Monteverde, Costa Rica

El Arbol Hueco (Ficus Tree) is the coolest tree i have ever seen a climbed up. Off the road, go up the small 5 ft hill. Follow the fence till you find the opening and trail. Walk down the trail about 5 min and you'll see the tree. It's also on google maps

The drive from Monteverde to La Fortuna/Arenal can be a long one.  Fortunately the waterfalls at Viento Fresco are located halfway between these two popular tourist destinations, giving you the perfect opportunity to stretch your legs and go for a swim. The waterfalls are on private property and ...

Due to a geothermically heated underground river, the area surrounding Arenal Volcano has an abundance of hot springs. The majority of these hot springs are in expensive resorts that have tapped into the underground river to create a variety of mineral rich soaking pools. One of the areas best ke...

Surrounded by lush jungle, the swimming hole of El Salto features a Tarzan swing into a deep turquoise pool along the Rio Fortuna river. The swimming hole has formed below two small waterfalls making this a popular hangout for locals and the occasional tourist. El Salto is located a short distanc...

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...

Llanos de Cortez is a hidden gem in the northwestern portion of Costa Rica in the Guanacaste region. This region is known for being dry and flat so finding waterfalls out in this area are a nice treat.  Accessing this waterfall is relatively easy. The parking lot is pretty close to the waterfall ...

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...

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...

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...

I have been to many beaches in Costa Rica. I have never experienced a beach as beautiful (yet) as this one. The approach to the water is a gradual, barely noticeable ease into the ocean. From my first time here and all the subsequent visits, the beach and ocean floor were completely void of rocks...