EcotourismPartly in order to continue to encourage ecotourism, the Costa Rican authorities have set aside a large proportion of the country (around 26 per cent of the total land area) as national parks and protected areas. There is good road access to most of these areas, and public transport is available. Nature trails and tracks are well developed. The country has a stunning variety of landscapes, micro-climates, flora and fauna, and nature lovers will not be disappointed. The highland area in the center consists of four mountain ranges. Some of the country’s great attractions
are its eight active volcanoes. The sight of
Arenal, in the Sierra Volcánica Guanacaste in the northwest, erupting at night is truly spectacular. In the foothills of
Rincón de la Vieja, the mud pools bubble permanently. It is possible to bathe in the hot springs in this area. The central highlands are the most accessible for the visitor, and feature
Poás, whose crater contains a boiling sulphurous lake, and
Irazú, its desolate landscape resembling the surface of the moon. The country’s tallest peaks are in the non-volcanic Cordillera de Talamanca near Panama, and include the impressive
Chirripó (12,533ft/3828m). The upper slopes of the mountains are often covered by cloudforest, characterized by the algae, mosses and lichens on the permanently wet surfaces. Numerous orchids and ferns grow here, but the forests’ most notable inhabitant is the Resplendent Quetzal (a bird). Lower down is the rainforest. Best visited in the company of an experienced guide (in part, because it is so easy to get lost), these forests are filled with elusive wildlife. Among the creatures they harbor are monkeys, armadillos, sloths, crocodiles, and birds such as toucans, parrots and macaws. Sea turtles can be observed in the
Tortuguero region at certain times of the year. Depending on what the visitor wants to see, it is best to visit in the dry season (from December to April). For further information, see the
Climate section.
WatersportsThe most popular adventure sport is white-water rafting. Outfitters and guides can arrange trips. The
Reventazón River (class III) is suitable for beginners, while more experienced rafters can tackle the
Pacuare (class IV) and the
Pascua (class V) rivers. The best times to go are from May to November.
Lake Arenal was recently voted one of the world’s top windsurfing spots. Situated at 5580ft (1700m) above sea level, the lake offers its best windsurfing between April and December.
Puerto Soley on the northern Pacific coast offers good ocean windsurfing. Kayaking and ocean kayaking are gaining in popularity. Surfing is possible at many beaches, being especially popular at
Pavones on the Pacific coast and at
Playa Naranjo in the northwest. This part of the country also offers excellent diving and snorkeling, with more than 20 local dive sites. Tuition and equipment hire are widely available.
Cocos Island, praised by Jacques Cousteau, and
Caño Island off the southwest coast, are also good diving areas.
FishingThe Pacific coast, from the Gulf of Papagayo to Golfito offers excellent sport fishing. Sailfish, marlin, tuna and wahoo are among the catches. The
Tortuguero Canals and the area around
Barra del Colorado offer good freshwater game fishing, while trout can be caught in the country’s mountain streams.
Other activitiesMountain biking can be done on the trails in the forests and national parks. Hotels have equipment for hire and some specialist operators organize trips. Horseriding is also easily arranged. Because a different type of saddle and stirrups are used, even experienced riders may need to take some time to get used to their mounts. Beginners should arrange to have tuition beforehand, as working ranch horses are often used on rides. Canopy touring is becoming popular as well; it entails being attached to a harness and ‘flying’ through the jungle canopy via a series of cables. Bungee jumping and ballooning are also available.
Next Page »
