A tour of Costa Rica† Do you like adventure travel? Are you not averse to rafting down foaming rivers, abseiling from sky-high mountain peaks and hiking over the solidified lava of an active volcano† But do you also see yourself stretched out in a hammock on a white beach with the azure sea tickling at your feet? Then is Costa Rica your dream destination! You may not know it yet, but this country has everything you need for a fascinating holiday. To make it easy for you, we have mapped out an exciting tour for you. All you need is a rental car and a healthy dose of travel jitters. Of course you can also choose to go backpacking in this beautiful country. You don't have to worry about transport, there are countless options for buses, minivans, taxis and other means of transport that can be booked via this website.
Also read: The 10 Most Beautiful National Parks in Costa Rica | Sustainable Ecotourism
Note: We also strongly advise anyone traveling to a country or area that may prevent Malaria or other diseases such as Yellow Fever and Hepatitis not to jump to conclusions from this or other articles. Always make an appointment with one of the specialists of the GGD. The information they have is always up-to-date and that is why they can advise you specifically based on the specific travel plans you have.
Capital San Jose
Of course you start your tour in Costa Rica in the turbulent capital of Costa Rica, San José. The pleasant bustle in this city makes you immediately realize that you are in Latin America. The Josefinos, as the inhabitants are called here, keep the street life alive and vibrant. Plenty of time to browse the local markets and have a drink at one of the many bars. If you like a nice cup of coffee, then this is the place for you. The many coffee plantations around the city provide the best beans for a delicious cup of coffee. And you would almost forget, but this city is located at an altitude of 1170 meters!
Volcano Arenal | La Fortuna de San Carlos
Enough city-sightseeing, time for some adventure during your trip through Costa Rica! With your rental car you race directly north to stop at the town La Fortuna de San Carlos† You have now arrived at the base of the smoky Arenal volcano. Before you decide to conquer the volcano, take the time to relax in one of the hot springs around La Fortuna. Nice with your feet up while the Arenal beckons in the distance. Bathed out? Then it's time to climb the Arenal. If you dare, you can hike up over the solidified lava. In the distance you can see the lava glowing red. The Arenal may not roar as loudly anymore but it is still active. Don't be alarmed if you hear a rumble!
Also read: Top 10 Volcanoes in Iceland | Otherworldly, impressive and active
Rincon de la Vieja
From the Arenal you quickly reach the national park of Rincon de la Vieja, a must see during your tour in Costa Rica. Here you will also encounter an active volcano, namely the Rincon de la Vieja of the same name. The hike to the crater rim is exciting, not to mention the view. Along the way you can spot many exotic animals, although they are sometimes so well camouflaged that you can hardly see them.
Also nice are the bubbling mud pools and steaming geysers. Take a good look around you, because howler, spider and capuchin monkeys walk in the park. Just like armadillos, coatis and leopards. If you want to experience really blood-curdling moments, do the canopy tour and float through the meter-high treetops with the help of steel cables. Definitely an unforgettable experience!
Monteverde in the fog
Still in the north of Costa Rica you will find the cloud forest of Monteverde. Here you constantly have the wonderful feeling of walking with your head in the clouds through the ever-present fog. You can also do the canopy tour in this fairytale forest. But perhaps just as exciting is the skywalk. In Monteverde there are many suspension bridges and paths built high through the trees. You almost feel like Tarzan, hopping from one treetop to another. Monteverde is known for its wealth of special birds. So keep your eyes wide open while swinging. A night walk through this dense forest is very special. Life here really starts in the evenings.
Surfing in Playa Tamarindo
During your tour of Costa Rica there is also time for sun and sea! And where better than in the beautiful resort of Playa Tamarindo on the west coast of Costa Rica. Here you can stretch out on romantic white beaches on the coast of the Pacific coast, complete with palm trees, crystal clear water and swinging hammocks. Feel like surfing? Then you are completely at the right place here. Playa Tamarindo feels like a laid-back surf town like you had in 50s California. The waves here are great, so don't hesitate and rent a surfboard from one of the surf shops in town and dive into the sea!
Corcovado National Park
In the southwest of Costa Rica you will find the national park of Corcovado, also called the Amazon of Costa Rica. This is the time for you vaccinations test for reliability! This park is best known for its monkeys and highly poisonous frogs.
Vaccinations while traveling is the specialist for travel vaccinations and vaccinations in the Netherlands. The specialized vaccination nurses and doctors advise and vaccinate more than 35.000 travelers every year.
Obtained vaccinations can be put in an official vaccination passport (yellow booklet).
In most cases, the vaccinations can be reimbursed via the health insurance - contact your health insurer for this.
- Low prices
- Often fully reimbursed
- Evenings and weekends
- Yellow booklet / passport
- Locations throughout the Netherlands
Don't be afraid: leave the frogs alone and they will leave you alone. A visit to Corcovado is overwhelming, partly because of the enormous diversity of flora and fauna. Don't be surprised if you see tapirs, anteaters or (hopefully from a distance) cougars. This tropical rainforest even has a kilometer-long beach at its disposal, so after a day of sweating in the tropical rainforest you just dive into the Pacific Ocean. How cool is that! By the way, don't just jump into Corcovado Lake, there's a good chance that there are crocodiles swimming around.
Manuel Antonio National Park
Also on the west coast you will find the natural beauty of Manuel Antonio, a fantastic piece of untouched nature and a must visit during your tour in Costa Rica. Here on the Pacific coast you can relax on the white sandy beaches and then go into the tropical rainforest. Raccoons, iguanas, sloths and many monkey species meander around you on one of the many walking tours through this park. Have fun with white water rafting, diving, horseback riding or do a canopy tour here. According to many, this national park is the most beautiful part of Costa Rica. And there's only one way to find out!
Tip:: Book a night in the unique airplane hotel, in the middle of the jungle!
Puerto Viejo de Talamanca | 'Yeah man!'
Before ending your trip and returning to San José, stop by Puerto Viejo on the east coast. This is a unique place on the Caribbean coast of Costa Rica and the perfect spot to recover from your tour. In hippie town Puerto Viejo you can experience real Caribbean life. Reggae music is heard from all bars and restaurants. The atmosphere in Peurto Viejo is therefore über relaxed! You will also encounter many surfers here who are all trying to conquer the waves of Salsa Brava. Do not feel like? No problem. The white beaches here invite you to enjoy the radiant sun, an occasional dip in the warm sea and chat about your exciting tour with a cocktail in hand. There are also some black volcanic sand beaches to admire. Watch out for hot feet! Costa Rica is the country for the sun worshipper, but perhaps even more so for the traveler who is looking for the kick & thrill of the tour adventure.
