Choose Your Own Adventure in Costa Rica

If you live in the Northeast, you know well that every year, there comes a point in the winter when you’re ready to make a break for it. Our suggestion when that happens this season: Costa Rica. That’s because not only do year-round temperatures range from 70 to 81 degrees, but the country also has 12 different tropical microclimates, making it the perfect destination for surfing, snorkeling, hiking or relaxing. And, best of all, with so much to do, you have your pick of the kind of vacation to have and activities you want to focus on. Here’s where to go if…

…YOU WANT TO WALK AMONG THE CLOUDS

Monteverde Cloud Forest, which is located in the northwest part of the country, is one of the most popular areas in Costa Rica. It’s known for its towering trees and Tarzan-like vines and mosses. Plus, it has four different ecosystems all in one area.

WHAT TO SEE AND DO:

Hike or horseback ride on paths that were originally con- structed for scientists to explore. You can also check out coffee plantations, insect museums, butterfly gardens and wildlife preserves—as well as take a ride on the world’s first recreational zipline for the best views of the forest canopy and wildlife.

MUST-TRY EXPERIENCE:

Take a guided night tour with Monteverde Wildlife Refuge, where you may spot sleeping birds, like toucans, and other ani- mals, including sloths, monkeys, frogs and a variety of night critters.

…YOU WANT TO GET UP CLOSE TO A VOLCANO

Arenal Volcano National Park, located in the middle of Costa Rica, has numerous activities including hiking, waterfall rappelling, and exploring canopies on a hanging bridge tour.

WHAT TO SEE AND DO:

For activities on the water, Lake Arenal is an ideal location for fish- ing, canoeing, kayaking and kite surfing. You can also take in the spectacular La Fortuna Waterfall, which plummets 200 feet out of the dense forest into a tranquil pool below.

MUST-TRY EXPERIENCE:

For thrill-seekers, the nearby Venado Caverns offer a unique cave- hiking experience throughout an 8,850-foot stretch of limestone.

…YOU WANT TO SNORKEL

Costa Rica’s two coasts boast beautiful coral reef formations, hundreds of species of multicolored fish and underwater caves.

WHAT TO SEE AND DO:

Families looking to explore Costa Rica’s marine life can snorkel at Manzanillo Beach, Caño Island, Bahía Ballena National Park and the reef at Cahuita National Park, which is home to more than 120 species of fish and more than 40 crustaceans.

MUST-TRY EXPERIENCE:

Book a day trip to Tortuguero National Park, Costa Rica’s most iconic site for sea turtle nesting. The park has 11 different habi- tats and is rich in wildlife and scenery. In turtle nesting season (July to October) there are nightly tours where you can see the annual “arribadas,” or nesting of hundreds of sea turtles along Tortuguero’s coast.

…YOU WANT TO SURF

The Osa Peninsula attracts surfers from all over the world for good reason: There are several hidden beach breaks and the scen- ery is truly spectacular.

WHAT TO SEE AND DO:

No matter your experience level, there are beaches here that can work for you: Pan Dulce or “sweet bread” is ideal for beginners; Backwash for intermediate level surfers; and Matapalo Beach is recommended for those with expert skills.

MUST-TRY EXPERIENCE:

Between waves, be sure to visit Corcovado National Park, which covers nearly half of the peninsula and is one of the most biodiverse areas on the planet.

…YOU WANT TO DO A YOGA RETREAT

Head to the Nicoya Peninsula on Costa Rica’s Pacific Coast. The area is one of only five “Blue Zones” in the world—geographical areas with a high concentration of long-lived populations—and plays host to numerous yoga retreats throughout the year. There are several resorts that host them including The Harmony Hotel.

WHAT TO SEE AND DO:

Along with doing yoga, many retreats and resorts offer nourishing body wraps and other treatments featuring local volcanic mud, cof- fee, tropical fruit and chocolate.

MUST-TRY EXPERIENCE:

Consider combining a yoga-based vacation with outdoor adventure, like enjoying the refreshing waters of a powerful waterfall after a hike or calming the mind by meditating in one of Costa Rica’s spectacular and lush jungles.

WHERE TO STAY

IN A TREEHOUSE: Perched among Guanacaste’s forest, Rio Perdido is a sanctuary of well-being and the true embodiment of Costa Rica’s legendary pura vida lifestyle. This 1,500-acre private reserve offers treetop views of the country’s flora and fauna with access to zip-lining, mountain biking and more.

ON A FARM: Finca Rosa Blanca gives guests the feeling of being wrapped in authentic Costa Rica culture. Many accommodations are designed with wall murals depicting local vegetation. Situated alongside a sustainably forested coffee farm, the family inn offers farm-to- table coffee tours that allows guests to indulge in the richness of the community.

AT A LUXURY RESORT: Peninsula Papagayo is luxury resort community and both the Four Seasons Resort Costa Rica and the Andaz Costa Rica Resort are located here. This year, Andaz debuts 25 newly built Andaz Residences offering an elevated and immersive resort experience. There are also four restaurants, three beaches, four pools and a brand-new beach club opening in November. The Four Seasons is debuting several new features to their resort, including a wellness Shala where yoga, sound healing and cacao ceremonies will take place. The resort’s Virador Beach Club, opening in November, will have an infinity-edge pool, private cabanas and oceanside eatery and lounge. Peninsula Papagayo’s Arold Palmer Signature Course, known for its ocean vistas, is completing a renovation that includes making it more eco-friendly.

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