam a hydroelectric facility that services 9% of Costa Rica’s electrical energy; a sight that is a must see on your visit to the Lake.

The lakes activities include many water sports such as windsurfing, kayaking and boating, fishing and excursions. You will experience beautiful scenery and views of the more active side of Arenal Volcano, especially night time displays from the lava flows and minor eruptions of hot ash from the summit.

Rainbow Bass sport fishing is one of the big attractions for the fishermen and women who visit the Lake, which is usually best experienced at sunset of sunrise for the best catches.

The main activities are centered around El Castillo which is on the southern most tip of the lake and nearer to the Arenal Volcano. There you will find hotels and inns, places to eat and Arenal Observatory Lodge where you can safely experience the views of Arenal Volcano and the amazing surroundings of Lake Arenal.

Why not try ‘Guapote’ a fish that is caught locally with a tasty white meat. These fish are known for there fighting characteristics and sharp teeth, so if you do go out and catch them before eating the fish be sure to expect to put up a fun fight with these members of the Cichlid family.

One thing is for certain that when you visit the area surrounding Arenal Volcano in Costa Rica you will have a world of experiences that are unique to the region, even the world. Once campaigned to be included in the ‘Seven Wonders of the World’, Arenal Volcano is definitely a place that will never leave you. Often people return again and again to take in more of what they didn’t get round to see on their previous visits as there is that much to experience.

Arenal, Costa Rica is a place memories are made of, and a place for the whole family to enjoy. Only one thing is left to do; pack your cases and get yourself out here as words to describe this magnificent land are hard to find.

Original article can be found here: Tips on Visiting Arenal and La Fortuna