If you are looking for the quintessential vacation destination in Costa Rica, look no further than Manual Antonio, a seaside tourist community with access to the rain forests as well as a vibrant nightlife. Many of the local businesses, restaurants and clubs in this resort town are owned by American ex-patriots. This makes communicating much easier because English is the predominant language. A beautiful public beach stretches throughout much of the area, offering visitors a place to tan and boogie board. Adjacent to the beach is the Manuel Antonio National Park, a magnificent rain forest that features a large variety of plants and animals, including three species of monkeys. The area is one of the most gay-friendly destinations in all of Central America, with some hotels and clubs specifically catering to a gay clientele. The nearby city of Quepos is a great place to shop for groceries on the cheap and rent a car.
Located northwest of San Jose along Arenal Lake, this volcano, one of the smaller volcanoes in the area, stands nearly 5,500 feet above sea level. It is the most active volcano in all of Costa Rica. Tourists can get a safe view of the volcano by standing within the designated safety zone. There is even lodging nearby, offering visitors a safe panoramic view. The volcano is part of the greater Arenal Volcano National Park, which features a second but much more dormant volcano known as Cerro Chato, as well as a volcano museum. In all, the park occupies more than 46 square miles of land.
A popular tourist destination for Europeans, the Nicoya Peninsula is a must-see destination for outdoor enthusiasts and beach bums alike. Located on the Pacific side of the country, Nicoya Peninsula is well-known for its pristine white-sand beaches. The coasts of Nicoya are populated with many ex-patriots who have opened up inns, restaurants and bars, making it much easier for English speakers to get around then in other parts of the country. The middle part of the peninsula, however, is largely uninhabited. Because of the large amounts of shoreline and beaches, Nicoya is very popular with people who enjoy watersports such as fishing, surfing and snorkeling. In addition to the oceanfront, there are plenty of forests that shelter a variety of animal species, including bats, monkeys and anteaters.
If hiking through the rain forest is more your pace, then you must visit the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve. Featuring hundreds of plant varieties, more than 400 bird species and more than 100 different types of mammals, the Cloud Forest is an excellent place to see wild animals in their natural habitat. The forest itself is a thing of natural beauty, with streams, swamps and waterfalls accentuating the green canopy that covers the forest floor. Guided tours are available through the year, but remember to bring some boots and a raincoat. Getting wet is almost guaranteed since it is very humid and often rains on a daily basis.
