Outdoor Adventures in Costa Rica

La Paz Waterfall Gardens. Located one hour from San Jose, La Paz Waterfall Gardens lets you experience the essence of Costa Rica - lush tropical rainforests, flowing white rivers, majestic waterfalls, fluttering butterflies, whimsical hummingbirds and beautiful gardens. Wander the trails of La Paz Waterfall Gardens and delight at the five tall mountain waterfalls that line the trail. The 50- foot high Butterfly Observatory, the largest in the world, is an enclosed structure that allows butterflies to soar freely while you walk through their natural habitat. The Hummingbird Garden attracts 24 different species of the birds, more than any other in Costa Rica. Visit www.waterfallgardens.com.

Rainforest Aerial Tram. At the North Eastern border to Braulio Carillo National Park, North American biologist Donald Perry has set up a private project for nature protection. One of the highlights is an aerial tram of more than 1-mile length with 16 cars flying through the canopy of the rainforest at a height of over 56 feet. You will be informed about this unique rainforest project and the construction of the aerial tram with a 15 minute video before the exciting 90-minute glide through the lush canopy of trees with a naturalist guide. There are also possibilities for self and guided nature walks on the many beautiful rainforest trails.  [Top]

Rara Avis Biological Reserve. Rara Avis Biological Reserve is a remote virgin forest area of more than 2,471 acres at the eastern side of Braulio Carillo National Park protected by a private initiative. In Rara Avis, more than 330 different kinds of birds and innumerable bromeliad, orchids and lianas have been discovered. Wildlife in the huge forest area includes monkeys, anteaters, coatimundis, tapirs and jungle cats. The biological research station is an excellent example that the rainforest can be made economically productive and be saved from destruction.

Turubari Tropical Park. Discover nature, sports, adventure and entertainment at Turubari - the largest tropical park in the Americas and a pristine natural environment preserving Costa Rica’s land, wildlife, and eco-tourism. Explore the park’s 583 acres of beautiful land and ancient mountains. Discover forest and mountain trails, wildlife attractions, butterflies, birds, botanical gardens, adventure tours and Costa Rica’s cultural history. Enjoy a magical journey through botanical gardens - heliconias, palm, bamboo, cactus, bromeliad, orchid - and butterfly gardens with more than 300 species of wild plants, flowers and ancient trees, and 150 bird species. Encounter diverse animals like 9 foot crocodiles, iguanas and horses. Enjoy river views of wild aquatic birds from the Riverside Balcony, encounter the crocodiles at Crocodile Pond and visit the Iguana Zoo. Soar above the park on the Aerial Tram, go horseback riding, trek along 7 miles of Wild Forest Trails, and tour three miles of Bird Watch Trails. Brave the 60-foot high Tarzan Swing and climb the 260-foot rock climbing wall over a cliff. Zip through the trees on the Canopy Tour or glide on the Sensational Cable at 50 MPH. Take a plunge in the mountain water swimming pool in the middle of the mountain under ancient trees. Only 90 minutes from San Jose, Turubari is a destination of exciting adventures and wonders of nature. Visit www.turubari.com.  [Top]

Lankester Botanical Gardens. Lankester Botanical Gardens is one of the most active botanical institutions of the Neotropics. Internationally recognized for its collections of epiphytes, Lankester Botanical Gardens is a center for the exhibition, conservation and research of tropical epiphytic plants, with a special interest in orchids. On 11 hectares, the field collections, greenhouses and secondary forests host over 3,000 species of plants that come from botanical expeditions and exchanges with botanical institutions throughout the world. Most of the plants have reliable origin to be added to the database. They are also used for creating reference collections such as flowers in liquid, dehydrated tissue for genetic material analysis, seeds, and pollinaria. Visit www.jardinbotanicolankester.org.

Monteverde Cloud Forest. Straddling the Continental Divide at 4662 feet, the Santa Elena and Monteverde Cloud Forest reserves are the most compelling destinations in Costa Rica. On of the top ecotourism spots in Central America, Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve contains 6 distinct ecological zones. Hikers find over 100 species of mammals including 5 species of cats, 400 species of birds, tens of thousands of insect species (over 5000 species of moths), 2,500 species of plants and 420 kinds of orchids in the cloudy rainforest. One of the most outstanding wildlife and bird watching refuges in the New World Tropics, the area is rich with birds, insects, butterflies, and plants. At a higher elevation of 5,600 feet, the cloudier, wetter Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve contains 7 miles of trails and a canopy observation tower. The Reserve offers great views of Arenal Volcano and Lake Arenal. With a rich diversity of flora and fauna, Bajo del Tigre (Jaguar Canyon), an area of the Children's Eternal Rain Forest of Costa Rica, is in a transition zone on the Pacific slope that offers a different habitat from other rainforests in Costa Rica. Visit www.monteverdeinfo.com.   [Top]

La Fortuna de San Carlos. Located in Alajuela province, La Fortuna is the gateway to Arenal Volcano, Costa’s Rica’s most active volcano, Arenal Lake and the cloud forests of Monteverde and Santa Elena. This charming town offers panoramic views of Arenal, cascading waterfalls and thermal springs. From the plaza, you can see Arenal erupt and put on a brilliant show of glowing red rocks tumbling down its sides. Trek over the breathtakingly beautiful La Fortuna Waterfall that falls from a dizzying height of 70 meters. Rejuvenate in natural mineral pools and warm waterfalls just beyond town. Amidst stunning greenery, rare orchids and waterfalls, Tabacon Hot Springs and Baldi Hot Springs are peaceful spots to indulge in the tranquility of thermal waters with views of Arenal. White water rafting, hiking, kayaking, canoeing, fishing, horseback riding, canopy tours and Caño Negro Boat Tours are fun outdoor activities to enjoy in La Fortuna. Nearby, Venado Caves is an amazing cave and underground river with stalactites and stalagmites in unique shapes. Visit www.fortunawelcome.com.

Guayabo National Monument. Guayabo National Monument is one of the most important archeological areas discovered in Costa Rica. Covering a massive area from the province of Alajuela in Costa Rica to Columbia, Guayabo National Monument protects archeological structures like mounds, bridges, and aqueducts, as well as drums of high rainforest. Due to its location and geographic structure, Costa Rica is a significant place for the meeting of different pre-Columbian and South American cultures.

Reventazon River. Flowing down Costa Rica’s Atlantic Slope down the Colorado delta system to the Caribbean Sea, Reventazon is a long, white water river that offers the ultimate water adventure at an elevation of 4800 feet. Enjoy white water rafting and kayaking on 60-miles of white water that snakes through Reventazón Valle, mountains, and rainforests - an exciting way to see the country and spot toucans, kingfishers, herons, tanagers, iguanas and green lizards. The Class III Florida Section - the fastest 10 miles of Class III rapids in Costa Rica - offers thrilling big waves, hydraulics, and stunning scenery. With many access points along the river, paddlers and rafters can create a variety of day trips. The drive from San Jose takes you through Braulio Carrillo National Park, rainforest and waterfalls and across the Continental Divide to the Caribbean.  [Top]