Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Preserve

This preserve comprises 11,500 hectares and holds a rich diversity in flora and fauna, much of which is unique in the world. This is “the” place where nature-loving tourists and scientists joint to satisfy their diverse interests.

A number of trails allow visitors to observe the cloud forest. Approximately 400 bird species, 490 butterfly species, more than 100 species of mammal, 2,500 plant species (500 of which are orchids) and tens of thousands of insects have been identified here. Noteworthy wildlife includes the jaguar, tapir, lark, umbrella bird and the resplendent quetzal.

Volcanoes. Costa Rica lies at the heart of one of the most active volcanic regions on earth Costa Rica is home to seven active volcanoes, plus 60 dormant or extinct ones. Several national parks have been created around active volcanoes, with accommodations, viewing facilities, lectures.

Poas Volcano

Poás (2,708 meters) has one of the world's largest active craters (1.5 km wide. The park is frequently closed to visitors because of strong and irritating sulfur gas emissions

Palo Verde National Park

Palo Verde protects 13,058 hectares of floodplain, marshes, limestone ridges, and seasonal pools .There are 15 different habitats and a corresponding diversity of fauna. Palo Verde is best known as a bird-watchers' paradise. More than 300 bird species have been recorded.

Tortuguero National Park

It covers an area of 19,000-hectare.The park protects the nesting beach of the green turtle, the offshore waters to a distance of 30 km, and the wetland forests extending inland for about 15 kilometers. You will have the chance to see more than 300 bird species, among them the great green macaw; 57 species of amphibians and 111 of reptiles, including three species of marine turtles; 60 mammal species, including 13 of Costa Rica's 16 endangered species, including jaguars, tapirs, ocelots, cougars, river otters, and manatees. Commonly seen birds include toucans, aricaris, oropendolas, swallow-tailed hawks, several species of herons, kingfishers, anhingas, parrots, and jacanas.

Turtles

The park protects a vital nesting ground for green sea turtles, which find their way onto the brown-sand beaches every year June-October (the greatest numbers arrive in September). Mid-February through July, giant leatherback turtles also arrive to lay their eggs (with greatest frequency April-May), followed, in July, by female hawksbill turtles. Tortuguero is the most important green-turtle hatchery in the western Caribbean. An estimated 30,000 turtles come ashore. Each female arrives two to six times, at 10- to 14-day intervals, and waits two or three years before nesting again.

Manuel Antonio National Park

This 681-hectare national park has stunning beaches, a magnificent setting with islands offshore, verdant rainforest laced with a network of welcoming trails and wildlife in abundance. You are guaranteed close-up encounters with monkeys and scarlet macaws. Manuel Antonio is one of the country's most popular and beautiful parks due to its spectacular views and heavenly beaches.