Located just 2-hours drive northwest of San Jose, the little Costa Rican town of La Fortuna rests at the foot of the majestic Arenal Volcano. La Fortuna provides an excellent base for visitors to explore the beautiful surrounding area, most notably the scenic Arenal Volcano National Park. Photographers will delight in the spectacular views provided by several lookout points along sublime hiking trails, which wind through lush rainforests and past idyllic natural hot springs. The glistening Arenal Lake, which is the largest lake in the country, offers fantastic opportunities to practice water sports. Don’t miss the beautiful La Fortuna waterfall and natural pool. Visitors can also look forward to wildlife tours, coffee plantation tours, and cacao farm tours, as well as an array of excellent restaurants and shops in the town centre.
Sandwiched between the towering Poas and Barva Volcanoes in Heredia Province, Costa Rica, the small village of Vara Blanca serves as a significant transport hub connecting the northern parts of the country. At only 32 km from San Jose's Juan Santamaria International Airport, the village lies close to many of Costa Rica's most popular attractions. Vara Blanca’s primary drawcard is undoubtedly La Paz Waterfall Gardens, with its exceptional hiking trails through virgin rainforest, ten animal exhibits, five waterfalls, and more than 100 animal species. Poas, one of the largest and most active volcanoes in the country, is another must-see. A short walk from the Poás Volcano National Park’s visitor centre will lead you to the crater, where you will find a spectacular blue-green lake and evidence of some minor volcanic activity. Barva Volcano is extinct, but there is still plenty of intriguing wildlife to see on its forested slopes.
An exuberant blanket of dense rainforest encompasses over 77 000 acres on the northeastern coast of Costa Rica at Tortuguero National Park, a biodiverse wonderland and sanctuary for a rich array of wildlife, including jaguars, monkeys, sloths, and an astonishing variety of bird species. The park's name, meaning "Land of Turtles," highlights its significance as a nesting ground for several sea turtle species, most notably the endangered green turtles. A network of canals weaves through the lush rainforest, offering visitors a unique opportunity to explore by boat or kayak, immersing 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 enthusiasts and conservationists, where adventure and ecological wonders intertwine harmoniously.
Located in central Costa Rica, the Central Valley is home to over 70% of the country’s population. This remarkably beautiful area makes up most of Costa Rica’s interior and boasts many coffee plantations blanketing the hillsides and is fringed by rugged mountains and two active volcanoes, Irazu and Poas. Visitors can look forward to a number of wonderful attractions such as: the Iglesia de San Jose Orosi, built in 1734, it is the oldest church in Costa Rica; the famous town of Cartago, the country’s oldest town; as well as Poas Volcano National Park, home to the most active volcano in the country and Irazu National Park, home to the largest and highest active volcano in Costa Rica.
