Jacó, Costa Rica

There are hotels nearby, but if you are staying in San Jose this is a great day trip since it is only a couple of hours away by bus. Jaco is a big, wide open beach with room for everyone. Even on packed days, it doesn't feel very crowded. It's a pretty famous surf spot in Costa Rica, but even wit...

Punta Leona is a peninsula located south west of San Jose and Alajuela. Head west towards Punta Arenas, then south on interstate 34. Entering "Parqueo Punta Leona" in your GPS will take you to the right location. This parking area will take you to Playa Mantas, This is a dark sand beach with many...

The Tarcolos River is probably the most polluted river in Costa Rica and ironically also one of the biggest tourist attractions.  Despite the nearby national park and renewed focus on the environment it's 67% sewage and industrial waste. But with around 25 crocodiles per square kilometer you woul...

The beach just outside of Manuel Antonio National Park is called Playa Espadilla and you can camp here for free if you have a tent or hammock. This is a safe place, accustomed to tourists, but be careful with valuables while camping on the beach - always a good idea, anyway.The alternative would ...

To access this trail, you must pay the $16 park entrance fee. It's a 1.25 mile from the entrance gate along a gravel road but there are signs marking the way to the trailhead.  Translated, Sendero Punta Catedral means Cathedral Point Trail. It is a 1 mile long trail that circles Cathedral Point p...

Catarata del Toro is located in the small town of Bajos del Toro. This waterfall is located on a private reserve in the rain forest that includes nature trails, a hummingbird garden, a restaurant, restrooms, and more. There is a $10 (5000 colones) entrance fee. The beginning of the trail is fairl...

Poás Volcano was last active briefly in 2014, but most notably in 2009. It's one of the most active volcanos in Costa Rica. The main crater, Laguna Caliente, supports almost no aquatic life due to the incredibly high acidity.There's a $10 entry fee into the park per person. About a quarter mile a...