The Reserva Biologica Bosque Nuboso Monteverde or Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve came about through the efforts of the village of Monteverde. Monteverde was founded in 1951 by a group of Quakers from the United States who wished to make a statement of not supporting war and militarism through their taxes. They chose Costa Rica because at that time, the country had no army. The reserve was originally a piece of land about a third of their property that they wished to preserve to protect the watershed area above the village. However, during the 1970s, the group of squatters began to threaten the forest. With the help of the Nature Conservancy and the World Wildlife Fund, the group was able to purchase 328 hectares of land adjacent to their preserved area. Additional land was subsequently added to the reserve during the mid 1980s, making the total land area under protection at 10,500 hectares.

People visit the Monteverde Reserve to walk amongst the cloud forest and observe the wildlife, primarily the elusive quetzal, a rare bird that used to be revered by the ancient people of Central America. Also within the forest are huge trees draped with orchids and ferns. There are also numerous birds, insects, and other wildlife. All in all, there are more than 2,500 species of plants, 400 species of birds, and 100 species of mammals within the forest area of the Monteverde Biological Cloud Forest Reserve.

The reserve only allows a maximum of 160 people inside at a time. During the peak season of the dry months, the limit is always reached before 10 am. There are no such lines during the off-season, which is in May thru June and September thru November. The off-season is also the wet season, wearing rain gear and boots is advised. Overnight accommodation is available either inside the reserve itself or at the village of Monteverde.

Manuel Antonio National Park is part of Costa Rica’s Central Pacific Conservation Area. It is located on the country’s Pacific coast, just outside of the city of Quepos. It is around 132 kilometers away from the national capital of San Jose. Established in 1972, it is the smallest Costa Rican National park with just 683 hectares. However, it is the most accessible to reach, making it the most popular and most visited, with 150,000 visitors every year, amongst all of Costa Rica’s national parks. Due to its popularity, there are many resorts and hotels to choose from as well.

The park has a lowland forest that is home to different species of monkeys, sloths, and iguanas. Rare and endangered animals such as the squirrel monkeys and colorful little crabs are also found here in Manuel Antonio National Park.

However, the top draws of this park are the wonderful beaches surrounded by the rainforest. Spend a few days and one can explore the North Espadilla Beach, South Espadilla Beach, Manuel Antonio Beach, Puerto Escondido Beach, and Playitas Beach. All of them are safe for swimming, scuba diving, snorkeling, and surfing. The coral reefs are well-preserved and divers are rewarded with amazing underwater sights. The two most popular beaches, the South Espadilla Beach and Manuel Antonio Beach, are separated by a thin strip of land. This thin strip of land connects the former island of Cathedral Point to the coast.

Costa Rica’s climate is pleasant all year round especially in the coastal areas. There is a feeling that it is always spring no matter when you go. Going to Manuel Antonio National Park is easy. From the capital of San Jose, one can take a plane and will arrive at the park in twenty minutes. Direct buses and cars from San Jose are found in the Coca Cola Bus Terminal. Travel by land will take a little more than three hours.

The park remains remote to general tourism but is open to the adventure travelers who are willing to travel the distance to get there and experience its natural beauty. Backpackers generally flock there to swim in desert beaches, hike through the rainforest, and bathe under waterfalls.

One can go there by taking the bus, ferry, or airplane. The 699 Puerto Jimenez and 612 Golfito buses have daily departures from San Jose. Travel time straight to Puerto Jimenez will take ten hours, while to Golfito will take eight hours. The ferry from Golfito to Puerto Jimenez usually takes around an hour and a half. Traveling by air is an option but is very expensive compared to land travel.

It is possible to stay overnight in the park as there are camping areas with portable water supply. The six ranger stations located inside the park are equipped with radio and telephone. Camping equipment is available for rent or there is also the option of staying at one of the bunkhouses. Reservations for camping or staying at the bunkhouses are made at the administrative headquarters east of Puerto Jimenez. The town of Puerto Jimenez also offers inexpensive accommodations as well as bicycle, kayak and horse rentals.

Arenal Volcano National Park is found within the Arenal Tilaran Conservation Area in the central part of Costa Rica. Inside the park are the Arenal Volcano, Lake Arenal, the Lake Arenal Dam, and another volcano called Cerro Chato or Mount Chato as it has already been inactive for 3500 years. Unlike Cerro Chato, the Arenal Volcano used to be dormant until it had a major eruption in 1968. Since then, there has been constant volcanic activity in the area specifically in the volcano’s Crater C. There is presently lava flow of andesite basaltic compostion, gas emissions, and explosions of pyroclastic materials.

Adventurous travelers who wish to witness this volcanic activity can take part in the various tours arranged by the park management. From the park, visitors can view Arsenal’s lava flow and eruptions. The directions of the lava can change any time thus it is important to follow the guides strictly. At present, Arsenal’s lava is flowing toward the west and southwest side. Visitors will hike through trails that are two to three kilometers long. Traversing these trails will take one into young secondary forests and old lava fields. Visitor safety is a priority thus park rangers are always updated on current volcanic activity so they know which trail is open and safe.

There are a handful of tour combinations being offered that range from four to six hours. Depending on the your plans, you can take a morning or afternoon tour to hike in the Arenal Volcano and visit one of the hot springs in the area. You can choose to visit the Tabacon Hot Springs, Baldi Hot Springs, Eco Thermales Hot Springs, Titoku Hot Springs, or the Perdidos Springs. Lunch or dinner is included in the tour.

Visitors can plan an overnight accommodation at the Arenal Observatory Lodge and at the Museum of Vulcanicity.