At just under 20.000 square miles, Costa Rica offers an incredible variety of things to see and do in a relatively small area.  Nestled between Nicaragua and Panama, it boasts extensive coastlines on both the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans, volcanoes, and abundant rainforests.  People are drawn to hiking, exploration, surfing, yoga retreats, gastronomy, and reconnecting with nature, It's one of the best places on the planet to enjoy all these activities and observe exotic wildlife.  But Costa Rica is more than secluded beaches, here are some activities to help you make the most of this Central American gem:

1.      La Fortuna

Located in the northwest of the country, in the province of Alajuela, the town of La Fortuna is an excellent starting point.  The near then active (but currently dormant) Arenal volcano is surrounded by lush rainforest, rivers and waterfalls, so this town is a great hub for everything you could want to do in the area.  But if you're looking for a truly special experience, book a stay at Tabacón Thermal Resort and Spa.  It's a luxurious experience, with thermal waterfalls and hot springs, all naturally heated by the volcano itself, and its rooms offer magnificent views of the rainforest.

2.      Corcovado

Acclaimed by National Geographic as "the most biologically intense place on the planet", this national park is a must-see destination for any nature lover.  Located on the stunning and isolated Osa Peninsula, the park encompasses cloud forests, montane forests, grasslands, wetlands, mangroves, and even ocean habitats.  The biodiversity of the flora and fauna is simply unparalleled, you'll likely see tapirs, sloths, monkeys, caimans, toucans, and much more.  There are no hotels or lodges inside the park, and hiring a guide is highly recommended.  However, booking a tour is affordable and will be an unforgettable experience.

3.      Manuel Antonio

It may be Costa Rica's smallest national park, but Manuel Antonio boasts an incredible array of beaches, rainforest, and coral reefs, and it's much easier to reach than Corcovado.  Here, the rainforest meets pristine white-sand beaches, offering the chance to hike and snorkel in the same day.  The rainforest teems with exotic mammals (such as squirrel monkeys and sloths) and birds, and you can hike to the iconic Punta Catedral for panoramic ocean views and spectacular sunsets.  It's located just a few miles from the town of Quepos, which has numerous hotels and restaurants.

4.      River rafting

If you want to admire Costa Rica's natural beauty from a different perspective, you should definitely experience a river rafting trip.  The Costa Rican mountains offer truly excellent whitewater rafting experiences, immersing you in the rainforest without the noise of the motor interfering with your experience.  Expert guides can take you to idyllic pools and waterfalls from which you can jump. There are many local operators to choose from, and trips typically take place on the shimmering Pacuare River (which National Geographic has called "one of the best rivers in the world for rafting") on one or two-day excursions, offering the same amount of excitement and stunning scenery.

5.      Snorkeling and Diving

On the Caribbean coast, you'll find deserted beaches with warm and turquoise waters, perfect for incredible diving, and the epicenter of diving and snorkeling is Punta Uva.  Located in the heart of the Gandoca-Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge, Punta Uva boasts abundant marine life, there, you'll find vibrant coral reefs teeming with fish, turtles, and much more.  This dive center is an excellent place to get certified for the first time or for advanced divers to explore an underwater paradise.  And at night, you can find some of the best examples of Costa Rica's delicious Caribbean cuisine, so it's a sure bet.

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