Destinations

Top 5 things to see in Costa Rica

With the UK becoming the largest tourist market for Costa Rica this year, Lina Molloholli picks the best places to explore

1. Tortuguero National Park

In the northern Caribbean, Tortuguero National Park offers exceptional biodiversity. Its remote location will allow travellers to see wildlife such as toucans and iguanas – and in September, they can witness turtle eggs hatching.

Newmarket Holidays’ nine-day Costa Rica’s Nature Paradise starts from £2,304 for November departures.
newmarketholidays.co.uk

2. Arenal Volcano

This conservation area is a must-do in Costa Rica. Abercrombie & Kent’s 10-night tour offers a morning exploring the trails on horseback – for beginners and experienced riders – and an afternoon kayak tour. Prices start from £4,675.
abercrombiekent.co.uk

Rio Celeste

3. Rio Celeste

The waters and falls of Rio Celeste in Tenorio Volcano National Park are well worth exploring – and not just for their striking ice-blue hue. Guests on an Intrepid tour can take a donut ride or rafting tour along the river. They can also share a meal with the indigenous Maleku community and find out how they’re supporting reforestation.

A 15-day tour costs from £1,036, excluding flights.
intrepidtravel.com

Toucan

4. Manuel Antonio National Park

Known for its white sandy beaches, exotic flowers, emerald rainforest and breathtaking sunsets, Manuel Antonio National Park is also home to white-faced capuchin monkeys, coatimundis and sloths.

Explore’s 15-day Costa Rica Adventure Tour starts from £2,780 excluding flights.
explore.co.uk

Costa Rica beach

5. Monteverde Cloud Forest by night

In the Cordillera de Tilaran mountain range, this cloud forest is popular with nature lovers. During mating season the rare resplendent quetzal migrates to the park, which is home to nocturnal pit vipers and two-toed sloths.

G Adventures offers night tours on its 16-day Costa Rica Adventure, which costs from £1,279 excluding flights.
gadventures.com

PICTURES: Shutterstock/CL-Medien, Isaac Barrantes, Olcay Met, Parkol


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