2. Monteverde
This town has many attractions. Cheese lovers will be delighted to know that Monteverde's distinctively-flavoured cheese is renowned throughout the country. Nature lovers will enjoy a walk through the Butterfly Garden or a visit to the Serpantarium. The famous Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve is also located here.
3. Tamarindo
Tamarindo is the place to be for those who love fishing and water sports. Their seafood is renowned and you even have the option of choosing to catch your dinner yourself! There is also a Surf School which offers courses to both adults and children. The waves at Tamarindo offer excellent surfing opportunities and have even been featured in movies. Besides surfing, visitors can also scuba dive, snorkel, water ski, and kayak.
4. Turtle Island (Isla Tortuga).
This ecological treasure is a favourite for many tourists. While it offers excellent water sports opportunities, the true highlight of this island is the animals for which it has been named. Isla Tortuga is the famous nesting place of the spotted and green back turtle. Visitors who would like to see the newly-hatched turtles making their way to sea should visit in late August.
5. Curu Animal Reserve (Refugio Silvestre Curu)
Get up close and personal with our furry friends. The Curu Animal Reserve does not only feature large cats, panthers, tigers, leopards and other jungle animals; one can even find exotic butterflies and sloths within its extensive compound! A day trip to the reserve is an ideal choice for families with children.
6. Bird Paradise (Isla Pajarro Paraiso)
Bird Paradise really does live up to its name. It is a haven for thousands of species of birds. A kaleidescope of activity, colour and birdsong, it is a must-see for bird-lovers as well as the general public.
7. Prison Island (Isla De Prisio)
Isla De Prisio is an intriguing place with a dark history. An island prison surrounded by shark-infested waters and closed in 1970, it is Costa Rica's version of Alcatraz. It draws many avid tourists who are interested in not just its past but also its fascinating architecture. The island also features amazing prisoner art.
8. Puerto Limon
Here, you can white water raft along the Reventizon river. This is not just an exhilirating experience in itself, but also offers you a closer look at the biodiversity along the river.
9. Les Ruins
Believed to be cursed by a bitter sibling rivalry which ended darkly, Les Ruins is the ruins of a church that had been repeatedly destroyed by earthquakes.
10. The Basilica home of "La Virgen de los Angeles"
A religious and historical site, this is the place where the statue of Virgin Mary repeatedly manifested. This manifestation led the the erection of a church on this holy site.
