San José

Things to see - Beaches

Puerto Viejo

Known for its laid-back attitude, and famous for its surfing, Puerto Viejo beckons visitors to experience Costa Rica’s eccentric side. The village’s cultural influences are interesting to be sure: a mix of Afro-Caribbean, Bribri Indian, Tico and hippyesque counterculture, this small port town is an anthropological study in itself.

Things to see - Natural Wonders

Braulio Carrillo

Its large size (108,970 acres), and its varied altitude of 3,000 meters (9,800 feet) between its highest and lowest points, makes Braulio Carrillo National Park home to several distinct ecoregion zones.

Things to see - Historical sites

Guayabo

Guayabo de Turrialba is an archeological site located in Turrialba. The site is of great archeological and cultural importance even though a very small portion of the city has been uncovered and studied to date.

Things to see - Natural Wonders

Volcán Arenal

Arenal, currently in a resting phase, was one of Costa Rica’s most active volcanoes for over 40 years, and one of the ten most active in the world. Located about 90 kilometers northwest of San José, in the province of Alajuela, Arenal stands at 5,437 feet high, with a crater spanning 460 feet. Geologically, Arenal is considered a young volcano with an estimated age of 7,000 years.

Fitness - Good Running Route

La Sabana Metropolitan Park

La Sabana Metropolitan Park is located in downtown San José. It is the country's largest and most significant urban park. Costa Ricans consider La Sabana to be "the lungs of San José".

Things to see - Beaches

Tamarindo

Tamarindo is both a town and distrito located on the Nicoya Peninsula on the Northern Pacific coast of Costa Rica in the Province of Guanacaste. The district has a population of 3,525. The town itself has a population of only 500, but can swell to 5,000 or more during the tourist season and special holidays. The main attractions are surfing and eco-tourism.

Things to see - Natural Wonders

Volcán Irazú

The volcano's summit has several craters, one of which contains Diego de la Haya, a green crater lake of variable depth. At 11,260 feet (3,432 meters), the Irazú Volcano is the highest active volcano in Costa Rica.

Things to see - Beaches

Playa Guiones

Playa Guiones, a gorgeous, 7 kilometer stretch of white sand, is home to most of Nosara's hotels, restaurants and businesses. In addition to its natural beauty, Playa Guiones has fantastic surf popular with both beginner and expert surfers.