Versatile nature

A landmark for Costa Rica is the Arenal volcano. From the city of Fortuna, you have an amazing panoramic view of the spectacular Arenal volcano, which violently awakened in 1968 and erupted almost daily until 2010. Although the volcano is currently dormant, the volcano, with its almost perfect cone shape, rises majestically above the meadows and forests on the eastern side of the Arenal lake.

The lush rainforest seems to disappear into the Pacific Ocean on the western side of the country. The coastline is rough, with big and small idyllic beaches. Many animal species live in the rainforest of Manuel Antonio, including squirrel monkeys, capuchin monkeys, sloths and raccoons. Quepos, where you can find many good hotels, is not far away from Manuel Antonio.

Costa Rica is a perfect destination for those who love pristine, natural beauty, far away from civilisation. The natural reassures are so remote that the best way to reach them is by boat or small plane. There are only a few villages in this region, but there are some lodges with surprisingly sophisticated amenities nearby the parks and on the waterfront.

One of these places is Playa Cativo. This lodge is located right in the middle of the raw nature of the south of Costa Rica, but at the same time, you will find yourself on the beach within a minute. The lodge has 18 rooms and a main building. Elegant rooms, world-class amenities and a variety of activities offer you an amazing balance between adventure and relaxation.

At the Monteverde institute, a lot of research is being conducted into the ecosystem of this region’s rainforest. You can visit this rainforest, as well as this institute. Visit an indigenous plant nursery, for example, to find out more about reforestation and tree species. Make a contribution by helping with maintenance work and creating a place where seeds can germinate.

Volcanoes, mountain peaks, green forests and coffee plants. The central plateau is located at an altitude of 1,000 metres. The surroundings offer fantastic routes, which you can drive trough with a rental car. Think of Ruta de los Santos and the Orosi valley. Driving on curvy mountain roads, you will pass volcanoes, coffee plants, meadows with cattle and pine trees at higher altitude.

Many volcanoes are located in the Guanacaste region, including the Rincón de la Vieja; ‘place of the old woman’. Rincón de la Viaja has around nine contiguous craters. The park, with its mud pools, warm water springs and sky blue waterfalls, might just be one Costa Rica’s best-kept secrets.