Situated near the Nicaraguan border, the Rincon de La Vieja National Park features an inactive volcano and otherworldly terrain. Highlights include a sulfur lake, bubbling mud, waterfalls, wildlife, hot springs, swimming lagoons and large numbers of wild orchids. Popular hiking trails include the Las Pailas circuit trail, an easy route to the sulfur lake, and the Sendero Cangreja, a wooded trail that leads to park's Hidden Waterfalls. Adventure-seekers can try the Santa Maria hike, an eight-hour trek to the volcano summit. The payoff is a chance to soak at Los Azufrales, the mountain's sulfur hot springs. Along the way, hikers might see howler monkeys, coatis and toucans.
Rincon de La Vieja National Park
Guanacaste, Costa Rica
011-506-2666-5051
costarica-nationalparks.com
Las Baulas Marine Park sits on Guanacaste's Gold Coast, encompassing the beaches of Playa Grande, Langosta and Carbon and the Tamarindo Estuary. The park is home to a large nesting site for endangered leatherback sea turtles, and from October through March, sea turtles come ashore. Leatherback sea turtles date back to Jurassic times and are among the largest sea turtles in the world, weighing up to 1,500 pounds. Activities include ranger-led turtle tours, kayak excursions and bird watching walks with a naturalist.
Las Baulas National Marine Park
Guancaste, Costa Rica
011-506-2653-0470
costarica-nationalparks.com
As Costa Rica's only subterranean park, Barra Honda is a network of more than 40 limestone caverns that were once part of a coral reef. Adventurous visitors can embark on a guided spelunking expedition that involves scrambling down rope ladders, as well as rock climbing and belaying. In the caves, you'll find delicate stalagmites and intriguing rock formations, such as the Organ, which makes melodic sounds when tapped. If caving isn't your thing, the park offers views of the Gulf of Nicoya and guided hikes with wildlife viewing of species such as howler monkeys, coyotes and coatis.
Barra Honda National Park
Guanacaste, Costa Rica
011-506-2659 1551
costarica-nationalparks.com
