Overland Costa Rica: Off the Beaten Path

Cushioned in the valley between the Central American mountain ranges and volcanic peaks, the Costa Rican capital is surrounded by lush green landscapes. San José forms the epicenter of the spectacular Central Valley region, overlooked by verdant mountains and volcanic peaks. The city offers an interesting mix of its Spanish colonial heritage and modern identity, along with coffee plantations, spa destinations and tropical gardens towards its outskirts. Within the city, the San José’s Gold Museum is worth a visit, while the Barrio Amon neighborhood sports colonial structures converted into modern art galleries. For food buffs, the neighborhood of Barrio Escalante is known for some of the best Costa Rican dishes in town. The bustling Saturday markets are worth dropping by too, busy with shoppers and colorful stalls selling local wares and artifacts.

The beautiful region of Arenal serves as the perfect base for exploring Costa Rica’s highland country of volcanic peaks, ancient caves, hot water springs and national parks. The drive up towards the Arenal Volcano National Park is spectacular. Framed against a majestic backdrop of forest-covered volcanic mountains, this is the perfect adventure destination. The La Fortuna waterfalls with its natural lagoon, the Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge, and the Arenal National Park with its tumbling waterfalls, hiking trails and natural hot springs has been drawing nature travelers from around the globe. There are a range of activities for adventure seekers in this part of the country, ranging from sky trekking, canopy walks, kayaking and rafting to fishing, cultural tours, coffee and chocolate tours. The small highland town of La Fortuna forms the gateway to the Arenal Volcano National Park. With its relaxed atmosphere, the town has a pleasant nightlife, quirky art galleries and souvenir shops.

Head out at a convenient time on this enjoyable exploration of Arenal Volcano National Park on this self-guided activity. Choose to hike the two-mile (3.2 km) trail of hanging bridges that cuts across the lush rainforest at your own pace. Traverse the jungle canopy as you try to spot different species of monkeys, endemic bird species, colorful butterflies, curious armadillos, and other types of wildlife. You can even step aboard the open-air gondola for a bird’s eye view of the Arenal region. You could also try zip-lining over the park, traveling between the mountain tops. Stop by the Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge to discover the surprises in store at this bio-diverse wetland region considered the third most important in the world. After a busy day of exploring, you can choose to rejuvenate with a relaxing soak in the heated mineral waters of a spa with natural hot springs before calling it a day! (Half Day/Full Day; Self-guided Activity & Transfers; Please note that entrance fees and meals have to be paid for on-site.)

The Tenorio Volcano, rising majestically from the northern plains of Costa Rica, is one of the country’s best-kept secrets, a little over an hour-and-a-half from Arenal. The volcano and its surrounding forests form part of the vast Tenorio Volcano National Park, which is home to four different life zones. Trek through secret forest trails, where you might come across Roseate Spoonbills, tapir and howler monkeys. Experience the thrill of crossing the forest canopy on hanging bridges or walking the Lago las Dantas Trail, which winds through the ethereal cloud forest, home to puma and jaguars. Hike to the exquisitely colored Rio Celeste waterfall, which according to local legend, gets its striking turquoise hue from the gods who dipped their paintbrush in its waters while painting the sky.

Monteverde sits between two cloud forests, skirted by the picturesque village of Santa Elena. This pretty little highland town offers breathtaking views of the surrounding cloud forests, something that even seasoned travelers cannot get enough of. The biodiverse Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve packed with hiking trails among tropical plant life, jaguars and exotic quetzals is definitely worth exploring. Monteverde is also known for its organic farming and alternative energy sourcing. If you want to leave your comfort zone behind, and find a place that teaches self-reliance, all etched out against a backdrop of raw natural beauty, Monteverde is the place for you. Experience a world so different from your own that it may just end up redefining your idea of travel.

Soak in the breathtaking beauty of the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve in this self-guided activity. Saunter around the sprawling park with its beautiful strangler fig plants and gently flowing streams. Take a closer look at the exotic species of orchids, ferns, climbing vines, and beautiful carpets of velvety moss. Watch out for butterflies as they flutter past as also rare birds. You can choose to explore a sprawling coffee plantation to understand how this potent brew is made. If you like, you can head over to the lush rainforest of Selvatura Park. Enjoy walking over the network of hanging bridges that take you across the jungle canopy and make for a unique experience. Keep an eye out for exotic birds and other wild animals that inhabit the treetops. You could also get an aerial perspective of the region with a zip line tour of the lush vegetation. Stop by the hummingbird and butterfly garden which makes for plenty of photographic opportunities before you decide to turn back. (Half Day/Full Day; Self-guided Activity; No Guide; No Transfers Included; Please note that entrance fees and meals have to be paid for on-site.)

Cushioned in the valley between the Central American mountain ranges and volcanic peaks, the Costa Rican capital is surrounded by lush green landscapes. San José forms the epicenter of the spectacular Central Valley region, overlooked by verdant mountains and volcanic peaks. The city offers an interesting mix of its Spanish colonial heritage and modern identity, along with coffee plantations, spa destinations and tropical gardens towards its outskirts. Within the city, the San José’s Gold Museum is worth a visit, while the Barrio Amon neighborhood sports colonial structures converted into modern art galleries. For food buffs, the neighborhood of Barrio Escalante is known for some of the best Costa Rican dishes in town. The bustling Saturday markets are worth dropping by too, busy with shoppers and colorful stalls selling local wares and artifacts.