Going green on adventure in lush Costa Rica

IN COSTA Rica, peace and political stability have allowed eco-tourism to thrive, making it the ultimate Central American destination.

escape arenal

COSTA Rica is the ultimate Central American destination. Here, peace and political stability have protected the lush environment and allowed eco-tourism to thrive.

It boasts a unique blend of tropical rainforest, live volcanoes, sparkling rivers and spectacular beaches. The biodiversity is unparalleled and wildlife lovers can spot four species of New World monkeys, rare tapirs, noisy toucans, tiny hummingbirds and much more.

The country is perfect for a family holiday. As well as eco-tourism and the chance to watch the native wildlife in their natural environment, there are also adventure sports such as fishing, surfing, horse-riding, whitewater rafting and zip-lining.

In the past 10 years Costa Rica has become a permanent home for expatriates from all over the world, who've settled down to enjoy their piece of paradise. Stop by for a holiday and find out why. You might not want to go home either once you've sampled "pura vida", the pure life, Costa Rican style.

Days one to four
Spend a day acclimatising in the capital San Jose, with a mixture of traditional and modern Spanish architecture. Visit the Jade Museum, home to the world's largest collection of Pre-Columbian jade. To start your Costa Rica tour head north to La Paz Waterfall Gardens. The entry fee is worth it, including a stunning waterfall, plus butterfly, hummingbird, snake and reptile gardens. You can stay at the La Paz Hotel. Get up early to visit Poas Volcano and see its steaming fumaroles and crater lakes, then stay at the Observatory Lodge in Arenal. On a clear night you can watch lava pouring down the sides of Arenal Volcano and hot rocks flying through the night sky. Spend a day relaxing in the hot springs. Tabacon and Baldi have a range of pools at different temperatures to keep the whole family happy, and buffet meals so you can relax all day.

Days five to eight
Strike out for the beach. Aim to get straight to Manuel Antonio where you can relax for a few days, or break up the journey in Jaco if you need to. Manuel Antonio is home to Costa Rica's most visited and smallest national park. Situated on a headland, criss-crossed by walking trails and surrounded by white sand beaches, it's easy to see why it's popular. Hire a guide and see if you can spot all four types of monkey squirrel, white-faced capuchin, howler and, my favourite, spider monkeys. Your guide will also point out sloths, iguanas, snakes and birds that you would have otherwise walked right by.

Watch out for cheeky coatis, a type of racoon, stealing your picnic lunch. Take your togs and go swimming and hang out on one of the beaches. Stay in Manuel Antonio and, if you're lucky, monkeys might come right into your hotel gardens. Hotel Lacolina has a tree house that sleeps six so you can spend the night in the treetops with the animals. Several tour companies can organise whitewater rafting trips in the rainy season, plus scuba diving, snorkelling or kayaking. Land-based activities include aerial trams, canopy tours and zip-lining.

Days Nine To Twelve
Drive south to the quiet seaside town of Dominical. Hacienda Baru has simple cabins in its private nature reserve and trails, zip-lining tours and the chance to climb 35m up a giant tree. Use it as a base for surfing, dolphin or whale-watching, and deep-sea fishing.

Explore the beautiful beaches in the Southern Zone of Costa Rica including Playa Ventanas where 80m-long tunnels link the beach to the sea. Enjoy a horse ride to stunning Nauyaca waterfalls and cool off with a swim.

If you're lucky the owner will introduce you to his tame toucan.

Days Thirteen To Fourteen
It's time for you to head back to the city of San Jose.

Spend a night at Savegre Mountain Lodge to spot the resplendent green and red quetzals and myriad colourful birds of all sizes.

Allow yourself time to pick up some coffee, cigars and hammocks in San Jose as souvenirs of your time in Costa Rica.

Getting there:
Catch one of the regular flights from Los Angeles to San Jose.

Getting around:
Hire a four-wheel-drive car. Book a car on the internet where you can get better rates and organise to be met at the airport or to bring the car to your hotel.
If you get a GPS you won't be able to get lost. There aren't many roads in Costa Rica, but they tend to be bad.
Always travel in the mornings during the rainy season to avoid road closures.

Where to stay:
La Paz Hotel, www.waterfallgardens.com
Arenal Observatory Lodge, www.arenalobservatory lodge.com
Hotel La Colina, www.lacolina.com
Hacienda Baru, www.haciendabaru.com
Savegre Mountain Lodge, www.savegre.co.cr

Eat and drink:
The local staple in restaurants is the plato typical. Choose from grilled chicken, steak or fish accompanied by salad, beans and rice. Try a delicious ceviche raw fish or prawns marinated in lime juice, onions, red pepper and coriander, delicious served with patacones, a mini frittata of deep-fried plantains. Apart from coffee, Costa Rica's favourite drinks are the local beer, Imperial, and Guaro, a white rum served with ice and a mixer. Pipas fresh coconuts are cheap, tasty and healthy too.

When to visit:
Expect hot, tropical temperatures of 22C-30C all year round. It's cooler during the rainy season, from May to November, but usually rains late afternoon or at night. During the dry season, from December to April, the days are hotter. Take warmer clothes if you'll be spending time in the hills. If you plan to visit during the Christmas or Easter school holidays, you need to book accommodation in advance. Popular places like the Observatory Lodge get booked up early year round.

More travel inspiration:
Visit Annabel Candy's website: www.getinthehotspot.com

Costa Rica: Destination Guide

Holiday Ideas: Adventure escapes