Costa Rica is an incredibly popular tourist destination with charms unlike any other in the world. Its strong commitment to ecological conservation makes it beloved by those focused on sustainable tourism, while the many outdoor activities are perfect for the hardy adventurer looking for a high-energy thrill. Better yet, it’s the home to many of the world’s most beautiful animals, which have become well-used to tourists and are less skittish than they might be elsewhere.
With such a large influx of tourists, many areas are quite heavily regulated to protect the local wildlife; for example, Manuel Antonio National Park requires tickets to enter, which works to restrict the number of visitors and ensures that its biodiversity is protected for decades to come. It also means that you’ll be standing shoulder to shoulder with other holidaymakers, which can spoil the serenity for those who would like a more solitary adventure. Thankfully, though, there are plenty of other opportunities to get up close and personal with Costa Rica’s unique culture by traveling a little off the beaten path. These are some of the best-kept secrets of this small tropical nation.
Rainmaker Conservation Park
While Manuel Antonio National Park is absolutely beautiful and has some of the best hiking in the country, it’s also very popular, which means you have less of a chance to see all the amazing animals and soak in the unspoiled wilderness. Only a half hour away from the park is this smaller, more intimate park, with gorgeous waterfalls and hanging bridges, not unlike those at La Fortuna near the Arenal Volcano. The 5,000-acre rainforest is full of colorful birds, butterflies, and frogs, which you can see by traversing the 1.5-mile trail loop.
Santa Maria de Dota
Over by San Jose, nestled in the Central Valley, is Santa Maria de Dota, a small mountain town that is generally overlooked by tourists and retains its traditional Costa Rican charm. The locals here are very friendly, and there are a variety of different stores selling handmade goods and other trinkets that will make a better memento than anything you’d buy in a tourist shop. You can also enjoy a visit to the coffee plantations nearby, which produce some of the world’s most beloved coffees in the shady, fertile soil of the valley. Be sure to stop by San Gerardo de Dota nearby, which is popular with birders due to its population of the Resplendent Quetzal.
Playa Esterillas
Near the Manuel Antonio National Park is Playa Esterillas, a collection of three different towns with more secluded beaches; their sand ranges from a pale grey to a volcanic black, with wonderful tide pools home to a number of different creatures. There are a few small restaurants in the area for hungry travelers seeking a bite to eat, though you can always head out toward the more populated Jaco or Manuel Antonio if you want more elaborate fare.
While there are some vacation rentals in the area, the more remote location means you’ll have a hard time traveling back to see the well-trodden areas. You might find it more advantageous to stay in an all inclusive Costa Rica villa in the more central Manuel Antonio, saving Playa Esterillas for a day trip before heading back to your luxury accommodations.
Osa Peninsula
For those who really want a rugged adventure, Osa Peninsula is your very best bet. This small area of Southwestern Costa Rica is the most biologically diverse region of the country – quite impressive, given that the entire nation has some of the richest ecosystems in the world. It is more difficult to get to, being so remote, and this makes it a fantastic opportunity to wander through lush forests along small dirt trails.
Here, you can also take a boat or seaplane to Drake Bay, which harbors some of Costa Rica’s rarest and most remarkable creatures, including the elusive Baird’s Tapir. This small village only has a few central shops, so be sure to pack everything you would need and cherish pictures as the souvenirs of your visit.
Bijagua
A birder’s paradise, Bijagua is in the Northern Mountains, about an hour away from the well-known La Fortuna/Arenal Volcano region. Here, you can see a blend of Costa Rica’s two iconic ecosystems: the cloud forest and the lowland tropical forest. Being relatively close to the far more popular Arenal Volcano National Park, you have many opportunities to hike alone through the thick forests and see majestic animals peeking through the trees.
Its biggest claim to fame is the stunning Rio Celeste waterfall, which has bright blue water not unlike what you would see on the Caribbean coast. This unusual water color is due to mineral deposits in the volcanic soil, and it really has to be seen to be believed. You can also find a few locally-owned restaurants that sell traditional Costa Rican fare.
