As part of the narrow isthmus connecting the Americas, Costa Rica is a natural biological melting pot. With less than 0.03% of the planet's surface, it is home to some 875 bird species, more than the United States and Canada combined. Some stay year-round; others come and go with winter migration.
Waterfowl, such as jabiru and snail kites, are abundant.
Scarlet macaws are reliable sightings, as are great egrets, boat-billed herons, anhingas, and trogons.
This is probably the best place in the country to spot a resplendent quetzal.
The largest population of (endangered) scarlet macaws in the country lives here.
If you're interested in (but totally clueless about) bird-watching, sign up in advance for the Birdwatching 101 course. Scientists have tallied nearly 500 species here.
The resplendent quetzal, the blue-crowned motmot, the orange-bellied trogon, and the emerald toucanet are just some of the 400 species that have been logged here.
Deliciously warm water, year-round waves, and two coasts add up to one of the world's best-known surfing destinations. There's even better news: that popularity hasn't yet translated into overcrowding. Most surfers bring their own boards, but you'll find plenty of places to rent equipment if you're not quite that hardcore.
Easily accessible Jacó draws the many surfers who come here as much for the partying as the waves.
It's a long trip here, but your reward is one of the world's longest left-breaking waves.
One of the world's best (and toughest) waves, Salsa Brava, laps right offshore in town.
The north coast's consummate surfing town and a good place for beginners; the stretch of shoreline north to Playa Grande and south to Playa Negra satisfies experts.
Insanely steep hills and heavy rainfall make the country a mecca for white-water sports, and there's a level of ease or difficulty to match anyone's expertise (or lack thereof. Base yourself in these places to find white-water outfitters.
Trips on the Toro, Balsa, San Carlos, and Sarapiquí rivers are offered out of La Fortuna.
Outfitters based here can take you on similar excursions to those offered from La Fortuna.
Head here for action on the Savegre and Naranjo rivers.
San Jose is a major rafting center; the Reventazón and Pacuare rivers are close enough that you can be back in time for dinner. The Pacuare, El General, and Corobicí rivers lend themselves to overnight or multiday trips.
Many outfitters congregate in Turrialba, arguably the country's white-water capital, and close to the action.
Contacts
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